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.