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Portland Travel Resources

Portland Travel Resources

Portland Maine, USA Travel Guide

Digital Resources

Useful Apps for the Destination

  • Greater Portland METRO Umo App

    Bus schedules, real-time tracking, and mobile ticketing.

  • Uber/Lyft

    Ride-sharing services for quick, direct transportation.

  • Google Maps/Apple Maps

    Comprehensive navigation for walking, driving, and public transit.

  • Yelp/OpenTable

    Restaurant discovery, reviews, and reservation booking.

  • AllTrails

    Hiking routes and trail information in and around Portland.

Useful Websites for Additional Planning

  • Visit Portland

    The official tourism website for the Portland region (visitportland.com).

  • City of Portland, Maine

    Official city government website (portlandmaine.gov).

  • Amtrak Downeaster

    Train schedules, fares, and bookings between Portland and Boston (amtrakdowneaster.com).

  • Concord Coach Lines

    Bus schedules, fares, and bookings between Portland and Boston (concordcoachlines.com).

  • Casco Bay Lines

    Ferry schedules and island excursion information (cascobaylines.com).

Social Media Accounts to Follow

@VisitPortlandME

Official accounts for tourism updates and inspiration.

Local News Outlets

Portland Press Herald on Facebook/Twitter for breaking news, events, and weather.

Local Food Blogs

@PortlandFoodMap on Instagram for current dining news and recommendations.

Print Resources

Recommended Guidebooks and Maps

  • Fodor's Maine, Vermont & New Hampshire, for regional context.
  • Delorme Maine Atlas and Gazetteer, a detailed statewide map.
  • Free city maps at Portland International Jetport or Visit Portland visitor center.
  • Hotels occasionally stock complimentary local maps.

Books about the Destination

  • "One Man's Meat" by E.B. White, offering insights into rural Maine life.
  • Books detailing lighthouse keepers' lives for historical context.
  • "The Maine Way" captures the spirit and character of Maine.
  • Local fiction or non-fiction on Maine's maritime heritage.

Local Publications

Portland Press Herald

  • Maine's largest daily newspaper.
  • Local news coverage.
  • Event listings.
  • Restaurant reviews.

MaineToday Magazine

  • A free local publication.
  • Arts and culture focus.
  • Current event listings.
  • Finding local happenings.

Edible Maine

  • A magazine dedicated to local food and drink.
  • Highlights chefs and farmers.
  • Focus on Maine's producers.
  • Culinary insights.

Emergency & Medical Information

Emergency Contacts

Emergency Services

  • Police, Fire, Ambulance: Dial 911.
  • Free call from any phone.
  • Clearly state your location.
  • Immediate emergency response.

Non-Emergency Police

  • Portland Police Department: (207) 874-8575.
  • Minor incidents, not urgent.
  • Reporting non-immediate matters.
  • General inquiries.

Poison Control

  • Poison Control Hotline: 1-800-222-1222.
  • For suspected poisonings.
  • 24/7 availability.
  • Expert advice.

Hospital Locations

Maine Medical Center MMC

  • Address: 22 Bramhall St, Portland, ME 04102.
  • Portland's largest and most comprehensive hospital.
  • 24/7 emergency department.

Urgent Care Clinics

  • Available for non-life-threatening medical issues.
  • Walk-in facilities for minor illnesses or injuries.
  • Sprains, colds, or infections.

Mercy Hospital

Mercy Hospital

  • Address: 144 State St, Portland, ME 04101.
  • Another full-service hospital.
  • Emergency department available.

Embassy & Consulate Information

  • No foreign embassies or consulates in Portland.
  • Closest missions typically in Boston, NYC, or D.C.
  • Consult your home country's foreign affairs website for details.

Lost Document Procedures

Lost/Stolen Passport

  1. Report loss or theft to local police immediately.
  2. Obtain a police report.
  3. Contact your country's nearest embassy or consulate.
  4. Apply for an emergency travel document.
  5. A new passport application is also an option.

Lost Driver's License

  1. For U.S. Citizens, contact your state's DMV.
  2. For international licenses, report to local police.
  3. Contact your local issuing authority.
  4. Carry a copy of your license or ID.
  5. Digital copies on your phone are useful.

Natural Disaster Protocols

Winter Storms

Monitor local news and weather advisories closely. Follow instructions from local authorities.

Coastal Hazards

Heed warnings about strong currents, rip tides, or rough seas. Stay off jetties.

General Preparedness

Essential supplies (water, snacks, medications) for remote stays during storms.

Critical Alert

Always prioritize your safety. Local authority instructions are paramount during emergencies.

Further Reading & Exploration

Media & Art

Documentaries and Films

  • Coastal Maine Documentaries

    Showcase natural beauty or the fishing industry.

  • Maine Character Films

    Explore the state's unique character on screen.

  • New England Settings

    Films set in New England provide a regional sense of place.

Music and Art

  • Maine-based Artists

    Discover music across various genres from local talents.

  • Local Art Galleries

    Many Portland galleries feature Maine landscapes or maritime art.

  • Photography Courses

    Online learning communities like Skillshare (affiliate) for skill development.

Online Communities

Reddit Communities

Subreddits like r/Maine or r/PortlandME for questions and local tips.

Facebook Groups

Groups for Maine travel or Portland locals for current event information.

Language Learning

Resources like Duolingo or Babbel (affiliate) for English or other languages.

Travel Security

Online Safety

  • Consider a VPN service like NordVPN (affiliate) for public Wi-Fi.
  • Protect personal data on unsecured networks.
  • Avoid sensitive transactions on open Wi-Fi.
  • Use strong, unique passwords for online accounts.

Travel Organization

  • Utilize travel organization products from Eagle Creek (affiliate).
  • Packing cubes keep belongings tidy.
  • Secure wallets and valuables.
  • Keep digital copies of important documents.

Local Radio & Podcasts

Maine-focused Podcasts

  • Search for local history podcasts about Portland.
  • Food and beverage scene discussions.
  • Outdoor adventure narratives from Maine.
  • Interviews with local artists and entrepreneurs.

Radio Station Streaming

  • Local radio stations stream online.
  • Discover Maine's diverse music scene.
  • Up-to-date weather forecasts and local news.
  • Event announcements for your visit.

Knowledge is Power

Utilizing these resources greatly enriches your travel experience and trip preparation.