Welcome to holiday truths. I am sure that the Goa gang will soon help you out.

EB, nothing wrong with Highland beach, not my choice but thats just a personal thing!
Its in a good location and rooms are apparently larger than usual .

As far as prices go, just keep reading the posts for the next few weeks and you will get up to date info, last year I was getting around 80rps to the pound and a beer was round 65 rps.
Food can be any price you want but even the expensive places are cheap in comparison to UK and most euro countries.
Clothing needs to be light and airy, high heels for ladies are not such a good idea nor are lots of lovely white expensive clothes.

Don't be put off by the airport and the first 2 hours of your holiday, ignore the dirt and etc you see on the way to the hotel and keep an open mind.
If the beaches at candolim are too busy for you , get a taxi to take you to Morjim/Ashwem beaches, around £10/12 for taking waiting and return. Lovely and quiet.
One tip I have never seen on here is to take one of those fold away ladies fans (like you see in old films set in Spain) these can be really useful on hot evenings.
Loads more tips if you look around the site, especially from those who are going early in the season.

Don't forget your visa!!

Hi,
We stayed at Highland beach 3 times a few years ago.
It is quite good, living room, bedroom and bathroom. Don't accept a room near the reception area ask for one somewhere quieter.
It has grown since we were there and I think there are 5 swimming pools dotted around the complex now.
Don't forget to come to one of the meetings as you are only 10 minutes walk away.
Plenty of good restaurants around so no need to stay in the hotel.
Sue in her little shop outside will sell you everything you have forgotten to bring.

Remember my first holiday to Goa years ago,absolutly loved it! Couldn't get back quick enough to get another hol in before my visa ran out.
Yes it's changed but i'm sure being your first time you'll enjoy.

We have stayed at The Highland Beach fur times in the last eight years.

For any small essentials (like tonic for G & T!), you could try Wilma, the girl who has a stall on the right hand side of the lane from HB to the main road. She's always grateful of your custom, we've bought our bits from her every time

have stayed at the highland many times - try and get a room in the newer blocks they are much nicer. all staff are really friendly, its in a good location and you should have an enjoyable stay.