Few tips for you Chris
1. Keep a bundle of small notes with you 10/20/50rps for taxis (they never have any change)
2. Keep your wits about you when walking on the road side,anyone driving feels the need to get a little bit too close for comfort.
3. Carrying handbags - keep them to the inside (away from passing traffic) - reports from this year and the last few have seen an increase of snatching.
4. Don't chase round for the best exchange rates - only the odd ruppee between any, no point in wasting time in my opinion.
5. Everyone reccomends a beach shack !! - been in many that are better than my chosen one (Ganesh Shack) great friends so will never give up on him. Try which ever 'till you like what you get.
6. Same with restaurants, one likes it one doesn't ! My choices - Inferno/After 8/Green Jacket/Floyds (both of them)/Mermaid/The Bistro and Delhi Darbar in Panaji.
7. Trips out - Jungle trip/waterfalls/Old Goa/Spice plantation - book a taxi for the day to go in land,up north and down the coast - get to see quite a bit.
8. Stomach problems - don't hesitate get to the chemist ! these guys know everything and will have the best cure.
9. Keep your water intake up to avoid dehydration (also get to the chemist for fruit flavoured salt powders) take one at the end of the day when chilling on your balcony.
10. Anjuna market on Wednesdays - go early as possible before it gets too hot (take note of where your taxi is parked up !
11. Prefer Mackies night market to Ingo's, but do both for the experience. Food stalls here are spot on.
12. Beggers - your choice... women with kids - some could be genuine (my reports say they are professional) would give to the cripples, but only coins or small notes.
13. Swimming - don't go too far out
14. After picking a preferd beach shack don't be afraid to ask for anything, they will advise,help and provide for anything you want.
Hope that gives you some comfort...
DON'T PANIC - HAVE FUN !!!!