I don't have to worry about a bar tab, as I only drink softies, accommodation is either the side of the road, a tent site or a bed at an internet friends house, and I rarely eat while travelling. I wait till the end of the day. I prefer to travel daylight hours, but have been known to be on the road before 5 am. My 12000+ km trip through January 2 years ago, 35 nights, there were only 3 rainy nights spent in Motels, one in Morven, central outback Queensland, one in Charters Towers, and one in Rockhampton. I allow enough cash for two tank refills per day that I will be travelling, and for takeaways if needed at night.