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Portland Travel Checklist

Portland Travel Checklist

Portland Maine, USA Travel Guide

Essential Preparations

A structured approach to pre-trip activities.

Chronological Planning Timeline

Steps for an organized travel plan.

3+

Months Prior

Flight Booking

Secure flights, especially for international or peak season travel.

Accommodation Research

Research and book high-demand lodging (luxury hotels, B&Bs).

Passport/Visa Validity

Your passport validity for at least six months beyond your stay.

1-2

Months Prior

Rental Car Reservations

Book your rental car, especially for busy times.

Tours & Activities

Secure spots for popular tours (e.g., whale watching).

Travel Insurance

Obtain comprehensive travel insurance (World Nomads) (affiliate).

2-4

Weeks Prior

Confirm All Bookings

Double-check flights, accommodation, car rental, and tours.

Bank Notification

Inform your bank/credit card company of travel plans.

Download Useful Apps

Install the METRO Umo app, Uber/Lyft, Google Maps, local weather.

Advance Bookings

Certain reservations warrant early attention.

Reservations

  • Flights are essential to book in advance.
  • Popular hotels or B&Bs fill quickly.
  • Rental cars are important, especially upon arrival at PWM.
  • Highly-rated restaurants need reservations.

Pre-Trip Research

Informative steps before your journey.

Research Recommendations

  • Dive into Portland's culinary scene.
  • Identify neighborhoods for exploration.
  • Create a list of attractions aligned with your interests.
  • Read recent travel blogs or articles for current insights.

Home Preparation

Tasks before departing your residence.

Security Measures

  • Inform trusted contacts of your itinerary.
  • Secure your home (lock windows, doors).
  • Arrange for mail collection or delivery pauses.
  • Pet care arrangements.

Utility Management

  • Adjust your thermostat to save energy.
  • Empty trash bins.
  • Consume or remove perishables.
  • Turn off unnecessary lights and electronics.

Final Checks

  • Final packing adjustments.
  • Charge all electronics (phone, camera, power banks).
  • Print or save digital copies of confirmations.
  • Gather important travel documents.

Smart Departure

Preparation sets the tone for a relaxed and enjoyable travel experience.

Arrival Checklist

Steps for a smooth settlement upon reaching Portland.

First Steps

  • 1
    Immigration and Customs

    International travelers proceed through necessary procedures at port of entry.

  • 2
    Luggage Collection

    Retrieve your checked baggage from baggage claim.

  • 3
    Transportation to Accommodation

    Locate pre-arranged transport or proceed to taxi/ride-share pick-up.

Orientation & Essentials

  • City Map Acquisition

    Grab a free city map from the airport or Visit Portland visitor center.

  • Currency & Purchases

    ATMs are available for cash; most places accept credit cards.

  • Neighborhood Walk

    A short walk around your area. Locate nearby amenities.

Travel from Entry Point

Taxi/Ride-Share

Direct and convenient.

Fastest airport transfer.

Hotel Shuttle

Check if your hotel provides this service.

Often pre-arranged.

Public Bus

A budget-friendly option.

Can be slower than private transport.

Smooth Start

Efficient arrival practices set a positive tone for your Portland visit.

Departure Preparation

Prepare for a smooth departure from Portland.

Souvenirs & Shipping

  • Purchase souvenirs throughout your trip.
  • Ensure items are securely packed for transport.
  • Inquire about shipping services for large or fragile items (USPS, FedEx, UPS).
  • Keep receipts and tracking numbers for shipped items.

VAT Refund & Timing

  • The U.S. Does not offer federal VAT refunds to tourists.
  • Sales tax is applied at purchase in Maine (currently 5.5%).
  • Airport (PWM) arrival 90 mins to 2 hrs before domestic flights.
  • Train/Bus departure 30-45 mins before from Portland Transportation Center.

Return Trip Essentials

Final checks for your journey home.

Departure Checklist

  • Confirm travel times.
  • Pack last-minute items (chargers, toiletries).
  • Adhere to accommodation's check-out policies.
  • All essential documents are accessible for departure.

Home Preparation Reminders

  • Confirm mail and newspaper pauses.
  • Turn off lights and appliances.
  • Ensure all windows and doors are locked.
  • Inform a trusted neighbor of your absence.

Departure Readiness

A well-prepared departure leaves a positive final impression of your journey.

Organization minimizes stress and enhances your travel experience.