What to take on a trip?

What is it like to take a trip to Goa (India) alone?

• I am planning to take a trip to Goa alone. Are there any Quorans who did like that. I am sure many International travellers and some Indians must have done it . Please share your experiences, your suggestions on things that I can do in a 5-7 day trip to Goa. BTW I am an Indian male and planning to take this trip by this month (september) end.

• Answer:

  I did a 9 day solo trip across Goa a few months back, and I can tell you in all honesty, they were one of the most exhilarating 9 days of my life. The most important question before you start is what are looking for in your trip? I personally, wanted to experience both the relaxed atmosphere of South Goa ( Palolem etc) and the partying culture which is mostly prevalent in North Goa ( Baga, Anjuna, Arambol) I started my trip from Baga, probably the most popular place in Goa for its partying culture. Bars and restaurants are open here late till 5 a.m. German,French,Russian,U.K I have seen people from all over the world come here to have a good time. So if you are looking to kick start your trip, sitting in a bar and chatting up with people from different cultures, this is the place for you. Next, I went to Arambol, more than the beach,I wanted to experience the breathtaking route from Baga to Arambol, its probably the most serene stretch of 20 km in Goa showcasing greenery and seaside views. You can spend maybe a day or two in arambol, the 'green' environment being prevalent there as well ;) I ended my trip at Palolem, the south-most beach in Goa. Words just cannot describe how naturally beautiful this place is. Shooting of movies like Cocktail, Bourne supremacy have taken place at this wonderful beach. There are numerous beach houses available on the beach itself. You can read a book/play football or just laze around at this laid back place. Apart from the beaches, you can go trekking (Netravali, Dudhsagar etc), go visit the churches in south Goa, roam around the Panjim city market or go for water sports. As far as the cost of the trip is concerned, you will be saving massive amounts if you rent an activa ( I got it for Rs 200/day for 9 days), as private cabs are very very costly. I was there during the month of May, at that time the hotel rooms/beach houses were really cheap. I was able to negotiate a single room in Baga for Rs 400 and a Beach house in Palolem for Rs 700. During the peak season though ( December/Jan) the rates can go as high as 3-4 times. All the best for your trip, one thing I can assure you of is Goa will never disappoint you :)