Hi

Im planning a trip across the US beginning in Dec 2006. My Basic itinery is as follows;

New York
Nashville
Memphis
Dallas
El Paso
Phoenix
Las Vegas
Reno
San Fran
LA

Obviously ill be stopping off on route in other places but that's the basic outline. What will this trip be like at this time of year? I also wanted to know whether it would be better to stop off in Houston or Austin instead of Dallas and if missing out Colorado would be really dumb. Basically im having huge trouble shaving down my trip to fit into the 37 days I have and my budget which isn't huge! Im a typical Brit wanting to see cliched America im afraid, motels, diners, cacti, dirt roads etc so any tips would be greatly appreciated!

Many thanks
Molly