Ladies, what better time than now to take that solo trip you’ve been planning forever? And what better place could there be than Goa? Save this guide because here’s where we’re telling you all that you can do and more to make this the most epic holiday, that too on a budget.
A Girl's Guide To Doing A Solo Trip To North Goa On A Budget
Getting Around
If you’re planning a budget trip, then make sure you take the bus or the train to Goa. They’re both safe options, and if you’re lucky and there’s a flash sale going on, you could even fly to Goa for as cheap as INR 1,500.
Travelling around in Goa can get expensive, especially by taxis, but if you have to use them then we recommend you go with our tried and tested drivers who are polite, respectful and more importantly safe. Additionally, it helps that they charge as per market rate. You could call Vijay from Saligao on +91 9764362109, Madan from Anjuna on +91 9822152754, Siddharth from Calangute on +91 9763441630, or Naman in Assagao on +91 9764399326. All of them will happily come to your desired location in Goa, and even do airport/station pick-ups and drops. You could also use Goa’s famous motorcycle taxis called Pilots if you want a cheaper option {and have just a backpack}. We suggest calling Hanuman on +91 95522 78955 or Mohan on +91 9923117420.
It is advisable to call all these guys in advance and either book them or at least check if they might be available for your holiday. There is public transport such as buses, which run between main villages and Mapusa, Panjim, etc. Ask any of the locals and for INR 15 and upwards you can hop across and check out other parts of Goa. Though be warned, they’re functional only till 8 PM or 9 PM depending on the area. However, there are AC electric buses that run at specific times from both Dabolim and Mopa Airports to major cities like Panjim, Mapusa and Calangute and back. Find the timetable on ktclgoa.com to get airport transfers sorted for INR 150 to INR 250.
Beaches To Visit
Goa’s beaches will naturally be on your must-visit list, and we recommend that you avoid Baga, Calangute or even Anjuna. Instead, head to Sinquerim, Candoulim, Morjim, Vagator, Ashvem, Mandrem or Keri Beaches to chill by yourself, have a great time and feel safe while doing it. These beaches aren’t crowded and are absolutely stunning (we’ll let the pictures do the talking). Do remember that during the monsoons all shacks are closed and swimming in the sea is not allowed either.
Food You Can't Miss
Meal options are dime a dozen—shacks and restaurants being the most popular options. But if you’re looking at enjoying an unperturbed meal by yourself, then our picks would be: Bayview Shack, Seven Rivers Brewing, The White Plate or Meiphung Oriental in Candolim-Calangute; Gunpowder or Rose in Assagao; Prime Rose or Saraya in Sangolda; Cantare or Colors in Saligao; Fat Fish in Arpora; Michele’s Garden or The Bomras in Anjuna; Sakana, Salud or Bean Me Up in Vagator; Verandah, Petisco, Bombil, The Outpost, Thai n Wok, Black Market, Cafe Tato, Padaria Prazeres, Nanbai, Soul Chef in Panjim; Himalayan Cafe or Burger Factory in Morjim and Prana Cafe or Artjuna in Mandrem. We also recommend a thali at South I, Starlight, Anand Bar, Bombil, Cafe Tato to name a few.
All of the places have great food and a fabulous ambience. The budgets will vary depending on the place you choose, but you’ll happily get meals under INR 500 from this list.
Be A Party Hopper
If you want to check out the nightlife and are apprehensive about stepping out alone, then we recommend the places we’ve had a great time at by ourselves (a few of them have weekly ladies' nights, so free drinks are on offer, girls). Not to mention, these options include places that have live jazz music, Motown nights, salsa nights and more, too. Cantare, Cohiba, Showbar, Soro, The Big Tap, Pinch and Soho are just a few of our favourites.
Goa Beyond The Beaches
If you want to explore Goa beyond its beaches and are worried about doing it alone, then check-up Soul Travelling and Make It Happen that does curated walks across Mapusa, Panjim, Margao, etc., and learn new things while making new friends. And did we mention that they even do a pub crawl in Panjim that explores the history and bizarre stories about some of its oldest bars? There’s also the Assagao Heritage Walk with Felly Gomes. If you’re feeling a bit adventurous and wish to go diving or snorkelling, you could connect with Venkat, the owner of Barracuda Diving and a perfect gentleman, who is not only an experienced diver himself, but is full of stories to tell you. And then there is Terra Conscious that does ethical Dolphin and other water trips you will love. Please note that all water-sport activities like Diving, Dolphin Tours, Surfing, etc. are shut during the monsoon months from June till September. Visit the Museum of Goa, Houses of Goa and Indian Customs & Central Excise Museum to get to know the state a bit more.
Cheap & Comfy Stay Options
As a single girl, where you stay solo is the most important thing and we help you find some great options to suit your budget. U R D Ki Hostel or The Funky Monkey Hostel in Anjuna, the Zostel or Back 2 Basics in Morjim, The White Balcao or Old Quarter Hostel in Panjim, and The Woke Hostels in Morjim and Arpora are all great options for a fab stay. Some of them even offer exclusive girls-only dorms, which means you will make new friends and have a partner in crime for your escapades. Some of the hostels even offer free accommodation if they have requirement for any specific assistance that you can help them with. Or then look at Saraya, which will even let you stay for free, in exchange for assisting them around their property with some tasks. If you want private rooms on a budget, then Michele’s Garden in Anjuna & Anna Mews in Calangute offer cute spaces and are both at a walking distance from restaurants & bars.