At first, we saw driving as a logical way to save money. With the estimated cost of gas and knowing our MPG, it would cost us about $500 + a hotel stop both ways. This would also mean, however, 20-22 hours in the car -- each way. No big, right? Lots of families do it. Then, we made a mere 9 hour road trip to Raleigh for a wedding and the driving idea went out the window. I genuinely think we forgot how much of a toll driving can take! The auto train's 17 hour travel time and $1,000 price tag was scratched off the list as well.