Maine vacation 2023: Plan ahead and pack patience

Visiting Maine this summer? You’re not alone. Maine’s reputation as a summer vacation destination rich in outdoor activities makee it a top choice for travelers.

Will it be crowded? The answer depends upon where you go and what you do. Seek out the lesser-known locations, opt for the less popular trails, consider quieter waterways, and choose the road less traveled. That, as poet Robert Frost discovered, will make all the difference.

Here’s what to know when planning your Maine vacation 2023. (updated March 4,2023):

Maine vacation 2023: Plan ahead

While you might get lucky and find a vacancy on a spur-of-the-moment trip, don’t count on it. I’ve spoken with many innkeepers whose properties are booked solid for July and August. Last season I noticed that the sad-looking roadside motels, the ones that receive only rants on review sites, had full lotsl. You don’t want to be the traveler whose choices are between one of these or the car (if it were me, I’d opt for the car). And FYI, lodging rates have skyrocketed in many locations.

Restaurants aren’t far behind, as savvy locals and return vacationers have made their reservations far in advance. You won’t starve, but your chances of dining when and where you prefer are getting slimmer by the day. While many restaurants have increased outdoor seating, they’re limited by how many they can serve. An employee shortage has forced many to cut back on hours and days of operation (more on this below). Always call to double-check hours; don’t rely on social media postings. Remember that most grocery stores have prepared foods to go that will do in a pinch.

I you want to drive to the summit of Cadillac Mountain in Acadia National Park, you need a vehicle reservation. That’s not just for sunrise or sunset; it’s required, along with your park pass, at all times throughout the season (late May-late Oct.). While 70 percent of Cadillac reservations are released at 10 am Eastern Time two days ahead, 30 percent of vehicle reservations are made available 90 days ahead of each date. You have a better chance of getting what you want in advance. You may buy your park pass and also make Cadillac Summit Road reservations online.

Maine vacation 2023: Pack patience

This summer, like last, pack patience: You’re going to need it. Here’s why:

• Maine’s demographics: Its residents are the oldest in the nation, so most are out of the workforce, and there aren’t children of working age in the house. The state simply doesn’t have enough bodies to meet needs.

• Other jobs: Many former hospitality workers found other jobs during the pandemic and are not returning to hospitality work.

• Housing: While many large hospitality businesses have employee housing, they’re in the minority. Due to demand, short-term rentals have replaced seasonal ones. Good for the property owners, but not so for those needing a season-long bed. Combine that with the sizzling real estate market.

• Crowds: I’ve seen photos of lines winding up popular trails in Acadia National Park. Instead of joining the queue, choose lesser-known trails and research out-of-the-way preserves.

Maine vacation 2023: Abundance of kindness

I’m hearing far too many reports of cranky, demanding travelers. Please don’t be that person. Try to understand that your waiter or desk attendant may be juggling a few jobs and likely is working far too many hours. Frankly, yelling at a front-line person doesn’t do much except make you look like a jerk.

I know what it’s like to be tired and cranky and have everything going wrong when traveling. It happens. Be kind. It sounds trite, but when you’re really ticked off, try smiling at the person who might be able to do something about the reason. And please don’t hold others responsible for your lack of planning or mistakes or threaten posting a bad review.

Your goal: Replace that oh-so-2020 term abundance of caution with abundance of kindness. Getting those around you to smile and maybe laugh, especially if things are going awry.

About masks

Respect those who choose to mask. You don’t know what’s going on in their lives: She may be fighting cancer; he may have an unvaccinated at-risk child or grandparent at home. Some mask out of fear, others out of caution. The reason doesn’t matter; respect their choices.

Bottom line

Plan in advance, pack patience, be kind, and always be ready to don a mask. Got that? Now smile: It’s time for your 2023 Maine vacation.