is it worth putting in my application before I go traveling for 6 months?

Hi, it really depends on what and when you want to join. The earlier you put your application in the better as you can move things (assessment centre, testing etc) depending on your availability. Usually the medical side takes the longest time so if you can get the ball rolling the sooner the better. My advice would be, as lots is done via email, is that if you know you are going to have problems with wifi/connectivity if someone you trust has access to your emails they can check things whilst you can't and get hold of you to do anything that is time critical. Joining the army can take anything from 3-18mths so if you don't want to have a potential 12-18mths wait on your return then just apply and push things to the right if you need to. Good luck and enjoy your travels!