[mchan]

I did this, at 33, similar situation.

While it took me about a year to find work after coming back, I still don't regret it. I was travelling for about 15 months in total. After returning, I did a bit of contract work, but took almost a year before I started full time work - but I am now living in a different country, and sorting out a visa took about two of those months of the year in limbo. To be honest, a part of why I took so long to return to work was my own resistance towards it, but now that I am working, I'm learning the stuff I want to learn.

Before you go, perhaps set yourself a limit. I had a budget in mind - about half of my savings - where I decided I would pull the plug if I reached that point and go home. I ended up returning before that point.

As many have said here, having a long sabbatical on your CV won't necessarily be a red flag. My current employer was very enthusiastic to bring me onboard.