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As states begin phased reopenings and travel slowly becomes an option once again, many travelers may be seeking a vacation within driving distance. For East Coasters, Maine is a charming coastal getaway ideal for every type of traveler.
Whether you want to snap a photo of the iconic Portland Head Lighthouse, hike in stunning Acadia National Park, watch the waves roll in, or explore the streets of downtown Portland, Maine has it all and then some.
For those worried about whether Airbnbs are safe, consider that experts say staying at an Airbnb as opposed to a hotel is actually one of the safest travel options right now. That's because, typically, renters are booking the whole house and won't interact with other guests. After all, driving your own car and renting a house where you're the only inhabitant is quite different from entering a crowded airport, boarding a plane, and checking-in to a large resort.
We also asked experts to weigh in on other travel risks like renting a car, flying, and more, however, it's important to note that without a vaccine, there is no guarantee as to safety. We recommend following guidelines and advice from organizations such as the CDC and WHO, and practicing safety measures including wearing a mask, washing your hands, and maintaining social distancing.
Additionally, Airbnb also implemented new procedures and cleaning policies, including the Cleaning Protocol, which includes guidelines on personal protective equipment for hosts or cleaners, and only using disinfectants approved by regulatory authorities. These listings maintain a 24-waiting period after a guest checks out before entering to clean, followed by another 48-hour waiting period before guests check-in.
As an alternative, hosts may opt into Booking Buffer, which enforces a 72-hour vacancy period between stays. Or, hosts can choose to do neither. Regardless, cleaning practices, and costs, vary widely. Some hosts are outlining new cleaning policies on the listings to help put travelers at ease. Those are noted below where applicable.
Experts also recommend taking extra preventative measures like running dishes through the dishwasher before and wiping down all surfaces and high-touch areas. Some travelers may even feel more comfortable bringing their own sheets. Of course, that means you're now sanitizing the home for which you likely already paid a hefty cleaning fee.
Traveling elsewhere in the Northeast?If you do decide to head north to Maine, remember that Maine currently has travel restrictions in place, and lodging is only open to travelers who already live in Maine or who have quarantined for 14 days.
If a trip to Maine is still on your radar, there are plenty of affordable and beautiful Airbnb options to consider. I've done the hard work of culling through hundreds of properties to seek out the best based on the following parameters: