Rest areas offer safe and convenient facilities for road travelers and mostly, wanderers. Most rest areas are cheap and open 24/7. Food chains and restaurants can be of distance to these rest areas in the US due to the law passed in 1960 that prohibits other establishments be in one compound with the rest areas. This is to protect competition from similar businesses.
This is somehow changed over the years. Otherwise, you can pull-over convenient stores before heading to rest areas. Buy some food that will keep you full while resting. The rest areas might be ideal places to rest for awhile when the driver feels like dozing off. This is not an ideal place to stay overnight. There are motels and hostels to keep you safe. There are about a few things that will make you choose the rest areas to stop-over.
- Safety – it is not a good bargain to choose thrifty road trips than safety. This is the top first priority on the list. Always be safe in driving. You may not be aware of the things going on while your mind feels to rest a bit. You can stop over for awhile while you recharge. When choosing a place to stay, take into consideration the facilities and the security.
- Free and safe parking – most rest areas have parking areas. There are signs that will lead you to proper parking areas. Some may cost a little fee but it is not a burden.
- Facilities – the rest areas are flooded with mostly leisure for the travelers. Restrooms, pay phones, picnic areas, vending machines, convenience stores, restaurants, gas stations, information centers, travel brochures and WiFi hotspots. This will keep the company be entertained while the driver sleeps or you want to chill for a while.
- Free coffee – Most rest areas have free coffee for travelers. Although, do not expect high quality coffee as this is for free.
Rest areas have issues of safety over the years. America has stopped building areas like this as it is hard to mandate strict security. There will always be places to keep you extra safe. If you are alone and especially, when you are a woman, refrain from taking the restroom in rest areas as it is isolated. It is wise to take the restroom at convenience stores, supermarkets or gasoline stations. All over the world, rest areas are available. These areas though are a bit developed. Picnic tables are available and sanitary is the prime concern. The areas are constructed and maintained by the national government. Local government sometimes takes over to ensure the maintenance.
Also, the government has recommended having rest areas in every 20 km to provide help and convenience for long voyagers. In the United States, there are larger rest areas known as Welcome Center. Welcome centers have more staff that tend the travelers with advises and directions.
Cars are separated from trucks and trailers. Make sure to see the signs and follow rules in rest areas to prevent foul experience.