Maine Travel Guide

Maine is both the northernmost state in New England, and the easternmost state in the U.S. Like Vermont, another mountainous state, Maine is known for its jagged forested landscapes that turn the most incredible colors during the fall season. Maine is essentially a quiet rural state, with few cities scattered between the lush forests. It is the most sparsely populated states in the U.S., and radically different from the boisterous holiday destinations further down the East Coast.

Maine is a paradise for tourists looking for a spot away from the madding crowd, where they can make the most of what nature has to offer; the breath-taking landscapes of Maine form the perfect backdrop for treks and hikes. Admiring the autumn foliage, the so-called ‘Indian Summer’, whale-watching, taking walks on the coast or enjoying some delicious Maine lobster make for a holiday that is not soon to be forgotten. This Maine Travel Guide will brief you on the best ways to get to Maine, and give you some information on what you can expect to find there.

Maine Travel Guide - Transport

If you are travelling to Maine from another continent or from more distant states in the U.S., the best option would be to fly to Boston International Airport, and to take a bus or the train to whichever city in Maine you’d like to visit. There are also quite good transport links from the nearby Canadian states of New Brunswick and Quebec. You’ll have absolutely no trouble in finding a way of getting to Maine from the other states in the New England area; there are domestic airports in Bangor, Portland, Augusta and a score of other cities.

You can easily explore Maine by bus if renting a car sounds too pricey or not exciting enough. Maine’s bus network is quite extensive and provides local and intercity services. Some landmarks and recreational sites even offer free bus services. However, the most comfortable way to travel around the state is by train, and it’s a great opportunity to relish the scenery. You can take a train from Boston train station and continue on to Portland, Old Orchard Beach, Saco or Wells. Maine has several islands that are well worth visiting, especially if you’d like to do some whale-watching. There are numerous ferry services that can get you to any of the islands for a small fee.

Maine Travel Guide - Things to Do and See

Autumn is arguably the best season for visiting Maine. The climate is temperate, but in the mountain regions and on the coast you can expect a bit of cool weather, even in summer. However, the crisp and cool autumn air in Maine only makes treks and walks in the woods more pleasurable. The glorious colors of the fall leaves attract many visitors, as well as activities such as apple picking in the scenic orchards and even amateur cider-making.

Although Maine has an extensive coastline, the water is too cool for bathing most of the time. However, the coasts littered with lighthouses offer some amazing views. Late spring through early autumn, you can watch the nature and the wildlife, go fishing, kayaking or boating. The winter wonderland also offers many opportunities for fun and relaxation: you can ski, snowboard or simply savor a cup of hot cocoa in front of the fire.