If you are going to be taking a road trip, you will need to sleep some place. Unless you plan on sleeping in your car or in a tent at a campground, you will more than likely stay in a motel. A motel is a single building of connected rooms where the doors face a parking lot. They are found along most roadways.

There are a few things to keep in mind when picking and staying in a motel. You will want to pick a motel that has a well lighted parking lot. If the motel has lights that are out or not working, you may want to look for another. Location is everything. If the motel seems to be in a bad part of town with lots of people moving about and bars close by, keep driving.

When you have found the motel you will be staying at, try to park close to your room. Check that your room door has a dead bolt lock and that the door frame is in good repair. You will more than likely be staying only one night, so don’t unpack. Motels, unlike hotels, don’t have room service or a restaurant. You will need to go out to eat or order in delivery from some local place.

A road trip is an adventure. You may or may not have a lot of time to plan it. Either way, remember to use common sense, stay alert, and be safe. You can have a lot of fun and see some neat places. Don’t forget to send a post card.