Goa in India – the former hippie hotspot has become a frequently-visited destination for sun lovers, particularly in winter. Even though, Goa is very well adjusted to tourists and although Goa does not have much in common with the rest of India – always consider you are no longer in Europe but in India and need to adjust a little. Here some advice about what I think you should and should not do.
Swimwear – Beach Wear – What is Appropriate?
When it comes to swimwear in India, worldviews collide. Men can in fact do whatever they want, except walking around entirely naked. Trunks or anything you wear at home for swimming works and is not an problem. Things are much more difficult for women. For Europeans (and Americans of course) one thing is certain: at the beach you wear a bikini or a bathing suit. That’s the only way to go swimming. Indians perceive this as almost entirely naked and totally inappropriate. Me, as a woman, I would not want to be in a bikini on a beach anywhere in India except Goa.
In Goa, things are more relaxed, everybody is used to white people in swim wear. You can enjoy a classic beach holiday and don’t need to worry. Yet: not everything is possible here. I think, you should enjoy Goa and its casual attitude but don’t push it. Do not try to move the limits. That means: don’t go topless (swimming or sunbathing) that is really inappropriate. I also find G-strings insulting and unnecessary in a country like India. You should always show some respect for the host country and adjust a little. I suggest regular swim wear yes, bikinis that fit and still cover some parts (not to showing) and no thongs. Please don’t show too much, it’s inappropriate and bad-mannered.
Off the beach I would always wear a t-shirt and shorts. Shorts and even tank tops are ok (as opposed to the rest of India). But that’s the minimum, don’t wear less than that. Don’t go to the restaurant in your bikini or walk around in it off the beach.
Sun in Goa
The sun in Goa is strong, very strong. You definitely need sun screen 30 or 50, even in the shade. Don’t go sunbathing in full sun.
I have spent a lot of time in Goa and particularly European winter guests do spend their first day sunbathing in full sunlight. The next day, all of them, really all of them have skin red as a lobster, several sunburns and volunteering move into the shade. You can bet on that beforehand. The sun here is much stronger than anything we have in Europe.
Locals don’t even go outside on midday. We can learn something from that. You need to be extremely careful.
Don’t forget to bring sunscreen. You can buy it anywhere in Goa, but it’s expensive. The best thing is to bring it from home.
Water Temperature
The sea is always warm. There is only a short phase of rain during monsoon season, but even then temperatures only fall a little. The water never has any time periods when it needs to warm up but is always warm. I find this very comfortable. There are a few waves but rather weak ones. It’s not a “bath tub” but you can easily swim.
Life guards are everywhere at the beach as well as on jet skis. Swimming is not a problem, even though Indians sometimes have problems to believe that women can really swim even in deep water.
Cows at The Beach
It’s India, cows are everywhere. Even at the beach or in front of the stores, at any street or path simply anywhere. If you don’t do anything, they don’t do anything. Best thing is to ignore them and just let them be.
“Beach Hawkers” – Salespeople at the Beach
Beach hawkers are there, mostly in main season. The mostly try to sell jewelry and scarves. These products are usually of low quality; in particular jewelry does not last long.
During high season around Christmas, salespeople offer a variety of things: ice cream, beverages, DVDS (usually pirated versions and downloads), clothes, sheds, scarves, towels, massages and everything possible.
The salespeople at the beach are a bit pushy. If you ignore them entirely and don’t show any reaction at all, they let you be and move on. But as soon as you show some interest, they start their entire program. Jewelry sellers for example unpack every single item and put it on a cloth, the sunbed, and the client’s legs.
Prices are subject to bargaining and vary strongly. If you cannot handle all of this, and feel easily stressed, stay in one of the big hotels. They have private beaches where the beach hawkers are not allowed.
What I think about these beach hawkers: you are in India, a country with poverty issues. Of course, these guys come to Goa to make money where the rich tourists are. All they do is try to make a living. The jobs they could have anywhere else would be much worse. In the end, everyone just wants the same thing: a good life for yourself and the family.
You should always consider that before getting too annoyed and unfriendly. There is a reason why these beach hawkers do what they do. They usually come from much poorer places and stay for the season. I would say you can every now and then buy something, even though the quality is low. This can be the difference between a person eating in the evening or starving.
I would not buy from children because I don’t want to support child labor. India is a working democracy that tries to fight poverty. Even poor families have opportunities and offers to send their kids to school. That is why I think it’s best if they don’t make any money and it’s simply not worth sending them to work.
How you handle these kinds of things is up to you. I only ask you to think about why these beach hawkers are around before you feel annoyed and disturbed during your relaxing beach holiday.