MEMORIES: MY AMTRAK Rail MINI-VACATION Experience. HAVE YOU EVER WANTED TO GO ON A TRAIN TRIP SOMEWHERE? YOU PROBABLY SHOULD.

​I tell you this, if I never have to go to another airport or take another plane in my life, I will be forever grateful. Unfortunately, that’s not realistic; therefore, I appreciate the blessing of traveling by train every chance that I get.
 
For one thing, the train station doesn’t compare to an airport. There are no hassles or chaos. Instead, it’s all about relaxation, laid back, low key, and the expectation of the upcoming fun.  The best part of this trip is that you are not driving; however, your car is already loaded on the car train, so upon arrival, you’ll pick it up and drive to wherever your final destination will take you.
 
I took the Amtrak Auto Train, which takes you from Washington, DC to Orlando Florida. (Technically, boarding is at the Lorton train station, arriving the next day at the Sanford train station.) When you drive to the station, you park your vehicle in front of the terminal, they tag a number and shortly, a staff person loads it inside the car train wagon. Meantime, you go to the terminal to wait for departure time and then, that’s when the fun begins.
 
Once you board the train and get settle, just walk to the lounge car for a snack, coffee or a drink and watch TV, read a book or just relax. Then go back to your comfortable sitting area to relax and enjoy the panoramic view.
 
In the evening, you will be called for dinner. Just walk to the dining car to see that the atmosphere is so elegant, with crisp white table cloths and napkins, friendly waiters, etc., just like you would experience at any nice restaurant. Incidentally, you share a table with other passengers, giving both sides the opportunity to chat and learn about each other.
 
Sleeping arrangements varied depending on what you select; however, they are all comfortable. The next day when you wake up get ready for breakfast. By the way, these meals are covered in your travel ticket, so nothing to pay at the table.
 
Few hours after breakfast the train will arrive to the Sanford, FL station. At that point, they will bring your car back, then you are ready to take off to wherever your final destination will be. Some friends we made at dinner time where heading to the Keys, others to the west coast.
 
Friends, it was so much fun. If you have the opportunity to ride a train for a mini vacation, don’t think twice, pack your bags and run. Have fun!