Sorry, but we crossed paths on our last pair of posts, so let me try again.

24 days is quite sufficient to do everything you have in mind. If you do want to make a on-way drive from Chicago to Dallas, it could be done in two days. That leaves plenty of time to sight-see along the way or to visit Chicago or Dallas at either end. I'm still thinking in general terms of one week for the midwest portion of your trip and two weeks for the more expansive distances you want to cover in the west.

I think $100/day per person should be quite adequate to cover gas, food, lodging and attractions. You should probably budget separately for the big ticket items such as plane fares from Dallas to Las Vegas and from Las Vegas back to Chicago (about $300 each). I did a quick search and there really isn't much difference in flying Chicago - Las Vegas - Chicago, or Dallas - Las Vegas - Chicago. The one extra expense in driving to Dallas and then flying to Las Vegas is the one-way drop-off charge for the car. That will set you back an additional $350. (All figures are approximate.)

What constitutes a 'must see' depends in large measure on what the two of you want. Let us know a little bit about your interests and we can be of much greater assistance. You've already named a few of the best places on the Las Vegas - San Francisco - Los Angeles circuit, and from Chicago down to Dallas, some highlights would include St. Louis and/or Mammoth Cave, Memphis, the Great River Road and the Ozarks.

AZBuck