Notice of leave/sabbatical

Hi guys,

I am contemplating handing in my notice soon. I want to go travelling - I don't know how long for, I'm basically going to play it by ear and just with the flow (open mind!) but it won't be any longer than a year, maybe even perhaps 6 months! I've a Visa for Australia.

So I want to obviously hand in my notice at work and I'm just wondering do I mention the possibility of taking a sabbatical in that or would that be a different letter? My work is pretty laid back i.e. there is no real ''HR department' and there is a manager to each department.

I was just going to hand in my job but I think asking for the sabbatical would be the smart thing to do, because when I do come home I would like a job. I'm happy enough with my work but I wouldn't say no to change either! but I can't stomach the thought of being without a job for a few weeks..months even if the job sector is still dire! I'm in my current job for over 7years now.

Any advise would be greatly appreciated.

TIA