FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jul 2005
Location: Seat 2A
Programs: AA EXP LT GLD 1MM, BA GLD, NH/UA*G, Hyatt Dia, Marr Tit LT PLT, IHG Spire,HH Dia, MGM NOIR,Hertz PC
Posts: 10,571
The OP certainly has some places in mind where he absolutely wants (not) to go
The RTW cruise sounds nice but will exceed the budget or at least swallow a big part of it ! Also it doesnt take that long as no RTW cruise I have seen the itinerary from took longer than 9 months.
In my eyes for that purpose Asia and South America are excellent choices ! Your GBP is worth alot at these places and the landscape is fascinating. Add it up with a little bit of Australia, NZ and Tasmania, maybe obtain something like a holiday work visa of some kind if necessary to top up the budget ! If you need it at the end or not, it's good to have the opportunity then.
Enjoy and maybe you do a blog on your trip. Would be nice to read !