Doctor D. have you looked into Amtrak? There are trains that go from Georgia through New Orleans to San Antonio. We considered the train but there isn't a direct route for us that doesn't involve Chicago or Los Angeles., so we're going to fly.
But...I've been informed of a fabulous educational opporunity that is kind of a one time only deal (an archaeology dig) and if it conflicts I may do that instead. I want to go to convention, but I really want to be on this dig so I need to make choices.