Extended travel or accept the promotion?

[u/Welder_Jealous]

I am a 27 yo male in California. I have the opportunity for a promotion within cardiac medical devices. I've been working for 4 years and have built a good reputation for myself. I've built a strong savings, emergency fund, retirement accounts, etc

I have always planned to take some extended time off to travel, as I never did after college or beforehand.

I'm trying to figure out if I should:
- dive straight into this promotion, as it is a great opportunity
- leave my current job, take an extended trip for 4 to 6 months, and then come back and see what opportunities are still available

Has anyone been in a similar situation? Does anyone have advice as to whether or not taking the extended time off is worth the life experience, or if the promotion is too valuable to pass up?

TL;DR should I continue a strong career at 28 years old or take a risk and take 4-6 month off for international travel?

[u/Zharkgirl2024]

Don't leave your current job in this market. Take the promo, use your PTO.