TUI has announced its biggest-ever Goa programme for Winter 2027/28, with a 28 per cent boost in capacity.British holidaymakers can fly direct from both London Gatwick and Manchester, with Gatwick now getting a brand-new Sunday departure alongside its existing Wednesday and Saturday services. Manchester keeps its twice-weekly schedule, with the Tuesday flight operating on a larger Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner. TUI is currently the only airline running direct flights from the UK to Goa for that winter season, with package holidays already on sale.Goa sits on India’s west coast, roughly nine hours from the UK with no connection needed. Holidaymakers can enjoy average temperatures of 32°C to 34°C between November and March.Gary Collett, a travel agent at TUI’s Romford store, has been to Goa 11 times since 2000 and said the choice between North and South makes all the difference.He said: “North and South Goa offer quite different holidays, so think about the atmosphere you want rather than simply choosing a hotel. I personally love North Goa because there’s so much going on. It works really well for families, couples, solo travellers and groups who want beaches alongside restaurants, markets, nightlife and plenty to explore. “Candolim is the area I keep coming back to because you can relax on the beach but still be close to livelier spots such as Baga.”For those who would rather enjoy some peace and quiet, Collett points south. He said: “If your priority is switching off, I’d look south. South Goa is much quieter and more scenic, so I particularly recommend it for couples, honeymooners and special-occasion trips.TRAVEL INSPIRATIONTUI cruise ship goes adults-only with four new spaces, including first private karaoke booth at seaBA rolls out new routes, including first-ever Sri Lanka flights, Christmas markets and winter sun’I’ve been cabin crew for 30 years — an African hidden gem has best winter sun, with no jet lag'”One of the best things about Goa is that you can eat like a king without spending a fortune. You absolutely have to try a Goan fish curry, while crab xec xec is one of my favourites.”If you want something quick, try choriz pao, a Goan street-food staple. The beach shacks can be brilliant value too.”From my own experience, you can get a two-course meal and a drink for around £7 to £10 per person, while a local beer can cost around 90p to £1 and an imported beer around £2.50. Of course, prices vary depending on where you eat and drink.”Beyond the food, the expert recommended visiting the Arambol Sweet Water Lake in North Goa and the Dudhsagar Falls.He said: “I’m still finding reasons to go back. The beaches and weather might draw you in, but it’s the people, food and culture that really stay with you. “A lot of first-time visitors don’t realise how much history there is either, particularly Goa’s Portuguese influence, which you see in everything from its architecture and churches to its food. My advice is to get out and explore beyond your hotel.”Commercial director at TUI UK & Ireland, Chris Logan, added: “Goa has been an important part of our winter programme for more than two decades, and we’re really pleased to be giving even more customers the opportunity to experience it.”For us, it’s about much more than getting customers there. With direct TUI Airways flights, a wide choice of hotels and experiences to help customers explore more of the destination, alongside our teams supporting them throughout their holiday, we can bring the whole trip together in one package and make exploring a long-haul destination like Goa feel easy from the moment they book.” Our Standards: The GB News Editorial Charter