6 Month Sabbatical - but where to go??

[TomP]

I've just found out that due to various changes in my company, I've earnt the right to a fully paid 6 month sabbatical, starting in September. And after this period of time I can set up a new office wherever I end up. So question is where do I go?
At the moment I'm torn between the following:
Crossing and seeing North America � has been something I've longed to do since a child and see it all, but not sure I'd want to set up an office and live there � Americans have no culture or taste.
Traveling through France, Italy and Spain � this all sounds great, but I'm worried about the language barriers � and subsequently loneliness.
Or staying nearer to home and seeing more of my beloved West Country, Cornwall, Devon and Dorset and also southern Ireland � and being closer to home for Christmas.
As I am totally single and it is only me going my thoughts was that wherever I choose to just buy a camper van etc.

Any thoughts and advice from people who have traveled for this period of time before would be most helpful. Also, as I'm traveling alone � will it get lonely as I'm a very outgoing person?
Also what should I pack? And if you think i should go anywhere else please say so, (but not Australia, New Zealand or Far East please, as i've done most of that with my job)

Thanks

[maxximus]

i might remind you that north america is two seperate countries both being divided into provinces or states. suprisingly almost all being distinctly different. to loosely use the term america in today's day is more than a bit of an insult to a canadian! however that being said, i know you'd be thrilled with a trip to either place depending on when you went of course. being from britain i assume your bound to have an assortment of relatives here as half the streets in all the cities are named after some where or somebody on your island. wish i had 6 months off even with out pay. really hope you enjoy your holiday

[spk]

Hi Tomp. I think all of your destinations sound amazing but its a completely personal choice it really depends what you are looking for. Im travelling at the moment on my own I left the UK in October. Im in Australia at the moment, been to Bali and Singapore and heading to Asia. You do occasionally get lonely travelling alone but you get used to it quite quickly and you meet so many other likeminded travellers particularly in hostels. Buy a lonely planet guide for wherever you are thinking of going and read up to see what countries really appeal to you. Just a personal note Southern Ireland really is beautiful( thats where Im from) but its on your doorstep you could go anytime. You have a great opportunity here enjoy it !

Siobhan

[metagirl]

will ignore your 'americans have no culture or taste' comment....if you are prone to suffer from homesickness or (as you say) you are really outgoing and would miss familiar company then you should relocate to a new place in Britain or Ireland. In general both Canadians and Americans are very welcoming to strangers (compared to British) so you may not be as lonely as you think. What a great opportunity - very jealous!

[Pomp]

If you have seen a lot of Asia, somewhere else to consider is Latin America. I spent 3 months travelling around Latin America, and had a fantastic time. If you want to set up an office wherever you finish travelling, make sure that you finish in Buenos Aires!! Buenos Aires was a brilliant city, felt very safe, and lots to see and do.

Language was hard work, as there was very little English spoken, but there are plenty of language courses which can be taken, and when imersed in the language, you do pick it up, pretty quickly.

It doesn't get lonely travelling on your own, as there are lots of other people to talk to and meet.