just beat cancer—where should i travel for 3 months?

I just finished the fight of my life—liver cancer—and now I’m itching to see the world. I’ve never traveled outside the US, not even to Canada, and I’ve got about $7,000 saved up for a 3-month adventure. The catch? I have no clue where to start, and I’ll be leaving my apartment in late January, so I want to hit the road as soon as I get my hands on the money. I keep hearing Europe is great for first-timers, but then I look at the prices and my wallet starts sweating. I want to stretch my dollars as far as possible, maybe by backpacking and staying in cheap places, but I also want to see some truly unique spots—not just the usual tourist traps. I’m open to anywhere: Europe, Southeast Asia, maybe even Africa if it’s not too wild for a rookie like me. Here’s where I’m stuck: How do you even start planning a trip like this? Is there a country where my dollars will go further but I’ll still feel safe and welcome? I’m not looking for luxury, but I don’t want to end up in a sketchy hostel either. And is it even possible to pick up some side work along the way, just to help with expenses or meet locals? I keep hearing about people doing it, but is it really doable without a work visa? If you’ve ever taken a big trip like this, what’s the one thing you wish you’d known before you left? Did you ever regret picking a certain country or city? I’m nervous about going alone, but I also don’t want to sit around waiting for someone to join me. I feel like I’ve already lost enough time to cancer—now I want to make every day count. If you’ve got tips, warnings, or even just a story about your own first big trip, I’d love to hear it. Where would you go if you were in my shoes? And honestly, is Europe really worth the hype, or should I be looking somewhere else? #travelaftercancer #budgettravel #solotravel #midlifeadventure #travelquestions #Travel