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🏖️ Why No One Wants to Go to Goa Anymore (And Honestly, I Get It)

Let’s be real — Goa used to feel like freedom. Endless beaches, cheap beer, trance music, and a kind of raw, unfiltered vibe that made you feel like anything was possible. But somewhere along the way, that changed. These days, whenever someone says, “Let’s plan a Goa trip,” most of us reply with a polite nod… and zero actual excitement. I’m not saying no one goes to Goa anymore. People still do — especially first-timers. But for many of us, the spark is gone. And here’s exactly why.

TRAVEL

Kavya Tristate

6/2/20252 min read

1. It’s Just… Too Crowded

Goa in December used to be iconic. Now it feels like standing in line at a chaotic metro station — except you’re paying thousands to be there.

Baga Beach is packed, Anjuna has traffic jams, and even so-called “hidden” spots are overflowing with tourists and bikes. If you’re trying to escape city stress, Goa might just double it.

2. The Prices? Through the Roof

Goa used to be affordable. Now? Not so much.

Shack food is overpriced.
Scooter rentals are ridiculous during season time.
Taxis charge like you’re booking an intercity ride.

I’ve had trips where I spent less in the mountains than on a 3-day Goa weekend.

3. The Vibe Is... Off

Once upon a time, Goa felt free — no judgment, no pressure, just sun, sea, and salt in your hair.

Now it feels curated for Instagram. Everyone’s trying to outdo each other’s sunset reels. And the spontaneous, soulful vibe that once made Goa magical? Drowned under techno beats and overpriced cocktails.

4. Instagram Burnout Is Real

We’ve all seen the same stories:

Sunset at Anjuna
Breakfast at Artjuna
That one friend at Thalassa with a drink in hand

It’s not exciting anymore — it’s expected. When travel starts to feel like a template, the magic fades.

5. Better (and Quieter) Alternatives Exist

If you’re looking for peace, nature, or fresh travel energy — there are better options now.

Gokarna: Laid-back and far less commercial
Varkala: Clifftop cafes and fewer crowds
Pondicherry: A French-Indian coastal mix
Andaman & Nicobar Islands: Remote and breathtaking
North East India: Underrated and unexplored

And the best part? You’ll likely spend less and experience more.

6. Familiarity Has Turned Into Boredom

If you’ve done Goa two or three times, you’ve probably ticked off:

Tito’s Lane (RIP)
Baga to Anjuna bar hop
Scooty rides down the coast
Random shack parties

It’s fun… until it feels like you’re stuck in a time loop.

Even the playlists haven’t changed.

7. It’s Not Dead — Just… Tired

I don’t hate Goa. I actually still like it — in pockets. South Goa still has peace. There are cafes in Assagao that still feel intimate. But that raw energy we all fell in love with? It's faded.

Maybe it’ll come back. Maybe we’ll grow into a newer version of Goa. But right now, for many of us, it just doesn’t hit the same.

Final Thoughts

Goa used to be the poster child of liberation. Now, it feels more like a recycled idea.

If you still love Goa, I get it. But if you’ve quietly stopped caring about those Goa group chats — know that you’re not alone.

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Vacation Burnout Chaos - GOA