I echo B2N2, you will gain a whole wealth of experienceflying round the US and with C152 at $45/hour and IFR certified Archer III at $90/hour (and these figures are WET by the way!!!), you can't really go wrong.
Do some planning before you get there and decide where you want to fly to, don't just return to the same airfield every night and you won't fall into the trap you mentioned!
[Edited for spelling!]
Last edited by Julian; 25th June 2002 at 19:50.