How to Plan a Goa Trip on a Budget: 10 Practical Tips
Goa does not have to be expensive. Ten practical ways to cut the cost of your trip without cutting the fun.
A holiday in Goa can cost a little or a lot – the difference is mostly in the planning. These ten tips will help you enjoy a Goa trip on a budget without feeling that you missed out.
1. Travel outside peak dates
Hotel rates are highest in late December and on long weekends. Travel midweek, or come in October, early November, February or March for the same good weather at lower prices. Our guide to the best time to visit Goa explains each season.
2. Book transport early
Flight and train fares to Goa rise as seats fill. Booking several weeks ahead is one of the easiest savings you can make.
3. Stay a short walk from the beach
Hotels one or two lanes back from the seafront are often much cheaper than those directly on it, and the walk takes only a few minutes.
4. Choose one base
Changing hotels adds transfer costs. On a short trip, stay in one area – Calangute, Baga or Candolim are the most economical bases for sightseeing.
5. Use shared sightseeing tours
Seat-in-coach tours of North Goa and South Goa cost far less than a private car and cover the main sights. Our super saver Goa package is built around them.
6. Travel as a group
Sharing a room and a vehicle among three or four people cuts the cost per person considerably. See our Goa family and group packages.
7. Eat where locals eat
A Goan fish-curry-rice thali at a local restaurant is delicious, filling and inexpensive. Save the seafront restaurants for one or two special meals.
8. Enjoy what is free
Beaches, sunsets, Fort Aguada, Chapora Fort, the churches of Old Goa and a walk through Fontainhas cost little or nothing.
9. Buy activity combos
A water-sports combo is cheaper than paying for each ride separately. Agree the price and what is included before you start.
10. Book a package
Agents get contracted hotel and transport rates that individual travellers usually cannot, so a well-chosen package is often cheaper than booking each part yourself – and you have someone to call if anything goes wrong.
Ready to plan?
Start with the 3 nights 4 days super saver Goa package or the classic 3 nights 4 days Goa package, then tell us your budget and we will tailor the plan to fit.
