I totally go along with this about the food! I t takes a little planning, but you will save money, not have to be stuck with really lousy(or really expensive, or both)food on the road, not to mention you'll be doing your health a big favor if you bring simple healthy things along. Since my husband and I have been out on the road alot in places in the middle of nowhere, this really holds. A cooler with a few simple things(like a bag of mixed greens, some sprouted grain tortillas, home-made bean spread, fruits+juice, etc.)along with a grocery bag with some other basic stuff like plastic plates and bowls, utensils, vinegar, olive oil, salt and pepper, whole-grain crackers or pita breads, natural peanut butter, home-made granola, whatever's good will make for easy, healthy meals while travelling. Even if you get your motel room after a long day out, it's fast to throw together some veggie/salad burritos for dinner or lunch. For breakfast, some fresh fruit with the cereal is easy and good too. If you have a dehydrator at home, some dehydrated treats made ahead are great. We've been out in areas where it is next to impossible to get healthy inexpensive food. And if one really is too beat to do anything about food prep while travelling, well, one meal out per day is fine!
Travelling during the week, and lodgings during the same, can be cheaper than the weekend too, as well as less likely to be sold out too.
Even an overnight out can be a real break, if you don't go too far(so you don't just spend the whole time on the road driving) and you plan something pleasurable and cheap in the destination to do besides sitting in one's room. Exploring an area on foot and enjoying the sights and sounds, depending on where you are is often wonderful.