THE dark, cold nights getting you down? Book a trip to this lesser-known winter sun spot with golden beaches and cheap food.
Sticking around 34C in the winter months, Goa sits on India’s west coast around nine hours from the UK.
And the good news is that TUI is adding more flights to the destination as part of its winter 2027/2028 schedule.
When it comes to things to do in Goa, TUI Travel Agent, Gary Collett from TUI’s Romford store, has visited holiday spot 11 times since his first trip in 2000.
Gary said: “I’m still finding reasons to go back.
“The beaches and weather might draw you in, but it’s the people, food and culture that really stay with you.
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“A lot of first-time visitors don’t realise how much history there is either, particularly Goa’s Portuguese influence, which you see in everything from its architecture and churches to its food.
“My advice is to get out and explore beyond your hotel.”
He added that when it comes to finding somewhere to stay, North and South Goa are very different.
North Goa is great for families, couples and solo travellers with beaches lined with restaurants, vibrant markets and a thriving nightlife.
Gary said: “Candolim is the area I keep coming back to because you can relax on the beach but still be close to livelier spots such as Baga.”
On the other hand, if you want to completely switch off, then South Goa might be a better option.
“It is much quieter and more scenic, so I particularly recommend it for couples, honeymooners and special-occasion trips,” Gary added.
Once in Goa, there is plenty to do, such as heading to Arambol Sweet Water Lake – a freshwater lagoon tucked behind the coast, surrounded by coconut groves and green hills in North Goa.
Gary shared: “You can swim in the freshwater, explore the surrounding trails and then head straight back to the beach, so it’s a brilliant change of scene from a typical day on the coast.”
Another option is to head to Dudhsagar Falls, which you could do as a TUI Musement experience, where you’d go on a 4×4 trip to the falls with a Goan spice garden and lunch for £62 per person.
There’s also the Historical Old Goa Tour which visits the Basilica of Bom Jesus and Panjim city from £69 per person.
You’ll also find golden sandy beaches across Goa, with some spots known for dolphins such as Cavelossim.
As for food and drink, it isn’t expensive.
Gary revealed: “One of the best things about Goa is that you can eat like a king without spending a fortune.
“You absolutely have to try a Goan fish curry, while crab xec xec is one of my favourites.
“If you want something quick, try choriz pao, a Goan street-food
staple.”
He also recommends the beach shacks where you can often pick up a two-course meal and a drink for around £7-£10 per person or a pint of local beer for 90p.
There will be three direct TUI Airways flights a week from London Gatwick, including a new Sunday service, alongside increased capacity from Manchester for the 2027/2028 winter season.
If you can wait until then though, you could fly from London Gatwick to Goa this winter from £553 return, per person.
If you were to look ahead though, you could book seven nights in Candolim, North Goa, staying at the The Astor Goa Hotel on a bed & breakfast basis from £1,344 per person, departing from London Gatwick on November 17, 2027.
Or book seven nights to Betalbatim Beach in South Goa and stay at the Beleza By The Beach Goa on bed & breakfast basis from £1,532 per person, departing from Manchester on November 16, 2027.