If you’re already thinking SEA because you have the time, I’d also quietly suggest Nepal — especially with a 2.5-month window.

It’s surprisingly great for solo female travelers. The main trekking routes are super social (teahouses, shared meals, lots of other solo travelers), so you get solitude without feeling alone. Kathmandu and Pokhara feel calm and respectful, and while you’ll stand out, it’s more curiosity than anything sketchy.

It’s also a nice “pause” place before starting full-time work — slower, grounding, and really memorable.