If you’re following us on Facebook, you must have noticed that we’re in Goa. No, we are not here for a week or two but are here for a few months. We’re not “holiday”ing here but are volunteering in Goa. This is our way of slow travel because we want to make our way to Sri Lanka by January 2017.
So what exactly are we doing in Goa?
A little work in the hostel..
I’m volunteering in Goa ‘s Red Door Hostel in Anjuna. The same hostel also has a restaurant where San is working in the bar and kitchen. We get two meals a day here and get to sleep for free. I don’t get paid because I’m a volunteer but San get a little money because he’s a professionally trained chef. Both of us work for half a day and get a day off per week. Our work is very relaxed and a lot of fun.
2016 was a very crazy year. I traveled to 10 countries and didn’t even get a chance to write about them all. I had to take a forced break from blogging while I was attending back-to-back music festivals and later preparing for my German examination. Sitting behind the hostel help desk for half a day has given me a little stability that I needed. I’m finally getting some writing done.
And a little party..
Goa is the birthplace of Psychedelic Trance genre and a typical old school Goa party has no match. This is where I got my first taste of Psychedelic trance music back in 2004 and I was hooked. So yes, we are partying a LOT here. Again.
Why did we choose Goa?
If you’re a regular reader of my blog, I’m sure you know by now how much I love Goa. A lot of people hate it because it’s getting touristy, but which place isn’t? Honestly, Goa is massive and there are many empty areas. It’s mostly the beach belt that gets crowded and we have our own secret spots. We’re in North Goa, which is busier than South Goa.
The cost of living in Goa is definitely lower than most of the places we know of, so it is easy to survive here with little money. The fact that we’re sleeping and eating for free has made it possible for us to live off the earnings of our travel blog. Goa is a good place for digital nomads.
I visited Goa for the first time in 2004 and have always wanted to live here. After finally finding courage to quit my full time job, I can finally make my dream come true. Better late than never, don’t you think?
Want to meet us?
A lot of my friends and blog readers are in Goa at the moment because it is a popular spot to celebrate New Year’s Eve. If you’re planning on visiting, do check out my post about Goa travel tips and my detailed guide about North Goa Beaches. It has some amazing hotel and hostel reccomendations too. Oh, and send us a message on Facebook or Instagram if you want to meet us in Goa.
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looking into volunteering in India in a couple months. If I didn’t volunteer and just based myself in Goa, staying in a hostel for a couple months, maybe drinking twice a week….do you have an estimate on what you could live on?
And importantly, what’s the internet situation like?
Hi Jub, sorry for replying a month late. The cost of drinking in Goa is very low, a pint of beer costs half a dollar if you buy it from the super market. The hostel where I volunteered gave us food so we didn’t really spend much. Internet was pretty decent in Anjuna, but it depends on which area you are going to be in. Hostels are a little expensive, but it may be cheaper for you to rent a house or a room on a long term basis. Some people paid as low as 6500 rupees for a month for a room in a house with kitchen and a garden. If you need help, I can tell you where you can find more info. There are many communities and groups on facebook for this.
Hey Sonal,
I recently found your blog and enjoyed reading through your posts. Goa is in fact a favorite destination for many, including me. I love the beaches, the roads, the churches, and everything of Goa.
Namaste, Guten Tag!
I'm Sonal from India, living in Germany and exploring Europe. I've been writing about my travel adventures since 2015. I often travel alone (and sometimes with my husband & our toddler).
I love nature, adventure, hiking to viewpoints, Yoga, and road trips. I love creating itineraries and in-depth travel guides which will help you make the most of your trip.
![North Goa Beaches and Beyond [+ Video + Map] - Everything You Need to Know](https://drifterplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/Copy-of-North-Goa-Beaches-150x150.jpg "North Goa Beaches and Beyond [+ Video + Map] - Everything You Need to Know")
Hey Sonal,
looking into volunteering in India in a couple months. If I didn’t volunteer and just based myself in Goa, staying in a hostel for a couple months, maybe drinking twice a week….do you have an estimate on what you could live on?
And importantly, what’s the internet situation like?
Cheers
Hi Jub, sorry for replying a month late. The cost of drinking in Goa is very low, a pint of beer costs half a dollar if you buy it from the super market. The hostel where I volunteered gave us food so we didn’t really spend much. Internet was pretty decent in Anjuna, but it depends on which area you are going to be in. Hostels are a little expensive, but it may be cheaper for you to rent a house or a room on a long term basis. Some people paid as low as 6500 rupees for a month for a room in a house with kitchen and a garden. If you need help, I can tell you where you can find more info. There are many communities and groups on facebook for this.
Hey, I was in Goa February/March (staying in Wonderland), I’m sorry I didn’t met you guys! Definitely have to meet next season! Full power! xoxo
Andreja – wonderland is our friend’s hostel (Sandeep). 🙂 We’re not sure about the next season but will let you know.
Hey Sonal,
I recently found your blog and enjoyed reading through your posts. Goa is in fact a favorite destination for many, including me. I love the beaches, the roads, the churches, and everything of Goa.