just back from calangute, cant tell you bout the changes as it was my first time , but as far as the shacks and sunbeds go. we used gypsy,s shack on the beach and because we bought something to eat /drink we were not charged anything, can tell you that the beach was packed esp on a sunday, but was told that the locals use the beach that day more than during the week. didnt put me of any way. as far as prices are we had some nice things to eat cant remeber the prices tho but it was cheap. tho i can say we went to a few places at night to eat ie mally molones, the plam tree, and hungry joes, and a 3 course meal cost no more than a tenner in our money,
hubbie says hes seen a change tho as hes been there loads of times, changes he noticed was, more scooters on the roads, more people on the roads, had to laugh at him when he said this tammie

thanks tammie

adele ur welcome, hubbie said if you cash sterling you will get 72.5 traverls cheques you get 71.5 just look around. can also tell you if you are going to do a few of the trips . ie see doplhins, jungle book day trip , best price to pay for these is with valeries, tour operater will cost more. tammie

Just returned and swore we won't go back next year because we need to see some new places. We said the same last year too !
The problem we have with Goa is that it ticks too many boxes on the list of holiday wants.However, we are lucky in that we can afford the time to go for a month and each time we have been (DIY) we have tried staying somewhere new for part of the trip to add some interest.This year was our first stay in Candolim and I have to say it's put a new lease of life into Goa for us. In my opinion it's much nicer than Baga and Calangute, the beach particularly at the south end of the BCC strip is far less crowded and the area in general has a better choice of eating places too.
Overall there are changes as there are everywhere. Most noticeable are the lack of Brits, the huge increase in Russians and domestic tourists, the latter particularly in Baga and Calangute, the former in Candolim. You do notice that there is more road traffic each year too.
Prices are up from last year but still offer incredible value for money compared to elsewhere in the world. A good quality meal and a couple of beers averaged about R1000 per night for 2 .

Hi Dave, we hoping to go be going back to Goa end Feb/very early March. Wondering if while u were in Candolim you saw any guest house that u thought was particularly good? In past stayed at Marina Dourada BUT this year thinking of something different. 1st the Russians win the world cup bid and then they start taking over Candolim!!

Casa Sea Shell looked very nice from the road so we asked for a room quote for next time. Currently R1800 per night. However, if possible we will return to the Santana Beach ! They quoted me R3300 per night at the moment but when I booked accomodation only through Monarch we paid the equivalent of R2240. I told them I had paid less and he suggested I emailed them for the current rate when we intend returning and they will give me a special rate as a return guest.
We also stayed at the Marinha Dourada for 12 nights, I was not particularly impressed this time around for a variety of reasons. I'll submit a hotel report soon. cheers Dave

http://www.prettypetalsgoa.com/

Goa is still great but as others have pointed out it is changing all the time.

If you read my short report it says more or less the way I see things going.

http://www.holidaytruths.co.uk/viewtopic.php?f=60&t=149362

We will however be back in February but are now actively looking at Cambodia as an alternative.

Visa online for $20 takes abot 3 minutes to do better hotel standards and cheaper than Goa.

Downside seems to be a pig to get to.

Papa

I would definitely recommend Cambodia Papa , it is my favourite place on the planet

Thanks Shirley.

Later this year I think.

Papa

You will love it Papa , I do

Adele! I am here now for the 11th year! There are a few changes but also still fabulous!!