Went to the waterpark in March this year, had a great time, much smaller than those in the Med, but brill for Goan standards (4 or 5 slides in total). IMO not much for a 3yr old to do, unless VERY confident in the water.

We have taken our son to Goa twice, the first time he was 18 months, then two years later, and we are going back in January 09 with him, now 5 and his little sister, who is 18 months.

He absolutely loved it. He spent all day digging on the beach, he loved the tuks tuks and seeing elephants roaming around. I think it is great to take children on far away holidays, it shows them other cultures,a nd that not everyone is as fortunate as them.

We were alittle more careful about where we ate when he was only 18 months, as we will be this time round with our daughter.

This is not a rant, but in this world of greed and commercialism, there is nothing nicer than seeing children enjoy themselves playing on the beach, and in the rock pools etc. without having to be constantly amused by funfairs, and machines etc etc.

been takeing grandson from atiny baby he in now 5 he has never had a christmas in england will be back 13 december for 3 weeks

an important issue is
visa for her Do we need a consent letter from her parents and who actually fills her aplication form in also is the same cost as ours
thanks again
sharon uk

if the child has there own passport which in this case they would you will need a separate visa and the cost is the same, not sure if you would need a letter of permission or not though sorry cant help there.

HI Sharon not sure about Goa but we are taking our 12yr old grandson on a Baltic Cruise
next year booked with [Vacations to go]and had to down load a consent form for his Mum
to sign ,it was for if any medical treatment was needed us as grandparents could
sign on her behalf,have always taken him with us to Tenerife ect with no problem,best check
it out to be on the safe side
ann

me personaly i dont think i would want to take children to goa, not until there a bit older anyway, maybe 16, we did see some younger childern there in jan and got chatting to the parents who said it was nice for them to see india, but wouldnt bring them back, they felt it wasnt suitable for younger children,

we didnt take our son on our first few trips but he has been since he was six and loves it. At first it was very exiting, elephants, monkeys, tuk tuks etc and now it's visiting his friends, playing cricket, go-karting and learning to speak conkani and hindi. He's eleven coming up for twelve and cant wait to go back in February. We think it has been a good experience for him, especially understanding differnt religions, customs and the contrast in the way people live. If you ask him what the best thing about Goa is he says the people and the sun. Just be a bit careful with kids food, particulary ice cream, take some anti-bacterial handwash and make sure you clean cuts & grazes and apply anticeptic, not wanting to teach grandma to suck eggs but as always common sense. Also beware of the current in the sea it is really strong.

hi thanks for your replys
ive not just done this hoilday on the spur of the moment i spent many hours of our last holiday
asking familys with small children there veiws we even changed our hotel because we thought the MD was better for kiddies than the Nizmar and as said theres a good choice of things to do including the jungle trip which includes elephant washing also know some beaches are safer than others
My first trip ive allready said i wouldnt take children probably because i took it for granted that id ever be taking one along myself but i know deep in my heart shell enjoy every moment of it and if i thought it un safe then id stick to benidorm
Food well theres plenty of engish places to eat and the Why not where your next meets will be is rated as one of the best in calungute so meat and 3 veg a day diet for her will be no probs
For the last 2 years ive been with my parents who are both in there 70s so its going to be a doddle looking after a 3yr old Bless them my father in law ended up in intensive care there last year So
my hubby went back to goa to be with them for a few weeks every thing turned out ok but i must say that Terry and angela of the Why not bar really looked after them even as far as taking them a meal to there apartment and just checking up on them Any way hes now ok and they will be back in Goa this coming year
Back to the subject Thanks for your email Aarond much apreciated
sharon uk

I just though parents should be aware of this (I know it might happen everywhere), but knowing and taking a little more caution might prevent it (sorry to be the bearer of bad news)

http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/goa/9-year-old-Russian-girl-allegedly-raped-in-Goa-complaint-filed/articleshow/5504335.cms

On a personal note, having been to Goa several times with friends only; and having grown up children, I would not have enjoyed taking them when they were younger. Combined with the heat, food and rough seas they would not have enjoyed it (and I woul have not relaxed). I have loved every moment of Goa holidays, but will leave it to the children to decide if and when they want to go, they are now all old enough to sort themselves out !

We are travelling as a family to Goa next week.

Sorted our visa's out on Monday (collecting Friday) and my 3 year old who has his own passport needed his own form (plus fee which is now £ 39); a letter of consent signed by me and the wife; a photocopy of each of our passports; and a photocopy of his birth certificate....None of the copies need to be certified.

Also needed the usual photos

Hope this helps