Do you have anybody that would ride with you from DC down? Anybody owe you, LOL?
I've always coerced a family member to ride with me to FL and TN. I did fly one time on Allegheny from
ROA to some airport in FL for $112. Dealership picked me up at the airport with some wine when I bought
my GX470.
Wouldn't you spend the night if driving? More meal expense.
Otherwise, I think it would be cool to do the amtrak deal. Sorta adventuresome.
The whole idea of doing something like this solo and trying to save on all expenses seems counterproductive. Of course in my travels I remember several $30 a night motel rooms (that weren't so bad) when I just couldn't drive any longer.
I get that the price for Amtrak is a bit high, probably because the Palmetto is not as heavily subsidized as state supported routes. But it would seem to have the best schedule since it would be all during the day and the drive home would be at night. Just pack a few bag lunches and it sounds like a lot of fun. I think they also sell beer onboard.