Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Goa. They're cheap, easy to find and can be identified by a yellow front mudguard - and
even the heftiest of backpacks seems to be no obstacle.
THINK LIKE THE LOCALS…
Venture beyond the tourist areas and you're sure to find locals who will sadly shake their heads and say that Goa
has changed for the worse. The spread of serious drug use amongst locals, overdevelopment and environmental
damage, and Goa's growing reputation within India as a place for bad behaviour are the dark underbelly to its
tropical paradise. You can help repair Goa's image by following a few simple steps:
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Away from the beaches, adopt the same, more modest dress that you would in other parts of the country. This
generally means shoulders and knees covered, and keeping your shirt on. Nude or topless sunbathing is illegal in
Goa and can result in fines.
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Keep your naughtiest behaviour confined to appropriate venues. Partying into the night with illegal substances
at a family guesthouse might disturb the owners, not to mention attracting the authorities.
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Women should be cautious when partying; rape, sadly, has been an issue in Goa, and though we don't believe
(as many do) that bikinis are to blame, it makes sense to be in control of your surroundings.
