How to Plan the Perfect Solo Trip to Goa (2024)

A few years ago, I was preparing to take a round-the-world trip by myself. I started with backpacking on a solo trip to Goa in India.

Boarding the plane, ticket in hand, my stomach flipped. I was going on a solo trip to Goa. For a month. What was I thinking?

Friends had warned me it could be dangerous there as a lone female. But my Goa backpacking experience gave me some of my favourite travelling memories.

Here is what I learned about how to be a solo traveller in Goa.

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Why you don’t need to worry about travelling alone to Goa

Firstly, you need to know that if you are planning a Goa solo trip, you are not alone. There are many other people embarking on solo travel in India.

Since its hippie heyday in the 1960s and 70s, Goa has been an essential stop for backpackers. Since this time it’s been where to go in India for beaches, spirituality and a conscious living community. To travel Goa is still popular, as it is seen as India’s ‘capital of coastal cool‘.

When I arrived on my solo trip to Goa, I was expecting a big culture shock but that didn’t happen. In the taxi from the airport to my accommodation, we passed billboards written in English. They were advertising the same sorts of products as at home. Generally, the area seemed to be much like any other beach resort in Asia. In Goa, the locals are used to tourists, especially along the coastal resorts.

It’s worth having a copy of this Goa guide book with you to help you prepare for your trip.

So, Goa solo travel doesn’t need to be something to worry about. Travelling alone to Goa can be a fun and rewarding experience. You are taking yourself completely out of your comfort zone. By taking a solo Goa trip you are opening yourself up to new experiences and meeting new people.

Read on for more Goa trip advice to help you plan your perfect solo travel to Goa.

How to travel to Goa, India

All foreign nationals entering India need to have a valid passport and visa. However, organising a visa to India can be a pain.

Organising your visa

The official website to apply for an Indian visa is here. You may need to find out the location of your nearest Indian Visa Application Center (IVAC).

The process is to apply online, though the web form can be frustrating and you will need some patience. Even if it’s an e-visa, you may need to visit your local IVAC on an agreed date. Here, you submit your application in person with the required documents including your passport. They will keep this for a few days to process your visa. You will need to have specially-sized photos taken for this visa application so bring cash for their photobooth. Finally, pick up your passport from the IVAC or you can ask them to post it to you.

Make sure you consult your country’s official information sources for the latest advice on travelling to India. 

Does Goa have an international airport?

The nearest international airport for getting to Goa in India is the Goa International Airport (GOI). It is located in Dabolim village, close to the city of Vasco da Gama in the south of the state.

International travel routes for your Goa trip usually connect via daily flights to the Indian cities of Mumbai or Delhi. Airlines operating these routes include British Airways, Virgin Atlantic, Etihad, Cathay Pacific, Air India, Delta Airlines and Jet Airways. If you are travelling from other parts of India, you may arrive in Goa by bus or train. For example, it takes 12-15 hours to travel to Goa by train from Kerala, arriving at Madgaon Railway Station.

Check out the latest deals on cheap flights to Goa.

When to travel to Goa

The peak tourist season in Goa is between October and March. This is really the best time to go to Goa.

Christmas and New Year can be busy. If you want to avoid crowds, the best month to visit Goa is either November or February.

Outside of this period, many of the beach shacks are dismantled and venues may be closed. Temperatures are high all year round but it’s rainy season between May and September. The heaviest monsoon rains hit the state between June and August.

It’s worth consulting the official travel warning advice for Goa before booking your trip. Also, make sure you have all the recommended vaccines and anti-malaria tablets.

Where to stay in Goa

Goa has a coastline stretching 63 miles (101 km) and it’s a three-hour journey by car from top to bottom. So when you’re deciding where to go in Goa, you’ll need to choose north or south.

If you’re wondering, where should I stay in Goa, you have a few options. Read on to discover the best areas to stay in Goa and what activities to do in each place. This will help you choose between South Goa vs North Goa.

These are the best places to stay in North Goa

One of the best places to visit in North Goa is Arambol. This beachside town a charming Goa hippie vibe, including a market, yoga centres, sunset Goa beach party and vegetarian restaurants. Find out more about Arambol in my blog post here.

I was looking for cheap places to stay in Goa and was pleased to find affordable guest houses in Arambol. You can also go super rustic and book one of the Goa beach shacks. Most you can only reserve once you’re there, but you can still find some online.

If you are wondering where to travel in Goa for parties, nightlife and a lively Goa beach scene, head to Anjuna, Vagator, Baga and Calangute. In these busier North Goa tourist places, there are plenty of options for a fun dormitory in Goa. More on this next.

The North Goa hostels you need to know about

On backpacking trips to Goa, you will often want a place to easily meet other people. Luckily, you can find many cheap dormitory rooms and hostels in Goa.

Arambol

For many solo travellers, the best place to stay in Goa is at Arambol’s cool and laid-back Happy Panda hostel.

Close to Arambol are the tranquil beach resorts of Mandrem and Ashvem. These are arguably the best places to stay in Goa if you’re looking for somewhere quiet.

In Mandrem, the SPACELAND Mandrem hostel is highly rated for its pretty terrace and garden views. A great option for beach lovers is the SHANKAR by the SEA guest house, two minutes from Mandrem Beach.

Browse and book hostels in Goa from the great selection here.

Anjuna

One of the best hostels in Anjuna is Craft Hostels. Serving delicious food, it’s a few steps away from the beach. If you prefer your own space, one of the best budget hotels in Anjuna is Granpa’s Inn. This Portuguese-style Goan house is further inland with an outdoor pool and restaurant. Don’t forget to check out the nearby Saturday night flea market.

Calangute

If you’re looking for a guest house in Calangute, a wonderful option is the recently renovated Cerca Del Mar. This has an on-site restaurant and rooms with air-conditioning, a flat-screen TV and a balcony.

Baga

A top-rated guest house near Baga beach is WTF My House, which is popular with solo travellers.

Vagator

In Vagator, the beachfront Bon Voyage Sea View Hostel has great views and friendly staff. It’s close to the cool places in Goa to party. Alternatively, Mitra Hostel Vagator is one of the best hostels in Goa, thanks to its clean rooms and great ambiance.

Here are the most serene places to stay in South Goa

In the south, you will find more serene places to visit in Goa for the solo traveller. It also has the benefit of being closer to the international airport. The beach resorts here include Palolem, Agonda and Patnem. 

One of the best places to stay in Goa’s south is Palolem. South Goa is quieter and prettier than the north, and Palolem has one of the best beaches in Goa. Read more about Palolem in my dedicated post here.

One of the best hostels in Palolem for solo female travellers is BunkNBrew. It has female-only dorm rooms, its own tour desk and even karaoke. Another wonderful option is Bibhitaki Hostels Palolem Beach, one of the most popular South Goa hostels with a sociable vibe.

If you prefer a private room, Palolem’s Hilias Retreat has air-conditioning and a flat-screen TV in all its rooms. Yoga fans may want to head for the the sublime, boho chic Palm Forest Palolem resort, which offers yoga classes.

Browse all the best Palolem backpackers accommodation.

These are the greatest things to do in Goa solo

Looking for what to do on a solo trip to Goa, besides going to cafés and backpacker beaches in Goa? Whether you are heading north or south, there are plenty of things to do in Goa for the solo traveller.

Here are the best activities for backpackers in North Goa

To discover the places to see in North Goa and things to do in Goa alone, explore your local area.

One day, I went for a walk along the North Goa beaches from where I was staying. That’s how I discovered Arambol. You’ll find everything from yoga, to ecstatic dance, art classes, concerts and meditation workshops advertised on posters and flyers. Along with the daily sunset beach parties and the friendly international people, I found many reasons to love this place.

Read my article about all the best things to do in Arambol here.

Arambol has a great street market selling clothes and trinkets, plus restaurants, many serving vegetarian food. One of the best things to do in North Goa is take a motorcycle taxi to a Saturday night market.

I visited the vibrant Arpora night market, open every Saturday and selling all kinds of eclectic and hippie merchandise. This is one of the most entertaining places to visit in Goa at night. It has its own bar, nightclub and live music. It’s quite an experience – there’s plenty to see and do. My top tip for here would be to divide by five any quote you’re given on an item for sale. Some people find it uncomfortable to barter, but it’s expected in this part of the world.

The larger resorts in north Goa, in places such as Anjuna, Calangute and Vagator, have lots going on. There are high-adrenaline adventure activities available in these areas, from water sports to bungee jumping and scuba diving in Goa.

Where to find the nightlife in Goa

Since the 1960s, Goa has gained a reputation for being a party place, notably the psychedelic trance Goa scene. However, the government has been clamping down on noisy parties and alcohol consumption. This means Goa nightlife is not as hedonistic as it used to be. 

Over the years, the dance scene has gone more underground. So while there are lively beach bars, often the best party places in Goa are in remote private venues. To find out the latest parties in Goa today, ask the staff at your hostel about the Goa secret parties. They can advise on the best beach in Goa for nightlife and know the most happening places in Goa.

Read my article about the sunset beach parties in Arambol here.

Side trips from Goa

If you are prepared to travel overnight, there are interesting side trips from Goa to the neighbouring states of India. From Arambol, you can catch a local bus to the ancient city of Hampi in Karnataka.

Even if you only have a day or two, historic Hampi really is a worthwhile stop. There are so many ornate temples and quirky statues to discover.

On the first day I hired a tuk-tuk driver to take me on a tour. Then I spent a second day cycling around the route to see the sites in more detail. Most of the places are free to visit. The elephant stables and Lotus Mahal cost a small amount but they are well worth it.

For more information and photos, read all about my trip to Hampi here.

These are the most blissful things to do in South Goa

While South Goa is slower-paced, you will quickly discover what to do in Palolem, including yoga classes, beach massages and silent discos. The neighbouring villages of Patnem and Agonda have some of the top beaches in Goa and are much more tranquil than in the north.

Hiking through the jungle paths from Palolem to Patnem beach is great fun, while a motorbike or taxi trip to Agonda beach is well worth it, as it is an incredible spot to watch the sunset. 

Silent discos in South Goa

For nightlife in South Goa, local business owners have come up with an innovative idea to avoid residents complaining about noisy parties. Palolem is now known for its silent discos, in which partygoers wear headphones and can switch between two or three different DJ playlists to dance to. These silent discos get going in the early hours of the morning and are excellent fun for singles, as this unique experience creates a great sense of togetherness. Try the Silent Noise Club at the south end of the beach, which takes place every Saturday night from November to April.

Discover the 5 perfect things to do in Palolem for backpackers here.

Side trips from South Goa

There are also good side trips from South Goa – places to visit include Gokarna, a popular Hindu pilgrimage destination in Karnataka, around three hours south of Palolem by bus.

Further south, the state of Kerala is another well-loved backpacking destination. Even more laid back than backpacking in Goa, it is so lush and beautiful it’s known locally as God’s Own Country.

Check out my ultimate guide to backpacking in Kerala here.

Here are the best ways for solo travellers to get around Goa

If you are visiting Goa alone, I would recommend booking in advance an airport transfer to your accommodation. The guest house owner can often arrange this for you.

Taxis

Taking a government taxi means joining a long queue of people outside the airport, once you exit the baggage claim area. But after a long-haul flight and connections, it’s reassuring to see someone holding your name when you arrive, especially as a single traveller in Goa. It’s a relief to be able to avoid dragging your heavy luggage along the queue and simply relax as the driver already knows how to take you directly to your destination.

As there are many places to go in Goa, it’s worth checking out the different transport options for travelling around Goa. Generally, you will find plenty of taxis, motorcycle taxis and rickshaws. You will need to check they will take you to your preferred destination, as sometimes they can refuse if they suspect they won’t be able to pick up someone else from there. It’s best to negotiate a fee before starting your journey as they often don’t use their meters. Motorcycle taxis can be a good option for an advance booking to places like the local night markets, especially if they agree to wait and take you back afterwards.

Buses

For travelling around Goa via public transport, there are local bus services offering an inexpensive fixed rate for frequent routes to most areas. Thankfully, if you’re worried about your Goa solo trip cost, this keeps things cheap. For long trips in Goa or beyond in India, it’s best to buy a ticket in advance from a local travel agency. Some of them are overnight routes, with basic flatbed compartments with curtains, where you can sleep. As you are on a solo trip in Goa, you will usually be allocated your own private sleeping area, while people travelling together are allocated doubles.

One of my top Goa travel tips for these journeys is, if you don’t have a sleeping bag, simply stretch out a sarong as a sheet and use your bag or a bundle of clothes as a pillow.

Sometimes they serve snacks on the bus or they’ll stop somewhere for a toilet break or a quick dinner, which is a nice way to meet your fellow passengers.

At the end of your journey, the bus driver will tell you to alight for your destination. Occasionally, you may discover you are in the middle of nowhere. Once I was dropped off in a remote car park at 4am and another time, we were told to get off the bus at the side of a motorway. In both places, rickshaw drivers were ready to take bus passengers the rest of the way – for a fee of course.

Renting a motorbike

For more flexibility, you may wish to hire a motorcycle. You will need to wear a helmet and be careful on the road, as drivers in India don’t follow the same rules as in Western countries and accidents can happen. Car hire is also possible but usually not cost effective – it’s better to book a taxi. When renting a motorcycle, find out the going rate from guest house owners and other travellers, otherwise unscrupulous salespeople may try and overcharge you. Another top Goa tip for travelling on two wheels is to keep your bag under the seat so you don’t risk people trying to snatch it.

How to stay safe in Goa for a great trip

As I mentioned earlier, while I was excited about boarding the plane for my trip I was also wondering, is Goa safe for female travellers? Friends had warned me about solo backpacking India and the Goa travel dangers, based on shocking stories they had read in the media. So, is Goa safe for tourists?

It’s true that awful things have happened to tourists here, but unfortunately this can happen anywhere. Solo travel in Goa is perfectly fine, as long as you keep in mind the recommended safety tips in Goa (see below), just as if you were going anywhere on your own. More broadly, is Goa good for solo travellers? Absolutely. Goa relies on tourism for its thriving economy so it’s well geared up for it. There are many international tourists in Goa and many travellers visit alone.

If you or your family or friends are asking is Goa safe for females travelling alone in India, try not to worry. There are indeed unpleasant and scary occasions where female visitors have been hassled and worse by men in India. But Goa is easier to travel as a solo female than other parts of India.

I rarely had to fend off unwanted advances and, on the whole, everyone was polite and helpful. The majority of guest house owners I met – male or female – were kind and friendly, giving me local tips and advice. One even negotiated a good rate for me with a local manicurist and henna tattooist, so I wouldn’t be charged the much higher tourist rate.

Generally, it’s still worth being on your guard while you’re in Goa, like you would at home, to make sure you stay safe. Read on for my top Goa safety tips.

Keep your belongings secure

My Goa safety tips include bringing a padlock with you, so you have extra reassurance that the door of your room is secure. Bring a torch in case you need to get around at night, though as a single woman in Goa, it’s best to find another traveller to go out in the evenings with if you can. Try not to conspicuously walk around with your laptop or other expensive electronic items, to avoid the attention of thieves. I swapped my smartphone for a basic flip-phone while I was out and about in India, just to be sure. More safety tips in Goa – and indeed when backpacking India and other places – include being mindful of where you’re storing your cash. Try not to carry large amounts with you and keep pockets of cash in different places, in case of the unlikely event one of your bags goes missing.

Unfortunately, theft can happen, even if you’re staying near one of the safe beaches in Goa, like Palolem. If you choose to stay in beach huts, make sure it is made with strong materials, it looks secure and has doors that lock. As mentioned before, you can bring your own padlock for extra peace of mind. If you want to go swimming, try not to have too much cash or electronic items in your bag and, if possible, leave it somewhere people you trust can keep an eye on it while you go for a dip in the sea.

Stay healthy and hygienic

More important Goa travel safety advice concerns health and hygiene. It’s fair to say that in the backpacker parts of Goa, standards of cleanliness are not always as high as in the Western world. Toilets may be squat toilets rather than ones you sit on – you will get used to this. There may not be any toilet paper or soap, so you may want to carry your own tissues and hand sanitiser to be on the safe side. On the plus side, despite the reputation of Indian food causing stomach upsets, I had no issues whatsoever during my month in Goa. I only ate vegetarian food which may have helped.

Be aware if you’re alone at night

Women travelling alone will likely be wondering is Goa safe at night? There were times that I was alone at night and I instinctively kept alert of the people around me, but I never had any problems. It’s a popular tourist destination after all and there are lots of expats here. I would usually stick to places close to my accommodation if I was going for dinner by myself. Once you make friends with other travellers, it’s better to go out with them after dark. Keep an eye on your drink, like you would anywhere else in the world. Stay safe and have fun.

Prepare these things in advance

A good way to feel reassured on any Goa vacations is to take a book such as Lonely Planet’s Goa travel guide with you. Otherwise, bookmark a Goa travel blog, like this one, and read up on as much informed and balanced travel advice as you can before you go. Knowledge is power. This way, you can better understand the local culture and be aware of any potential dangers and scams. I also found this helpful ahead of my first solo trip to Thailand.

One recommended eBook for researching your Goa travels is The Insider’s Guide to Goa. Its 170 pages are filled with up-to-date, comprehensive information, as well as her top tips on all the best places to visit in Goa, written by an American female expat who lived in Goa for five years.

Note emergency contacts

The best thing to do if you are safety-conscious is to compile a list of emergency phone numbers and addresses in Goa. Note the contact details for your country’s local embassy or consular, as well as any Goa safety advice on their website. They may also list addresses for local hospitals and doctors.

Buy a local SIM card

One of the first things I did when arriving in Goa was to get a local SIM card for my phone. You will need to fill in a form, so it’s quicker and easier if a member of staff from your accommodation can help you. If you need to reach the police, dial 100. For emergency medical assistance during your trip, dial 102 and ask for an ambulance.

If you are referred to a medical facility for treatment, you will need to contact your insurance company as soon as you can, so you can be reimbursed for the cost.

In general in India, it’s worth being prepared for surprises, as things can be a little unpredictable. But it’s part of the fun and will give you good stories to tell when you get home.

What to wear in Goa

India is a conservative country, so if you are a single female traveller in Goa, it’s worth covering up a little more than you might in other beach destinations, to avoid stares. On one of my first days in Goa, I felt a little self-conscious about wearing a strappy vest and denim cut-offs.

While this is a perfectly acceptable outfit in this part of India, when packing for your Goa trip I recommend bringing a sarong to wrap around as a scarf or a skirt. It’s also a simple way to shield your skin from the hot Goan sun or to use as a makeshift blanket if you’re on the road. I have pale skin so I wrapped my sarong around my shoulders every day during my first week here, while I adjusted to the heat.

What clothes to pack

Other things to carry while travelling to Goa include a light long-sleeved shirt, a maxi skirt and relaxed trousers so you can stay cool, stylish and not worry about revealing too much.

But, for the most part, you don’t need to worry too much about what to wear here. Goa for solo travellers is more laid back than the rest of the country. You can wear a bikini to the beach without anyone blinking an eyelid. Plus, there are plenty of shops where you can buy beautiful locally-made clothing and jewellery at surprisingly good prices, so leave room in your bag for souvenirs

I also recommend you invest in a sturdy pair of hiking sandals, as you are likely to be doing a fair bit of walking, sometimes with your heavy backpack. In the above picture, I am wearing my trusty Teva sandals, which come in a variety of colours and designs (mine are purple). I wore them constantly and never had a single blister.

How to wash your clothes in Goa

Cheap laundry services are easily available in Goa, so you don’t need to take as many clothes as you think. You can hand over your dirty items and receive them a couple of days later, clean and freshly pressed. After a few weeks, your clothes may develop small holes or look worn out, so don’t worry if this happens – it’s a good excuse to go shopping.

What else to pack

I took a simple ring to wear on my wedding ring finger, in case I felt hassled by guys as a solo female traveller in Goa. Guest house owners and restaurant servers did ask me a few times whether I was alone in Goa quite a few times. Sometimes I would say I had a boyfriend back home. But generally, I didn’t feel like there was any bad intent behind the question, it was simply polite conversation – even if I felt sensitive about the topic. I’m pleased to say, I never felt the need to wear the ring.

Managing your money in Goa

My top tip for managing money in Goa is to take cash with you – especially US dollars. Here, cash is king. Your credit card will not get you far, unless you’ve booked online in advance. Be to be prepared for a one mile walk to the nearest ATM, which may have a long queue or may not be working. If you have other currencies, preferably US dollars, you can usually find someone at a roadside kiosk willing to exchange it for Indian rupees. Plan well and don’t get caught out without notes, as few places accept card payment.

You will need to keep your wits about you to avoid being overcharged. It’s not unusual for rickshaw drivers and stall owners, especially in famous Goa places such as the night markets, for foreigners to be told the rupees per item is up to four or five times its usual price, so be prepared to negotiate.

Accessing the internet in Goa

Finding reliable internet access can be tricky in Goa. You will find WiFi in guest houses, bars and restaurants but the quality isn’t always great. One of the first guest houses I stayed at in Goa offered WiFi, but the signal was poor, other than in the middle of the night. Quite often I would have to stand outside with my mobile phone to find the best place to pick up a strong signal. But WiFi quality varies from place to place and I would usually find somewhere where I could use my laptop. There are also Internet cafes available, though again the Internet speed often isn’t very fast so don’t rely on them to stream videos or download large files – you could be there a while.

Enjoy Goa backpacking – you will create memories for life

As you can see, in Goa there is a wealth of things to see, do and experience. And eat! So much good food. And plenty of other people who are solo backpacking Goa just like you. Go(a) explore!

For a comprehensive, 170-page lowdown on this beautiful part of India, check out The Insider’s Guide to Goa eBook by Rachel Jones, an American who lived in Goa for five years.

Click here to buy the eBook now and prepare for your trip.

Next up, find out why Goa’s neighbouring state is known as God’s Own Country in my essential guide to backpacking Kerala.