My holiday travel nightmare riding the Amtrak from Miami to Tampa

What happened: Axios planned a December holiday party for Florida staffers to attend, and I decided to take the five-hour train ride north to get some work done on the way.

• The ride was a little bumpy but decent for the $44 fare. The WiFi was solid, and I was able to work the whole way.
• I had a $7.50 turkey and cheddar sandwich from the onboard cafe.

Yes, but: I had to find another way home. The following morning, the train hit a car in Jacksonville, delaying its arrival to Tampa by five hours.

• I had to make it home to pick up my sister from the airport, so I canceled my return trip and scrambled to rent a car. That cost me $206.

My takeaway: I'll drive next time. I also forgot a mask for the Amtrak and ended up catching a cold that haunted me through New Year's Day.