You don’t want to over-plan. But you have to have some idea of where you want to go and what you want to do.
You matter. Your safety matters. Take it seriously. Have your car checked out before you leave.
I prefer luxury hotels, but they’re not practical for one-night stops along the road.
I made myself a small charcuterie board in the hotel room, washed down with water, after I’d finished the tasks on my to-do list.