Oof, that "wrong side of the road" stuff would drive me crazy. :sentimental:
For the hotels - well, actually, for us it was motels - we would just stop at the first likely-looking place. If it was nice, no problem. If it wasn't it was called "a family memory".
Attractions? Usually on our trips between NY and MI our "attractions" were visiting with Mom's family. We rarely went out, unless it was to the store for more beer. We had all-night card games, played lots of board games, went boating and fishing ... all family-type activities. Never spent a dime on any tourist traps.
When I drove from NY to Florida I used paper maps, and just stopped at whatever motel was closest when I was tuckered out. Talk about "family memories" ...
Other than those two locations I've never been much of a traveler. Yes, I drove out and back to California, Texas, Maine ... but every time it was the same thing - paper maps and seat-of-the-pants motel choices.