Goa

Where to stay

North Goa's Anjuna and Arambol have the highest density of hostels at sane prices, with Anjuna sitting close to the Wednesday flea market and the Vagator cliffs. Palolem in the south is quieter and worth the extra bus ride if you want to sleep past 8am.

Getting around

• Rent a scooter in Calangute or Anjuna for around 300-400 INR per day. The Kadamba bus network exists but runs infrequently and won't get you between beaches without a long wait.
• Eat at the local joints on the NH66 highway-side roads rather than the beach shack row. The same fish thali costs half as much 200 meters from the sand.
• Book anything for the Christmas and New Year window (Dec 20 to Jan 5) at least 6 weeks out or prices double and the good spots sell out entirely.

When to go

Hostels are cheapest from mid-September through October when the monsoon clears but tourist crowds haven't arrived yet. December through February is peak, with New Year week being the tightest of all.