It is a pity the author thinks 6-8 weeks is the ideal duration for such a trip.. yes that is about when the inital novelty wears off and it doesnt feel much like a regular "vacation" any longer. As much as the tourist/traveler characterization is a cliche, this is where you stop being the former and start being the latter...

I can recommend going at least 6 months abroad, if you can make the time.