What to bring?
What do you need to bring to Goa?
You can buy most things locally in Goa, and many items are cheaper than in the West. In particular, reading glasses are very cheap and also dentistry is excellent and low priced. Chemists stock most products and medicines, and many prescription drugs are available over the counter at low costs. However, if there is some particular medication or cosmetic product that you like to use, you are advised to bring enough to last for the duration of your trip.
What you should bring for your course
- Swim-wear - there are many hawkers on the beaches selling T-shirts, sarongs and so forth, but it is hard to buy Western-style swim-wear.
- Leg Floaters, we will have a small selection, but if possible bring your own
- Noseclips, please bring your own.
And generally
- A torch. They are available locally but there is never a shop open when you need a torch! (street lighting is limited and on nights when there is no moon the roads can be very dark)
- Ear plugs if you are a sensitive sleeper - India is noisy, even in rural areas like Assagao Valley.
- Mosquito repellent (although an excellent local version called Odomos is widely available).
- Sun-protection lotion. If you are coming from a cold Europe or North America, you need to take care against the strong sun.
- Anti-malarial pills are optional: Goa is not a high risk area, although there are occasional occurrences.
- Photocopies of all essential documents in case of theft. Don't forget to store them apart from your original documents.
- Electrical adapters if you are using electrical items (Indian voltage is 220 and 2 or 3 prong flat).
- Comfortable footwear including sandals - again, you can buy them locally but there is nothing worse than having to 'break-in' new footwear on holiday.
- A beach towel - The beach hawkers sell lunghis which can double as towels and sarongs, so you can buy something on your first trip to a beach.
- Full holiday insurance against medical, accident & theft.
- Your home-country driving licence if you intend to hire a scooter or motor-bike. An International Driving Licence is not essential if you have a valid home-country driving licence.