How to Find a Hotel in Delaware

Delaware, the first state to ratify the Constitution, offers plenty for history aficionados, wildlife lovers and adventurers. Forests, rivers, parks and campgrounds provide the ideal setting for some of the state's best outdoor adventures.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• Map of Delaware
• Internet access
• Calendar to plan your trip

Know Your Destination

1. Understand Delaware's geography. The state is broken up into the northern, central and southern regions. Lush valleys characterize the north, while the ocean-bordered southern region offers watersports galore.
2. Try to visit either Wilmington (northern Delaware) or Dover (central Delaware), the state's two major metropolitan areas. Attractions and historical sites are concentrated here.
3. Bring your binoculars. Delaware's location on the Atlantic flyway allows for bird watching at its best.

Organize Your Transportation

4. Driving to Delaware takes just over two hours from New York or Washington, D.C.
5. Fly into Delaware using any one of four regional airports: Newcastle Airport and Salisbury-Ocean City-Wicomico serve small aircraft and charters, while nearby Baltimore Washington International and Philadelphia International offer more carrier choices.
6. Ride Amtrak, regional rail (SEPTA) or Delaware's public bus and train system (DART) to get from place to place within the state.

Choose Your Hotel

7. To book a hotel room, contact Delaware Tourism Office at [phone] or visit their Web site (see Resources below). Or check out Travels.com for the best hotel rates.
8. Know that 2-star hotels in or near major cities will cost approximately $75 to $100 per night.
9. Know that 3- and 4-star hotels will cost approximately $100 to $250 per night.
10. Plan to spend approximately $100 to $150 for a bed and breakfast stayover.

Visit the Attractions in Delaware

11. Know that Delaware beaches are one of the state's top draws--enjoy fishing, water sports, swimming and sunbathing.
12. Visit Lums Pond for a non-traditional beach experience. Covering 200 acres, Lums Pond offers a sandy beach for sunbathing along with summer boat rentals.
13. Visit historic homes such as Henry Du Pont's mansion, Winterthur, or the French-style chateau built for Alfred Du Pont, the Nemours Mansion & Gardens.

Tips & Warnings

• Don't be afraid to stock up on souvenirs or gifts. The state of Delaware does not charge sales tax.
• Birds and mosquitoes can carry viruses. Be aware of local conditions by checking with the National Wildlife Health Center.
• If you're an avid angler, Delaware's southern coastal areas offer pier fishing as well as deep sea charters, where you can try your hand at catching game marlin and tuna.
• Be sure to check any local warnings posted before swimming in lakes or rivers. For example, swimming in Lums Pond is forbidden.