I am a young female driving across the country by myself. Is Motel 6 a safe place to stay?

Question

I live on the east coast, but go to college on the west coast. This year I want to bring my car because I'm living off campus and unfortunately I have to drive across the country by myself (NJ to CA)

I don't have enough money to spend over $100 a night for the few times I need to stop and spend the night at a hotel, so I was thinking of staying at Motel 6 in all the cities I'm stopping in ($30-$50 a night). Is this safe for a 19 year female alone? I will have all my stuff in the back seat of the car overnight because I can't bring it all in with me. Should I just pay the extra money for a safer hotel even though I really can't afford it?

Answer 1

You could try posting a listing on Craigslist for ridesharing. You could specify females only and do reference checks before you agree to it. That way you'll have some company and share expenses as well. You maybe able to afford a nicer hotel with a secured garage. Good luck and be careful!

Answer 2

I drive truck and stay in hotels  a lot. I would say that saying in hotels would be ok  and the cheap ones are fine too. The company i work for only pays for the cheap ones.  Make sure to look at the neighborhood its in, try and stay away from hotels close to bars low lighting etc,  

The items left in your car  ither need to be covered  or taken onto your room and make sure nothing of value to a thief is visible CD's ,IPod,etc... also don't stay in the big cities try to find hotels in towns from 10 to 20 thousand people. by the way the most expensive fuel is usually right off the interstate try going off the path a little bit even 3-5 miles could save even 10 cents a gallon.

Answer 3

As a global travel editor and having traveled the globe, especially in the USA...I would not recommend staying at most Motel 6s or Super 8s. They are frequented by minorities, truck drivers, party freaks and typical degenerates. This is not a safe environment for a good girl...if this is indeed the case.