Weekend Trip to Maine? Here's How I Planned It with PenFed

By: Sam Schlageter

I was craving a slow, coastal weekend and a break from city life. Since I work full-time in Washington, D.C., with only a little time off, my vacations have to fit my schedule and budget. Leaving on Friday and coming back Sunday is the best way for me to have an adventure without using too many vacation days or spending too much. So, I booked a 48-hour trip from Washington, D.C., to Portland, Maine, and it turned out to be one of my favorite trips ever!

The Perfect Weekend Getaway: My Planning Process

Before any trip, I make sure to organize my finances, especially when booking flights, hotels, and activities. With a lot of expenses coming up, I set a budget based on my PenFed checking account balance to guide my spending. The PenFed app let me track my transactions and stay on top of my budget while planning. I also knew I could get cash from PenFed’s fee-free ATMs, so I could focus on enjoying the trip instead of worrying about every expense.

When it came to planning activities, I knew I wanted to spend as much time as possible on the water. I planned to go sailing at sunset, try lobstering, and eat at waterfront restaurants whenever I could. The ocean is my happy place, so there was no lack of it when planning for Portland. After setting my budget and deciding how I wanted to spend my trip, it was time to pack my bags.

Friday

After landing in Portland on Friday afternoon, I went straight to the nearest and best-rated lobster shack. There are so many great lobster rolls in this city! Once I checked into my downtown hotel, I joined a sunset sail on the Windjammer. It was just as I hoped: white sails, tall wooden masts, and the gentle creaking of the ship on the water. With a glass of wine and the sea breeze, I ended my first day feeling peaceful and glad I took this time away.

Saturday

Bright and early the next morning, a day of perfect weather ahead of me, I geared up for what looked to be the most exciting part of my trip: lobstering. For those who aren’t familiar, there are tons of opportunities in and around Portland to get on a fishing boat with professional fishermen and try your hand at the trade. I’ve always wanted to try it! Once everyone was on board and we’d set sail, I got to lug some cages onto the boat and learned a bit about the wildlife and conservation efforts in the region. Once we got back to shore, I headed to a nearby restaurant for lunch, where I got to eat one of the lobsters I’d caught.

Later that afternoon, I took a taxi to the Portland Head Light, the oldest lighthouse in Maine, which offers some of the best views in the state. After that, I explored the historic Old Port district before going to my last dinner of the trip.

Sunday

With little time before my flight on Sunday morning, I stopped for coffee at a cute downtown shop, then headed home to Washington, D.C., feeling refreshed after my weekend adventure.

My Weekend Roundup: The Complete Budget Breakdown

Here’s the full breakdown of my trip’s expenses:

• Flights: Approximately $190
• Hotel: My share was $200
• Activities: Around $115
• Transportation: Including rideshares to and from the airport, about $40
• Food: $90 (mainly various forms of lobster and coffee)

Altogether, this 48-hour trip cost me about $650. During the weekend, I used the PenFed app to track my spending and make sure I stuck to my budget.

My Takeaway: Travel Smarter with PenFed

Whether you go to Portland, Maine, or somewhere else, a quick weekend trip is a great way to get a change of scenery without spending too much time or money. Maine brought me joy and peace, and the PenFed app helped me keep my spending on track so I could relax. This trip showed me that you don’t need a big budget for an adventure, just the right tools to help you enjoy the moment without worrying about every expense.