December 2001 TRAVEL UPDATE Dear $$firstname$$, If you've been dreaming about an extra-special vacation, one that gives you a "taste" of what it's like to live there by meeting people who actually do, then look no further than World Wide Country Tours. Our tours are featured in every issue of your Taste of Home magazine and this email update is going out to folks just like you who have expressed an interest in travel through their e-mail newsletter. Read on for helpful tips, special offers and other 'headline' news in our travel world... > Early Booking Bonus > Post 9/11 Update > Great Holiday Gift Idea > Europe's Euro Currency Debut > 11 Warm Weather Getaways > Timely Travel Tip If you would like to read this newsletter in a colorful format that includes pictures, visit: http://www.countrytours.com/RD.asp?ID=25 ********** Claim Your BONUS Hotel Night-FREE! Treat yourself to a World Wide Country Tours vacation in 2002, and enjoy an extra night on us! That's right. When you make your 2002 reservation by December 31, you'll get an EXTRA HOTEL NIGHT-up to $178.00 value-absolutely FREE! You can arrive a day early to get a head start on exploring...or you can extend your vacation by an extra day just to unwind. It's your choice! Either way, your first-class lodging is FREE! To reserve your spot with a World Wide Country Tours vacation today, visit: http://www.countrytours.com/RD.asp?ID=7 But hurry! This special offer ends December 31, 2001. To view our more than 50 tours on-line or to request a free catalog, visit: http://www.countrytours.com/RD.asp?ID=8 ********** Dear Country Tours Friend, As a company built upon the philosophy of family, faith and country, we at World Wide Country Tours were deeply saddened by the events of September 11. While we could never have anticipated such a shocking tragedy and the unfortunate impact it would have on travelers and our tours, our response to this crisis was swift. Within hours, arrangements were made for itinerary changes, return flights or extended lodging for those currently on our tours. With September and October being our most popular travel months, we also worked around the clock to make sure that upcoming tours could operate safely. Although many tour companies dramatically reduced their departures, World Wide Country Tours and our travelers pressed forward. Only four departures were cancelled due to airport closures. And we had 25 departures remaining in September and 31 in October. Once we addressed the needs of those folks wanting to still travel, we worked diligently to meet the needs of those wishing to cancel or postpone their vacation. Our goal as a company has always been to share the excitement of travel and give folks the opportunity to fully experience the places we visit. However, we realized that for some people, travel just wasn't an option at that time. That's why we felt the need to drastically change our cancellation policy in light of the recent events. While some tour operators gave partial refunds for a limited time, we made the decision to offer all guests the option of canceling their September bookings without penalty and getting a 100% refund of their payment. Or, guests could transfer their credit to a 2002 tour and reserve a trip at 2001 prices. Guests traveling with us in October were also able to transfer to a 2002 tour at no additional cost. As our country continues to heal, we want to reassure you that your safety and enjoyment remain our first priority. So I encourage you to continue to exercise your freedom to travel and explore the amazing sights the United States and other countries have to offer! I wish you many more safe and happy trips, wherever your travels may take you. Sincerely, Gayly Opem Managing Director P.S. If you had a special or unique experience on one of our tours and would like to share it with fellow travelers in our next travel update, please e-mail your story to vacations@countrytours.com ********** Here's what satisfied travelers have to say.... Letters from our customers have been pouring in, thanking us for continuing with "business as usual" after September 11. Take a look... ********** Best of New York State "I am very thankful that you did not cancel our Best of New York State trip but made every attempt to accommodate us while we were in New York City. I feel that it turned out to be a very special tour for everyone." -Judy C., Hammond, LA ********** Ireland "We were on your Ireland tour when the disaster of September 11 occurred. We appreciated the integrity and professionalism shown by your company in seeing that we were well cared for and returned home safely. Certainly the action of your company in absorbing extra expense for hotels while the airports were closed was appreciated. More than that, it was the reassurance in an uncertain time that we were being looked after that will cause us to carry a high regard for World Wide Country Tours in the future." -Jack J., Little Rock, AR ********** Autumn in New England "My friend and I had made reservations for the Autumn in New England tour. But because of the disaster of Sept. 11, we had to cancel. I appreciate the fine way you have all treated us and assure you we will tour with World Wide Country Tours in the future." -Shirley A., Gold Hill, OR ********** One Size Does Fit All. This holiday, treat your family or friends to a memorable gift they'll really appreciate! It's easy with World Wide Country Tours Gift Certificates. Available in any dollar amount, gift certificates are the ideal way to "chip in" for a week-long getaway or surprise someone with the tour of their dreams. To order your World Wide Country Tours Gift Certificates-good for any future tour departure to any destination, visit: http://www.countrytours.com/RD.asp?ID=9 Pass on your love for travel onto your kids or grandkids with our all new Kids Tours. Visit: http://www.countrytours.com/RD.asp?ID=21 ********** It's time to turn in your spare change...for the Euro! GOOD NEWS! Soon it will be much easier to recognize a great bargain when you're shopping in European countries. That's because 12 European nations are poised to trade in their francs, marks, pounds, lire and guilders for one common currency, the Euro. Beginning January 1, 2002, the Euro will be available for currency exchange in Austria, Belgium, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, The Netherlands, Portugal and Spain. New coins will be available in 2 and 1 Euros denominations, as well as 50, 20, 10, 5, 2 and 1 cents. Seven notes will be denominated in 500, 200, 100, 50, 20, 10 and 5 Euros. If you have leftover currency from a recent trip abroad-or are planning a trip to Europe soon-keep in mind that the window to use or exchange "old" currencies is short. After February 28, 2002, you won't be able to exchange or use any old currencies. Although currencies from these countries will no longer hold a cash value, they'll still be wonderful souvenirs from your travels. Currently, one Euro equals about 90 U.S. cents. ********** There's still time to book your winter getaway. If you'd love to give yourself a break from winter, soak up a little sunshine and get recharged with a delightful adventure in the sun, you'd better hurry! Our winter getaways are already selling out-especially as Old Man Winter is knocking at our door. This year we're offering more choices than ever before: 11 sun-kissed winter vacations, ranging from 6 to 20 days. Take your pick from these dream vacations, then make your reservation today! Visit the address below each one for complete details and dates: Hawaiian Island Holiday 12 Days/11 Nights Visit: http://www.countrytours.com/RD.asp?ID=10 Australia & New Zealand 20 Days/19 Nights LIMITED SPACE Visit: http://www.countrytours.com/RD.asp?ID=11 Sunny Southern California 7 Days/6 Nights Visit: http://www.countrytours.com/RD.asp?ID=12 Costa Rica 9 Days/8 Nights All meals included! Visit: http://www.countrytours.com/RD.asp?ID=13 Heart of Texas 6 Days/5 Nights Visit: http://www.countrytours.com/RD.asp?ID=14 Belize 9 Days/8 Nights All meals included! Visit: http://www.countrytours.com/RD.asp?ID=15 Deep South 9 Days/8 Nights Visit: http://www.countrytours.com/RD.asp?ID=16 Florida's Hidden Treasures 7 Days/6 Nights NEW! Visit: http://www.countrytours.com/RD.asp?ID=17 Panama & the Panama Canal 9 Days/8 Nights NEW! All meals included! LIMITED SPACE Visit: http://www.countrytours.com/RD.asp?ID=18 Arizona Adventure 6 Days/5 Nights Visit: http://www.countrytours.com/RD.asp?ID=19 Northern California 7 Days/7 Nights Visit: http://www.countrytours.com/RD.asp?ID=20 California Dreamin' Kids Tour 7 Days/7 Nights Visit: http://www.countrytours.com/RD.asp?ID=21 ********** Travel Insurance provides peace of mind-and valuable protection. Before you travel abroad, take a minute to review your medical insurance policy. Some providers, including Medicare, will not cover any medical services performed overseas. And that could become very expensive, very quickly. If your insurance doesn't provide adequate medical coverage outside of the United States, you might want to consider purchasing travel insurance. An insurance premium is inexpensive when you consider that medical bills could easily cost you thousands of dollars. What's covered? Lots! Besides medical expenses and emergency medical transportation, travel insurance covers trip cancellation and interruption, travel delay, baggage delay, accidental death and dismemberment and more. For complete information on coverage available with your WWCT tour visit: Visit: http://www.countrytours.com/RD.asp?ID=22 ********** HAVE A FRIEND who enjoys travel? Feel free to forward this email update! If this email was forwarded to you, you can sign up for yourself by requesting our tour catalog at http://www.countrytours.com TO CANCEL your email updates at any time, visit: http://www.countrytours.com/travel/cancel.asp?email=$$email$$ ********** Copyright 2001 World Wide Country Tours, LLC. All rights reserved.