Goa 2010

Introduction

Having only really scratched the surface of Goa never mind India we decided that we would like to return as the holiday in 2009 was such  a wonderful trip. Mandy and I soon began to long for for the exotic call of the Asian Koel and all the lovely aromas that Goa exudes! I began to look around for a holiday later than I did in 2009 and to be honest I was amazed to see very few holidays being offered to the Marinha Dourada at the time of year we were looking to go. I searched Thomson and Monarch websites but it was hard work finding any 21 night stays as this time we felt a longer stay might just suit us better. It was becoming increasingly obvious that something was a little different from last year and as I trawled the net I came across an explanation as to why so few holidays were available. It seems that a lot of the package companies had dropped at least one of their flights a week rendering the availability as low.....hhrruummppp! I also noted some good deals around for April in Lesvos but Mandy was adamant and as luck would have it I also came across another website declaring that Qatar airlines were now offering flights to Goa's Dabolim airport from Manchester via Doha in Qatar. I emailed the hotel (Marinha Dourada) to ask a price for 21 nights and was pleasantly surprised to get a very low price quoted for such a great hotel. I have to admit this was my first time booking a non standard package holiday and I was a little concerned about the transit at Doha airport and the "getting it together" control you get with a package holiday. Mandy was having non of it and before "kingfish" could be muttered we were sat at Althams travel and we had booked our flights via Qatar airlines for 18 nights! I confirmed with the hotel when we would be arriving and departing and as of July 9th we are now counting down to seeing some pretty amazing avifauna not to mention the great curries...my taste buds are already jangling! We will be booking in at Backwoods camp and we have yet to decide how long to stay for as we might go for 4 nights as opposed to 3. We shall see Backwoods this year at the Birdfair so we can discuss the options.

Cost Breakdown

The flight was booked through Althams travel using Gold Medal travel as the agent. We also took out an insurance to cover any failures in our flight company as well as making sure that I used my credit card to pay for this as extra cover as at the moment travel companies are a real at risk problem. We also purchased the option of a drop off by Althams comfortable transport to and from Manchester Airport.

Flight Tickets, Flight insurance, Transport to and from Manchester Airport Total £863.46

Accommodation at the Marinha Dourada for 18 nights on a B&B basis total is £576

Visa Cost £42 each inc postage costs.

Travel Insurance (TBA) £?

Stay at Backwoods Camp for 3 night/4 days is approx £100 per person

Contact Details of various Hotels, Companies, Guides, Airlines ETC