The trip over to Bakersfield area is a part of Californian that is NOT what most people think of when they hear the word California. From Bakersfield over to Needles is a strange part of the planet. Be glad you are not going through in the middle of summer like I did when it was 116 degrees.
Once you get out of that part of California the scenery gets to looking cool. Like the background in the animated Cars movies.
Flagstaff, AZ is a cool town. If you get to Oklahoma City and have time I would love to meet you with you for lunch or dinner at a neat Route66 restaurant. From Amarillo on east to the end of I-40 is heavy truck traffic not really much great scenery. I have been from the beginning of I-40 near Bakersfield to the last few miles of it going east more than once.
When I make road trips now I use an app on my phone, Booking.com to book a hotel room. They have an easy way to do it from your cell phone, you can see the motel on a map to be sure it is close to the highway you plan to be on and not right next to the RR tracks or airport. Most places let you cancel a reservation with no fee if you do it before check in time. When you check in you just show ID and they hand you a receipt and the room key. Super fast and easy.
Just send me a PM if you are interested in eating lunch or dinner at a neat Rt66 place. Most important, relax, enjoy the trip and if you feel yourself getting sleepy switch drivers or pull over and get a nap. Don't drive sleepy it is as deadly as drunk driving.