RECOMMENDATIONS, AS PROMISED

WE CAN RECOMMEND...

>Military Lodging -- it's always clean and cost-effective, and the personnel are always accommodating.  Just make sure to book in advance!

>The Alaska Marine Highway System --  An amazing way to travel the Inside Passage and see Alaska on your own terms!  The crews were, without exception, friendly and helpful in meeting our every need.

>Air BnB -- a GREAT way to stay, especially in heavy tourist locales.  I can particularly recommend Kathleen & Jeremy's apartment on Douglas Island in Juneau.  They've attained "Superhost" status for a reason!

>Wayside Lodge in Yachat, Oregon -- these cottages, each with a private deck and direct access to the Pacific, are cozy, comfortable, clean, and extremely reasonably priced.

>Motel Trees and Trees of Mystery Forest in Klamath, CA -- The Motel offers comfortable lodging at reasonable rates and gives across-the-highway access to the Trees of Mystery attraction where the big trees are the stars of the show!

BUT WE'D AVOID...

>ANY major city at rush-hour!  Unfortunately, in some cities, this is a 24-hour condition.  When you're heading for a big city during rush hour, take the straight-through route because the "bypasses" will have just as much traffic for twice the distance!

>Fueling in Big Sur, California.  Make sure you top up before leaving Monterey or you're going to get hosed!  Prices are jacked up because there are only two stations in a 40 mile stretch.  For that matter, avoid buying anything in Big Sur!  Highway 1 souvenirs can be had anywhere along the route, and unless you just have to have that wood plaque/ carving/painting by that artist, you can probably find one just like it online for a more reasonable price!

>Choosing fast food over a local eatery.  Although there are times when you need to eat while you drive (and only fast food will let you do that), when you've got the time, check out a local diner or restaurant.  You'll get a better feel for the town or city you're seeing and might just discover amazing cuisine you'd never tried before!