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Travel Leaders' latest survey reveals that over 57% of those polled who are receiving a tax refund will use at least part of that money for leisure travel this year. The survey also indicated that 83% of individuals polled will spend the same, or more, on leisure trips in 2011 as compared to last year.

Travel Leaders is part of Travel Leaders Group, a North American travel company that generates gross travel sales in excess of $14 billion. Travel Leaders Group is a leader in both the retail travel agency space and corporate travel.

This year's survey was conducted March 10 – April 10, 2011, and includes responses from 953 consumers throughout the U.S.

"It is clear that when Americans dream about travel, they dream big. Australia continues to be the 'ultimate dream' international destination. Perhaps the majority who indicated they will use tax refund money for travel could make that dream a reality this year," stated Roger E. Block, CTC, president of Travel Leaders Franchise Group.

"What is most encouraging from our latest survey is that an overwhelming majority (89%) indicated that they have already traveled or will be traveling for leisure this year, and it seems they are prepared to open their wallets a little more, if they need to."

Following are key findings from the survey:

Tax Refund - Money for Travel: A majority, 57.4%, of U.S. consumers responded "Yes" to the question "If you receive a tax refund this year, will you be using any part of that money for vacation travel?"

Leisure Travel Spending: 83% of those polled said they will spend the same or more on leisure travel in 2011 than they did last year. Only 17% indicated they would be spending less on leisure travel this year.

Australia is the "Dream": When asked "What is your ultimate dream international destination?" the top destination selected was Australia – followed by Italy, Ireland, New Zealand and Mediterranean cruising, respectively.

Top States Visited: When asked, "Which U.S. state(s) have you traveled to or will you travel to in 2011?" the top response was Florida followed by California and New York.

Now that you have some extra money from your tax refund that you might be using for travel, stretch it further by renting a timeshare for your vacation. You'll be able to stay at luxury resorts for up to 50% less than the cost of many hotel rooms.

In case you missed Oprah's premier show this past week kicking off her Farewell Season, it's all over the news - Oprah's biggest give away ever. On the first show of her last season she surprised her audience by announcing that she was taking all of them on a trip to Australia. If you just happened to not be in her audience that day, guess what - you, too, can take a trip to Australia - anyway. There are many great timeshare exchanges available all over that wonderful country, and some timeshare rentals, too.

For the premier of Oprah's 25th - and final - season, she gathered 300 of what her producers called her "Ultimate Viewers," and surprised them with the announcement that they were each receiving an 8-day trip to the Land Downunder. With airline pilot John Travolta no less.

Apparently, Oprah’s fans aren’t the only ones getting all excited about their trip to Australia. Reuters reports that the Australian Minister of Tourism, Martin Ferguson, will be spending almost $3 million to bring the show to the country, a move which he hopes will increase tourism. "Oprah is a household name and her star power has the potential to lift Australia's profile as a premier tourist destination,” said Ferguson.

Aussies have waited years for another tourism boon akin to the one Paul Hogan and "Crocodile Dundee" triggered, declared John Brown, Australia's former tourism minister. "If the worldwide publicity that Oprah will bring to Australia does what I think, the benefits will be something you couldn't buy."

So pack your bags, start practicing your Aussie accent, and plan a great timeshare vacation in a country that offers more diversity than you can imagine. From tropical rain forests and surfing beaches to barren deserts and the world's most amazing barrier reef, Australia offers something for everyone. Even its animal population, from bouncing kangaroos to cuddly Koalas, is wonderfully unique.

There are some great timeshare exchanges available at the Tiki Village International resort in Surfer's Paradise, and the Beachcomber International Resort in Coolangatta, both in Queensland. The Shearwater Country Club is where you can get timeshare exchanges in fascinating Tasmania. Or check out the beaches along the Indian Ocean in Western Australia with a timeshare exchange at the Silver Sands Resort in Mandurah.

Wherever in this vast, exciting country you take your Australia timeshare vacation, get ready for a real "fair dinkim" time!

(Photo credit wikitravel.org/en/Australia)

The ezine "Budget Travel" has posted an article discussing the possibility that Conan O'Brien, the embattled former host of NBC's "The Tonight Show" may be in dire need of some rest and relaxation. The article suggested "5 Places Conan Should Go on Vacation." Since timeshare owners are a considerate and compassionate group, we are going to list some of those places here, so that if he takes the advice, you'll know where to make a timeshare exchange in order to vacation along with Conan. Perhaps you can invite him over for a dinner of comfort food and homemade cookies in your timeshare kitchen. Heaven knows the man could use it.

Australia
Now that Conan is out of work, he'll appreciate that air fares to Australia are at a 5-year low. This will help you, too, of course. There are timeshare exchanges available from Queensland to New South Wales, where you can enjoy everything from the Great Barrier Reef to shrimp on the barbie. Winter in the U.S. is summer in Australia, so if you and Conan are looking for a vacation spot with blooming roses, warm nights and plenty of sun for tanning, Australia is the place. See all Australia timeshares.

Canada
First of all, there's the 21st Winter Olympics in Vancouver. With timeshare exchanges, and rentals, still available at the Games, you and Conan can forget your every-day woes and root for winners and cry with losers on a global scale. Apparently The Globe and Mail, Canada's largest newspaper, is calling for Canadian television to hire Conan, so exploring the entire country of our neighbors to the north might be fortuitous. You can exchange your timeshare and experience everything from the stunning natural beauty of Banff to the fun French culture of Quebec. See Canada timeshares.

Mexico
This is the perfect vacation spot for Conan. As the ezine article suggests, Conan could become hugely popular with his alter-ego, "Conanado." Always a great destination for discriminating timeshare owners and renters, you, too, should head south of the border. Relax on sun-drenched beaches, watch gray whale calves cavort with their moms, enter marlin fishing tournaments and at the end of the day, be sure to invite Conan over to your timeshare for dinner. See Mexico timeshares.