Questions from a Person goin To GOA alone after New Years

Jkung

Hey all
I was planning a trip to GOA after New Years (1/2-1/7). I will be coming from Mumbai. You are all so friendly so let me say thanks for that first off.
this is my first time "backpacking" alone so i had a few questions about the area before i go.

1) Booking
I havent booked a thing. Should I? Plane tickets and lodging? I am assuming there will be a ton of people there during this time and rates will be really high. I have visited a few websites and the rates seem very high. Almost 70 US a night? What rate should i be expecting? Can i just go there and get a room? Also, has anyone had experience with Air Deccan? I can get a flight to Goa from Bombay for around 2000 Rup. Should I worry about anything? train it?

2) Where to stay in GOA.
So far It's the North that sounds like the place to be. I would love to meet people that are open minded like me and very unpretentious. Cool lounges etc. I love to party as well but E is not my thang... I am tryin to go on the cheap but not SUPER cheap. Clean small hotel would be nice.....

3) WANDERER
I will be alone so is anyone else gonna be there wanna meet up? Like i said, I usually travel with people and its my first time travellin' alone so I would love to meet some cool people when i am there. I am an American (Bush hater) in China and just wanna have fun. WE CAN SPIT RHYMES! (rap)

Anyways thanks for helpin me out.
Peace
Jeff