I am thinking about travelling around America in early 2009. My current thoughts are that for me this is a once in a lifetime thing so I want to get as much in as possible. I am thinking about starting out in Atlanta and doing a clockwise circuit going through Texas, New Mexico, Arizona up the West Coast to Seattle, across the North taking in Mt Rushmore etc to Chicago then along to New York and down the east coast to Florida. I dont want the trip to be rushed and i want plenty of time to stay in preferred locations for a few days to a week. I am thinking the best idea would be to buy a car rather than rent. What sort of realistic time frame am i looking at (of which i am quite flexible)? and how much money would be ideal to be able to fund the trip? Any tips welcomed.