Monthly Breakdown for Solo Female Travelers, Remote Workers, and Slow Movers

India was always on my list. But like many solo female travellers, I had safety on my mind. There’s no shortage of stories online about harassment or discomfort, and I wanted my first experience to be one that allowed me to be cautious without constant anxiety.

Goa felt like the right entry point. It was more relaxed, had a strong domestic tourism scene, and importantly, I felt like I could stay on my own terms. I followed some self-set boundaries to make it work: dressing conservatively, being home before nightfall, and only using app-based transport. For Goa, that meant using GoaMiles — an official ride-hailing app.

I’d read some past reports about friction between GoaMiles and local taxi drivers, but I personally had no issues. I also booked my airport transfer online in advance, and recommend doing the same via Trip.com for ease of mind.

💰 Expenses Breakdown

🛏️ Accommodation: SGD1,400
→ I stayed near Candolim, a little further from the beach strip, but chose it because the apartment was spacious and came with a washing machine. It gave me peace of mind in case I didn’t feel safe going out frequently.
🍽️ Food: ~SGD40/day
→ Local food is a must-try — naan and paneer butter masala were incredible here. I’d had them overseas before, but eating them in India was next-level. I mostly ate at cafes and mid-range restaurants.
🚇 Transport: SGD350
→ This included the private airport transfer I booked in advance. GoaMiles worked surprisingly well, but it did take time to match with a driver — sometimes up to 30 minutes.
💄 Grooming: SGD50
→ Just the basics: toiletries and small necessities.

Total: ~SGD3,040 (excluding activities)

📌 On a tighter budget, Goa can be done from ~SGD1,000/month. But if you’re prioritising safety and ease, spending more on verified stays and app-based transport makes a difference.

🏡 Where to Stay in Goa: as a solo traveller

🏠 Airbnb, Hotel, or Something Else?

✅ Hotels: Great for shorter trips. Higher cost but safer check-in and on-site support
✅ Airbnb: Choose gated properties with reviews mentioning solo stays or security

📌 For short-term stays, it’s better to live near the beach strip where food and activities are. But I couldn’t find many well-equipped apartments there, which is why I stayed in Candolim.

🍽️ Food and Dining in Goa (SGD40/day)

✔️ Fisherman’s Wharf — slightly more touristy, but safe and consistent
✔️ Baba Au Rhum — cafe-style with a relaxed atmosphere
✔️ Gunpowder — excellent flavours, a bit tucked away but felt safe

📌 Any local place with naan and paneer butter masala — do not skip!

🚕 Transport Costs (SGD350 for the Month)

✔️ I relied entirely on GoaMiles.
✔️ Always book via the app, not roadside
✔️ Be ready for cancellations and wait times (30 mins isn’t rare)

📌 Airport transfer tip: Book in advance

📶 Internet and Workspaces (SGD25)

✔️ Make sure your accommodation lists actual speeds
✔️ I wouldn’t recommend relying on mobile tethering in more remote areas

📌 Do note that outages may happen — once, the power went out for a few hours due to an accident nearby that damaged an electricity pole. So it’s worth having backup offline tasks just in case.

🎟️ Where I Spent My Time in Goa

There was a beach nearby, but it was pretty crowded so I didn’t spend much time there. I preferred hanging out at restaurants, cafes, and even popped into Decathlon quite often. The mall was further out and didn’t have much.

🌟 Final Thoughts: Was SGD3,040 Worth It?

✔️ Goa was a good first step into India
✔️ Safety rules may sound rigid, but they helped me relax
✔️ Even better experience than Colombo in terms of comfort and ease
✔️ Would I return alone? Yes. But only to places I’ve vetted.

🙋‍♀️ Who This City is For

• First-time solo travellers testing the waters in India
• Remote workers who prefer quiet spaces and beaches
• Anyone wanting a slow, sensory, safety-conscious month