People are barbecuing at the motel. In fact, there is a whole row of people hanging out (including no shirt, beer belly guts), leaning on the railing drinking – I think they may actually live here. And they all stared at me as I drove around the corner to my room – thank goodness it’s not near them! (Finally realized what they reminded me of: Toby Keith’s Trailerhood video!)
It’s amazing how different a place seems when you’re alone vs. with someone. When Seth and I stayed here the other night it seemed rundown but fine. I mean, it has free WiFi and a bed – what more do I need? But then when I just checked in solo, there were two young men at the desk. One was overly friendly asking me if I live around here, what I’m doing in this neck of the woods, and then started commenting on my car. He first asked if it was a BMW, then whistled when he heard it was a Volvo. It was the first time I’ve felt really uncomfortable checking in somewhere alone. And it made me wish I was driving a 1997 Mercury Mountaineer – no one would be whistling or even commenting – on that. It would fly below the radar, which is what I want me and my car to do. At least I didn’t buy the Mustang!
I went to my room, and it is definitely worse than the one the other night. In fact, I considered going to my car to get my own toilet paper (yes, I have that in my trunk, too). My grandmother’s voice rang in my head, ‘Don’t forget to check for bedbugs!’
So while I know I really need to budget and stay in cheap places if I’m going to be able to sustain myself for the next few months on the road, I need to balance it with being safe and smart – two things I’m always imploring my son to be. I’m just not sure exactly what else I can do. Any tips? Suggestions?
Amy's America 
Well I can’t help you on the choosing of the hotel/motel, but I do know how to look for bed bugs or what to do should you come across them. I work for a pest company (granted I work in the office, but if you hang around long enough, you pick up information along the way). Even the best of hotels (such as Ritz’s and Marriotts and Embassy Hotels) get bed bugs, not just the cheap places.
Call me if you run into any issues with that. I’ll do what I can to help you out. But I’m crossing my fingers and toes that you don’t.
Stay safe and I’m glad that you’re having fun along the way.
Dad says first before checking in, drive around the parking lot to see what type of people you see. If they are tourists or residents. Also, then if you decide that looks okay, check for good lighting in the parking lot and possibly cameras or security. Then, when going to the office, ask for a first floor, close to the front room for high visibility. You don’t want to be walking in alleys or enclosed stairwell areas or at the back of the hotel. Next, always ask to see your room first before taking it. Always ask for a non-smoking, not pet room. You will always get a better room when you ask for those things and especially when you ask to see it first. Now, major hint on getting best price in good motels, upon entering each state stop at the welcom center or first rest area of the state you are going to be spending the night and get the discount books for that state. It will give you the very best prices and if you take a few minutes at the rest area to study the area you want to stay in and look at the different motels, you will know by the number of motels in that area, which has the best amenities. Your Dad is an expert in this area. Also, if the welcome center is open, they can usually make reservations for you. Good luck and stay safe. P. S. Your Gramma gave excellent advice!
Thank you Dad and Mag! EXCELLENT advice! I promise to do all of that from now on – and will pass it on to others to benefit from too!