Goa for Solo Travelers: A Safety Guide
India’s coastal gem, aka, Goa attracts travelers from India as well as the world. However, if you are planning a solo Goa trip, there are some precautions to be taken. Let’s focus on the most crucial ones.
Reach Goa during the daytime
Whether you intend to take a flight, train, or bus, you should plan your transport in a manner that you reach Goa in the daylight. During the night, public transport remains unreliable, and taxis charge unreasonable fares. Further, some hostels and hotels lack a 24*7 check-in option.
Transportation
You can rent a vehicle in Goa rather than opting for taxis. Besides the base daily rent for the vehicle, you need to pay for the fuel as well. Rental depends on the location and seasonal demand. And it goes without saying that you can get an old fashioned scooter for lower rent.
Choosing between North and South Goa
North Goa offers great nightlife, and bustling beaches like Anjuna, Baga, and Calangute. There are affordable solo traveler-friendly hostels and hotels. On the other hand, South Goa has peace. Beaches like Palolem, Agonda are serene and calmer.There are guest houses, and solo Goa traveler friendly hotels. But, the rent per night is more compared to North.
Accommodation with good reviews
Whether you choose a guest house, or hotel, or opt for a Goa hostel stay, select the one with good reviews. You can protect your privacy by visually inspecting the room for hidden cameras. Pay a nominal amount as a security deposit. In case if you are using a card, ensure you are being charged the right amount.Lastly, hostels or guest houses may have timings for entering and exiting. So, always return to your room on time.
Safety
Don’t wear gold chains, rings, and other jewelry. Ensure your phone is fully charged before going out of the accommodation. And always keep a power bank with you. Late-night walks at isolated beaches is a strict no. Avoid sharing rides with strangers at night. And always keep your family informed about your travel itinerary. Lastly, dress modestly while visiting places other than beaches.
Medical kit
Besides routine medicines prescribed by your doctor, keep an antiseptic lotion or solution, painkillers, and acidity medication in your purse. You can always use search engines to find nearby clinics, and hospitals in case of a medical emergency. Do not ignore even the slightest health issue while on a solo trip.
As a solo traveler, you can always trust HostMyTrips to take care of your Goa hostel stay. There are multiple types of budget and premium accommodation options.