Heading to Goa for the year-end holiday? Plan your trip now with this guide

If you want to ring in 2026 in Goa. Start planning now before hotel rooms are sold out or the room tariff hits the roof

For long, Goa has been a favourite destination to ring in the new year. People from across the globe flock to the country’s tiniest state for year-end holidays. Hotels get sold out much in advance and room tariff hits the roof. So, if you want to spend the new year holiday in Goa, start planning now.

Head over to Goa to end the year on a great note. (PC: Pexels )

Accommodation

Beware of online hotel booking scam - always book either directly with the hotel or through trusted online travel platforms. Stay only in licensed accommodations. Here are a few accommodation options currently available online. All rates mentioned below are for 5 nights (December 28 - January 1, 2026, check out on January 2), two individuals. The rates might change towards the end of the year, so book your accommodation before it is too late.

Villas:

Mogvilla 10-bedroom super luxurious villa with 20 beds in Marna (Siolim): ₹24 lakhs + ₹4.32 lakh taxes. StayVista at Villa Holiva 10-bedroom with pool, beach view in Silidao: ₹16.67 lakhs + ₹3 lakh taxes. Ashore by Vista 6-bedroom ultra luxurious in Morjim: ₹11.37 lakhs + ₹2.04 lakh taxes. Masaya - Off the Grid 6-bedroom mansion in Molcornem (South Goa): ₹11.25 lakh + ₹2.02 lakh taxes. Beach villa with 5 bedrooms and private pool in Arrosim-Cansaulim: ₹9.12 lakh + ₹1.64 lakh taxes. Luxurious 5-bedroom Heritage Villa in Porvorim: ₹5.62 lakh + ₹1.01 lakh as taxes.

Floating villa:

3-bedroom Floating Villa in Agarvado: ₹1.79 lakh+ taxes.

Hotels:

St Regis Resort (1 room for ₹360,000 + ₹64,800 taxes). Deltin Suites: ₹31,000 + taxes. Hyatt Centric Candolim: ₹83,895 + taxes. The Fern Kadamba Hotel & Spa: ₹46,620 + taxes. Grand Hyatt Goa: ₹2.20 lakh + taxes. Fortune Miramar: ₹81,500 + taxes. Le Meridien Calangute: ₹87,500 + taxes.WelcomHeritage Panjim Inn: ₹35,000 + taxes.

Hostels/Guest Houses:

Seeya Heritage Hostel (mixed dormitory rooms): ₹5,000 + taxes. Hotel Jerome’s Holiday Inn: ₹6,800 + taxes. Emerald Ferns Guest House: ₹6,800 + taxes. Whoopers Party Hostel: ₹49,900 + taxes. Trippy Spot Hostel & Cafe: ₹47,500 + taxes. Hostel Mandala in Anjuna: ₹37,000 + taxes. The Hosteller Bam Goa in Calangute: ₹57,700 + taxes. Backspace Anjuna Beach in Anjuna: ₹29,495 + taxes. U.R.D.Ki Hostel: ₹35,400 + taxes. The Yuppi Hippi Backpackers Hostel in Anjuna: ₹14,400 + taxes (bunk bed in mixed dormitory room).

AirBnB:

Over 1,000 homes are listed in Airbnb Goa with price ranging from ₹4,500 a to ₹2.90 lakhs. .Note that the price mentioned on the website includes tariff + all fees. Pick from homes marked Guest Favourite. Always check for hidden cameras in your room, bathroom.

Farmstays:

Dudhsagar Plantation: ₹36,500 + taxes. NV Eco Farm: ₹20,000 + taxes. India Yoga Village: ₹12,750 + taxes.

Renting a car/two-wheeler

Always rent from trusted providers - look for online presence, verified reviews, and a legitimate business history. Always read the fine print of the lease/rent agreement. Take a photograph of the vehicle as soon as you rent to avoid the rampant damaged-vehicle scam - tourists are accused of damaging a vehicle and are compelled to pay hefty fine even though the damage was pre-existing.

Knowing the documentation process of the two wheeler you rent is very important. (Representation pic: Freepik)

Avoid a taxi scam:

There is no Ola/Uber in Goa, you have to rely on private taxis. Or Goa Miles The usual private taxi rates are: 4 hours-40 kms: ₹1,600-2,000; 8 hours, 80 kms: ₹2,500-3,000. To use Goa Miles, download the app but be prepared for long wait and cancellation. Book taxi through your hotel - it is always fair-priced and safer. Always finalise the trip cost before getting into a taxi.

In the event of any dispute with taxi operator, tour operators, do not indulge in quarrel. Instead inform Police Control Room (100).

Casino caveats

A valid and original government photo ID should be carried for verification before getting onboard. A passport is a must for all international guests. The permissible age for entry on the casino floor is 21 years. Ask what’s included in the entry package (cover charge). Avoid flip-flops, sleeveless vests, or beachwear. Closed shoes are recommended for men. Most casinos do not allow entry to men wearing shorts. The cardholder's name should be on all debit and credit cards used for transactions at casinos - it should match the name on the id provided. Cards belonging to joint account holders and companies are not accepted.

How much alcohol can you take back home?

On domestic flights, you can carry 5 litres of alcohol in your checked-in baggage. Alcohol has to be in sealed bottles with 24% and 70% alcohol by volume (ABV). Alcohol with over 70% ABV is prohibited. Partially consumed and opened bottles are not allowed.

Unique in town: All About Alcohol Museum (Candolim). Goa Excise Museum (Panjim). Beco Das Garrafas, world’s first Feni Cellar in Cansaulim. The Den, a cigar bar. Listen to Fado and Mando at Madra Goa (Panjim). Bioluminescent Forest Trail. Mangrove Kayaking. Visit ancient salt pans.

Dos and don’ts

Know the dos and don'ts for a safe Goa trip. (PC: Made via Chat Gpt)