NY to LA in Feb, the southern route?

[imported_andrew]

I've just quit my job in New York, and I'm driving out to LA in a couple of weeks to start fresh. I've never done a road trip like this before and would love a little advice. I'm thinking I'd like to stick to the South so I can avoid the cold weather. So any suggestions of things to see or good places to stay would be greatly appreciated. I'm planning on sticking to motels.
I'm also a little concerned with theft. I'll be driving this whole way on my own with almost everything I own in a brand new car. What are peoples general feelings about theft? If I pull over for the night at a motel due I need to empty my car? Is my stuff any more safe in a motel? What about just pulling over at rest stops? I think I'll probably get a Club (for locking the car, not hitting people on the head). Is that silly? Is there any point in getting a blanket and covering everything up? What do you think? Am I just a paranoid New Yorker?

[Mark Sedenquist]

Are New Yorkers paranoid?

OK. Just kidding...

Is it cold weather you are concerned with or snow? If it is snow, you would be better to take the northern route -- it is often too dang cold to snow in January.

Generally, if you stay in reasonable motels -- theft is not much of an issue. After several thousand miles and countless motel rooms, we have never had a problem. A blanket that looks casually left can be useful. But for valuable equipment like laptops or radios -- it is better to bring it inside. It is preferable to park in 2nd floor motels with view of the parking lots if you are concerned about theft -- but again, we have stayed in some dicey places with no problems.

Over-night sleeping in most states is a)illegal and b) always unwise. Much better to use car parking areas in truck stops.

I have never used a club -- probably never will. Paranoid behavior attracts... in my view.

mark