> I've got no responsibilities, no kids or SO at the moment, so now would be the perfect time in my career to do something wild.

Perfect opportunity to NOT work for a bit. If you can afford it, go backpacking. Solo or otherwise. You will gain direct insight into where you want to live/work. Of course, when travelling, everything is seen through rose-tinted glasses, so bear in mind that the reality of living somewhere new is always more complicated than what you see when "on holiday".