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How to Book a September Trip to Maine

How to · Travel

How to Book a September Trip to Maine

Skip the summer crowds and head to Maine in September for lobster and lighthouses, paid off slowly over 15 months.

VoAtlas editorial Updated · 3 min read
Typical cost $2,200 before anything else
Across the 0% window $146.67/mo 15 months, no interest

How we got that: $2,200 spread evenly across the 15-month introductory window on the Discover it® Cash Back. Checked · at the bank Carry a balance past the window and the standard APR applies to what is left.

Maine in September is the sweet spot. The summer crowds have packed up, the weather is crisp, and the roadside lobster shacks are still wide open. You get the rugged coastlines and historic lighthouses mostly to yourself. A week of driving the coast and eating well runs about $2,200.

We can split that cost into manageable pieces instead of paying it all at once. By using the Discover it® Cash Back card, we can use its 0% intro APR for 15 months on purchases and balance transfers. That lets you pay for the trip slowly without paying extra for the privilege.

Keep in mind that this is not free money. The 0% rate is a temporary window that closes after 15 months. If you still have a balance on the card when that intro period ends, the standard interest rate kicks in on whatever is left, which will quickly make your Maine vacation much more expensive.

The steps

  1. 01

    Map your coastal route

    Fly into Portland and rent a car. Drive up Route 1 toward Acadia National Park, stopping at roadside lobster shacks and rocky beaches along the way. September roads are quiet, so you can take your time.

  2. 02

    Lock in cozy stays

    Skip the big hotels and book small B&Bs or cabins near Kennebunkport or Bar Harbor. Booking early for September gets you the best spots before they close for the winter. Aim for places with kitchenettes to save on breakfast.

  3. 03

    Spread out the cost

    Put your flights, hotels, and gas on the Discover it® Cash Back. With the 0% intro APR for 15 months on purchases and balance transfers, you can break that $2,200 total into 15 monthly payments of $146.67. This keeps your cash in your bank account while you travel.

  4. 04

    Book a cheap flight

    Portland International Jetport is your best entry point. Set up price alerts now for September flights. If prices are high, flying into Boston and driving two hours north is often much cheaper.

  5. 05

    Pack for quick weather shifts

    September in New England means warm afternoons and chilly nights. Grab a solid windbreaker and layers before you go. You will need them when you are standing on a windy cliff looking at a lighthouse.

  6. 06

    Check the card terms before you commit

    Every figure we publish for the Discover it® Cash Back carries the date a person verified it against Discover and a link to where they checked. Intro windows and APRs change without notice, so confirm the current terms before applying.

    See Discover it® Cash Back terms →

Common questions

When do Maine lobster shacks close for the season?

Most roadside shacks stay open through mid-October, though some close right after Labor Day. Going in mid-September guarantees you will find plenty of fresh lobster without the long lines.

Is September too cold to visit Maine?

Not at all. Daytime temperatures usually hover in the high 60s, which is perfect for hiking and exploring. Just bring a warm sweater for the evenings when the ocean breeze kicks in.

Do I need a car to see the lighthouses?

Yes, you really need your own wheels. Maine's coast is sprawling, and the best lighthouses and lobster joints are tucked away down long, winding peninsula roads.

How does the 0% interest window work?

You do not pay interest on your purchases for the first 15 months. You still have to make the minimum monthly payments on time, and you should aim to pay off the full $2,200 before the 15 months are up.