When my parents discovered having two figidty children in the backseat of a car, one prone to car sickness, made travel to visit grandparents in Florida more of a chore than fun they turned to the train for a better way to go.  As we grew older and a car trip or even an airplane would have made more sense we insisted that a train ride would be more fun.  And they were.  Looking out the windows as the countryside passed by, falling asleep to the clack of the rails and listening to the whistle blow as we passed through small towns were all part of the adventure.

Fast forward to today and families have to option of taking not only the train to Florida and their car as well.  The train runs from Lorton VA to Sanford Florida and back again.  The train trip takes about 17 hours and  children can keep themselves occupied with books & video games when they aren't looking out the window watching the scenery.  You can load your car up with all of the big luggage and just carry an overnight bag onto the train.  No charge for "extra bags."

Americans often overlook the option to take the train, where our European and Asian counterparts use trains every day.  When we visit my daughter in the UK the train is the way to get around the countryside and when we lived and traveled in the Far East the train was our preferred method of getting around the various countries we visited. 

So the next time you are thinking about a trip from Virginia to Florida or vice versa, bi-pass all the signs for South of the Border,cheap cigarettes and illegal fireworks and spend a little time on the rails with your family.  You will arrive less stressed and with the knowledge that your luggage will actually arrive at the same time you do.

Check out the Amtrak Auto Train Schedule and Fares: www.amtrak.com

Active Duty Military and Military Families may qualify for 10-15% off fares on various Amtrak routes.  Make sure you check for fare discounts before you book your trip.