New Zealand is like a beautiful painting. It is brimming with stunning beaches, lakes, mountains, islands and lush green forests. To top it all, it is also the adventure capital of the world, offering numerous spine-thrilling experiences, such as skiing, skydiving, hiking, caving and bungee jumping among others. No wonder, the country is a favourite destination among backpackers and budget travellers from around the world.
Tag: backpacker
Goa – Where India Meets Las Vegas
India is a mystical land recognised for its intricate architecture, cultural mash-up and spiritual essence. Travellers from different countries flock to visit its eminent monuments; live through its oomph and explore the multifaceted mysteries that the land holds within itself.
However, the same country has a little hippie corner, a pint-sized bomb that explodes with hip party scenes, urban lifestyle, attractive beaches, mouth-watering seafood and amiable locals to chat with anytime.
Let’s just say, Goa is a hell of a surprise for travellers who come to India to enjoy a spiritual journey. Though, don’t think of Goa as a place where only a party animal would enjoy. It also has a quieter side to it – tranquil villages and passionate beaches.
Goa is a union territory of India situated within the coastal regions of Konkan. It is usually divided into North Goa and South Goa. You may assume that North Goa is more of a party paradise and South Goa is more inclined to the greens and scenic sights. And since Goa is an erstwhile Portuguese state, so, many interesting Portugal influences are found in the architecture and culture of the place.
So, let’s walk around the drama, fun, tranquility, cultural core and the spiritual enigma that abounds Goa.
Best of the Beaches
Calangute Beach – The largest beach in North Goa and a backpacker hub, Calangute Beach is full of local and foreigner tourists in every season. Its festive face and availability of water sports like parasailing and surfing are the major attractions here.
Baga Beach – Another popular beach, Baga beach is more famous for its night scenes. The beach lies close to the north of Panaji, the capital of Goa. Famous clubs, great shacks and a beautiful sunset view awaits you here.
Anjuna Beach – Situated on the west coast of Goa, Anjuna beach is a must visit during the full moon. The moonlight party goes to another level at the famous beach. It is a favourite among the hippies living in Goa.
Vagator Beach – This small beach is located on the north side of Anjuna beach. Full of red cliffs, this beach is a less crowded beach in the area. The beach hosts amazing music hilltop parties. Several shacks and other forms of entertainment are present on its coast.
Candolim and Sinquerim Beach – Calmer than the typical overcrowded Goan beaches, Candolim and Sinquerim beach is greatly enjoyed by the up-market tourists. Several luxury resorts can be found on its coast. It is also a celebrated spot for music festivals.
Bambolim Beach – Serenity and quietness define Bambolim Beach. Amazing picturesque sceneries are the strength of this beach. The Grand Hyatt Goa is situated along this beach.
Goan Food Delights
Goan food is a mix of Konkani, Portuguese, Hindu and Catholic cuisines. Goan fish curry is a must-try here. A variety of seafood like lobsters, prawns, pomfret fish, crabs, clams, ladyfish, mussels, and oysters are cooked in various forms. If you are a vegetarian, there will be choices but less.
Nightlife
Goa gets crazier in the night. Music festivals, beach parties, shopping sprees, food trips; clubs and bars; the darker it gets, the better it is. There’s a reason why Goa is the party capital of India.
Architecture
The Portuguese heritage reflects in the architecture. Whitewashed churches and beautiful cathedrals of old Goa are examples of that. You can also find the Portugal influence in the UNESCO-listed church, Basilica of Bom Jesus.
Yoga and Spiritual Side
Many spiritual activities await you here through which you can awaken your Chi. From yoga and meditation to sunrise t’ai chi sessions and reiki healing courses; you can very well explore your spiritual side here.
Water Sports
A plethora of spine-chilling activities can be enjoyed in Goa such as Surf Boarding, Parasailing, Hill Cycling, Kayaking and Snorkelling among others.
Trendy Flea Markets
Flea markets are definitely worth a shot while you are here such as Anjuna Flea Market and Mapusa market. Most of the flea markets are weekly, so make sure you ask around about them first.
Long story cut short, If you like partying, Goa is your jam. If you are looking for some sightseeing and photography, Goa is your jam too. Or if you are looking to just chill, dance, enjoy music festivals and get drunk with your friends, Goa welcomes you. And Goa wouldn’t disappoint you.
Book the cheapest flights to Goa here.
What’s Stopping You From Travelling?
You might have heard or read that travelling is an addiction that only does you good. True like ice. Travel is a beautiful experience and enriching to your senses. If someone tells you that wanderlust is overrated, trust us, you don’t need that kind of negativity in your life.
Travel teaches you to not merely exist but living your life to the fullest. Every voyage that you take, adds something valuable to your personality. Every journey that you undertake expands your perspective, broaden the horizons of your mind and imbibe the values of endurance in you.
If travel does so much good, then why do people at all procrastinate this? Let’s see. Is it a lack of time? A companion? Is it laziness? Does it seem difficult? Or is there a fear of disappointment?
Ummm, it could be any of these reasons or something else. But what’s important is to understand that travel is not an event for later. In fact, travelling teaches you to live in the moment and enjoy it to the fullest. You will not always be young, wild and free!
But, some of these obstacles are actually legit but the ones that can be cured, really don’t deserve to hold you back. So, we, at The Flights Guru present you some food for soul-searching, so that you can figure out a way to win over the bizarre travel procrastinating phase.
Those Waiting For A Companion
Now, the ones who defer because of a lack of a partner, that’s plain unacceptable! So, you, my friend, need to tell yourself that you can pull it off solo. The fulfilment that a solo trip grants you is undeniably the greatest. It makes you more confident and strong about yourself and life.
If it’s your first time and you’re anxious that you wouldn’t be able to do it all by yourself. Call one of our holiday experts for free. They will give you the best recommendations according to your budget and interests. You can book a tailor-made holiday package to anywhere in the world and pamper yourself in just a few minutes. No damn long and dull research, no need to browse through different websites for hours. Just one call on 020 3887 1060 and you are sorted.
You can also join travel groups on Facebook, meet like-minded people who live in your city and who knows you may also get a travel partner. You can also sign-up for different group tours once you visit the city.
Travelling is not difficult at all. In the case of doubts, you can always study a bit about the city or country you are visiting beforehand, read about their currency and other essential things. For more info on this, read this blog on travel tips.
Those Holding Back Due To Any Health Issue
This is perhaps one of the most unfortunate reasons that may hold you back from travelling. For those of you with a similar issue, ask your doctor if she/he can travel with you. You may also ask for special flight and hotel arrangements or choose nearby destinations to cure your itchy feet.
You also need to remember that no obstacle is powerful than willpower, desire and sheer determination. You might not believe this but Mount Kili’s climbing history includes many senior citizens (the oldest being 86 years old). In fact, wheelchair-bound Bernard Goosen made it to the mountain by crawling to the Summit without any assistance. And wait, HE DID IT TWICE. So, where there’s a will, there’s a way.
For The Lazy Bums and Workaholics
Starting with lazy bums, maybe you are not into hiking, diving and trekking. So you may choose a destination that offers various sightseeing experience like a beach destination. You can just chillax there!
For the workaholics, you need to tell yourself that you have just one life and also that you need to chill. We know there are responsibilities and that work is important but so are you, your body and mind. It’s time you took a breather. Travelling is the best remedy to cure stress and revive yourself from the wraths of a harsh weekend.
You can do it!
So, there are travel procrastinators of all types. It could be something that is a real obstacle or something that you are cooking by yourself. There’s always a solution. So, you need to tell yourself that travel is not an event for later and it’s even better unplanned!