introduction

Maine is a state in New England, located in the northeastern part of the US. In the past this territory used to be a part of Massachusetts. The total area of the state is 86,542 km².

Maine is famous for its scenery - the jagged, mostly rocky coastline; low, rolling mountains, and its heavily forested interior - as well as for its seafood cuisine, especially lobsters and clams.

Winters are cold and snowy throughout the state, and are especially severe in the northern parts of Maine. Coastal areas, however, are moderated by the Atlantic Ocean.

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 Maine. 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.

Augusta (the capital of the state) and Portland (the largest city of the state) have some comfortable hotels to stay in.

Augusta: America's Best Inn, Motel 6, Best Western The Senator Inn and Spa, Senator Inn & Spa, Holiday Inn.

Portland: Portland Harbor Hotel, Fairfield Inn Portland Airport, Motel 6, Holiday Inn, Eastland Park Hotel, Portland Regency Hotel and Spa; Wild Iris Inn, The Chadwick, The Inn at St. John, The Percy Inn, Wild Iris Inn, etc.

 

what to pack

Maine experiences warm (although generally not hot), humid summers. Winters are cold and snowy throughout the state, and are especially severe in the northern parts of Maine.

Don’t forget to take waterproof clothes/gear/backpack for the rainy season. Take all the gear if you plan to camp: a good sleeping bag and tent that are good for very low temp; special gas container u can use for heating food and water; a sturdy backpack or a cargo pack with a good daypack. Invest in a portable water filter or at least take some puri-tabs or boil the water.

A small backpack makes a good carryon bag and will be useful in daily life. Women: remember to take a good flat pair of shoes.... And for everybody: pair of comfortable walking shoes will be great for walking.  

 

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