I need help making a big decision (Page 3)

I personally would go to France with my bike and ride some of the classic stages that are the Tour.  I think that'd be great.  Or cycling in Italy.  Good luck in whatever you decide.

You've done all that training and racing for the IM, now it's time to have some fun! I agree, if travel is what you want to do, then go for it! Have you thought of getting a touring bike, some panniers, and doing some bike touring overseas? That way you could see lots of places and still keep some fitness by biking.

I'm sure whatever you do, it will be an adventure!

There's no need for further comment on the antagonistic posts. The user in question has been banned.

And to answer the original question, I'd try to find a way to combine the 2.  If there was no practical way to do so I'd travel. And that's from someone who has a long term goal of IM Australia.

If it were me, I would travel. 

IM will always be there.  New tri-stuff will always be there.  How often will YOU have the chance you have now?

And, if the cycling/running/swimming is important to you - there's nothing that would stop you from doing most of that anywhere.  If it were me, I'd buy a good long distance bike, and go explore whatever country I chose.  I mean, if you pedaled your way across say, Italy, that'd save you a lot in transportation costs right there.  Do some research on the cycling/running/hiking available and then go for it.

FWIW, I think it'd be uber cool to cycle Australia - what a beautiful way to see the country.  

Travel!!!

When I was your age I wandered around Mexico and Central America on a motorcycle for about 6 months.  Never regretted it once.  I learned Spanish fairly well and ended up living and working in Spain and Mexico for a few years, and use Spanish daily in my current career and personal life.  (FWIW, I was an Asian Studies major in college.)

A surprising number of women do the solo budget travel thing.  Be careful and you'll meet lots of interesting people and have lots of fun!  

I say Travel.  If you are worried that much about losing fitness, include a 1-2 week bike trip every couple of months!  It is an amazing way to see the real part of many countries.  Since you are by yourself, if you don't fancy the idea of traveling through S.America alone by bike, there are plenty of bike tour operators out there that you can go with.  A bit more pricey than going solo, but still amazing trips.  They will provide a bike so you don't have to worry about trekking yours with you during your travels.  I have done bike trips in Cuba and in Western Europe and they have been incredible way to see the back country and to stay in shape and to continue to challenge yourself.  Plus you can meet some like-minded people and expand your travels that way.  Skip the tri-bike.  You could crash it on your first ride.  Your memories from traveling will never go away!

Here are a couple of links from a quick Google search:

http://www.realadventures.com/pages/bike-tours/south-america.htm

http://www.ibike.org/ibike/

http://www.experienceplus.com/bicycling/

http://www.escapeadv.com/

 FWIW, my wife and I live in Malaysia and if you are traveling in this part of the world, we would be happy to help you out and put you up.  Sounds like a great opportunity!  Have fun.

ivan

This changes my thinking. I was going to suggest education for your dream career. Sounds like you probably have that covered. I'm cheap and conservative, but I'm all for splurging 10% of a windfall.

TRAVEL! Its scary right? How did you feel signing up for IM? Its exciting because its scary. Find inspiration for what you want to do with the rest of your life.

My vote is to do both--spend the month leading up to IMWA in Australia and riding your new bike and take off from there to travel for a few months.  That way you can train and work until just before IMWA and then bail on the real world and travel for a while!  FWIW, lots of people cycle in South America.  In Nov/Dec last year I spent 2.5 weeks with my girlfriend in S. America.  We spent a couple days in Buenos Aires and 10 days trekking in Patagonia (which was AMAZING).  Met plenty of solo travelers in Patagonia and saw quite a few people on bikes with lots of gear loaded up.

Congrats on the IMAZ finish, I hope to join the Ironman club this fall too!