Ok, so the thread is 9 months old...but it's the first time I've seen it, so...
Yes, I took a year out in 2006. Spent a month doing a roadtrip across the US, 6-7 months in New Zealand, 3-4 months in Australia and a day in Hong Kong. Yes, 1 day (2 nights).
Probably the best thing I've ever done, especially since a) I did it off the back of a long-term relationship that ended and b) since 2009 I've been on sick leave, so mostly been indoors.
Something you are/were thinking of doing, or just curious?