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Most of us have returned to work and are reflecting dreamily on the relaxation and holiday time we enjoyed over the festive season. But with the continued strengthening of the Australian dollar you can take heart. That next holiday may be closer than you think.

A MasterCard survey conducted in 2011 on consumer purchasing priorities related to travel, highlighted the effect of the continuing strength of the Australian dollar in influencing our decision to travel overseas. 25% of respondents stated that they would not have made plans to travel overseas in 2011 if the exchange rate was not as favourable.

The same survey indicates that the strong Australian dollar could continue to impact our travel plans over the next 12 months – with almost a third (32%) of survey respondents intent on travelling more frequently for leisure purposes in 2012.

Whilst it is still early days in 2012, the exchange rate continues to be favourable with the Australian dollar strong against the US dollar, the British pound and the Euro. In the past three years, the Australian dollar has strengthened by 62 per cent against the euro, up from a low of 49 euro cents in February 2009 (Herald Sun 7/1/2012). CommSec Chief Economist Craig James has been quoted this month as suggesting that the Australian dollar could spike as high as 84 euro cents.

So, if you have long hankered for an overseas holiday, the odds are even more in your favour and it could be time to put your plans into action.

Another factor influencing our decision to travel has been the increasing affordability of overseas airfares. Fierce competition between airlines flying international routes means passengers have gained access to cheaper fares, to most destinations, than at the same time last year. And given that the airfare forms a large chunk of your overseas holiday budget, this can only be good news.

Once you arrive at your chosen destination, the strength of the Australian dollar is also meaning that you have increased buying power (great for shopping bargains in the US!) and your holiday budget goes even further.

So where can your strong Australian dollars take you in 2012?

ASIA

Vietnam

As a result of the strong dollar, online travel portals such as Expedia have reported increased searches for travel in Vietnam with search enquiries rising by 66 per cent. Many transactions in Vietnam are conducted using US dollars so Australians will also benefit from the strength of the Australian dollar whilst travelling within Vietnam.

Vietnam provides a wonderful travel experience offering a combination of resort, cultural and beach activities. It is family friendly and is a much cheaper alternative than a European destination and can be reached in under 10 hours. With the money saved on airfares and accommodation, you might choose to invest in a new wardrobe via one of the many tailors available to create a bespoke outfit for you.

Thailand

Expedia also reports that searches for travel in Thailand were up by 73 per cent. This is expected to continue in 2012.  With the number of international carriers flying directly into Phuket and Bangkok and given that the Australian dollar can go a long way against the Thai Baht, it makes an affordable family destination.

You can access resort style accommodation with spa facilities on deserted beaches for far less than you would domestically in Australia.

USA

The Australian Dollar has continued to rise against the US dollar and although a continual favourite for Australian travellers, there has still been a 44% increase for bookings to the USA (as reported by Expedia). The most popular destinations were Honolulu, New York and Los Angeles.

EUROPE

With the Australian dollar continuing to increase in value against the Euro, holidaymakers are focusing on several European countries as destination hotspots.

The United Kingdom tops the European destination list with close to one in five (18%) Australians planning to travel to the UK (also linked to Olympics perhaps) closely followed by France (12%), with Germany and Italy both on 10% (Mastercard survey 2011).

Bookings through Expedia continue to rise for popular destinations such as London, Rome and Paris.

Also consider: Turkey

Australia has had a long association with Turkey and many backpackers make the trek to experience and participate in Anzac Day memorials on the battlefields. But Turkey is appealing for all levels of travellers, offering a contemporary mix of European and Asian culture. It is an extremely affordable destination made more so by the fact that the Australian dollar has soared 20% against the Turkish Lira over the past 12 months.

Information from the Australian Bureau of Statistics shows an upward trend in the numbers of Australians taking overseas holidays. Follow the trend and join the growing numbers of Australians benefiting from holiday hot spots that are now a lot more affordable. With the value of the dollar in your favour, it may be time to do more than wish and put some concrete plans in action to make that overseas holiday a reality.

Leanne is a Premium member of Business Chicks, request her online business card and connect with her here.

Leanne Anderson is the founder and owner of Getaway Guru, a site that lists Australian owned holiday rentals in France and Italy. You can view the portfolio of properties available at www.getawayguru.com.au