12 Tiny Planning Tips to Have the most special Goa trip
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Goa can be heavenly or absolutely hellish depending on how you plan it. The difference is not your budget, not the star rating of your hotel, and not even the season you travel in. It usually comes down to a few small itinerary decisions that quietly make or break the entire experience.
Here are 12 micro-planning changes you should make to your Goa itinerary if you actually want to enjoy the place instead of feeling disappointed or overwhelmed. I have specially created this list based on my 20+ trips to Goa.
(I have gone way more than this but Gemini only counts trips after Google started tracking)
1. Stay in the right part of North Goa
If you want a good balance of energy and livability, stay in Anjuna or Vagator. They are buzzing without being disgustingly crowded and still feel pleasant to move around in.
If you want super serene beaches, Morjim and Mandrem are much better options.
At all costs, avoid Baga and Calangute. They are filthy, chaotic, and as crowded as local trains in Mumbai. They are easily the worst areas to base yourself in Goa.
Related: Where to stay in Goa – a comprehensive guide for first-timers.
2. Choose serviced apartments over hotels
Serviced apartments are a far better stay option in Goa than regular hotels. They usually cost anywhere between ₹2,000 and ₹10,000 per night, depending on room size, but they are not touristy or scammy.
You feel like you are living like a local while still getting hotel-style comforts like a swimming pool. It is a much nicer overall experience than staying in a loud, overbooked tourist hotel.
(Coral Stays and Siolim Suites are particularly great options – not sponsored!)
3. Do not blindly pre-book cabs online
Goan taxi unions often cause trouble when you pre-book cabs online, leading to unnecessary arguments and difficult situations.
To avoid ruckus and drama, consider using Goa Miles or booking a cab from a local driver outside your hotel. Both options are far smoother and more practical.
4. Skip buffet breakfasts
Goa has some incredible breakfast options, from local bakeries serving poi to small cafés that actually serve delicious Indian and continental food. Almost all touristy beach areas have plenty of famous food joints.
A generic buffet breakfast is the worst way to start a morning in Goa. You are wasting both calories and a perfect Goan food moment.
Related:
Things to do in Anjuna and Vagator
Things to do in Benaulim
5. Always spend at least one night in South Goa
North Goa is touristy and vibey, but South Goa is where Goa really shows off its natural beauty.
No matter how long your trip is, always spend at least one night in South Goa. Ideally, more if you are there for five or more days. This one decision massively improves value for money.
6. Avoid Colva
Colva is becoming increasingly crowded and is slowly heading towards Calangute and Baga levels.
Avoid it and stay instead in Benaulim, which is its cozier neighbour, or Betalbatim if you want peace and beauty.
7. Do not fall for super cheap booze
Yes, booze in Goa is cheap, but the absurdly cheap stuff that feels too good to be true usually is.
It is often fake or dangerous alcohol that will get you drunk very fast and make you throw up even faster. It is really not worth it.
8. Do not follow a standard itinerary
Goa is not a place that needs a standard itinerary. You should plan it based on what you actually like.
Do not see Goa from a giant tourist bus stuck in tiny Goan lanes with a random man blaring on a speaker and rushing you everywhere. That completely kills your love for the place.
Instead, explore lesser-known spots or book a guided walking tour or a heritage tour.
9. Balance your days properly
Goa has far more to offer than just beaches.
Blend your itinerary with a few beach days, a few days exploring the interiors, and a few days seeing cultural and historical attractions. That is how you actually fall in love with Goa.
10. Shop at the right markets
Markets outside Goa sell seriously old junk at outrageous prices.
If you want good finds, go to the weekly Anjuna market on Wednesdays or the flea markets in Vagator or Arambol. The only decent beach market is outside Palolem in South Goa.
11. Choose the right experiences
Add Goan-special experiences like food and drinks trail, mangrove kayaking, and waterfall hikes.
Avoid cheap cruise trips, massage parlours, and random tattoo shops.
12. Eat where locals eat
This one matters far more than people realise.
Eat where locals eat if you actually want to fall in love with Goan cuisine.
Places like Anand Seafood in Anjuna, Vinayak in Assagaon, Girish Ranche Ghar, or any street cart selling ros omelette will satisfy your cravings far more than Instagram-famous cafés.
Most touristy cafés have nothing Goan about them, cost a fortune, have atrocious waiting times, are overcrowded, and serve continental or subpar food. They are traps.
Travelling to Goa soon? Read more articles on Goa:
An easy-to-follow 5 day Goa trip plan
Best places to visit for 3 days in North Goa
4 Amazing ways to spend just one day in North Goa
