<human>: Could you distill the essence of the text into 1-3 sentences?

Copy and paste from the "excellent" post. I'm 24, live in Los Angeles, and looking to travel abroad for the first time. Will most likely be a solo trip. So far I'm looking at England/Ireland/Scotland, but open to other suggestions. If other, I'd prefer it to be a single country, not multiple. I've had Germany, Italy, and Sweden recommended for other locations.

My main goal is to understand the Aug-Sept vs. Dec-Jan decision. And, I'm also wondering if how much I can/should fit in, or if maybe Scotland would have to wait for another trip. And if there are any other location suggestions, I'm all ears.

**I have already traveled to:**- A few places in the US and a quick trip to Vancouver, Canada.

**Length and Time**: Either Aug 27- Sep 13 or Dec 26-Jan 10-17, including travel days.

**Budget** Not a huge deal, but I'm not trying to break the bank. Willing to stay in cheap motels, couch surf, etc. Never stayed in a hostel but willing to give it a try. 

**Climate** I'm a little worried how cold it will be if the trip is Dec-Jan. Any issues here? Is that sufficient reason to go Aug-Sept?

**Interests** - I have no idea, since I haven't traveled before. I'm open to other locations, but assuming the England/etc trip: Guinness Brewery would be cool, a soccer/football game, some history, although I'm not a huge museum fan. Military history and aviation is pretty cool. I do enjoy a relaxing breakfast with coffee if that helps. Oh, and water! I can do short trips without water, but I do enjoy being by it and boats and the like. Also open to suggestions here!

**Safety** I'm not worried about this with the baseline trip. But if you have other ideas, something friendly to a big white American guy would probably be good.
<bot>: is England/Ireland/Scotland reasonable for 2-3 weeks? Is it better in early Sept or early Jan? Any better destination ideas?