Planning Your Family Vacation

family on vacation

A family vacation is a great way to reconnect with your loved ones while having fun exploring a new place. There are also other benefits that help children with growth and development. A recent study conducted by the U.S. Travel Association reports students who traveled were more likely to be academically and financially successful.

Here are a few tips for planning your family vacation: 

Set an itinerary 

Although you may not have figured out your travel location, it is a good idea to decide what exactly you want to do on your vacation. Are you an adventurous family that enjoys outdoor activities, or more laid back? Start by writing down a few items you would like to so like hiking, fishing, sightseeing, etc.

Save Money 

Planning a vacation is not cheap, and the more family members you have, the more it will cost. If you want to book a trip for the spring/summertime, now is the best time to start putting money aside. Figure out how much your estimated expenses are and then begin setting aside a portion of that on a weekly basis.

Decide Location 

It can be tough to narrow down a location, but if you are looking for adventure or relaxation, there is no better place than York Beach, Maine. As one of the oldest towns in the United States, it offers a cozy atmosphere with exquisite restaurants, family fun amusements, and awe-inspiring scenery. Check out these must-see locations

Book Accommodations 

Once you have a substantial amount of money, you can book your plane tickets/ stay accommodations. Booking in advance can help you save money by getting a lower rate.

When planning a visit to York Beach, Maine, be sure to book a room at the Sands by the Sea Motel. Located on one of the most scenic stretches of coastline in southern Maine, it is the perfect place to begin and end your day! Call 207-363-2211 or contact us online today!

Benefits of Staying at a Motel

When traveling there are many different options to choose from to book your accommodations. The key factors which determine where most people stay are usually comfort and value. People want the best option that costs the least amount of money. If you are looking for a deal, chances are a motel is your best bet.

Here are the benefits of booking your accommodations with a motel:

Save Money: Booking accommodations at a hotel can come with a high-priced mark-up, especially when booking through different travel websites. The advantage of booking at a locally owned motel is that you can book directly through their website or front-desk service which can help save money and time. Travelling can already become very expensive, so there is no reason to spend money unnecessarily. Almost always, if you see a price online with Booking.com or Expedia you can just call the motel and ask them to match that price or give you a better one. When you get the price you want it’s much easier to deal with the motel directly after that point instead of a 3rd party travel website that just delays solutions and enhances wait times and frustrations. If there are any questions, concerns or requests, you won’t have to deal with an answering service that sends your call overseas to a call center that will, in the end, just be calling the motel anyways. The motel itself will always offer superior and more efficient solutions.

Better Service: Oftentimes, chain motels have many different people coming and going with staff that can be less than pleasant. A smaller, locally owned motel has the advantage that they are able to provide a more personal service to their patrons with repeat and seasoned staff. Quite often the staff has been there at the motel for many years and the style within which they train their newer housekeepers is second nature and always the same. This will certainly provide a more consistent, refreshing and even cleaner experience!

Parking: Larger hotels have high-priced parking which can put a damper on your vacation fund. Some hotels will charge hundreds for their parking just for a short stay. Most motels have free or discounted parking. This is very helpful for road trip vacations. The parking is also much closer which makes it easier to access your vehicle whenever you need to.

Local knowledge: A motel can offer a personalized experience for many patrons. The front desk and concierge can provide a knowledgeable history of the location you are visiting and the best places, restaurants and sights to see.

Uniqueness: Many “big name” hotels are meant to be the same and if you’ve stayed at one, you’ve stayed at them all. With a local motel, you get the uniqueness of staying at a one-of-a-kind accommodation. Each motel has its own way of doing things. Each motel has its own style and history. These natural elements tend to be beneficial to the guests that stay there. Nothing can replace a unique experience.

Motel Myths: Quite often people think that a motel is a one trick pony, but many motels not only offer standard accommodations at good prices but oftentimes they will even offer family suites, connecting rooms, cottages or even luxury condominiums. These units tend to be much larger and accompanied with more amenities such as a kitchen, additional bathrooms, extra parking or even a private outdoor deck. With the growing needs of today’s savvy customers, the personal expectations of the ownership usually grows with those needs. When you contact your motel just ask them about the range of their accommodations and you could be pleasantly surprised. Remember that not all motels will have such choices, but some most certainly do and that can make all the difference between a good vacation and a truly memorable and enjoyable one.

Planning a trip to Maine? Book your accommodations with Sands by The Sea Motel! Our locally owned and operated motel is the ideal place to start your trip to Maine. Check rates & accommodations here!

Fishing in Maine

dad and son fishing at lake

Fishing is a great sport and leisure activity that helps to improve your physical and mental wellbeing. No matter your experience level; advanced or beginner, it is important to be sure you have the proper tools before heading out for a fishing trip.

 Maine is plentiful of rivers and streams that house a variety of fish which include rainbow trout, landlocked salmon, smallmouth/ largemouth bass and many more types of fish. If you are heading out for a fishing trip in Maine, be sure to pack all the essentials so you can make the most of your expedition! 

Here are the necessary tools to bring:

Tackle Box– Every experienced angler has a tackle box filled with all the supplies they will need for a successful fishing trip. As you gain experience you will learn what works best for you. This is also a great place to store your first aid kit Here are some essentials you should include in your tackle box:

  • Pliers
  • Sunblock
  • Bobbers
  • Safety goggles
  • Flashlight
  • Line clippers
  • Hand towels
  • Insect repellant
  • Hooks
  • Line

First Aid Kit– Your safety is the most important aspect of a successful fishing trip besides catching the fish! There are many different sharp objects that you will need to use during the trip. 

Fishing line & line cutter– Typically, fishing line will come with your fishing reel, but you should always pack extras. Fishing line is extremely strong so you will need to bring a sharp knife or nail clipper to cut the line. Nail clippers are easy to use and much safer than a knife, especially if you are a beginner angler.

Bait– Worms are the most common bai used but ants, beetles, grasshoppers, and caterpillars can also be used as bait. In addition to live bait experienced anglers use lures to draw in fish. Lures are brightly colored plastic worms or fish placed on the end of the hook and typically used once you run out of living bait.

Here are a few places to fish in Maine:

Located on the coastline of southern Maine, Sands By The Sea Motel has been welcoming guests since 1961. After a long day of fishing, relax on our deck and enjoy the oceanfront view. Check out our rates to book your reservations for the Spring/Fall season!

Interesting Facts About Maine

 portland, maine, usa at portland head light.

Here at Sands By The Sea Motel, we take pride in being a locally owned and operated business. We love to share our knowledge with our guests about the history, local restaurants, and other exciting locations.

Nicknamed, The Pine Tree State, this land is well-known for its plethora of trees among other things.

Here are a few interesting facts about Maine:

  • The official state animal of Maine is the moose. The state is home to approximately 76,000 moose, the highest moose population in the lower 48 states.
  • The official state insect of Maine is the honeybee. The state has a rich beekeeping culture and even has a non-profit organization, the Maine Beekeepers Association, which was founded in 1976 to promote understanding of the insect’s importance. 
  • Maine is the single largest producer of blueberries in the United States.
  • 90% of the country’s lobster supply comes from Maine. Before they became the delicacy, they are today, lobsters were fed to inmates and indentured servants, or ground up and used as fertilizer, during the colonial era.
  • Portland, Oregon is named after Portland, Maine. Founded by Francis Pettygrove
  •   Maine is the only state that shares its borders with only one other US state. That state is New Hampshire.
  • Acadia National Park’s Cadillac Mountain is the highest point on the East Coast.
  • Maine has its own desert, which spans 40 acres outside the town of Freeport. The desert originally developed as a result of over-farming in the area.
  • The Maine Coon Cat, which is the official state cat of Maine, is the largest domestic cat breed
  • Maine is known as “The Birthplace of Prohibition.” The state was the first to ban the sale and manufacture of alcohol in 1851.
  • Donut holes were invented in Maine. Capt. Hansen Gregory, from Rockport, Maine came up with the hole in the donut after realizing the center of the pastry was not fully cooked in the middle.

Planning a trip to The Pine Tree State? Book your accommodations with Sands By The Sea Motel! Our locally owned and operated motel is the perfect location to begin your journey through Maine. Check rates & accommodations here

Gifting A Trip to Maine For Christmas with Gift Certificates

The holiday season is just around the corner which means it will soon be Christmas and you will have to buy gifts for your family and friends.

Rather than purchasing appliances that won’t be used or expensive game systems, why not embark on an adventure instead?

A trip is a great gift because it creates lasting memories in a place that the recipient may have never traveled to before.

This year give the gift of an experience with a trip to Maine for the Spring, Summer or Fall.

Paying for the trip

If you have an airline-branded credit card or another card that allows you to rack up miles or points be sure to use it. Your generosity might as well benefit both parties.

If you are going to surprise someone with a trip, be sure to ask them about their schedule ahead of time so that the trip does not conflict with any of their preexisiting plans.

Why Maine?

With historic lighthouses, beautiful sprawling beaches, and authentic lobster shacks, Maine is an ideal location to share and experience with a friend, family member or significant other.

Here are some great locations to visit on the trip: 

The York Beach Bucket– Located right on Short Sands Beach, next to the Sands by the Sea Motel, you will find the most delicious and fresh lobster rolls in town. Fresh lobster meat is delivered daily from the Taylor Lobster Company. Get them cold with mayo or warm with butter.

Nubble Lighthouse– Even if you have never visited the Pine Tree State, chances are you have seen photos of this beautiful and historic lighthouse. While the photos are usually quite beautiful, there is nothing quite like taking in this surreal scene at the ocean’s edge with your own eyes.

Acadia National Park– This “national treasure of Maine” is a premier destination for nature lovers. This park encompasses many different elements which include mountain ranges, hiking trails, and even a beach! 

Enjoy an oceanfront view with comfortable amenities, at the Sands by the Sea Motel! Contact us today to book your vacation for the upcoming Spring, Summer or Fall season.

Sands by The Sea offers standard rooms, 1-bedroom efficiencies, 2 & 3-bedroom cottages and 1 & 2-bedroom luxury condos as well as a luxurious 6-bedroom house with a private pool. This is a great gift to give to a couple, a friend or other loved one. Gift certificates can be applied to any stay at any time.

To purchase a gift certificate for the Christmas season email us at sandsbytheseamotel@gmail.com  or call (207) 363-2211. We look forward to hearing from you this holiday season!



Spooky Maine Vacation

Fall is the perfect time to immerse yourself in the mysterious ghost history of Maine. With Halloween just around the corner, there are many different options to learn and participate in a variety of spooky activities. There are many different places in Maine that are said to have been haunted.

If you are interested in embarking on an exciting spooky adventure in Maine, be sure to check out some of these locations:Spooky Maine Vacation  

Wood Island Lighthouse

Featured on the hit television show, Ghost Hunters, the Wood Island Lighthouse has been reported to experiencing a variety of paranormal activities. While you won’t be able to book a tour during this lighthouse’s off-season, you can still visit and walk along the boardwalk as the ocean water crashes along the shore. According to legend, there was an altercation involving a lobster fisherman and a local sheriff which resulted in both of their deaths. It is said that these two souls a still wandering the grounds today.

New England Curiosities

With a variety of different spooky activities, New England Curiosities is a must-visit while touring Maine. They offer group trolley tours of eclectic haunted locations around Maine, tarot readSpooky Maine Vacation ing, psychic readings, and amazing ghost stories. 

Wicked Walking Tours

This interactive tour immerses its participants into the haunted history of Portland Maine. Beginning at Old Port on a cobblestone street, you and your group will enjoy amazing storytelling and historic sites of witch trials, Abenaki attacks, pirates and ghosts. This is a great way to learn of Maine’s “dark history”

After a long day of exploring these haunted sites in Maine relax in your oceanfront view room at Sands by the Sea Motel. The scenic oceanfront views and comfortable amenities is the perfect way to unwind after a particularly chilling day of ghost stories and spooky adventures.

A Day in York Beach, Maine

 A Day in York Beach, MainePlanning a vacation is a lot more involved than just booking a hotel and flight. To fully enjoy your vacation, you have to actually have activities planned. If you are planning a trip to York Maine, here is a day full of activities to enjoy with your family, lover, or solitarily.

 

Breakfast

York Beach BucketLocated on the Short Sands Beach, this neighborhood café is an ideal location to grab a quick bite before heading out for the day. They have a vast menu with a variety of delicious items to choose from like the savory Maine Lobster Rolls!

Afternoon Activity

York Wild Kingdom Zoo and Fun Park A zoo, an amusement park, an 18-hole miniature golf course, paddleboat rides, and even a haunted house; there’s something for everyone at this amazing zoo and amusement park! This is the perfect activity to fill your afternoon.

Short Sands Beach– This beach is a tourist hot spot! Just walking distance from a variety of restaurants and shops, it is an ideal location to spend the evening while vacationing in Maine.

Dinner

Once you’ve had the chance to explore Maine and relax on the beautiful beach, you may be ready to dig into some delicious food!

1652– This local family-run restaurant is York Beach’s premier destination for local Italian food. With a beautiful oceanfront view, you can watch the sunset as the waves crash against the shore.A Day in York Beach, Maine

Rest & Relaxation

After a long day of exploring the culture and food Maine has to offer, it is time to rest and recharge for the next day. When traveling to Maine, stay at the Sands by the Sea Motel. With scenic oceanfront views and comfortable amenities for all stay types, the Sands by the Sea Motel is the perfect location to begin your vacation!