Goa, the ‘it destination’ of India is all set to be a crowd favourite for bringing in a New Year yet another time and a lot of fun and excitement is in store for those who will be in the city in December. However, there are some common challenges that visitors might have to face while planning to spend the New Year 2019 in Goa. Here are our top tips on how to avoid these challenges:
Book Accommodation in Advance
The number one party destination in India, Goa is busy throughout the year. Come New Year, and the city becomes jam-packed with beachcombers and party enthusiasts looking to make the most of the city’s pleasant weather, pristine beaches, its pulsating verve and its unparalleled party scene. So, if you are thinking of landing in Goa impromptu, you’ll have a tough time finding a good accommodation option. Even if you do find a place that you like, you’ll have to pay an exorbitant amount to book it at a short notice.
Decide on the Party You Want to Attend in Advance
There are a number of New Year-centric parties and events happening in Goa in the month of December; make sure you do your research and narrow down on the one that you would like to attend in advance. Because the traffic in the city is crazy during the New Year week, you don’t want to miss out on the fun just because you were busy getting from one place to another. Also, most places get booked months in advance, leaving latecomers with a few much overpriced experiences to be a part of. Some of the most hip parties in Goa happen at Hilltop, Club Cubana, Sync, LPK, clubs on Tito’s Lane and Club Fresh amongst others.
Hire Scooters not Cars
Goa is marked by small, winding roads that offer panoramic views of its lush environs but a drive on these roads can be a nightmare in event of traffic jams, the worst of which happen in the days leading up to the New Year. To avoid being stuck in a massive jam, make sure you rent scooters, a popular means of transport in the city. The scooters can squeeze through traffic even when the roads are brimming with traffic. The added advantage is getting to feel the cool wind in your hair.
Don’t Drink and Drive
There are a number of curves and speed bumps on the roads of Goa, making driving here a challenging prospect. Additionally, the roads see a large influx of vehicles, especially on the days leading up to the New Year. While we are absolutely for drinking and dancing to one’s heart’s content, make sure you don’t drive while drunk to avoid finding yourself in a tricky situation later. The Goa Traffic Police is highly active around New Year and sets up check posts at every few kilometres throughout the city, looking for defaulters. Some members of the force are also deployed undercover to catch those looking to evade the check posts.
