Goa Packing Lists

Goa is relatively safe, but in crowded "touristy" areas such as the markets - we found it useful to have deep pockets with zippers or bags that we could hold close to our bodies. We avoided rucksacks/backpacks simply because they're too easy to open & steal the contents.

A good pair of sneakers/walking shoes is recommended. As soon as you venture away from the beaches and the main road, the paths are rocky & bumpy.

There's a lot of confusion, conflicting reports & split opinions about whether or not Malaria tablets are necessary when travelling to Goa. It's everyone's personal decision, all I can give you is the facts & info from personal experience:

The risk of malaria in Goa is very low compared with the rest of India. It's such a low risk because you are near the coast. The general rule stands in all tropical countries: the further inland you travel (the more "jungle" there is around you), the higher your risk of catching Malaria.
So it really depends on how high-risk the area you are visiting is.

The side effects of the Malaria tablets make many people feel very ill. Apparently, the weekly tablets make you feel worse than the daily ones (but I cannot speak from personal experience as we opted for sprays & creams, and didn't take the tablets).

Mosquitoes are of course most active at night, but dusk is the most dangerous time as they literally "swarm" when the sun sets. We sprayed ourselves with mosquito repellent every night, and most hotels provide mosquito nets if you want to sleep with the windows open

Before we went to Goa, we got our VACCINATIONS for:
> Tetanus
> Polio
> Hepatitis A

Some also advise getting immunized against Typhoid/Cholera, but this is not compulsory. You may need to declare if you have been in a known yellow fever area prior to entering India. But the actual Yellow fever vaccination certificate is not required.
The bottom line is:
Malaria is not a disease to play around with: ask or your doctor's advice, and take it. Not taking anti-malarials where they are indicated will put you at greater risk.
Fact is: Malaria is a killer and should not be taken lightly.

The symptoms of malaria can appear many months after leaving the malarious region. Any flu like symptoms, especially within the first few months after returning from the region should result in you visiting your doctor and mentioning where you have travelled too to rule out malaria.

Goa Hotels

Goa Packing Lists

Visiting Goa?

Visiting Goa?

Goa Hotels