Packing guide for a summer vacation in Maine
Did you book your summer vacation in Maine and now you need a packing guide for a summer vacation in Maine to have everything you need?
Whether it’s a fun family vacation, a couple’s getaway, or even a work trip, packing your essentials is an important part of your travels.
When you’re leaving on any trip, it’s important to pack what you’ll need according to the destination! You won’t be packing full-on winter gear while travelling to the Caribbean for example. You’ll want to pack the right essentials for the season and the destination you’re going to.
While Maine has much to explore, depending on the season, you will not be packing the same things.
I’ve been to Maine many times over the years. I’ve also been there in every different season. So it’s easy to set up the perfect packing guide for a summer vacation in Maine as I’ve experienced it first hand.
Keep reading to get your full packing guide for Maine in the summertime. You’ll find everything you need to bring right here!
How many outfits should you pack for a 7-day vacation in Maine
You might be asking yourself, is Maine worth visiting in summer? Yes, it is! You will have to pack accordingly but Maine has a lot of historic places to visit, beautiful coastlines and beaches you can spend some time relaxing.
In the summertime, you’re more likely to get warm weather but you shouldn’t leave your sweaters behind.
If you’re going to Maine for 7 days, you should pack an assortment of summer tops, long sleeve shirts, short sleeve shirts and a mix of shorts and long pants.
Stick to neutral bottoms. This way you’ll be able to wear them multiple times but use different shirts that will still be a good fit.
When it comes to several outfits, you can easily pack 3-4 bottoms and a top for every day. You’ll have plenty to work with while getting dressed but not too many outfits to carry around.
Comfy shoes
When travelling to Maine, it’s important to consider bringing good and comfortable shoes. Especially if you plan on doing activities other than the beach.
If you’re going to Maine to spend the whole time at the beach, you’ll still need to have a good pair of shoes to wear while strolling the cute little towns. But you might be wearing mostly flip-flops during the day.
If you’re planning to go to Acadia National Park or spend a lot of time walking around and exploring, make sure to bring comfortable hiking boots and walking shoes.
If you’ve bought new shoes for this trip, wear them a couple of times before the trip. Even if it’s just walking around your house. This way, you’ll avoid hurting while breaking them in on your trip.
Pack layers
Although the weather can be comfortable during the summer, make sure to pack some layers. The evenings can be warm and they can also be a little bit colder.
Make sure your have a couple of sweaters in your bag. You probably won’t need thermal shirts. But it could be a good idea to have one if you plan on staying in the mountains. You never know how the weather will be while climbing up.
Swimwear
Swimwear is a must while packing for anywhere you are planning to travel to. I always pack at least one even if I’m traveling somewhere cold or during the wintertime.
Depending on where you are staying, you might have a pool, sauna or hot tub you can take advantage of.
Especially while travelling during the summertime in Maine, you’ll be surrounded by beautiful beaches. Maybe you didn’t plan on going to the beach on your trip to Maine. Carry a bathing suit with you anyway.
Plans can change and you might just be needing one at the end of the day.
This way, you’ll avoid needing to buy an overpriced bathing suit. And on top of that, swimwear doesn’t take up a lot of space in your suitcase so you can cram one in there easily!
Rain Gear
Unfortunately, traveling also means you can’t control the weather. I would prefer that it is always sunny and warm while I am exploring a new city, or a new country altogether but it doesn’t work that way.
Maine is no different. Make sure you pack a rain jacket with you. You don’t have to bring it in your purse or backpack every single day. But having one in your suitcase is a good idea.
If you know it is supposed to rain, you’ll be able to carry it with you and have a bit of protection from the elements.
You don’t have to bring the whole wildlife exploration kit! Just a jacket and maybe an umbrella should be enough.
Unless you’re going camping or hiking in the Acadia National Park, then you might consider bringing rain pants as well.
Other accessories
While packing your bag for a summer vacation in Maine, you might want to consider packing these small accessories too.
Bring a hat to protect your head from the sun. Bring some sunglasses to protect your eyes from the sun as well.
Since you’re probably going to do a bit of exploring, bring a reusable water bottle with you. This way you’ll be able to refill it instead of buying plastic bottles as you go.
If you check the weather beforehand and you notice it might be a little colder, you can always pack a small pair of gloves just in case.
Don’t forget to pack your socks and underwear! Pack your sleepwear as well.
You’ll also need to pack your small toiletry bag with your essentials.
Sun protection and bug protection
Sunscreen is an important item to pack for summer in Maine. Sunscreen is important period. Even if you’re only planning on doing some sightseeing in the cities, wear sunscreen anyway.
Although, if you do forget to bring some, you’ll be able to find some easily in the stores nearby.
Bug protection is also a must when travelling to Maine during the summer. Bugs are present mostly everywhere. If you’re like me and get bitten all the time, bring some with you and spray some every day.
There are many eco-friendly/non toxic ones out there. If you’re planning to go to the beach, use a reef-safe sunscreen preferably to protect our oceans.
Backpacks and duffle bags
While using your suitcase or duffel back to pack all your stuff for your trip, you’ll also want to pack other bags.
Pack a small bag or backpack for sightseeing. It will get annoying to carry a super large bag while navigating the street or attractions you plan to visit.
If you plan on going to the beach, pack a beach bag. This way, the sand will be limited to that bag but you’ll also be able to put all the stuff you want to bring to the beach and make it easier to carry.
If you’re also planning on doing some water activities, for example, paddleboarding, kayaking or even a boat tour, it could be a good idea to bring a water resistant bag. This way you can bring all your essentials and keep them dry while enjoying yourself on the water.
A Camera
Don’t forget your camera! Whether you bring a DSLR or just your phone, make sure you pack everything you’ll need to capture your amazing vacation!
You’ll have plenty of great opportunities to take photos of the beautiful coast!
A small first-aid kit
Pack a small first aid kit in your bag. You never know when you might need it.
Include band-aids, tylenol, advil, gravol, polysporin, benadryl. Whatever you think might come in handy.
You can always buy that stuff in a pharmacy while you’re on your trip but having a couple of first aid items with you might save you a trip to the pharmacy.
You don’t need to bring everything first aid. Carry the basics only. If you need more, pharmacies are easily accessible.
You can always purchase a small first aid kit such as this one if you want to.
What to pack for Acadia National Park
If you’re planning on spending a lot of time doing outdoor stuff in Acadia National Park, you’ll want to pack comfortable clothing to do just that.
What to wear in Acadia National Park is up to you and the activities you’re going to do. Make sure to pack some extra layers as it could be a little colder while exploring the forest.
If you’re going camping, you might want to check out my camping packing guide to help you prepare you camping stuff too.
Forget about the fancy shoes and fancy clothes while in the park. Think comfort over beauty. You’ll feel a lot better hiking around the area.
I hope that this packing guide for a summer vacation in Maine has helped put together your checklist!
Packing is an important part of the trip. You don’t want to forget anything. Well, at least nothing important that you can’t find in stores nearby.
I personally love to use checklists. This way, I’m sure that I’m not going to forget anything. If I do end up forgetting something, I’ll just add it to a note on my phone so I can add it to my checklist when I get back.
I believe a road trip through Maine is waiting for you!
Disclosure: Please note that some of the links above are affiliate links. At no additional cost to you, I earn a small commission if you make a purchase through these links. I would never recommend anything I don’t personally love and use!
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