Choose your airport carefully. Mopa (GOX) in the north and Dabolim (GOI) in the south are at opposite ends of the state, and getting from one to the far end of the other can take two hours or more. Book into the airport nearest your accommodation.
Decide North or South before booking. North Goa is busier, cheaper, better for nightlife, markets and a social scene. South Goa is quieter, greener, more upmarket, with emptier beaches. Trying to do both from one base means a lot of driving. If you want both, split your stay.
Scooter safety is the single most important thing. Accidents involving tourists are common and sometimes serious. Wear a helmet, carry your licence and IDP, never ride after drinking, avoid riding at night on unlit roads, and check your insurance actually covers you.
Sea safety. Drownings happen every season. Swim only where lifeguards are on duty and flags indicate it's safe, respect red flags absolutely, don't swim after drinking, and be aware that currents can be strong even where water looks calm. During the monsoon, swimming is prohibited on most beaches for good reason.
Taxis are expensive. Goa's taxi union has resisted app-based cabs, fares are high and often non-negotiable, and metered taxis are rare. Budget for this, or rent a scooter, which is why almost everyone does.
Drugs. Goa's reputation notwithstanding, Indian narcotics law is severe and enforcement is real. Penalties are serious and involve lengthy pre-trial detention. Do not assume tolerance.
The 10pm music rule. Amplified music in open spaces is banned statewide after 10pm. This is why South Goa has silent discos and why some beach parties end earlier than you might expect. Enforcement varies but the rule exists.
Respect local sensibilities. Goa is relaxed but it is not a resort enclave — people live here. Wearing swimwear away from the beach, in villages, markets or shops, causes genuine offence and is increasingly policed. Cover up when you leave the sand.
Beach shacks are seasonal. Regulations require them to be dismantled each monsoon and rebuilt for the season. Between roughly May and October, most are gone. Don't plan a shack-based holiday for those months.
Peak season pricing. Mid-December to early January sees accommodation prices triple or more, and everything books out. If you're coming then, book months ahead. If you want the same weather for much less, come mid-November to mid-December or in late January and February.
Alcohol. Cheap by Indian standards due to low state taxes, legal drinking age 18. Note that carrying alcohol out of Goa across state borders is restricted — check limits before loading up on feni.
Language. Konkani is the state language; Marathi, Hindi and English are all widely used. English is very widely spoken in tourist areas, more so than most of India.
Money. ATMs are widespread in the main towns and beach areas but can be sparse in remote spots and sometimes run out during peak season. Carry cash for shacks, markets and scooter rental.
Book a beach that matches what you want. Goa's beaches vary enormously — Baga is nothing like Agonda. Read about the specific beach rather than "Goa" before booking.