The trend of driving to Goa on weekends or for a short holiday is picking up as many domestic tourists are opting to bring their vehicles to Goa rather than rely on private transport available in the state. Tourists also enjoy the leisurely drive to Goa in the comfort of their own vehicle, and some even spend a night in the parked car. 

Delhi-resident Sanjay Aggarwal who drove his SUV packed with friends to Goa said, "When you travel in your own vehicle you can easily cut down on travelling costs as taking a flight could be very costly if tickets are not booked in advance. Also, you are not at the mercy of local taxi drivers who charge exorbitantly." Aggarwal also recalled a bitter exchange he had with a taxi driver during a visit to Goa two years earlier. 

While there are no available statistics of domestic tourists visiting Goa in their own vehicles, the trend is catching and is evident from the number of outstation vehicles that can be spotted at tourist spots in the state as per a TOI report. 

Chennai-based IT professional Rakesh Mohan drove to Goa with his wife last week on a holiday. He opted to drive as this offers one the liberty of taking a break anytime. "If I like a particular spot I can halt and enjoy the scenery without bothering about the running meter of the taxi," Mohan, who finds driving an exhilarating experience, said. 

For some, a vehicle can also be an alternative to a hotel room. Abhay Patil and his friends travelled from Chalishgao, Maharashtra, in their four-wheeler. "Coming in our own car is more convenient and if hotel accommodation is expensive, we can always sleep in the vehicle itself," Patil said. A number of tourists are seen sleeping in their vehicles at night. 

Samir Morajkar, a manager of a popular nightclub in Arpora, said domestic tourists drive to Goa from across the country. "I have seen people come driving from Himachal Pradesh and even from the east coast," Morajkar said. 

There is also a large segment of tourists coming from states like Rajashtan, Gujarat and Andhra Pradesh who opt for package bus tours which are more economical than train travel. 

Ahmedabad businessman Nilesh Kumar, 45, in Goa with his wife and two kids said. "This time, I have chosen to travel by air since my kids insisted on it. I also wanted to have this experience to travel at least once. At other times, when I have come with friends or alone, I have taken a train or a bus as it is more cost effective," Kumar said. 

Kumar believes it is better to travel by one's own vehicle than be at the mercy of the local transporters. He said his entire travel cost this trip was 50,000 for four people. 

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