While I respect the dream, as a former 19A, focus on your MOS first. Forget about your pay grade and whether you are promoted to E3 prior to leaving AIT.

Save your money. I'd take at least half of what you are paid every month and put it away. You will live in the barracks and have meals at the DFAC. You will not get BAH or BAS because of this (I'm assuming you are single). Basic will not provide a lot of time, but you will have many peers during AIT at Redstone who will spend their money on stuff they don't need because they consider themselves "rich" Cars, rims, all sorts of stuff. I've had too many soldiers broke and in huge debt upon arrival and inprocessing.

Obviously it's a different situation as you will be in the Guard and not the regular army. You focus in the short term should be your senior year. Do well, don't slack. Your 94M training will yield you a secret clearance, which is desirable in the civilian world. Start exploring the job market on where you can leverage 94M and secret clearance while still being relatively close to an installation for your training.

Lastly, and your real question, I'd look at SE Asia to start. Can be cheap, great cultural experience, definitely a spot I would want to spent 2+ week if I was that young again.

Feel free to PM if you have questions about the Army. I was not a 94M or an EM, but I do that that experience in the post GWOT world.

Good luck!