How to Plan a Budget-Friendly Trip to Goa: Your Ultimate Guide

How to Plan a Budget-Friendly Trip to Goa: Your Ultimate Guide

By Nishang Narayan

Published on September 29, 2024

Goa, with its sun-kissed beaches, vibrant nightlife, and relaxed vibe, is a dream destination for many. While often known for luxury, Goa can also be explored on a budget without compromising on fun or comfort. Here's your guide to planning an affordable yet unforgettable Goa trip, complete with where to stay, eat, and explore.

1. Travel Smart

To save on travel, plan your trip during the shoulder season—just before or after the peak times of December to February. Flights and trains are cheaper, and the weather remains pleasant. Plus, you'll avoid the crowds, allowing you to enjoy the beaches more peacefully.

2. Choose Affordable Accommodation

While Goa has plenty of luxurious resorts, budget accommodation options are also widely available. Boho By The Beach is a fantastic choice for those seeking both comfort and affordability. This stylish, budget-friendly resort offers a beachside ambiance, cozy rooms, and a relaxed atmosphere, perfect for solo travelers, couples, or groups looking for a great stay without splurging.

3. Dine Local and Savvy

Goa’s food scene is diverse and affordable if you know where to go. Skip the expensive restaurants and explore local eateries and street food for authentic Goan cuisine at a fraction of the cost. A trendy yet budget-friendly option is The Boho Box, a charming eatery offering a range of delicious dishes without overspending. From breakfast to dinner, it's perfect for a flavorful, budget-conscious meal.

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4. Rent a Scooter for Sightseeing

Scooters are the most fun and economical way to explore Goa. Rentals are affordable, and riding a scooter lets you discover the state’s beautiful beaches, cultural landmarks, and hidden spots at your own pace. From the vibrant beaches of North Goa like Baga and Anjuna to the peaceful stretches of South Goa such as Palolem, a scooter gives you the freedom to enjoy Goa without relying on costly taxis.

5. Enjoy Free or Low-Cost Activities

There are plenty of ways to enjoy Goa that won’t break the bank. Spend your days lounging on the beach, visiting historic churches and temples, or exploring nature trails. Many landmarks, such as the Basilica of Bom Jesus and Se Cathedral, are free to enter, offering a glimpse into Goa’s rich history.

For more relaxation, consider attending yoga sessions or live music nights hosted at Boho By The Beach, where you can unwind and soak in Goa’s bohemian spirit without spending too much.

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6. Shop at Local Markets

Goa’s vibrant flea markets, such as Anjuna Flea Market and Mapusa Market, are perfect for budget shopping. Whether you're looking for souvenirs, clothing, or jewelry, these local markets offer unique finds at great prices while giving you a chance to experience the lively local culture.

Goa offers something for everyone, and with a little planning, you can enjoy all the beauty and excitement of this coastal paradise on a budget. By choosing affordable accommodations, local dining spots, and free activities, you’ll create lasting memories without overspending. Whether it’s relaxing on a hidden beach or exploring colorful markets, a budget-friendly Goa trip promises just as much magic as a luxury one. Happy travels!


Etihad Leverages Premium Service and Partnerships to Grow in India

Etihad Leverages Premium Service and Partnerships to Grow in India

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on October 14, 2025

Etihad Airways is focusing on premium travel and customer segmentation to boost its business in India, one of its top three global markets, while operating at full capacity under a bilateral seat agreement with the country.

The Abu Dhabi-based airline has been upgrading its services with new aircraft and enhanced cabin experiences to attract high-value travellers. Since relaunching flights to Kolkata in March 2023, Etihad increased its weekly frequency from four to eight flights by 2025. Across India, the airline now operates 185 flights a week to 11 cities.

“We fly all the seats that the bilateral agreement allows us,” said Javier Alija, Etihad Airways Vice President for Global Sales and Distribution. The agreement caps 50,000 weekly seats for Abu Dhabi-based carriers, shared between Etihad and Air Arabia Abu Dhabi. Until the agreement changes, the airline cannot add more frequencies or destinations.

To overcome these capacity constraints, Etihad is building partnerships, including a tie-up with Akasa Air, connecting four Indian cities to Abu Dhabi. The airline is also enhancing the passenger experience for long-haul travellers, especially to the US, with Abu Dhabi’s new terminal and US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) pre-clearance. This allows passengers to arrive in the US as domestic travellers, saving time at immigration.

Kolkata is the first Indian city to receive Etihad’s new A321 LR aircraft, featuring a redesigned cabin with just 160 seats, two first-class suites, 14 business, and 144 economy seats, offering a widebody-like experience in a narrow-body aircraft. “This reflects Kolkata’s strong premium travel potential,” Alija said.

Etihad’s focus on yield optimisation and operational efficiency has helped the airline achieve record financial results. For the current year, it expects 21–22% growth in seat capacity, 22–23% increase in revenue, and a 30% rise in absolute profit, supported by expansions in other markets. The airline plans to launch 13 new international routes by year-end, aiming to serve nearly 90 destinations worldwide.

Alija added, “Even if our frequencies and destinations remain static, these customer-focused and operational efforts ensure Etihad continues to be the preferred airline for Indian travellers. We are very conscious that our rapid growth should not compromise the financial gains we have achieved.”


Air India Adds Fourth Daily Delhi–London Heathrow Flight for Winter 2025

Air India Adds Fourth Daily Delhi–London Heathrow Flight for Winter 2025

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on October 12, 2025

Air India has announced an expansion of its services to the United Kingdom for the Northern Winter 2025 schedule, introducing a fourth daily flight between Delhi and London Heathrow starting 26 October 2025. With this addition, the airline will now operate 28 weekly flights on the route, increasing capacity by 1,196 seats each way per week.

All flights on the Delhi–London route will be operated by Air India’s Airbus A350-900 and Boeing 787-9 aircraft, both featuring three-class configurations: Business, Premium Economy, and Economy. Travellers can look forward to complimentary WiFi connectivity and over 3,000 hours of inflight entertainment, including one of the largest Indian content libraries available onboard.

Air India remains the largest carrier between India and the UK, operating 61 weekly flights and offering 18,066 seats per week in one direction, translating to nearly 1.7 million seats annually. The airline currently connects Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Ahmedabad, and Amritsar to London Heathrow, London Gatwick, and Birmingham.

“With this addition, we are further strengthening our UK operations, ensuring travellers have more flexibility and access to Air India’s upgraded widebody experience,” an Air India spokesperson said.

Premium travellers and eligible Maharaja Club members will continue to enjoy complimentary lounge access globally, including at London Heathrow’s Air Canada Maple Leaf Lounge, Lufthansa Business Lounge, Singapore Airlines SilverKris Lounge, and United Club Lounge. Business Class and Premium Economy guests can also enjoy upgraded amenities, luxury bedding, and fine dining featuring Indian and international cuisine.

As part of its broader UK network optimisation, Air India is also restoring daily services on the Bengaluru–London Heathrow route and resuming thrice-weekly flights on Ahmedabad–London Gatwick, Amritsar–London Gatwick, and Delhi–Birmingham routes. The Mumbai–London Heathrow double daily service will remain unchanged.

This latest expansion underscores Air India’s commitment to enhancing connectivity and passenger experience, reflecting its ongoing transformation and growing international footprint.


SpiceJet Announces Special Diwali Flights to Ayodhya from Key Indian Cities

SpiceJet Announces Special Diwali Flights to Ayodhya from Key Indian Cities

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on October 7, 2025

SpiceJet has announced the launch of daily non-stop flights connecting Ayodhya with Delhi, Bengaluru, Ahmedabad, and Hyderabad starting October 8, 2025. The initiative coincides with the Diwali festive season, making travel to the Shri Ram Temple easier for devotees and tourists while reinforcing SpiceJet’s commitment to affordable and accessible travel.

The new services will be introduced in a phased manner to ensure seamless connectivity and reliable operations. SpiceJet also revealed that flights from Mumbai to Ayodhya are under consideration to meet the growing travel demand during the festive and winter seasons.

Debojo Maharshi, Chief Business Officer, SpiceJet, said, “There could be no better occasion than Diwali to visit Ayodhya, the birthplace of Lord Ram. We are delighted to make travel to the holy city easier and more convenient for devotees and tourists alike. Our new daily flights from key metros will ensure smooth and affordable access to Ayodhya during Diwali, allowing passengers to celebrate the festival in its most divine setting.”

The special Diwali flight services are expected to cater to increased passenger traffic, offering greater flexibility for travellers from major Indian cities. This network expansion strengthens SpiceJet’s domestic reach while supporting religious and seasonal tourism.

SpiceJet, an IATA-IOSA certified airline, operates a fleet of Boeing 737s and Q-400s and continues to be among India’s largest regional carriers under the UDAN scheme. The airline remains focused on expanding its network to meet cultural and regional travel needs across the country.

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