Hi Ian
Welcome to our forum. You see, it wasn't too bad! I'll add a bit to your title to make sure those who have travelled with toddlers will read it and help.
If you would prefer another thread title just let me know!

Hi Ian

We travelled to Goa in 2005 with our son Matthew who was 3 and a half and Lauren who was 22 months. To say that we had fun on the plane is an understatement! At least there was a spare seat next to us for Lauren on the way out, unfortunately on the way home there was no such luck!

Anyway we had a great time. The kids were so at home in the shade of the beach shack, we had no worries at all. Covered them both in P20 each morning before breakfast (it takes and hour or so to take) and no problems with the sun. They used to eat hard boiled eggs at breakfast which filled them up and so not much lunch required, normally they only wanted banana pancakes! Evening meals were great at the likes of J&A's where they put them down to sleep by the side of us on a large comfy sofa. the Goans really love children, the only downside to this was the fact that we were stopped everywhere by people wanting to take Lauren's photo as she is a red head with very pale skin!

We went on the evening river cruise from Panjim and the Goans spent all evening watching Lauren dancing and not what was happening on the stage! She loved all the attention though so it was ok.

They even managed to take the malaria tablets each morning at breakfast. We are going again on 11 feb and cant wait! that is, if we get the visa's back in time, I have only just sent off for a renewal passport for Matthew today! Here's hoping anyway!

Hope you enjoy your trip!

Louise

Thanks Louise!

We also use P20 great stuff, must stock up before we travel.

Some of the posts advising against taking kids seemed quite odd, I could take my son to the moon and we'd have a riot. Just because theres no 6ft Magical mouses wandering around doesnt mean kids cant't enjoy it. Thanks for rekindling my confidence.

Dont worry my visas arent back yet either, sent them 19th Dec, fingers crossed!

Thanks Fiona, titles fine with me!

Not a toddler but we spent 4 fantastic weeks last year with our daughter (7) and it drives me nuts when I read negative posts on taking young children to Goa oh the flight, the heat, the food they will be so bored I can honestly say that Goa is without question Freya's favourite place she has ever been to. I thought it might take her a couple of days to adjust to the culture but not at all, she hit the ground running and loved every single minute of her trip from the beaches to the markets, the dolphins, croc's birds, food a couple of nights in a beach hut . The local's make such a fuss of kids and really make then feel special. I remember after being there a couple of days we were getting a tuk tuk from Benaulim back to Cavelossim and as we entered Cavelossim a couple of waiters from one of the shacks passed tooting there horn's shouting Freya's name she was so chuffed they recognised her even in the dark. On the last night Freya was breaking her heart as she didn't want to go home something she has never done before (even leaving the place with the 6 foot mouse ). It really was a fantastic experience for her and one she can't wait to repeat in March . Have a fantastic trip and look forward to hearing your report when you get back.

Great stuff TJ im sure we will have the same experience as my son mixes well and laps it up

Well even though my kids loved the 6ft mouse in Paris earlier in the year they both said they wanted to go to India to feed the elephants again! So must go and do that again, it was fab! Didnt do the overnight stay tho and will arrange a taxi to take us to the shanti village this time instead of the coach as we will leave out the spice plantation having done it twice already.

There is so much for the kids to see and do and they are treated like kings over there, its great.

I would like to take junior to see the Elephants but am worried about the length of taxi ride from calangute, ideally it would be elephants only to save time.

the coach left at 6.30 in the morning but spent over an hour picking people up! I reckon it must be quicker in a taxi!

We have looked into it and you can pay just to go and see the elephants in the water etc in the morning before the Shanti overnight people do it.

I will give it a go anyway and see what happens. Cant remember if you are going before or after me but if you go before let me know and I will do same if we go first! We were staying in Baga last time and at marinha Dourada this time.

Sounds ideal eh!

We go 26th Jan, staying in Calangute

Hi Surfstak

Well you will be there to try it before me, so let me know how you get on with it! I saw your link on the malaria tabs, are you going to take them?

Louise

Hi L, cant wait to see those elephants, i'll certainly let you know, I see you leave 2 days after I get back so badger me
Im not going to bother no.
Im seeing the nurse tomm so will also ask her opinion

brought back for Kenny