Goa is India's most popular beach and nightlife destination, possessing a much more relaxed and liberal atmosphere than the rest of the country. While it is generally safe, tourists should be cautious of the thriving nightlife scene in North Goa (like Baga and Anjuna), which attracts opportunistic thieves, drug dealers, and occasional police extortion scams targeting tourists seeking illegal substances. Never leave drinks unattended at beach shacks or trance parties. Renting a scooter is popular, but roads are narrow, poorly lit, and accident rates are high; always wear a helmet and do not drink and drive. Ocean currents can be deceptively strong, with dangerous rip tides, so only swim at beaches patrolled by lifeguards.