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Everyone that I know that has used Auto Train has raved about it. Like you, they booked the room and also the priority off loading. They advise the fan and wearing earplugs~you'll rest comfortably but you may not sleep soundly. Cost wise, many of them (solo and couples) have found it to be about the same; rather than the wear and tear on the car, overnight lodging, meals, etc. They pick up their car, stop for groceries on the way in (having already packed some things from home in their car) and settle in.
I do know of one couple that sent their one car ahead of them out to Arizona, but their daughter had to pick it up or be there and then she would pick up her parents at the airport when they flew in. It worked for them, but it took lots of coordinating and they were always worried about the driver and the weather he was experiencing.
since money is not a problem, I would fly, and wait for the car to be delivered. But consider , driving
- you can get into Florida in 16 hours.
- it can be done in a day and a half ( drive 8 , sleep 8, drive 8 and take a long break in St Augustine)
- you can take a walk, jog, side trip for shopping while in the comfort of your own vehicle
I do not like the auto train idea. I cant be trapped in a train for so many hours, just looking out the window, or reading, making small talk with strangers. A stiff neck, and brain fog will happen, to me anyway. But the experience, just to say you did it at least once in your life, may be worth it to you.
How long of a stay are you planning? it may be worth leaving the car, and getting a long term rental, as the rates are not that bad. Last time I checked, a monthly rental was just under $1000.
since money is not a problem, I would fly, and wait for the car to be delivered. But consider , driving
- you can get into Florida in 16 hours.
- it can be done in a day and a half ( drive 8 , sleep 8, drive 8 and take a long break in St Augustine)
- you can take a walk, jog, side trip for shopping while in the comfort of your own vehicle
I do not like the auto train idea. I cant be trapped in a train for so many hours, just looking out the window, or reading, making small talk with strangers. A stiff neck, and brain fog will happen, to me anyway. But the experience, just to say you did it at least once in your life, may be worth it to you.
How long of a stay are you planning? it may be worth leaving the car, and getting a long term rental, as the rates are not that bad. Last time I checked, a monthly rental was just under $1000.
I actually live in FL, returning back after spending the summer up north. When I went North, my daughter flew down and drove back with me, it's not an option now with school starting, grandson's football ramping up etc etc.
I also live all the way down in SW FL, it takes me 6 hours just to hit the GA border when I have driven up north.
I see. Your are nearer to naples. Long drive to NJ. Best of luck with your needs.
I have an aunt that goes through the same , every 6 months. For her situation, she just kept a car down south, an older honda civic. Her trip is much longer, since she lives near miami.
I'm a bit more than 3 hours further north than njkate and did two days back home several times, in the summer.
That was two 13 hour days at 'past retirement age'. So, maybe easy for you but.....
I'm a bit more than 3 hours further north than njkate and did two days back home several times, in the summer.
That was two 13 hour days at 'past retirement age'. So, maybe easy for you but.....
It was the reverse: "Easy for you, deeficult for me!"
I wish there was an auto train that traveled the southern US East<>West.
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