What to bring on your Maine vacation.

Apr 12

Well, that depends.

Let’s start with what you don’t need to bring.

Sara has a big plastic tote at home, stocked with things that are frequently missing when we visit vacation rentals. She doesn’t want you to have to do that. Rest assured that you’ll have everything you need to:

take a shower (we stock our walk-in shower with Malin + Goetz products, including lotion. And there are of course towels and bath mats. Oh, and some nice robes.)
have a great cup of coffee or tea (coffee, tea, Keurig, capsules, gooseneck kettle, pour over, French press, regular drip)
eat a good meal (plenty of dishes, cookware, drinkware, cocktail shaker, recipes, storage for leftovers)
sleep soundly (white noise machine, fan, a variety of blankets and pillows, down duvets, room darkening curtains)
wash dishes (dishwasher, plenty of dish soap, sponges, and dishwasher detergent)
wash clothes (washer, dryer, hamper, drying rack, detergent and dryer sheets)
take out garbage, should yours start to overflow before you leave (a variety of trash bags)
pick up dog poop, wipe off muddy paws
clean up after accidental spills, dribbles, kid tornadoes, or making yourself a great meal
take care of your dog (bed, kennel, bowls, toys, extra leash, flash light doggy first aid)
take care of your wee ones (high chair, pack n’ play, baby bath)
get work done (if you must - there’s high speed internet, and a desk)
spend a rainy afternoon under a blanket streaming movies, or around a table playing games (high speed internet, brand new smart TVs, misc. games)
dry off your boots/socks/mittens (boot dryers, regular washer/dryer for mittens, hats, and sweaty under layers)
dry off your bod if you go paddling or to a swimming hole (beach towels - please don’t use the nice towels from the bathroom)
keep snacks cool during your hike (mini cooler and ice packs)
enjoy the outdoors (beach chairs, beach towels, paper plates and such for picnicking; plastic plates + wine cups if you want to dine al fresco)
deal with minor scrapes and pains (a basic first aid kit)

Some things to consider packing for cold weather:

warm clothes
slippers (for comfort and also we prefer that guests take off shoes to keep mud and needles at bay)
in the fall and spring: layers, a vest, a rain jacket/wind breaker
waterproof/snowproof boots
any specialty gear if you don’t plan to rent - click here for the myriad of outdoor activities in the area.
sun block, if you’re skiing or spending a lot of time on the mountain
make sure your car has a cold-weather emergency prep kit

Some things to consider packing for summer:

bug spray - important: make sure it will work against ticks. Click here to read about ticks in Maine.
sun block
hats and protective clothing (for sun exposure, and ticks)
comfortable shoes suitable for hiking
any specialty gear if you don’t plan to rent - click here for the myriad of outdoor activities in the area.
a warm sweatshirt or pullover, and one pair of long pants - sometimes it’s downright chilly, even in the summer! Average highs are in the 70s and lows in the 50s in June, July and August.
a swimsuit, water shoes, and quick-dry clothes, if you plan to visit swimming holes, or to go paddling
a dry pack, if you plan on paddling or fishing
reusable water bottles
flip flops to wear in the house and keep pine needles and such at bay.