Hi all,
I have been at my crappy dead-end job for over ten years (It's a small business so no promotion and only one pay rise in 10 years), so now that the only reward for my efforts, my long service leave, is due this year, I'm at a crossroads at where to go and how to enjoy my 10 to 12-week paid break.
I tend to go on my holidays during the June to September period (since I hate winter in Melbourne and try to get away then) and have a couple of ideas of where to go. I was thinking of these options this year, and was wondering if anyone else has done the same. If so, do you recommend it? Are there any dangers to look out for? Any other hints? Should I do an Intrepid tour, Top Deck (I think I'm still eligible) or do it completely alone?
Here are few facts about me. I am 38 years old, will be traveling solo, have traveled in the past to mostly Greece (my background), cheap Asian countries (Vietnam, Thailand) for short periods with friends, ex-girlfriends and even solo, and have done Contiki tours when I was younger (Eastern Europe, Spain, Western Europe, California and Scotland Tours). As an Ozbargainer, I tend to jump on deals if there is an opportunity and save money by not staying at fancy 5-star resorts, eating at fancy places, etc. A roof over my head and even street food is fine with me (as long as the room and food are clean, I don't mind). I take money into account when traveling and always try to read about scams/alerts and people's experiences on Tripadvisor, although I won't let money limit me completely if it's something I really want to do.
Option 1: See the midnight sun in Finland (or Norway) during August (I have been wanting to do this for over five years now). Stay there for a while, hightail it to Greece and explore places and islands I haven't explored yet (Meteora, Ionian Islands, or Thassos, Limnos, Chios going down Dodecanese line). Plus, if I get too lonely during solo-travelling I can visit extended family and friends in Greece (and save some on accommodation!)
Option 2: The Ozbargainer in me tells me to go to a cheap Asian country and explore it properly, backpacker-style. (e.g See the middle part of Vietman during August since its dryer there, and if I get bored, try a place I haven't been to yet (e.g. Cambodia)). The cheapness of this option allows me to alter and make plans 'as i go.'
Option 3: I always wanted to see Brazil, especially since I am a single male. However, is twelve weeks too much to spend there (and also too costly)? I could always add Machu Picchu and Easter Islands to this itinerary. However, is August a bad time to go, since I usually prefer summer holidays? Is the new Zika virus really that serious? And(pardon my ignorance) is Brazil a dangerous place, especially for a white solo traveler?
Option 4: Explore Japan, I want to do this at some stage in my life. Should I spend 10 - 12 weeks there? Will it be too costly if I do?
Option 5: Explore eastern USA, in particular Miami, Florida(I have already done California). Possibly a road trip. May even extend to Cancun and/or the Caribbean. Although our dollar isn't looking too good.
So what do you guys recommend? Has anyone done any of these during our winter and recommend it?
Any input would be appreciated.
Don't really have a suggestion either way, but just consider the olympics that are on in Brazil later in the year. Might swing your mind towards that way if you're into sports.