When most of us think of a quick weekend getaway, you may have many destinations you want to explore. Most popular is the sandy beaches of Goa.
There is more to Goa than just being a weekend getaway destination. If you are a travel junkie, who loves to party and wants to enjoy life to the fullest, why not make Goa that place to visit. Nowadays there are plenty of airlines that fly to Goa so booking a flight has never been easier. Whether you are a member of a private jet card program or usually fly commercial, by comparing flight times and prices online sooner rather than later, you can get your plane tickets at the best possible price.
Goa is a traveller’s paradise, and right from an eclectic culture to breezy beaches, water sports and exciting seafood and local drinks, there is a lot that you will find in this state. Whether you are planning to go alone or with friends, it’s a great idea anyway. But since you’d be going to one of the most popular destinations of the world, it is better not to go there cash-strapped, especially if you have a host of activities planned!
You can take a small personal loan in form of a travel loan, and use the funds for a fun-filled vacation without having to worry about expenses at every step. Travel loans or holiday loans can be easily availed from any bank or financial institution such as Tata Capital, where you have to submit your basic KYC documents to apply for the loan. Once you arrive at a figure that is the amount of holiday loan you want to take, you can use a personal loan EMI calculator to check how much your EMI would be.
If you think you can pay off a larger amount every month, you can opt to repay the personal loan in a shorter tenure. If your budget does not allow you to give away a large chunk of it to EMIs every month, then you can opt for a longer tenure to repay your travel loan.
It all depends on your convenience and institutions such as Tata Capital gives you that flexibility, so you needn’t be apprehensive about taking a personal loan. Once you have armed yourself with a holiday loan, you don’t have to worry about anything. You can enjoy each and every fun activity in Goa, without having to worry about money.
Since there is a lot to explore in Goa, it’s better to not get carried away, and instead, plan in advance. Read up on travel sites about key places that you mustn’t miss. Here are a few pointers with which you can plan your Goa trip:
Goa is famous for its churches. Goa was the capital of Portuguese India and Asia and an evangelization centre from the 16th century. Old Goa churches such as Basilica of Bom Jesus and Chapel of St Francis Xavier are a must-see.
Basilica of Bom Jesus is a UNESCO heritage site, and this church is very renowned because it still hosts the mortal remains of St Francis Xavier. St Francis Xavier’s body is put on display to the public every 10 years. The baroque architecture makes it stand out from other churches.
The Church of Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception in Panaji is also popular. The church, originally built to welcome sailors’ home, is over 450 years old. You can take a day trip to visit the churches of Old Goa and other parts of Goa separately. If you are planning a day trip, you should consider hiring a taxi or rent a car/bike. Do consider this aspect while you are applying for your travel loan.
- Visit the North Goa beaches: While most beaches in Goa are popular for something or the other, Anjuna, Baga and Calangute in North Goa are a huge hit with youngsters. In a single stretch, you can actually walk from the first beach to the last — Anjuna, Baga, Calangute, Vagator, Dona Paula.
Calangute is known for its huge number of beach shacks, restaurants, clubs and water sports. For an adrenaline rush, indulge in skiing, catamaran sailing, banana rides, surfing, parasailing and paragliding.
Sinquerim beach is also known for a variety of water sports such as water-skiing, scuba diving and windsurfing. These water sports come at a steep price, so when you apply for your travel loan, make sure you take into account such costs. You can also take a tour on boats to spot playful dolphins flying out of the water.
In Calangute, there is also a market that houses many handicraft shops from different parts of the world. If you are going to the Baga beach, you must visit the Arpora night market on Saturdays. From food stalls to local stuff, breezy sarongs and crazy hats, traditionally beaded neckpieces to souvenirs and an array of spices, you will find everything here.
Since you already have a holiday loan to fund your expenses, you wouldn’t mind splurging a bit, would you? Anjuna is famous for its trance parties that are held on the beach especially during the peak season – October to January. - The food scene: If partying is your motto, you must head to Tito’s Bar, and simply chill. When in Goa, you cannot miss Goa’s exciting seafood platters – from smoked king prawns to buttered crabs and barbequed lobsters, you will be spoilt for a choice. And then, of course, there are the Xacuti and the Vindaloos, which you can lap up with freshly baked bread. Goa also serves a variety of pork dishes, and all of them are a must-try. Wash down your food with some fine Feni – cashew or toddy palm flavoured, or some nice port wine. When you are deciding your budget for the trip and deciding your travel loan, keep a lump sum amount aside only for food because you don’t want to miss out on it.
- Visit the famous Fort Aguada:Fort Aguada and its adjoining lighthouse is a seventeenth-century Portuguese fort situated on Sinquerim Beach, overlooking the Arabian Sea. The fort was built in 1612 to guard the Portuguese against the Dutch and the Marathas. It was supposed to be a reference point for the vessels coming from Europe during that time. It stands on the beach south of Candolim. The red-stoned fort is a treat to watch and take pictures against. You might have seen this fort is several Bollywood movies, but having to actually see it is a different thrill altogether. Keep some good two hours for taking a stroll around this fort overlooking the overwhelming sea. Feel the sea breeze on your face as the sun sets in the horizon, and soak up the good life.
Your travel loan can help you plan a more detailed trip, which you may have avoided in the past keeping the money aspect in mind. There are few things about Goa that should not be missed. And with a travel loan, you can make sure you get the best of the place.
