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!

Consider Doing Something Else

While there is no denying the importance of traveling, you should consider other important places where you can spend your extra money. If you feel like traveling, you should not wait for anything and go for it before it starts to affect your health. However, if it’s not important, you should think about investing it in a house. You don’t need a lot of money to become a homeowner. Simply check the USDA loan eligibility, use your savings, and get a house that you can rent out if not live in.