How to Take a Classic Motel Road Trip

Do you reminisce about the good old days of jumping in the car and just seeing where it would take you? Do you romanticise motel accommodation and love the idea of pulling up in front of a different room every night? If you answered yes, it sounds like you are a prime candidate for an old-fashioned road trip holiday. Here are some tips on making the most of your time on the highway.

Book your motels

A printed motel guide thrown onto the back seat would be in keeping with the spirit of the adventure, but for the sake of convenience, you can search online. You would be best booking before you travel to ensure a room each night, in which case you will need a fairly firm itinerary and route in mind. However, if you feel this kills the spontaneity, just use the Wi-Fi at one motel to search for and book your next stop.

Fuel up with breakfast

Most motel rates include the night's accommodation plus breakfast. This is your chance to stock up on energy before hitting the road again, so make the most of the spread offered. Luckily, you'll find the breakfast menu in the average Australian motel hasn't stayed stuck in the past.

Ditch the GPS

With satellite navigation becoming the normal method of reaching our destination, the joy of getting lost and exploring the back roads is a distant memory. On this trip, turn the GPS off and arm yourself with local tourist maps instead; most motel receptions will stock them. If travelling with a partner, however, remember that the driver/navigator experience is one of the truest tests of a relationship's strength.

Ask the locals

To find the hidden gems and off-the-beaten-track highlights, you'll need some local knowledge. Ask the staff at your accommodation each night for their local picks. If you feel like a challenge, ask for hand drawn directions to one spot and see if you can find it! Your motel receptionist will be a great source of information about the surrounding area.

Have a motel night-in

On any holiday, eating out and discovering new restaurants and pubs is great fun. On a classic road-trip though, you need at least one evening in your motel room, lying on the bed watching old movies and eating takeaway.

Here's hoping your road trip finds you in the right places at the right time. For more tips, contact motel accommodations like Macquarie Inn at Club Macquarie.

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