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Original poster

Goa, India - holiday on my own, late 50s?

86 replies

LandSight · 06/08/2022 21:13

Thinking about this at the moment for next year. It will be after a long Winter, but also as a treat for myself after alot of struggles.

I would travel on my own, maybe backpack in hostels or small hotels. Can't afford expensive ones.

Probably stay two weeks, give or take. I have the time, but not lots of money.

So .... if anyone could help me that would be great ...

Is two weeks enough? Should i stay longer? If I was backpacking but staying in one place I would be concerned I'd be a bit bored after a week. If I got bored I could maybe do a tour with a travel company once I'm out there?

Is it relatively safe for a woman on her own? I've travelled to other closer places on my own but I wouldn't like to get into too many problems by myself in India - I'm also a bit of a wuss about insects and stuff, lol. But I get the impression women travel fairly commonly in Goa on their own.

Or should I just pick a hotel package and stay there for simplicity (though they do seem a bit pricey and I'd also have to stay in the same place and it might be away from the interesting parts)?

Any thoughts welcome ..... ?

Another alternative might be Thailand (though I have been there once before many moons ago, but might be interesting to re-visit.) I just need somewhere relatively warm and free for a couple of weeks wondering and peace.

Sorry for essay!

OP posts:
paddingtonstares · 06/08/2022 21:18

Watching 👀 with interest..

hattie43 · 06/08/2022 21:26

I haven't been to Goa for years but definitely want to go back . Personally I don't think two weeks is long enough just because it was such a chilled place and I find India intoxicating so I like to immerse myself in it .Theres plenty to see and do aswell.
I was with someone else but met lone women who said they felt safe . I have blonde hair and when we took a bus the women and children were transfixed and the children kept touching it but I'm sure these days they see zillions of tourists.Like anywhere though don't put yourself at risk .
I've heard of 50's 60's women who have been spending winters out there so if you could find such a community that would help give you a base . We found it very cheap aswell .
For ease I'd probably stay in a hotel but be aware some are not English standards of facilities particularly the bathrooms/ toilet and there were many electric cuts.

Thailand is wonderful and if I had two weeks to just jump on a plane and go I'd go to chaing mai on a tuk tuk safari .

Original poster
LandSight · 06/08/2022 21:42

Oooo, thanks for your quick replies @hattie43 and @paddingtonstares !

I actually could stay longer - 3 weeks, a month even, no problem. If I felt up to it, I could travel further afield even. It does seem a long way to go and expensive flight for just a short period. But, OTOH, I might find it too long ! I like to be free to come and go when I like! Decisions, decisions. Flexible air tickets are great but very expensive I think. @paddingtonstares yes very helpful, thank you, I get the general vibe of your answers 🙂.

I have an impulsive streak, but will hold back on booking until the Autumn - but then again I suppose flights will get more expensive the longer I leave it!

Anyway, I've got some time to ponder. Thanks again and I hope you get to make the trips you want.

OP posts:
Original poster
LandSight · 06/08/2022 21:43

I meant @hattie43 I get the vibe of your answer and advice. Got you both mixed up!

OP posts:
PasswordProtection · 06/08/2022 21:53

I have been to India a few times, on my own, with party and with DH

First thing to say (and dont let this put you off) is that 20 years ago I felt more safe there alone that I do now - I am 55. There is more anti-British feeling in India these days (particularly in Mumbai)

Goa is ok but its a bit like going to a Koi Samui- touristy
There are nicer places in India (but Goa worth. side trip)

We stayed in hotel in Goa but on the beach there were lots of English middle aged/retired couples staying in local accommodation . They were staying for months

India is much nicer/safer than Thailand. Chang Mai is sleezy

PasswordProtection · 06/08/2022 21:56

Vietnam is great- but a PITA to get to at the moment due to the Hong Kong situation

Original poster
LandSight · 06/08/2022 22:02

Interesting, thanks @PasswordProtection .

Maybe I could start in Goa and join a tour later that takes me further on, I was thinking, rather than stay in Goa for the whole time ...

OP posts:
XelaM · 06/08/2022 23:13

I have friends who absolutely LOVE India and go there every year, but my parents went in 2019 and came back to say it is their idea of hell with extreme poverty and skinny cows roaming the streets everywhere. I have not been to India, but I have been to Lagos (which is my idea of hell) and from my parents' descriptions I imagine it to be similar. It's not somewhere I would want to go without a tour group or local knowledge. Why not go to the US for somewhere far, warm and with loads to see, but still relatively civilised?

PasswordProtection · 06/08/2022 23:15

XelaM · 06/08/2022 23:13

I have friends who absolutely LOVE India and go there every year, but my parents went in 2019 and came back to say it is their idea of hell with extreme poverty and skinny cows roaming the streets everywhere. I have not been to India, but I have been to Lagos (which is my idea of hell) and from my parents' descriptions I imagine it to be similar. It's not somewhere I would want to go without a tour group or local knowledge. Why not go to the US for somewhere far, warm and with loads to see, but still relatively civilised?

You must have a very white British view of what civilisation is

India is one of the oldest civilisations in the world.

GCAcademic · 06/08/2022 23:19

I wouldn’t spend a whole month in Goa when there is so much else to see in India. It’s somewhere I would spend a week to relax after visiting other parts of the country.

abovedecknotbelow · 06/08/2022 23:30

I don't think I'd do Goa again but would other parts of India. I was there in my 20s and the vibe has changed since then according to friends but yiu could always go and move around if you don't like it.

XelaM · 06/08/2022 23:36

PasswordProtection · 06/08/2022 23:15

You must have a very white British view of what civilisation is

India is one of the oldest civilisations in the world.

Show quote history

I'm white but not British and being originally from Russia (🙈) but having lived and worked in many different places, I definitely don't have a sheltered view of civilisation. Would I advise a lone female to travel around Japan? Yes. Around India or Nigeria and without a tour group? No.

XelaM · 06/08/2022 23:37

Just like I wouldn't advise to travel around Russia...

Jeffjefftyjeff · 06/08/2022 23:37

I used to live in India and travelled round a lot. I went to goa for a holiday for about 10 days, travelling around & up the state. I liked it and there is lots to see; but there were definite seedy elements and a huge number of spaced out westerners on various drugs (could have just been the crowd I seemed to somehow attract!!). So although generally in India I always felt self there was definitely an edge to some goa experiences. I liked: panaji & margao; hiring scooters and seeing things a bit out of the way; some of the forts and churches. I really like coastal karnataka and northern Kerala - could be worth considering? But goa has the advantage of being really compact

CockingASnook · 06/08/2022 23:51

I’ve mentioned this on other travel threads: at the moment I would not go to India at all because of the prevalence of horrific sexual violence (even if rarely directed at foreigners). Boycotting the country seems the least that I can do. In the past I have travelled from top to bottom of India and I found Goa one of the least interesting and most corrupt places. I felt the south was slightly easier going: Kerala, temple cities like Madurai etc, also Pondicherry on the east coast though it’s 20 years since I’ve visited.
I would have suggested Sri Lanka as a suitable and safer alternative but not so much right now! I’d probably consider Vietnam or Japan as alternatives but travel to both is more complicated currently.

Original poster
LandSight · 06/08/2022 23:56

re. the poverty in India. I am somewhat aware of this, and tbh I’m not sure how I’d handle it. I might find it difficult, and would probably prefer to avoid the worst places. That is an unknown for me. As I said, I could book a group tour part of the trip in Goa or wherever I start. That would take more research. But a whole, long package tour in advance would possibly be too expensive and intense for me.

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Original poster
LandSight · 06/08/2022 23:58

PS and thanks for your various other recommendations… I will certainly ponder further.

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Twillow · 07/08/2022 00:03

XelaM · 06/08/2022 23:13

I have friends who absolutely LOVE India and go there every year, but my parents went in 2019 and came back to say it is their idea of hell with extreme poverty and skinny cows roaming the streets everywhere. I have not been to India, but I have been to Lagos (which is my idea of hell) and from my parents' descriptions I imagine it to be similar. It's not somewhere I would want to go without a tour group or local knowledge. Why not go to the US for somewhere far, warm and with loads to see, but still relatively civilised?

India is a unique experience. It is diverse, intense, beautiful and shocking in equal parts. I don't think the US can compete with that kind of history. (It's not somewhere I've ever visited or have an interest in visiting, though). I would love to see Kerala personally next.

TheShoeLady · 07/08/2022 00:21

I’ve just been watching Caroline Quentin in India, and really want to go back again!

Went a few years ago with XP, staring in Mumbai, travelled down towards Goa.

We stayed in a log cabin in a forest with an infinity pool which was very rustic (were glad of the mosquito nets I packed as it was totally back to basics!) but the most memorable place we’ve been.

We went on to a luxurious beachside hotel afterwards which was bliss, but the one we still talked about for years was ‘The Wildernest’.

TheShoeLady · 07/08/2022 00:25

linky

TheShoeLady · 07/08/2022 00:29

Ah just noticed the bit about insects and stuff. Maybe not for you then!! There are monkeys, snakes and big cats around the resort too, so maybe a beach vibe would be more relaxing?!

ConnieSaks · 07/08/2022 07:42

I like Goa and have met quite a few retired people who spend the winter there (was planning to do myself - but plans have changed). We would have based ourselves in and around Palolem.

ConnieSaks · 07/08/2022 07:48

Most likely at Ciaren’s and eaten at Ouram 88 at least twice a week!

ConnieSaks · 07/08/2022 07:49

I should add I’ve never been bitten there - mainly because they focus more on DH!

mrsrobin · 07/08/2022 08:06

From about 15 years ago...I don't think Goa is that interesting but it depends what you want to do. If you fancy a yoga retreat it is ideal. Travelling around is ok as long as you don't mind being stared at my men. The buses have women's sections so you can sit with the women - I can't remember the trains but I think there must be a women's carriage if you want to go in there. I preferred south Goa as it was more laid back and less geared up for loud package holiday makers! I loved south India as a whole but it was a challenge - and extremely hot, having to be mostly covered up with more modest clothes.
It is a shame SriLanka is not stable atm as I would defo recommend to go there.