introduction

Maryland is sometimes called "America in Miniature", because this state in the Mid-Atlantic region of the US has a little bit of everything. It has both sea and mountain, urban and rural, historic and modern opportunities for the visitor. The total area is 32,133 km².

surfing

During the hurricane season on the Atlantic east coast (JUN-DEC) you may be lucky and score some waves off the Florida coast. If your not, head up to the Outer Banks of North Carolina. The entire coastline here is like an offshore swell magnet that will attract any thing in the area. Options tend to be reduced further north of this point and you will be limited to windswell activity. Any storm cell that passes across this coast will be heading east at a great rate of knots and so groundswell activity will be fleeting. Typically all you will receive will be whatever is blown behind the cells as they truck towards Europe.

travel

There are many ways of travelling in the US: by plane, private jet, train, bus, recreational vehicle (RV), motorcycle, thumb or car.

Trains are relatively expensive; private jets can begin at around $4000 per flight hour; buses are generally dependable, safe and affordable, though not available everywhere; renting an RV is up to your personal taste; motorcycling can be a thrilling way to see the country as well as travelling by thumb.

And of course, the idea of long-distance car travel is the most appealing to the majority of Americans. The United States is covered with a convenient system of U.S. and Interstate highways. Just keep in mind that the country is huge and be prepared to travel for hours behind the wheel, so pay attention to the comfort of the car you use. By the way, many of the country's major natural attractions, such as the Grand Canyon, are almost impossible to get to without a car.

where to stay

You shouldn’t have any problems with finding a place to sleep in Maryland. Motel is the most popular form of accommodation and they are usually located on the sides of the highways, so it’s very convenient for the road trippers. Don’t expect anything luxurious, but they will usually provide you with a clean room that includes the following amenities: bed, bathroom, TV, telephone. Price is also very reasonable. Motel 6 and Super 8 Motels are popular chains of motels that can be found all over the country.

Here are some options in the main cities of the state:

Annapolis: The Inn at Spa Creek, The Westin Annapolis, Annapolis Marriott, Historic Inns of Annapolis, Loews Hotel Annapolis, etc.

Baltimore: Marriott - Waterfront/Inner Harbor at Camden Yards, Pier 5 Hotel, The Inn at 2920, Sheraton Baltimore City Center/Inner Harbor Hotel, Hyatt Regency Baltimore, Gramercy Mansion, Tremont Plaza Hotel, Hostelling International Baltimore, etc.

Ocean City: Holiday Inn, Park Place Hotel, Sea Bay Hotel, Flagship Oceanfront Hotel, Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites.

what to pack

Maryland has wide array of climates for a state of its size, so pack warm and cool clothes, waterproof clothes/gear/backpack for the rainy season.

All the gear if you plan to camp: a good sleeping bag and a waterproof tent; special gas container you can use for heating food and water; a sturdy backpack or a cargo pack with a good daypack.  

Definitely take along some bug repellent spray, good sunscreen and sunglasses. Better take your medicines with you (esp. anti hastamine tablets), as weather changes could stimulate your hayfever. And getting medical insurance  for the trip would be a good idea too.

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