Planes, Trains, and Automobiles

It’s officially summertime, which means that is time for summer vacations and road trips! There are several options to get to your vacation spot, but it all depends on where you are going and what is within your budget. With today’s economy, gas prices to airfare have sky-rocketed, which have forced some couples and families to have a “staycation”.

With the wedding quickly approaching, John and I researched our options on the best economical way to get to Florida. John will be spending a week in Delray recruiting, so that means that work will pick up a portion of the tab, which is great for us! We knew that we were going to be away for 3 weeks for recruiting, the wedding, and honeymoon, so a car was essential.

We have spent many hours of researching the different options between flying and renting a car, driving 1,000 miles to Florida, and taking the Amtrak auto train. All of the options had their pros and cons, but after much consideration, we will be taking the auto train down to Florida.

The auto train departs at four o’clock in the afternoon from Lorton, Virginia and will arrive the next morning to Sanford, Florida. After arriving in Florida, there is a short three hour drive to Boca Raton. Amtrak offers a sleep car, dinner, continental breakfast, and a snack car. The sleeping arrangements with a regular fare are the most economical way to go, as the chair reclines all the way back. It is not the most comfortable sleeping arrangement, but it can be a lot worse.

We are looking forward to the 16 hour train ride, as it will give us time to talk and spend quality time together.  We will be packing a cooler with drinks and snacks, DVDs to watch on the lap top, pillows, and a blanket, to make sleeping more comfortable. We will be tired, once we get to Florida, but the excitement will keep us going!

John and I will be leaving on July 14...Florida here we come!!