Congrats on being in a more lucrative field than me, future traveler!
I am likely to have some traveling time this summer. Iceland is at the top of the list, and I might go to Wyoming for a week and kick around California this spring. Ignore your mom, traveling alone is amazing and perfectly safe.
My first thought was GO TO PORTUGAL, GIRL!!! It's the most affordable country in Western Europe, you speak the language, and it has the outdoors and culture in spades.
http://theboard.byu.edu/questions/89233/
Post-grad school trip!
Moderator: Marduk