Snowbirds Driving to Florida: Where to Stay Overnight

From Montreal or Toronto, snowbirds driving to Florida spend 23 to 25 hours on the road, which means 2 overnight stops if you drive 8 to 10 hours a day. For those nights, a roadside motel like Motel 6 does the job: your pets and kids stay free, and the My6 rate or the senior rate lowers the bill.

To make sure those nights cost you the price on the screen, pay with a card that charges no foreign transaction fees, like the Scotiabank Passport^® Visa Infinite +* Card. This guide covers the drive only. For the season itself, see our snowbirds guide to spending the winter down south.

How many overnight stops to plan

Plan for 2 overnight stops on the way down and 2 on the way back from most departure points in Quebec and Ontario. Here are the distances calculated by Google Maps, without traffic:

Driving distance and time to Florida, without traffic (source: Google Maps)
Trip	Route	Distance	Driving time	Overnight stops (8 to 10 hr a day)
Montreal → Fort Lauderdale	Fastest	2,603 km	23 hr 49 min	2
Montreal → Fort Lauderdale	Via I-87 and I-95	2,682 km	25 hr	2
Toronto → Fort Myers	Via I-77	2,341 km	22 hr 51 min	2
Toronto → Fort Myers	Via I-79	2,346 km	23 hr 59 min	2

A day of 8 to 10 hours behind the wheel leaves you time to fill up, eat and arrive before dark. If you would rather drive 6 hours a day, plan on 3 nights instead. Also, real driving time climbs quickly around Washington, Richmond and Jacksonville at rush hour.

Overnight stop cities with a Motel 6

Motel 6 and its sister brand Studio 6 have more than 1,500 locations in the United States and Canada, according to G6 Hospitality, their parent company. On the main routes to Florida, you will find one in most of the towns where drivers naturally stop:

Overnight stop cities on the way to Florida with at least one Motel 6, by highway (source: motel6.com)
Highway	States crossed	Overnight stop cities with a Motel 6
I-87	New York	Lake George, Albany
I-81	Pennsylvania, Virginia	Harrisburg, Carlisle, Harrisonburg, Staunton, Wytheville
I-77	Virginia, North Carolina	Fancy Gap, Hillsville, Charlotte
I-95	North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, Florida	Fayetteville, Lumberton, Florence, Savannah, Brunswick, Kingsland, Jacksonville
I-75	Ohio, Kentucky, Tennessee, Georgia	Cincinnati, Lexington, Berea, Knoxville, Macon, Perry, Tifton, Valdosta

To give you a sense of price, on October 22, 2026, a night at the Motel 6 Florence, SC, right off I-95, was listed at $53 USD before taxes at the My6 rate, compared with $60 USD at the base rate. Rates do climb during long weekends and local events, so book early for the busiest dates.

Two-storey motel with exterior corridors at dusk, cars parked in front and a palm tree in the parking lot — A typical overnight stop: parking right outside your room, just off the highway (illustrative image).

What Motel 6 offers snowbirds

For an overnight stop, you need a bed, a shower and a spot for the car. Motel 6 covers those basics and charges you nothing extra for the family or the dog:

Pets stay free: up to 2 dogs or cats per room, for a combined weight of 150 lb, at every Motel 6 (some Studio 6 locations charge a fee).
Kids stay free: your children aged 17 and under sleep free in your room.
Free basic Wi-Fi, plus a laundry room or a pool at most properties.
Truck parking at some properties, handy if you are towing a trailer.

On the other hand, the brand does not promise breakfast: bring your own or stop along the way. Likewise, if you drive an electric vehicle, check charging on the property page, because Motel 6 does not guarantee it.

Motel 6 discounts to compare before booking

You pay less by picking the right rate, but these discounts cannot be combined. So compare them for each night and keep the lowest:

My6: membership is free and gives you a discount on the best available rate when you book on motel6.com, in the app or at the front desk. The percentage varies by property and date: on October 22, 2026, it ranged from 4% to 12% along I-95.
Senior rate: it is for travellers aged 60 and over, and Motel 6 also offers it at its Canadian locations. The discount varies by property.
AARP: 10% to 12% for AARP members, with late checkout until 2 p.m. on request, subject to availability.
Seasonal promotions: Motel 6 regularly advertises up to 15% off, depending on the season and the property.

Our advice: open your My6 account before you leave, then compare the My6 rate and the senior rate on screen for each night. The gap from one property to the next is worth those two minutes.

Also create your free Milesopedia member account to access our members-only offers and choose your newsletters.

Booking an overnight stop without surprises

You will often book the night before or that same morning, depending on how far you get. That is exactly when the terms of Motel 6's reservation policy matter:

Cancellation: free until 6 p.m. on the day of arrival (4 p.m. at some properties). After that, you are charged for the first night.
Check-in: rooms are generally ready from 3 p.m. Some properties charge for early check-in.
Checkout: at 11 a.m. or noon, depending on the property.
Age: you must be at least 18 to check in, and 19 to 21 at some locations.

Finally, an unguaranteed room is only held until 6 p.m. If you expect to arrive late, guarantee it with your credit card when you book.

Paying for your nights with no foreign transaction fees

Your motel nights, gas and meals are all paid in US dollars. Yet most Canadian cards add a 2.5% foreign transaction fee on every purchase in a foreign currency. For $1,000 USD of spending on the road, round trip included:

With a 2.5% foreign transaction fee: $25 USD in fees
With a card with no foreign transaction fees: $0 USD in fees
Savings: $25 USD, before you even reach the south

Over a full season, the gap grows: our snowbirds guide puts it at $375 CAD for $15,000 CAD of spending in Florida. Here are the two options we recommend, depending on your profile.

Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite +* Card

It is one of the most useful credit cards on the road south, since it charges no foreign transaction fees on your US dollar purchases. Its annual fee is $150 CAD.

Its Scene+ points also pay for your motel nights. You apply your points to a travel purchase charged to the card, hotels included, at a rate of 100 Scene+ points for $1 CAD, up to one year after the purchase, according to Scene+ help. So 7,500 points cover $75 CAD, roughly one night at the Motel 6 Florence, SC, at the My6 rate.

SponsoredCompare

Scotiabank Passport^® Visa Infinite +* Card

Scotiabank Scene+

Annual fee: $150
Our valuationMilesopedia first-year estimate First-year valueWelcome bonus$450Total$450Rewards on your spending are not included. The calculator that adds them from your own profile is on the card's page.: $450
Welcome offerAfter $10,000 in 6 months: Up to 45,000 points; Ends Jan 3, 2027

With this welcome offer for the Scotiabank Passport^® Visa Infinite^+* Card, available until January 3, 2027, you can earn up to 35,000 welcome bonus Scene+ points:

15,000 Scene+ points after charging $3,000 in purchases to your account within the first three months
An additional 20,000 Scene+ points after charging $10,000 in purchases to your account within the first six months

Plus, every year, earn an annual bonus of at least 10,000 Scene+ points when you charge at least $40,000 in purchases to your account. In total, the offer represents up to 45,000 Scene+ points and a value of up to $1,350 in the first year, including rewards, savings on foreign transaction fees and airport lounge access.

With the Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite +* Card, you earn 3 points per $1 spent at Sobeys, IGA, Safeway, Foodland and participating Co-ops, and 2 points per $1 spent at other grocery stores, restaurants, eligible entertainment and eligible daily transit. You earn 1 point per $1 on all your other everyday purchases.

These points can be redeemed against any travel purchase at a rate of 1,000 points = $10 (flights, hotels, all-inclusives and even Airbnb), or as cash back with Scene+ at the same rate.

It also includes a new convenient benefit for travellers: enjoy 10 GB of free GigSky global mobile data for 15 days, as well as access to Travel Essentials to use essential apps like messaging, maps, and email while on the go. Cardholders also continue to receive 1 GB of free GigSky mobile data per year, plus a 20% discount on future GigSky purchases.

The Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite +* Card also offers:

No fees for foreign currency transactions
6 complimentary airport VIP lounge passes
Excellent insurance for your travels and purchases
Visa Infinite* Concierge Services

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* Savings and reward potential in first 12 months includes welcome offer value, estimated first year point earn potential, estimated foreign transaction fee savings and airport lounge savings as of Sep 10, 2026:

$150 in travel rewards (15,000 bonus Scene+ points) for new Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite + Card clients who spend $3,000 within the first 3 months;

$200 in travel rewards (20,000 bonus Scene+ points) for new Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite + Card clients who spend $10,000 within the first 6 months;

$100 in travel rewards (10,000 bonus Scene+ points) when you spend $40,000 annually on your Account each year (12-months: annual points bonus);

$50 supplementary card annual fee waiver on the first supplementary card for new Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite + Card clients;

$130 in foreign transaction fee savings based on average annual foreign spend per account over the last 24 months (save the 2.5% foreign transaction fee markup typically charged by other card issuers);

$363 in first year point earn potential (36,300 Scene+ points) on everyday purchases based on average annual spend per account over the last 24 months with an average spend of 21% in 3X and 2X accelerator categories combined;

$358 value with a complimentary Visa Airport Companion Program Membership that includes 6 lounge passes (based on a ‘Preferential’ membership valued at approx. CAD$358/USD$259). Currency conversion as of Sep 10, 2026.

Potential First Year Value = up to $1,351 (rounded down to $1,350)

Actual savings and points earned will depend on individual card usage and eligibility for applicable offers. Conditions apply.

1 Offer Description and Conditions: The 35,000 Bonus Scene+ Points Offer (the “Offer”) applies only to new Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite + credit card accounts (“Accounts”) that are opened between November 2, 2026, and January 3, 2027 (regardless of the date you apply for the Account) with minimum spend, subject to the conditions below. Offer may be changed, cancelled or extended at any time without notice and cannot be combined with any other offers.

Plus, as a Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite + credit cardholder you are always eligible to earn an annual 10,000 Scene+ point bonus with minimum annual eligible purchases, subject to the conditions below.

35,000 Bonus Scene+ Point Offer Conditions: To qualify for 15,000 bonus Scene+ points (the “15,000 Point Bonus”), you must have at least $3,000 in eligible purchases posted to your new Account within the first 3 months of the Account open date. To qualify for an additional 20,000 bonus Scene+ points (the “20,000 Point Bonus”), you must have at least $10,000 in eligible purchases posted to your new Account in the first 6 months of the Account open date. Eligible purchases include purchases (less any refunds, returns or other similar credits) but do not include payments, cash advances (including balance transfers or cash-like transactions), interest, fees or other charges.

10,000 Annual Bonus Scene+ Point Conditions: As a Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite + credit cardholder you can earn an annual Scene+ point bonus starting at 10,000 Scene+ points (the “Annual Point Bonus”) when you make at least $40,000 in eligible purchases annually on your Account each year (12-months). Annual period starts from the Account open date and resets every 12 months thereafter. If you switch from another Scene+ eligible Credit Card to the Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite + Card (vs. it being opened as a new or additional Card), your original Account open date will carry over to your new Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite + Card and your annual period for this benefit will begin on the next anniversary of your original Account open date. For example: If you originally opened a Scotiabank^®* Gold American Express^® Card on January 15, 2022, and switch that Card to the Scotiabank Passport^® Visa Infinite +* Card on July 15, 2025 – your annual period for the 10,000 annual Scene+ point benefit will begin on January 15, 2026 (your next Anniversary) and will reset annually on January 15th afterwards. You can also earn 2,000 bonus Scene+ points for every additional $10,000 in eligible purchases thereafter in that same year, after the $40,000 annual spend has been reached.

Point Bonus Fulfillment: The applicable point Bonus(es) will be credited within approximately 8 weeks after qualifying for a Bonus, provided the Account is open and in good standing. For Joint Accounts with a Primary Borrower and Co-borrower, the applicable point Bonus will be credited as follows: (i) the 15,000 Point Bonus, the 20,000 Point Bonus, and the Annual Point Bonus will be credited to the Scene+ account linked to the Account of the borrower that completed the last transaction to meet the qualifying amount of eligible purchases (i.e., $3,000, $10,000, or $40,000) in the appropriate time frame (i.e., first 3 months, first 6 months, or first 12 months). If a supplementary cardholder completes the last qualifying transaction to meet the qualifying amount of eligible purchases for the 15,000 Point Bonus, the 20,000 Point Bonus or the Annual Point Bonus, the applicable point Bonus will be credited to the Primary Borrower’s Scene+ account linked to the Account. Points can be transferred between Primary and Co-Borrower or Supplementary Cardholder’s Scene+ accounts by contacting Scene+. The Account is considered in good standing if it is not past due or over limit and the Cardholder(s) is not in breach of the Revolving Credit Agreement that applies to the Account. All other terms and conditions of the Program Terms continue to apply during the Offer Period.

Eligibility and Exclusions: Individuals who are currently or were previously primary or secondary cardholders of a Scotiabank personal credit card in the past 2 years, including those that switch from an existing Scotiabank personal credit card, as well as employees of Scotiabank, are not eligible for the Offer. Subject to the above exclusions, Scotiabank small business credit cardholders are also eligible for the Offer.

Rates and Fees: The current annual fee is $150 for the primary card, $0 for the first additional card and $50 for each additional card thereafter (including those issued to co-borrowers and supplementary cardholders). The current preferred annual interest rates for this Account are: 20.99% on purchases and 22.99% on cash advances (including balance transfers and cash-like transactions). All rates, fees, features and benefits are outlined in the Application Disclosure Statement and are subject to change.

Savings at Shell

Get up to 7 cents per litre in instant fuel discounts for a limited time and earn up to 3 cents per litre in Scene+ points value with an eligible Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite + card linked to a Shell Go+ Account:

Instant 3 cents per Litre Discount on Fuel Purchases (All Grades): Receive an instant 3 cents per litre discount on purchases of fuel (all grades) (“Fuel Purchases (All Grades)”) at participating Shell locations in Canada when you use any eligible Scotiabank debit card or credit card linked to a Shell Go+ Account, up to a maximum of 1,000 litres per month per Scotiabank debit card and per Scotiabank credit card account. This total limit resets at the start of each new month per payment card account. This discount is subject to the Scotiabank Fuel Benefit Terms and Conditions.
Instant 4 cents per Litre Discount on Premium Fuel: Between May 26, 2026 and June 1, 2027 (“Promotional Period”), receive an instant 4 cents per litre discount on purchases of V-Power^® gasoline, or V-Power^® diesel (“Premium Fuel Purchases”) at participating Shell locations in Canada when you use any eligible Scotiabank credit card that earns Scene+ points linked to a Shell Go+ Account, up to a maximum of 1,000 litres per month per credit card account. This total limit resets at the start of each new month per credit card account. This promotional offer, including the Promotional Period, may be changed, extended, or withdrawn at any time without notice. These promotional offer terms are in addition to the Scotiabank Fuel Benefit Terms and Conditions.
Earn up to 3 cents per Litre in Scene+ points Value (Equivalent) on Fuel Purchases: Each time you use your linked Scotiabank credit card that earns Scene+ points on Fuel Purchases (All Grades) at participating Shell locations in Canada, you will earn at least 1 Scene+ point per $1 spent. Plus, as a Scene+ Member you will also automatically earn 1 Scene+ point for each litre in Fuel Purchases (All Grades), and as a Shell Go+ member, automatically earn 1 additional Scene+ point for each litre in Premium Fuel Purchases, made with your linked Scotiabank credit card. This means that for every litre in fuel purchased with your linked credit card, you can earn the equivalent of up to 3 cents of redeemable Scene+ points value based on a redemption value of $10 for every 1,000 Scene+ points redeemed for fuel purchases at participating Shell locations. Actual value may be lower depending on how you choose to redeem your Scene+ points. Earn and redemption limits may apply. See the Scene+ Program Terms and Conditions available at sceneplus.ca/terms-and-conditions for full details including redemption options and additional terms.

Note: Highest value of 10 cents per litre assumes a Premium Fuel Purchase made with a Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite + Card linked to a Shell Go+ Account. Actual value will vary depending on payment card used and whether or not the card is linked, fuel grade purchased, and how you choose to redeem your Scene+ points.

Additional 3¢/L at Shell (limited time)

Additional 3¢/L Fuel Discount Offer: Offer valid from October 5, 2026 to December 31, 2026 (“Promotional Period”), eligible Scotiabank credit and debit cardholders enrolled in the Shell Fuel Benefits Program who have linked an eligible Scotiabank payment card (an “Eligible Card”) to their Shell Go+ account will receive an additional instant fuel discount of 3 cents per litre on eligible fuel purchases at participating Shell-branded retail locations in Ontario, British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, and the Northwest Territories (the “Eligible Provinces”) excluding Shell Flying J locations. Fuel purchases made outside the Eligible Provinces are not eligible for this offer.

To receive the additional fuel discount, customers must pay with their linked Eligible Card at the time of purchase.

The additional fuel discount is in addition to the fuel savings available through the Shell Fuel Benefits Program and may be combined with other eligible fuel discounts, rewards programs, and promotional fuel offers unless otherwise stated in the applicable offer terms and conditions.

The additional fuel discount is available on up to 1,000 litres of eligible fuel purchases per calendar month for each Eligible Card. The 1,000-litre limit resets at the beginning of each calendar month.

The additional fuel discount is non-transferable, is not redeemable for cash, and cannot be substituted or exchanged.

Participation in the Shell Fuel Benefits Program is subject to the applicable program terms and conditions available at Scotiabank Fuel Benefit Terms and Conditions.

Shell Canada reserves the right to make changes to this offer and to terminate the offer at any time, for any reason and without notice.

All other applicable terms and conditions of the Shell Fuel Benefits Program, Shell Go+ and Scotiabank continue to apply.

Annual fee

Primary card$150

Additional card$0

Annual income required

Individual$60,000

Household$100,000

Conversion fees

Earning rate

3xWith the partner brand
2xGroceries
2xRestaurants
2xTransit
2xEntertainment
1xAll spending

Value

1st Year Value$704

2nd Year Value$397

Card benefits

Concierge service24/7

Airport lounge access$240

Travel insurance

Travel medical (under 55)Up to $2,000,000 / 25 days

Travel medical (55-64)Up to $2,000,000 / 25 days

Travel medical (65+)Up to $2,000,000 / 3 days

Trip CancellationUp to $1,500

Trip InterruptionUp to $2,500

Delayed BaggageUp to $1,000

Lost BaggageUp to $1,000

Flight DelayUp to $500

Hotel BurglaryUp to $1,000

Travel AccidentUp to $500,000

Purchase protection

Purchase ProtectionIncluded

Extended Warranty+1 years

Auto Rental CollisionUp to $65,000 / 48 days

Compare travel insurance with soNomad

Get a quote on soNomad

Wise card, with no credit check

The Wise card lets you pay in US dollars at the market rate, with low conversion fees shown before every exchange, and with no credit check: it is the alternative if your profile does not fit the Passport. The card is free, with no monthly fees. Your ATM withdrawals are free up to $100 CAD a month, then cost $2.69 CAD plus 2.69% of the amount over that limit, according to Wise's pricing page.

Compare

Wise Visa Card

Wise

Annual fee: $0
Welcome offer: No current welcome offer

With the Wise Card, a no-annual-fee card, you can hold and exchange over 40 currencies directly in your Wise account.

With the Wise Card, you can spend freely in over 150 countries and withdraw cash from 2.3 million ATMs. Your ATM withdrawals are free up to CAD 100 per calendar month.

You can also take advantage of currency conversions at market exchange rates, with transparent, low fees. These fees will be much lower than those your credit card charges (generally 2.5% of the transaction).

You can manage your account easily with the Wise application. Moreover, you can manage your card with complete peace of mind by freezing and thawing it instantly. The automatic currency conversion feature ensures that you always pay the lowest possible fees when using currencies not held on your account.

Keep an eye on your currency balances within the app and receive instant notifications for added security. As a debit card, the Wise Card helps you manage your budget without accumulating debt or incurring credit charges. Opt for the Wise Card and optimize your finances on a daily basis or when you travel abroad!

Annual fee

Primary card$0

Conversion fees

Our plan for snowbirds driving to Florida

A smooth drive south comes down to four simple steps, which we recommend you sort out before leaving home:

Choose your overnight stop cities on your highway and aim for 8 to 10 hours of driving a day.
Open your My6 account and compare the My6 rate with the senior rate for each night.
Book with a card with no foreign transaction fees, then apply your Scene+ points to your nights if you have the Passport.
Buy travel insurance that covers the whole season, not just the drive.

Our credit card selection
Credit card	Annual fee	Welcome offer
SponsoredScotiabank Passport^® Visa Infinite +* Card Apply NowCompare	Annual fee$150	Welcome offerAfter $10,000 in 6 months Up to 45,000 pointsEnds Jan 3, 2027 After $10,000 in 6 months	Apply NowCompare
ExclusiveWealthsimple Visa Infinite+* Card Apply NowCompare	Annual fee$240	Welcome offerInvitation-only offer (new Wealthsimple clients): extra 3% cash back (5% total) on the first $10,000 in net purchases during the 35 days after approval. The card must stay open for 180 days after the boosted period. Up to $500 cash back Invitation-only offer (new Wealthsimple clients): extra 3% cash back (5% total) on the first $10,000 in net purchases during the 35 days after approval. The card must stay open for 180 days after the boosted period.	Apply NowCompare
Wise Visa Card Apply NowCompare	Annual fee$0	Welcome offer No current welcome offer	Apply NowCompare

For the rest of the winter, continue with our best credit cards for snowbirds and our tips to save on your Costco purchases in the United States.

How much does a night at Motel 6 cost on the way to Florida?

The price varies by city and date. On October 22, 2026, the Motel 6 Florence, SC, on I-95, listed $53 USD before taxes at the My6 rate. Expect to pay more during long weekends and local events.

Can Canadians get the Motel 6 senior rate?

Yes, if you are 60 or older. Motel 6 reserves this rate for travellers aged 60 and over, and also offers it at its Canadian locations. The discount varies by property: compare it with the My6 rate before you book.

Can you combine the My6 discount and the senior rate?

No. Motel 6 discounts cannot be combined. You pick the best one for each night, and the gap changes from one property to the next.

Does Motel 6 accept dogs?

Yes. Your dogs and cats stay free at every Motel 6, up to 2 pets per room and 150 lb in total. Declare them at check-in, and never leave them alone in the room.

Until what time can you cancel for free?

Until 6 p.m. on the day of arrival, or 4 p.m. at some properties. After that, Motel 6 charges you for the first night.

Does Motel 6 have a points program?

No. My6 gives you discounts on the best available rate, not points. To pay for your nights with points, use your credit card: with the Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite +* Card, 100 Scene+ points are worth $1 CAD on a travel purchase.

Should you book your overnight stops in advance?

It is best for busy dates, such as holidays and event weekends. Free cancellation until the same day then lets you adjust your stops depending on how far you get on the road.

Does my credit card insurance cover the drive?

It depends on your age and your card. The Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite +* Card covers 25 days per trip up to age 64, but only 3 days from age 65. For a winter down south, get travel insurance that covers the whole season.

How many overnight stops to plan

Plan for 2 overnight stops on the way down and 2 on the way back from most departure points in Quebec and Ontario. Here are the distances calculated by Google Maps, without traffic:

Driving distance and time to Florida, without traffic (source: Google Maps)
Trip	Route	Distance	Driving time	Overnight stops (8 to 10 hr a day)
Montreal → Fort Lauderdale	Fastest	2,603 km	23 hr 49 min	2
Montreal → Fort Lauderdale	Via I-87 and I-95	2,682 km	25 hr	2
Toronto → Fort Myers	Via I-77	2,341 km	22 hr 51 min	2
Toronto → Fort Myers	Via I-79	2,346 km	23 hr 59 min	2

Overnight stop cities with a Motel 6

Overnight stop cities on the way to Florida with at least one Motel 6, by highway (source: motel6.com)
Highway	States crossed	Overnight stop cities with a Motel 6
I-87	New York	Lake George, Albany
I-81	Pennsylvania, Virginia	Harrisburg, Carlisle, Harrisonburg, Staunton, Wytheville
I-77	Virginia, North Carolina	Fancy Gap, Hillsville, Charlotte
I-95	North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, Florida	Fayetteville, Lumberton, Florence, Savannah, Brunswick, Kingsland, Jacksonville
I-75	Ohio, Kentucky, Tennessee, Georgia	Cincinnati, Lexington, Berea, Knoxville, Macon, Perry, Tifton, Valdosta

What Motel 6 offers snowbirds

For an overnight stop, you need a bed, a shower and a spot for the car. Motel 6 covers those basics and charges you nothing extra for the family or the dog:

Pets stay free: up to 2 dogs or cats per room, for a combined weight of 150 lb, at every Motel 6 (some Studio 6 locations charge a fee).
Kids stay free: your children aged 17 and under sleep free in your room.
Free basic Wi-Fi, plus a laundry room or a pool at most properties.
Truck parking at some properties, handy if you are towing a trailer.

Motel 6 discounts to compare before booking

You pay less by picking the right rate, but these discounts cannot be combined. So compare them for each night and keep the lowest:

My6: membership is free and gives you a discount on the best available rate when you book on motel6.com, in the app or at the front desk. The percentage varies by property and date: on October 22, 2026, it ranged from 4% to 12% along I-95.
Senior rate: it is for travellers aged 60 and over, and Motel 6 also offers it at its Canadian locations. The discount varies by property.
AARP: 10% to 12% for AARP members, with late checkout until 2 p.m. on request, subject to availability.
Seasonal promotions: Motel 6 regularly advertises up to 15% off, depending on the season and the property.

Our advice: open your My6 account before you leave, then compare the My6 rate and the senior rate on screen for each night. The gap from one property to the next is worth those two minutes.

Also create your free Milesopedia member account to access our members-only offers and choose your newsletters.

Booking an overnight stop without surprises

You will often book the night before or that same morning, depending on how far you get. That is exactly when the terms of Motel 6's reservation policy matter:

Cancellation: free until 6 p.m. on the day of arrival (4 p.m. at some properties). After that, you are charged for the first night.
Check-in: rooms are generally ready from 3 p.m. Some properties charge for early check-in.
Checkout: at 11 a.m. or noon, depending on the property.
Age: you must be at least 18 to check in, and 19 to 21 at some locations.

Finally, an unguaranteed room is only held until 6 p.m. If you expect to arrive late, guarantee it with your credit card when you book.

Paying for your nights with no foreign transaction fees

With a 2.5% foreign transaction fee: $25 USD in fees
With a card with no foreign transaction fees: $0 USD in fees
Savings: $25 USD, before you even reach the south

Over a full season, the gap grows: our snowbirds guide puts it at $375 CAD for $15,000 CAD of spending in Florida. Here are the two options we recommend, depending on your profile.

Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite +* Card

It is one of the most useful credit cards on the road south, since it charges no foreign transaction fees on your US dollar purchases. Its annual fee is $150 CAD.

SponsoredCompare

Scotiabank Passport^® Visa Infinite +* Card

Scotiabank Scene+

Annual fee: $150
Our valuationMilesopedia first-year estimate First-year valueWelcome bonus$450Total$450Rewards on your spending are not included. The calculator that adds them from your own profile is on the card's page.: $450
Welcome offerAfter $10,000 in 6 months: Up to 45,000 points; Ends Jan 3, 2027

With this welcome offer for the Scotiabank Passport^® Visa Infinite^+* Card, available until January 3, 2027, you can earn up to 35,000 welcome bonus Scene+ points:

15,000 Scene+ points after charging $3,000 in purchases to your account within the first three months
An additional 20,000 Scene+ points after charging $10,000 in purchases to your account within the first six months

These points can be redeemed against any travel purchase at a rate of 1,000 points = $10 (flights, hotels, all-inclusives and even Airbnb), or as cash back with Scene+ at the same rate.

The Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite +* Card also offers:

No fees for foreign currency transactions
6 complimentary airport VIP lounge passes
Excellent insurance for your travels and purchases
Visa Infinite* Concierge Services

Legal

$150 in travel rewards (15,000 bonus Scene+ points) for new Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite + Card clients who spend $3,000 within the first 3 months;

$200 in travel rewards (20,000 bonus Scene+ points) for new Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite + Card clients who spend $10,000 within the first 6 months;

$100 in travel rewards (10,000 bonus Scene+ points) when you spend $40,000 annually on your Account each year (12-months: annual points bonus);

$50 supplementary card annual fee waiver on the first supplementary card for new Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite + Card clients;

Potential First Year Value = up to $1,351 (rounded down to $1,350)

Actual savings and points earned will depend on individual card usage and eligibility for applicable offers. Conditions apply.

Savings at Shell

Instant 3 cents per Litre Discount on Fuel Purchases (All Grades): Receive an instant 3 cents per litre discount on purchases of fuel (all grades) (“Fuel Purchases (All Grades)”) at participating Shell locations in Canada when you use any eligible Scotiabank debit card or credit card linked to a Shell Go+ Account, up to a maximum of 1,000 litres per month per Scotiabank debit card and per Scotiabank credit card account. This total limit resets at the start of each new month per payment card account. This discount is subject to the Scotiabank Fuel Benefit Terms and Conditions.
Instant 4 cents per Litre Discount on Premium Fuel: Between May 26, 2026 and June 1, 2027 (“Promotional Period”), receive an instant 4 cents per litre discount on purchases of V-Power^® gasoline, or V-Power^® diesel (“Premium Fuel Purchases”) at participating Shell locations in Canada when you use any eligible Scotiabank credit card that earns Scene+ points linked to a Shell Go+ Account, up to a maximum of 1,000 litres per month per credit card account. This total limit resets at the start of each new month per credit card account. This promotional offer, including the Promotional Period, may be changed, extended, or withdrawn at any time without notice. These promotional offer terms are in addition to the Scotiabank Fuel Benefit Terms and Conditions.
Earn up to 3 cents per Litre in Scene+ points Value (Equivalent) on Fuel Purchases: Each time you use your linked Scotiabank credit card that earns Scene+ points on Fuel Purchases (All Grades) at participating Shell locations in Canada, you will earn at least 1 Scene+ point per $1 spent. Plus, as a Scene+ Member you will also automatically earn 1 Scene+ point for each litre in Fuel Purchases (All Grades), and as a Shell Go+ member, automatically earn 1 additional Scene+ point for each litre in Premium Fuel Purchases, made with your linked Scotiabank credit card. This means that for every litre in fuel purchased with your linked credit card, you can earn the equivalent of up to 3 cents of redeemable Scene+ points value based on a redemption value of $10 for every 1,000 Scene+ points redeemed for fuel purchases at participating Shell locations. Actual value may be lower depending on how you choose to redeem your Scene+ points. Earn and redemption limits may apply. See the Scene+ Program Terms and Conditions available at sceneplus.ca/terms-and-conditions for full details including redemption options and additional terms.

Additional 3¢/L at Shell (limited time)

To receive the additional fuel discount, customers must pay with their linked Eligible Card at the time of purchase.

The additional fuel discount is non-transferable, is not redeemable for cash, and cannot be substituted or exchanged.

Participation in the Shell Fuel Benefits Program is subject to the applicable program terms and conditions available at Scotiabank Fuel Benefit Terms and Conditions.

Shell Canada reserves the right to make changes to this offer and to terminate the offer at any time, for any reason and without notice.

All other applicable terms and conditions of the Shell Fuel Benefits Program, Shell Go+ and Scotiabank continue to apply.

Annual fee

Primary card$150

Additional card$0

Annual income required

Individual$60,000

Household$100,000

Conversion fees

Earning rate

3xWith the partner brand
2xGroceries
2xRestaurants
2xTransit
2xEntertainment
1xAll spending

Value

1st Year Value$704

2nd Year Value$397

Card benefits

Concierge service24/7

Airport lounge access$240

Travel insurance

Travel medical (under 55)Up to $2,000,000 / 25 days

Travel medical (55-64)Up to $2,000,000 / 25 days

Travel medical (65+)Up to $2,000,000 / 3 days

Trip CancellationUp to $1,500

Trip InterruptionUp to $2,500

Delayed BaggageUp to $1,000

Lost BaggageUp to $1,000

Flight DelayUp to $500

Hotel BurglaryUp to $1,000

Travel AccidentUp to $500,000

Purchase protection

Purchase ProtectionIncluded

Extended Warranty+1 years

Auto Rental CollisionUp to $65,000 / 48 days

Compare travel insurance with soNomad

Get a quote on soNomad

Wise card, with no credit check

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Wise Visa Card

Wise

Annual fee: $0
Welcome offer: No current welcome offer

With the Wise Card, a no-annual-fee card, you can hold and exchange over 40 currencies directly in your Wise account.

With the Wise Card, you can spend freely in over 150 countries and withdraw cash from 2.3 million ATMs. Your ATM withdrawals are free up to CAD 100 per calendar month.

Annual fee

Primary card$0

Conversion fees

Our plan for snowbirds driving to Florida

A smooth drive south comes down to four simple steps, which we recommend you sort out before leaving home:

Choose your overnight stop cities on your highway and aim for 8 to 10 hours of driving a day.
Open your My6 account and compare the My6 rate with the senior rate for each night.
Book with a card with no foreign transaction fees, then apply your Scene+ points to your nights if you have the Passport.
Buy travel insurance that covers the whole season, not just the drive.

Our credit card selection
Credit card	Annual fee	Welcome offer
SponsoredScotiabank Passport^® Visa Infinite +* Card Apply NowCompare	Annual fee$150	Welcome offerAfter $10,000 in 6 months Up to 45,000 pointsEnds Jan 3, 2027 After $10,000 in 6 months	Apply NowCompare
ExclusiveWealthsimple Visa Infinite+* Card Apply NowCompare	Annual fee$240	Welcome offerInvitation-only offer (new Wealthsimple clients): extra 3% cash back (5% total) on the first $10,000 in net purchases during the 35 days after approval. The card must stay open for 180 days after the boosted period. Up to $500 cash back Invitation-only offer (new Wealthsimple clients): extra 3% cash back (5% total) on the first $10,000 in net purchases during the 35 days after approval. The card must stay open for 180 days after the boosted period.	Apply NowCompare
Wise Visa Card Apply NowCompare	Annual fee$0	Welcome offer No current welcome offer	Apply NowCompare

For the rest of the winter, continue with our best credit cards for snowbirds and our tips to save on your Costco purchases in the United States.

How much does a night at Motel 6 cost on the way to Florida?

The price varies by city and date. On October 22, 2026, the Motel 6 Florence, SC, on I-95, listed $53 USD before taxes at the My6 rate. Expect to pay more during long weekends and local events.

Can Canadians get the Motel 6 senior rate?

Can you combine the My6 discount and the senior rate?

No. Motel 6 discounts cannot be combined. You pick the best one for each night, and the gap changes from one property to the next.

Does Motel 6 accept dogs?

Yes. Your dogs and cats stay free at every Motel 6, up to 2 pets per room and 150 lb in total. Declare them at check-in, and never leave them alone in the room.

Until what time can you cancel for free?

Until 6 p.m. on the day of arrival, or 4 p.m. at some properties. After that, Motel 6 charges you for the first night.

Does Motel 6 have a points program?

Should you book your overnight stops in advance?

It is best for busy dates, such as holidays and event weekends. Free cancellation until the same day then lets you adjust your stops depending on how far you get on the road.

Snowbirds Driving to Florida: Where to Stay Overnight on a Budget

How many overnight stops to plan

Overnight stop cities with a Motel 6

What Motel 6 offers snowbirds

Motel 6 discounts to compare before booking

Booking an overnight stop without surprises

Paying for your nights with no foreign transaction fees

Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite +* Card

Annual fee

Annual income required

Conversion fees

Earning rate

Value

Card benefits

Travel insurance

Purchase protection

Wise card, with no credit check

Annual fee

Conversion fees

Our plan for snowbirds driving to Florida

How much does a night at Motel 6 cost on the way to Florida?

Can Canadians get the Motel 6 senior rate?

Can you combine the My6 discount and the senior rate?

Does Motel 6 accept dogs?

Until what time can you cancel for free?

Does Motel 6 have a points program?

Should you book your overnight stops in advance?

Does my credit card insurance cover the drive?

Our featured card

Annual fee

Annual income required

Conversion fees

Earning rate

Value

Card benefits

Travel insurance

Purchase protection

Comments from our members

How many overnight stops to plan

Overnight stop cities with a Motel 6

What Motel 6 offers snowbirds

Motel 6 discounts to compare before booking

Booking an overnight stop without surprises

Paying for your nights with no foreign transaction fees

Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite +* Card

Annual fee

Annual income required

Conversion fees

Earning rate

Value

Card benefits

Travel insurance

Purchase protection

Wise card, with no credit check

Annual fee

Conversion fees

Our plan for snowbirds driving to Florida

How much does a night at Motel 6 cost on the way to Florida?

Can Canadians get the Motel 6 senior rate?

Can you combine the My6 discount and the senior rate?

Does Motel 6 accept dogs?

Until what time can you cancel for free?

Does Motel 6 have a points program?

Should you book your overnight stops in advance?

Does my credit card insurance cover the drive?

Our featured card

Annual fee

Annual income required

Conversion fees

Earning rate

Value

Card benefits

Travel insurance

Purchase protection

Comments from our members