REQUESTING LOA for 3-4 MONTHS

Hi, I wanted to see what people have asked off work to travel South east Asia. I want to do Thailand, Laos, Vietnam and the Philippines. Ideally I would love 4 months unpaid off but I’m not sure if that is a reasonable ask. I fear if I do all these places in less than 4 months it will be very rushed and I won’t get the full experience.

I work at a non profit in northern Canada and am the only person in my role so coverage is not likely. I will be in the position for almost 2 years at the start of my trip. The position was vacant for 6 months before I moved here. Our policy says we are allowed to request LOA and it can’t be denied without reason but a very simple reason is there will be no coverage.

I know I can quit my job is I really need but it pays very well and really aligns with my career goals, plus moving out of the north is not cheap.

What are people experiencing in requesting longer term LOA?

How long is a good amount of time in South east Asia?