5 Super Helpful Tips for Your Next Trip to Maine

When it comes to tourist destinations in the US, Maine is undoubtedly on the top half of the list. The place has plenty of things for you to experience. So, before planning your next trip to Maine, here are some tips that will make the experience even better.

Book Your Tickets Early

One of the biggest mistakes people make when planning a trip is waiting until the last minute to book their airfare and hotels. Doing so will only make you more anxious.

Prices start to rise as the date gets closer. So, if you plan ahead by a week or two, you can lock into lower rates on everything from airline tickets to hotel stays and car rentals. Early booking also gives you more time to plan. So, you will have extra time for research. 

Always book your airline tickets in advance. Low prices are the major benefit you will get from doing this. You can also find cheap first-class flights if you plan and book your tickets early. Flying first class is very expensive. If you want first-class seats or business class tickets at the lowest prices, book your airline tickets super early. First-class airline tickets also mean the best in-flight service, and you would not want to miss out on that.

Go Whale Watching

Whale watching is a popular activity in Maine, especially in the summer. The best time to go whale watching depends on what kind of whales you want to see. 

Gray whales migrate along the coast of Maine from November through April. Humpback whales, on the other hand, are visible year-round in the Gulf of Maine. However, if you want to see sperm whales or pilot whales during their migrations (which occur from June through October), it is best to visit during those months.

If you are planning on taking a boat trip out into the ocean for some whale spotting, bring plenty of sunscreen and water with you. You never know how long you will be in the water. Most boats will have snacks available for purchase onboard. However, if you have any food allergies or other dietary restrictions, make sure to carry your own meals.

See the Lobsters and Other Marine Animals

One of the best ways to experience Maine is by exploring its coast and its waterways. You can take a boat tour, or you can simply rent a canoe and paddle around the bay. 

Whales are not the only thing you can see in the water. Lobster is the state crustacean, and it’s plentiful in Maine.

If you want to try lobster for yourself before you go, consider stopping by one of the many restaurants around town that serve it as their specialty dish. You do not have to be a local resident to know which ones are the best. As long as you are willing to shell out some money, you will get the best lobsters Maine has to offer.

The best way to sample Maine’s famous crustaceans is at a lobster pound, where they are prepared according to traditional methods and served in all different forms. Lobster meat can be turned into breading for fish or chicken fingers and added to potato salad or pasta dressing too. The possibilities are endless when it comes to lobsters in Maine.

Visit the Historic Forts

A trip to Maine is incomplete without visiting at least one historic castle. 

There are roughly half a dozen forts in the state, and some of them are open to the public. These medieval-style structures make for great places to bring the kids, has been around since 1721.

Forts are fun for history buffs too. Many were built during times when it was common for trading companies or private citizens to build them as defensive structures against attacks by Native Americans or pirates.

Visit Portland, ME, for the Big City Experience

If you are looking for a large city with plenty of culture and history, Portland is your answer. The city has tons of interesting attractions, including the Old Port, which has some great restaurants and shops, the Portland Museum, and the Children’s Museum. There are also several hotels in Portland where you can stay when visiting the city.

The Old Port offers plenty to see and do too. You will find tons of shops on Congress Street and many restaurants on Fore Street. Several historic buildings dating back to the 1800s are located along these streets. These include the Custom House Tower (a former U.S Treasury building), Custom House Plaza State Park(a former Customs House), Maine Maritime Academy (a maritime training school), City Hall Parkade, and Municipal Building(both built-in 1871).

So, whenever you visit Maine, do not forget these simple yet super helpful points.