Road trips always sound dreamy in theory, don’t they? Like, you have all the essentials you need, like that little Spotify playlist you made just for this, plenty of snacks, a little “look at that view,” and a whole lot of freedom. But most people only think about the daytime, the time they’re driving. But then the overnight stop happens, and it can either set the next day up perfectly or completely wreck it. Like, nothing kills the road trip mood faster than waking up stiff, underslept, and already annoyed, before the car even starts moving.
Now, with most trips, most people heavily look into accommodation when it comes to most other trips. With most trips, at least, you could technically say it’s the center of the trip (like if you’re staying in just one place). But with road trips, it’s usually one night at best, like eight to twelve hours, and that’s that. But even with a road trip, a bad night can still ruin the next day, or even the day after that. So, what should you keep in mind when booking accommodation during a busy roadtrip?
Pick Stops that Make Tomorrow Morning Easier
Okay, first thing, overnight stops should make the morning feel easy. That means thinking about what happens after waking up, not just what happens at check-in. Now, as you probably know at this point, a place can be cheap and fine, but if it takes forever to get back on the highway, or it’s in an area with traffic patterns that turn morning into gridlock, it’s not worth it. For some people, it might be if there’s a fun experience tied to said accommodation, but most road trips have a schedule that needs to be followed.
So, it helps to stay close to the route, or at least in a spot where getting out doesn’t feel like a side quest. If the trip includes RV travel, choosing an RV campground near the main route can make a massive difference, because the morning becomes a quick pack-up and go, not a stressful navigation puzzle. Thankfully, most RV camps tend to be close to highways, so that helps at least.
Try and Avoid Detours
Well, this one pretty much ties with what’s being said just right above. But sometimes a place looks close on a map, but it’s not really close in real life. It’s “close” if the roads cooperate, if the turnoffs aren’t confusing, and if there isn’t construction. It’s also “close” if the route doesn’t involve winding through a downtown area with one-way streets and zero parking.
Again, something around a highway is most ideal, well, unless you were planning on seeing certain sites in said area, then maybe a detour is fine.
Yes, You Need to Prioritize Sleep
Please don’t pick the cheapest motel because it’s the cheapest motel. Please don’t pick a roadside hotel only because the location is great. You’re paying all this money to sleep, you need sleep, you need quality sleep! Maybe in any other trip where you’re not driving, you could maybe risk it, but for a road trip, no, absolutely not.
Comfort matters more than you think, especially when you’re spending hours behind the wheel the next day. Thin walls, lumpy mattresses, flickering parking lot lights, or a room right next to the ice machine can quietly chip away at your rest. Look for places with solid reviews that specifically mention cleanliness, quiet rooms, and comfortable beds. Blackout curtains, decent pillows, and reliable air conditioning are the difference between waking up refreshed and dragging yourself back into the driver’s seat.
It’s All in the Details
It’s also worth thinking about the small practical details that make mornings smoother. Is there easy parking close to your room? Can you grab coffee quickly without a 20-minute wait? Is breakfast included, or is there at least a café nearby that opens early? When you’re trying to stick to a driving schedule, those tiny conveniences add up fast. The less you have to problem-solve at 7 a.m., the better the entire day tends to unfold.
And finally, think about safety and peace of mind. A well-lit parking lot, secure entrances, and a location that feels comfortable at night all matter more than a slightly lower price. When you’re traveling with luggage in the car, maybe bikes on a rack, or an RV packed with your essentials, you want to sleep without worrying about what’s happening outside. Feeling secure allows you to actually rest, and real rest is what keeps the road trip fun instead of exhausting.
