Frequently Asked Questions
Maine 2010
How difficult will this tour be? What should I be prepared for?
This trip will be relaxed and comfortable. We will be staying at beautiful B&Bs and inns, and traveling in a van. There will be short hikes, some over rough terrain, but all of these are optional. Springtime in Maine may include inclement weather, and we will be taking a few boat trips on the ocean where temperatures can be cooler, so participants should pack accordingly. If you are prone to seasickness, bring medication. Maine in the spring can also have fierce mosquitoes, so bring your preferred brand of bug spray!
What will the food be like?
Breakfast will be included at most of the inns where we stay. Trip participants will be on their own for lunch and most dinners. A lobster dinner will be included in our stay on Monhegan Island (if participants do not eat lobster for any reason, please inform us ahead of time and other arrangements will be made).
What will the weather be like?
Maine in the spring is generally beautiful but cool. Typically it is colder along the coast, especially when on the water. Temperatures are typically in the 60s during the day and the 40s at night, but on a foggy or rainy day at the coast it can feel quite cold.
How should I dress?
Dress is very practical and informal. While some people will change for dinner, it usually is just to a drier or cleaner version of what they wore during the day! Bring layers, and plan for a variety of temperatures and weather. Maine in spring can range from cold and rainy to hot and sunny. Bring T-shirts, a long-sleeved shirt or turtleneck, sweaters or a fleece, and a raincoat or even a winter jacket. A hat and gloves are a good idea, and so is a sun hat or baseball cap. Bring comfortable, sturdy shoes as well, suitable for light hiking.
What else should I bring?
We recommend bringing a small day pack, insect repellant, a flashlight with fresh batteries, sunglasses, sunscreen, lip balm, a canteen or water bottle, a raincoat or poncho, an alarm clock, a wash cloth, your camera with fresh batteries, your favorite field guide, and of course binoculars. Luggage will be traveling inside the van with us, so please do not over-pack! A standard, medium-size bag should be ample. Be sure it has your address on the inside of the bag, as well a luggage tag on the handle.
What about bugs?
Maine is famous for its enthusiastic population of mosquitoes and black flies. Some of the wetland areas that have the most birds have the most mosquitoes as well, so plan accordingly. Coastal areas are breezier and relatively bug-free, and islands such as Monhegan have very few bothersome insects. Deer ticks have also been found in Maine and cases of Lyme disease have been reported, so we recommend commonsense measures like using insect repellant, tucking pants into socks, and checking for ticks after a walk.
What are the accommodations like?
Accommodations are comfortable and modest. We will be staying at scenic coastal inns and B&Bs—think quaint and charming, but not luxurious. Participants will be sharing rooms with two beds unless you are traveling without a companion and choose the single-room supplement option.
Do I need vaccinations?
No
Do I need a passport?
No
Should I get travel insurance?
We strongly recommend traveler's insurance for all of our national or international trips. Here is a trusted vendor: http://www.travelsafe.com/index.php?ref=CALFL04
Smoking:
Smoking is not permitted in any vehicle or during group activities.
To learn more about Ecotourism click here.
Call 212-691-7483 or email Erik Karff to register or find out more about upcoming NYC Audubon trips.
