Fast. Good. Cheap.

My Father has a framed print displayed on the wall of his office that reads:

Fast.

Good.

Cheap.

Pick Two.

The idea is, if you choose two words - let's take for example, "Fast" and "Good" - that leftover third word describes what those first two words put together will not be. Something that is "Fast" and "Good" probably won't be Cheap. Something "Cheap" and "Fast" probably won't be Good. More often than not, especially concerning food, travel, transportation, and shipping costs, this always seems to be the case.

Which is why when the stars align and you come across something Fast, Good, and Cheap, well - that's mighty worthy of a late-night blog post.

Introducing The Bolt Bus. I recently climbed aboard this past weekend on the route between NYC and D.C. We left Manhattan on Friday evening at 5:30 p.m. sharp, and arrived in Washington D.C. promptly at 10:00 p.m. There was no traffic on the return trip Sunday evening and I was magically door-to-door in 4 hours and 15 minutes. Elation! That may seem like a long time on the road, but the Bolt Bus has a power outlet available in each seat, functioning (and surprisingly decent) free onboard wireless, and of course - a bathroom. All that combined with a nap (and not driving), makes the time fly by. The bus was also very clean, the seats comfortable, (except next time I may tote along a neck pillow), and the service prompt and orderly. The drivers, most importantly, drove safely and were courteous and helpful to passengers.

The farther in advance you purchase your tickets, the cheaper they are. The website is clear and concise, and I had no issues with billing or obtaining my boarding pass. While I haven't yet encountered the seemingly elusive "$1.00 fare" they advertise, $38.00 round-trip still can't be beat. Less than a tank of gas one-way.

The Bolt Bolt travels between major cities on the East Coast. Be sure to check it out if you're looking for an easy, affordable, safe, and reliable means of transportation.

One satisfied, soon-to-be-returning traveler, signing off.