Goa with a 4 year old?

[Sandrine1982]

Hi. DH has a big birthday coming up and has been saving up for our first long haul since DD was born. We are both experienced travellers and very much enjoy a change of scenery (dépaysement). We have also done quite a bit of travelling with DD already but only in Europe. She seems to love travelling though.

We are looking at Goa as DH and I have both always wanted to go there but never had a chance. What is Goa like now?
Do we need any specific jabs?

We're thinking of going early January.

TIA

We've been three times with the children - when they were toddlers, when they were 4 and 6 and when they were 7 and 9. We've always really enjoyed it. December/January is a really good time to go because it's not so humid. I mean it does feel humid to a Brit but it gets way more humid throughout the year!
It's India so you will see some degree of poverty but it's more laid back than other places in India. There are a lot of tourists so you'll blend in. I feel we didn't really get hassled there. It has a good vibe.
You do need some injections. I can't remember what but contact your GP surgery and you can meet with the travel nurse to discuss.
One year my DD struggled with the heat but on other visits she's been fine. My son has always been fine.
The sea is like a warm bath! There are lots of nice bars, restaurants and luxury hotels for the tourists. It's a unique and enjoyable experience.

Thank you so much, Sally. Did you stay in north or south Goa? I've read south is prettier and quieter, but I'd rather stay in north Goa, or at least at the beginning, just because it's much closer to the airport.

Are the tourists / drinking / partying really that bad in the north?

We stayed in Benaulim which is in the middle. It's nicely busy but not rowdy. It has a relaxed feel.
We didn't venture to any of the party places so I can't really comment on what they're like.

Goa is lovely, but the sea can have very strong currents so be ever so careful on the beach.

Oh, one last question. How quick is to get a tourist visa and what's the official way??
I think we may have left it a bit too late if we want to go at the end of December :-(

www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/india/entry-requirements#:~:text=Visa%20requirements&text=You%20need%20a%20visa%20to,refusal%20of%20entry%20or%20deportation.

This has some good advice. I can't remember how long the Visa took, I'm afraid. The first time they sent it back and I had to amend it which slowed down the process.

Palolem in southern Goa is wonderful