I have never been to the east coast before (well, only NYC) but am driving from Boston to Quebec city and back from June 27 till July 9. We want to head towards Stowe, come back via New Hampshire and Maine. Do I need to make hotel reservations or can I try my luck when I find a town I like?

i'm sure you can always find someplace if you like to take risks. it may not be affordable and/or desirable, but i'm sure there's something somewhere. you are also talking about a time where kids are out of school and more people are taking vacations and it's certainly not off-season anywhere on the east coast for traveling.

personally i'd recommend finding something to be safe. most hotels let you cancel penalty free the day before, so you might even want to confirm rooms along the route just in case since you won't know where you'll be. just don't forget to cancel before it's too late.

"most hotels let you cancel penalty free the day before"

This is not the norm, except for chain establishments in the larger cities.

"i'm sure you can always find someplace if you like to take risks."

...and drive for hours and hours and take your chances with rates.

thanks

djkbooks, I have been debating what itinerary but I think you have solved my problem. Many thanks to all

I suggest figuring out the trip in advance and getting hotels through Priceline.
Check www.biddingfortravel.com before you bid.
Have a great trip!

I use Priceline all the time for major cities (Boston, NYC, Baltimore, New Orleans, San Francisco, Montreal, etc.), but would not recommend it for a two week road trip through New England.

While you might be able to get good deals for the larger cities (Quebec, Boston, Burlington, VT) you'd have no flexibility whatsoever.

And Priceline does not service the smaller cities throughout New England, the nicest places to stay and explore.