I'm not getting any redundancy as I'm an agency worker. My friends that have been here 3 months longer than me (and therefore have permanent jobs) are getting £10,000!!!
I'm a pharmaceutical fermentation scientist by the way.
Go to http://www.kforce.com
Search on 'fermentation scientist' and I think you'll find you're very much in demand in the USA. California looks a good option. Other job engines have plenty for you too.
My advice is don't go travelling yet. Get yourself the security of work options first, you can always defer the start date to go travelling if only for 3 months.