How will social media impact the way we travel in 2020?

Social media affects so many aspects of contemporary society. We can use Facebook to track our friends’ activities, Instagram to view a spectacular array of images and videos, Snapchat to communicate in realtime, and any number of dating websites to reach out to potential partners. Because as this research shows social media is so influential and can be tailored to any situation, it will inevitably impact widespread activities – such as traveling. Here are some of the ways social media will be shaping how we travel in 2020.

Images of idyllic locations are everywhere

How were holiday destinations routinely planned in the past? There would be travel programs on TV, posters in the window of our local travel agents, and holiday snaps or home movies presented by friends and relations returning from sunnier climes. But these only gave a limited glimpse of possible travel destinations beyond the horizon. In 2020, social media gives access to an endless source of images from all over the world. Simply by tapping into Instagram or Facebook, we can find ourselves browsing through an incredible home gallery of information, with so many enticements to follow in the footsteps of whoever uploaded these details.

Traveling is integral to many dating sites

When dating sites first emerged, they would generally follow a well-worn template. There would be lists or profiles of singletons, and other site users would be invited to check these out, deciding who to communicate with. As well as providing a platform where interested parties can be introduced, they can now offer all sorts of services that will allow daters to get to know each other outside the online environment. Some specialized websites will arrange tours of exciting destinations, inviting their members to make contact and then plan to share traveling arrangements.

Virtual guidebooks are incredibly informative

In the pre-Internet era, travel guidebooks flourished. Tourists would typically be seen shuffling around places of interest in various towns and cities, clutching their trusty manuals while attempting to make sense of large maps before clumsily folding them away again. Nowadays, virtual guidebooks contain infinitely more information. If you are traveling in 2020 you don’t need to go armed with an arsenal of guidebooks and maps. All you need is a tablet or smartphone, with suitable map apps downloaded, along with links to informative websites crammed with detailed background information.

Holidays are a staple of social media chat

People use social media for various reasons, but one of the most popular is to keep friends and relations abreast of all their leisure activities. Holidays feature prominently in Facebook posts, with site users uploading photographs to document their interesting and exciting holiday activities, replacing the unadventurous holiday snaps of previous generations. Because of the way that these photographs can be presented, you can download any that particularly catch your eye, and create galleries of your own while you choose likely destinations for a holiday.

Social media breaks down international boundaries

One of the most notable attributes of social media is the way that it can transcend national boundaries. This is particularly the case with matching sites. Most of the major dating resources enjoy worldwide memberships, meaning that when you go online you could find yourself interacting with people from any cultural background. In 2020 you are just as likely to get inspiration for a diverse range of recommended holiday locations after some casual online chat as you would from the brochures or magazine adverts that people once relied upon. What’s more, online connections can become your personal tour guides when you travel to foreign destinations.

Ski Museum Adds Nordic Race to complement Alpine Legends Race

A giant slalom ski race and 5K Nordic sprint to benefit the Ski Museum of Maine are scheduled for March 12 and 14. The races are open to men and women ages 50+. Divisions are men and women age 50-59, 60-69, 70+. Winners in each division will receive medals at the post race awards celebrations. A skimeister trophy for a man and woman will be presented to the best overall skier in alpine and Nordic combined.

The Third Annual Legends GS race begins at 1pm, Thursday March 12 on the Boris Badenov trail at Mt. Abram. Registration is from 9am to noon at the Mt. Abram main lodge or in advance online at www.skimuseumofmaine.org.

The First Annual Tom Kendall Nordic Legends 5K begins at 1pm, Saturday march 14 at Black Mountain in Rumford. Registration is from 9am to noon at the XC Stadium Headquarters building or in advance online at www.skimuseumofmaine.org.

The registration fee is $35 for each race if pre-registered or $40 the day of the race. Discounted lift and trail passes are available at Mt. Abram and Black Mtn. the day of the event. Information on the races is available by phoning the Ski Museum at 207-265-2023, or online at skimuseumofmaine.org.

Ski Museum of Maine Mounting Exhibit Celebrating Sunday River’s 60th Anniversary

The Ski Museum of Maine’s Oxford County Committee is mounting an exhibit at the Museums of the Bethel Historical Society to celebrate the founding of Sunday River Ski Resort the winter of 1959/60. The exhibit opens Friday, november 29 at 10am in the Valentine Gallery at MBHS Robinson House. The exhibit will be open free to the public thereafter Tuesday through Friday from 1-4pm through December 20 and throughout the winter season by appointment. (207-824-2908).

The 60th Anniversary exhibit features photos from Sunday River’s first season, trail maps, large panels outlining the ski area’s development, artifacts, and memorabilia. The exhibit has been made possible through founders:Avery and Mary Angevine, Howard and Ginny Cole, Paul and Jean Kailey, Addison and Emily Saunders, Mike and Connie Thurston, and Jack and Margaret Trinward.

Discover Maine’s Hottest Food Trends For This Year

Maine is America’s northeasternmost state, and it’s renowned for its craggy coastline, nautical history and glorious parks, as well as its signature cuisine. While lobster is always worth indulging in, you don’t need to settle for the same old Lobster Roll or boiled lobster with melted butter. There is a trendier way to enjoy this delicious crustacean while you’re exploring the area. Aside from a new trend in lobster, Maine’s newly-relaxed CBD laws make it a great place to sample innovative CBD-infused fare. When you learn about these two exciting food trends for this year, you’ll be ready to enjoy some unique food and drink during your Maine adventure.

Try pan-roasted Maine lobster

To indulge in an amazing meal, head for Portland’s Main Wharf, where a chic and low-key eatery called Scales is getting rave reviews from foodies. Scales is the perfect place to enjoy a bold new take on traditional Maine lobster. Most people expect lobster from Maine to be boiled or served up in a roll, but the Scales dish, Pan Roasted Lobster, is a little different. This beloved entree is seasoned with a pan sauce made from fine herbs. Mouth-watering sides include toasted Pullman loaf and fresh butter lettuce.

When your Maine trip is over, be sure to experiment with lobster back at home. One of the best ways to create tender, juicy lobster in a home kitchen is to pan-roast it, Scales-style. If you’re not used to pan-roasting lobster, and worry that you won’t do it right, consider preparing lobster with a sous-vide method. Sous-vide machines cook plastic-wrapped foods in water baths at precise temperatures. By cooking in this way, you can easily create flawless lobster dishes at home, and relive your Maine memories.

Sample CBD-infused fare made with Maine-grown hemp

All CBD-infused fare sold within Maine must be made with locally-grown hemp. If you love CBD culture, and want to try CBD-infused food and drink while you’re visiting the Pine Tree State, you’ll enjoy knowing that you’re sampling items with true Maine provenance. Drop by Portland, Maine’s Wellness Connection to pick up CBD-infused dark chocolate bars and raspberry Rooibos teas. These items won’t get you high, but they may ease nervousness, boost mental clarity, and improve sleep quality. Anyone who is over the age of 21 is able to buy them with valid ID.

CBD culture is exploding, so Maine may well be serving up CBD-infused beers and entrees in the foreseeable future. Right now, tasty edibles are available in select stores. Enjoy them in your hotel room after a busy day of seeing the sights.

Pan-roasted lobster has its roots in Maine maritime tradition, and CBD-infused edibles are thoroughly modern. When you try both Maine food trends, you’ll enjoy a charming blend of old and new. Maine’s many superb restaurants and shops offer a bounty of delicious food, whether it’s familiar or off the beaten track.

Safety Precautions While Exploring Maine By Road

Maine boasts an abundance of natural attractions and about 5,000 miles of coastline, which exceeds that of California, according to an article published in the HuffPost. The piece further notes that touring along the coast and Maine, in general, can be one of the most delightful road trips in America. From Portland, Camden to Bar Harbor, you get to experience jaw-dropping scenery, shopping spots, and other opportunities as you enjoy delicacies of all kinds. But is all the fun worth it if you are not keen to return home safely? Here are top safety precautions to heed as you drive on the adventurous roads of Maine.

Staying safe when navigating dangerous roads

Many drivers neglect the need for car insurance because they think that if they drive carefully enough, they will not cause any accident. Contrary, an accident can occur anytime and anywhere, which is why being protected on the road is important. Any insurance will cover you legally when involved in an accident of any magnitude and may potentially save you a lot of money. As such, always make sure that you are driving a properly insured car. This is particularly important when you are new to roads in Maine. The most potentially hazardous roads in Maine, according to Go Local Prov News are Bridgton-Portland road, Lewiston-Old Greene road, Bangor-Broadway, and Augusta-Ramp off to Western Avenue. To prioritize safety when driving on such roads, everyone needs to obey the laws and regulations that are set to keep all drivers safe. Always pay attention to the way ahead while avoiding distractions, which often result in collisions. The most common attention drawers include texting, calling, and reaching out for items when driving. Additionally, remember to heed the set speed limits as they help you to gain more control of your vehicle.

Checking the weather conditions and abiding by rules

After you have acquired your vehicle and are ready to hit the road, it is essential to be prepared for the weather out there. Check the weather forecast before leaving and stay in the hotel if it predicts extreme conditions. Dress appropriately depending on the current season and allow your car to warm up before driving away. Also, always prepare for emergency road conditions at all times, especially during winter and spring. In the same spirit, remember to familiarize yourself with Maine’s road rules and regulations. Though most laws are similar across many states, some may be specific. For example, children aged 12 and below should never sit on the front passenger seat. Understanding such rules will diminish the chances of incidents and also ensure that you stay legal when driving in Maine.

With more than 90 people dying in road accidents daily, car accidents are notoriously common. It is, therefore, vital to stay alert so that you do not fall victim. Put more emphasis on roads and intersections that are considered dangerous so that you use them with extra caution. If you or your loved one gets in an accident, you can hire a local accident attorney who will build a strong case that may guarantee you compensation as deserved.

Best Dog-Friendly Attractions in Portland, Maine

Portland in Maine makes a fantastic place to vacation with your dog. As well as an abundance of fantastic places to stay in Portland with your dog, there are miles of surrounding trails to hike. That’s not forgetting the beaches and the Fido-friendly restaurants and cafes. Here are some of the best dog friendly attractions in Portland, Maine…

Willard Beach

Portland, Maine is growing in their inclusion of dog friendly spots and when your pooch requires a bit of rest and relaxation on the beach or just an expansive place to run and enjoy the water, Willard Beach is the best. Willard Beach is a mildly dog restrictive area, but no need to worry. Dogs are aloud from 6 am to 9 pm and virtually the only restriction is to keep them away from bird eggs and off sand dunes. Ample parking, clean restrooms, and a lifeguard on duty make Willard Beach in Portland, Maine a top hot spot for families and individuals with furry friends. In order to enjoy the beach fully, always be sure that your dog exhibits excellent voice control as this beach is only one mile long and the surrounding beaches are not as dog-friendly.

Quarry Run Dog Park

Restrictive, small fenced in dog parks can be a hassle to use when there are a lot of dogs enjoying the space. That is not something you will have to contend with at Quarry Run Dog Park in Portland, Maine. This dog park is expansive offering at least 10 acres for your dog to romp around in and enjoy. Not only are there clear spaces to enjoy a game a catch, but wooded trails leading you to every part of the park. Locals and visitors alike have enjoyed this park and it is among the top spots in Portland to give your pet a break from an indoor lifestyle. If your dog needs some time to really run around and play with other furry friends, Quarry Run Dog Park is the place to do it.

Two Lights State Park

State parks are a wonderful place to take your best four-legged friend, but not all are very pet-oriented. Two Lights State Park is an exception to that notion. It offers a place to enjoy the outdoors right along the beautiful coast of Maine. It should be noted that dogs are allowed in every part of this 40-acre outdoor dream, but they are restricted from accessing the beach. There is no need to worry. With all the hiking, trail running, and peak climbing available in Two Lights State Park, your pooch is likely not be thinking about heading to the beach at all. Come camp and enjoy the park for all its worth. Stargazing at night is an ideal way to spend an evening in Two lights State Park in Portland, Maine.

Portland Head Lighthouse

Bring your furry friend to one of the most photographed places in the world, Portland Head Lighthouse. This location boasts a spectacularly beautiful rocky coastline so adventurous dogs can enjoy somewhat of a challenge as opposed to simply running on white, sandy beaches. Portland Head Lighthouse is a picturesque, perfect location full of classic New England fog in the morning and crisp, clear views in the afternoon. This area has a unique story as well. It is home to the Shipwreck of Annie C. Maguire made famous by the fact that it happened on Christmas Eve of 1886 and all 14 aboard were successfully saved by the Portland Head Lighthouse Keeper. See Portland, Maine in its most photogenic setting with your best friend.

Baxter Woods

For dogs that play well with children, Baxter Woods in Portland, Maine offers substantial fun in the sun. The woods maintains ample open spaces to play games with your dog as well as well groomed paths and secondary paths that offer a bit more of a challenge. The sprawling 30-acre park is among the top spots for dog lovers to enjoy time with their furry friend. It is easy to spend an afternoon or even a whole day in this beautiful wooded area with your dog, so bring a picnic and enjoy what Baxter Woods has to offer. The location is surrounded by a residential area, so interaction with locals is highly likely. If you are new to Portland, Maine or simply visiting for a while, Baxter Woods will give you the opportunity to allow your dog to play with some local pooches and make lifelong friends.

Old Orchard Beach

If you are heading to Maine for an extended trip, plan your trip around Old Orchard Beach. The beach, itself, offers a long coastal area to enjoy time with your furry friend and once all the running and playing in the water, take a stroll around the neighboring town. Most of the town is very dog friendly and there are a number of pet friendly hotels throughout the area. Bring a picnic to the beach or enjoy one of the many dog friendly restaurants the area is known for.

Eastern Promenade

Dog friendly shopping is fun, but difficult to find. However, Eastern Promenade in Portland, Maine offers the solution. This area is highly popular among locals and visitors alike, but there are a few restrictions. As this is a popular area for many people, you dog must have good voice command and when in the Promenade, should remain leashed. However, just beside the Eastern Promenade is the adjacent park. This area is best for dogs that want to run and enjoy. Dogs can be leashed or taken off leash in this area, but it still remains a good idea to ensure your dog follows excellent voice commands.

The Porthole Restaurant and Pub

Even though more pet friendly options for avid pet parents are becoming available, pet friendly restaurants are quite rare due to health codes. The Porthole Restaurant and Pub, however is looking to change all that and allows visitors to bring their best friend along for some world class, New England coastal delights. The restaurant is perched beautifully along the coast offering supreme views for all. The interior seating of The Porthole Restaurant and Pub in Portland, Maine is, not surprisingly, restricted from dogs, but the outdoor, waterfront deck is very pet friendly, so bring your fur baby along for a remarkable dining experience after you have enjoyed other dog friendly spots in Portland, Maine.

The Maine Idea: Share Your Favorite Place

Maine is the leading U.S. producer of lobster and blueberries. It may seem strange that a single state produced the most of two such disparate commodities, but once you have visited Maine, it makes perfect sense. The 23rd state has cities, countryside, and majestic coastline dotted with whimsical lighthouses that seems to cover just about every type of tourist attraction you can think of. From beautiful campgrounds to unparalleled cuisine, it’s no wonder Maine captures the hearts of everyone who travels there. After you’ve taken a few snaps of this beautiful destination, it’s inevitable that you’ll want to share your memories when you return, not only to relive them yourself, but so you can encourage others to visit this wondrous place.

Decorate Your Home with Your Memories

Perhaps the best way to share your travel memories is to use photos to decorate your home. There are hundreds of posters and framed artworks for sale that depict beautiful landscapes and buildings like those you can find in Maine, so why not use your own photographs? You can put together a picture collage on canvas of the highlights of your trip, and even incorporate that into a larger display.

A successful gallery wall often has a theme to make it cohesive, so photos of your Maine travels would be perfect. You can also include mementos of your trip, framing art you may have purchased, the menu to your favorite restaurant, or even three-dimensional objects in shadow boxes. However you choose to use your travel images in your home, they are sure to start a conversation with visitors, which will allow you to share your love of the place with your friends and family.

Post Your Pictures Online to Store and Share

Another great way to share your Maine memories is by posting them online in a way they can be shared with others. There are photo storage sites that allow viewing and comments, or you could create a dedicated social media account just for your travels. Having an Instagram account would allow you to tag locations, businesses, and organizations you admire, which could help others to plan their own trips.

Just as photos hung on a wall in your home are sure to spark conversation about your travels, so too can images used on your social media sites. Though not traditionally thought of as “storage” sites for photos, there is free space on sites such as Instagram and Facebook where you can post and then easily retrieve photos. You can even post photos there that can be used by travel sites and blogs.

While printing photos and sticking them in a photo album might be the most obvious thing to do after your amazing Maine vacation, thinking outside the box will help you share your memories with others, and to have easier access to relive them yourself. Using your own photos to decorate your home adds a personal touch you can’t achieve through store bought art, and there’s no better reminder of a location you love. Social media is another great way to share your memories with your connections, and provides an unconventional means of digital storage.

Paul Cyr announces new book

PRESQUE ISLE, Maine — Paul Cyr’s new book, “NORTHERN MAINE with Paul Cyr,” goes on sale today. The 128-page, hardcover book contains 450 of Cyr’s photographs and sells for $29.95.

“NORTHERN MAINE with Paul Cyr” represents a small sampling of some of the best moments Cyr has captured over the past 15 years while visiting the people, places, and things he enjoys the most.

“I have had inquires through the years but the requests last winter mostly from Facebook friends increased significantly, sometimes twice a day,” said Cyr about his decision to publish the book. “I hope all those people come around again.”

Cyr shares his work with over 30,000 followers on Facebook at Paul Cyr Photography. His inventory of photographs is measured in the thousands and many are used by dozens of northern Maine towns and businesses for websites, report covers, and tourist guides.

“NORTHERN MAINE with Paul Cyr” is also sold at the following locations in Presque Isle, Bradley’s Citgo, Country Collectables, Goin’ Postal, Morning Star Art & Framing, and at the Aroostook Centre Mall’s Information desk; Brambleberry Market and County Quick Stop in Caribou; Mars Hill Pharmacy, Mars Hill; DOC’s Place, Houlton; Mike’s Family Market, Limestone; Hebert Rexall Pharmacy, Van Buren; Robert’s Jewelry, Madawaska; John’s Shurfine, Fort Kent; Forget Me Not Shoppe, East Millinocket; and, Dysart’s Restaurant & Truck Stop on Coldbrook Road, Hermon.

MORE ABOUT PAUL CYR’S WORK: People may also find Cyr’s photographs featured prominently in the local media and Bangor Daily News, as well as Barcroft Media (London), Mirror (London), Boston Globe, Yankee and DownEast magazines, and more. Cyr’s work has been featured twice on WCSH News Center’s Bill Green’s Maine show. Down East Books recently published two books exclusively featuring Cyr’s photographs: Uses for Mooses (2017) and Bears Behaving Badly (2016), and included Cyr’s photographs in Maine Life in a Day (2017). In 2014, Cyr and local author Dottie Hutchins published ACADIAN ROOTS: Images of the St. John Valley to commemorate the World Acadian Congress. All can be found at www.amazon.com.

How To Be Money Smart During A Vacation in Maine

The growth in tourism in Maine has surged in recent years, clocking up around $975 million in the state during 2016, up 15 percent from the previous year, according to the Maine Office of Tourism. The lure of this rocky coastline and rolling landscapes shows no signs of slowing down with more and more visitors being attracted to a peaceful getaway in this most north-eastern region of the country. Whether you’re looking to save for a family vacation, relocation or simply wanting to explore it’s natural charm, finding way to look after your cash will help you get the most of your time in Maine and is key to a successful trip.

Be prepared before you leave

One of the most common mistakes people make when taking a vacation is not planning ahead for possible financial difficulties so that they’re adequately equipped before they happen. Organizing your finances and budgeting realistically will go a long way to ensuring your won’t overspend while you’re enjoying the sights of Maine. According to Crediful, creating a money management plan which combines all your credit or debit cards or personal loans, as well as knowing your credit score prior to leaving will help you take control of your money. It’s also a good idea to think about setting up automated text alerts and payments so you’re covered while you’re on your vacation and will help you keep track of your spending.

Choose the right time to go

As with most coastal destinations, choosing to go in the summer months is peak travel season and prices can be much higher. However, if you consider visiting during the fall foliage or ski season, you’ll be rewarded by considerably lower accommodation rates. After all, Maine is known as ‘vacationland’ for good reasons. Think about what you want from your Maine holiday and adapt it according to how much you can afford to spend while you’re there. If you do decide to visit during the summer season, find alternatives from the big name towns and opt for smaller ones instead such as Waldoboro, Searsport or Southwest Harbor which will help your money go further.

Live like a Maine local

Avoiding tourist traps and embracing your holiday like one of the locals will significantly reduce your vacation spending and there’s plenty of fantastic and free things to do while you’re in Maine. Take advantage of the array of outdoor recreation opportunities which won’t cost you a cent, including the Acadia National Park, and enjoy the natural beauty and wildlife without spending a fortune. Find deals for a park pass and search locally for discounts for restaurants, music concerts or family events, many of which are free during the summer season. Explore the farmer’s markets for immersing yourself in the local food culture which Maine is famous for.

The state of Maine is a destination that is thriving with natural wonders, delicious cuisine and cultural attractions so you’ll never run out of things to do. Just make sure you keep track of your spending so you don’t run out of cash while you’re there!

What To Know Before Your Maine Road Trip

Road trips represent 39% of the vacations that United States travelers take each year. The top two reasons are the flexibility of being able to stop along the way and of being able to pack whatever and however much people want to take in the car. Seeing as the coastal part of Maine is home to one of the most scenic road trip routes down US Route 1, there is a lot to see and do by car in the beautiful Pine Tree State. In order to take advantage of all that Maine has to offer and really optimize your travel experience, however, you’ll want to be fully equipped with a few tips before heading out to the open road.

Choosing the right road trip vehicle

One of the great things about traveling through Maine’s coastline is that there aren’t any cliff-hugging curves here, which means you can choose just about any car you’d like to indulge in a little coastal exploration. However, depending on when you travel through the state, you might want to splurge on a convertible as the summer months and zipping down the roads near the Acadia National Park will make for a beautiful, unforgettable experience. If you are looking to go green and reduce the impact you’re having on Maine’s environment, try going with a smart car that has off-road capabilities for combined safety and convenience.

Understanding Maine’s driving laws

If you live in the US then you won’t really need to equip yourself with much additional knowledge. There are a few different driving rules, however, such as the fact that it’s illegal to drive barefoot in Maine as well as drive too slowly in the passing lane on a highway. You’re also not allowed to have an open container of alcohol anywhere in the car, even in the backseat, but it is legal to have headphones in while driving in Maine. A valid driver’s license and up-to-date car insurance are required and will be necessary when renting a car to travel through Maine as well.

Visiting the most scenic routes

The cascading coastlines that are native to Maine provide some of the most stunning views you’ll get to witness all across the United States. Maine offers travelers diverse landscapes such as the Western Mountains and the rugged Downeast coastline, making it a dream for any individual or family looking to road trip up the coast. You can choose from All-American roads, national scenic byways or Maine scenic byways depending on the style and interests of your group.

The best way to visit Maine

While it’s debatable as to what’s the best way to visit Maine, there’s no doubt that visiting any place this beautiful by car is a great idea. From the freedom to get up and go whenever and wherever you want to the ability to access roads and places that you wouldn’t otherwise get to visit, traveling Maine by car is a great way to enhance your experience here and really immerse yourself in the local culture.

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