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!

Click here to reserve your spot with a World Wide Country Tours vacation today. But hurry! This special offer ends December 31, 2001.

To view our more than 50 tours on-line or to request a free catalog click here.

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

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-click here.   

Pass on your love for travel onto your kids or grandkids with our all new Kids Tours. 
Click here.

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.

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! Click on each one for complete details and dates:

Hawaiian Island Holiday 12 Days/11 Nights
Australia & New Zealand 20 Days/19 Nights LIMITED SPACE
Sunny Southern California 7 Days/6 Nights
Costa Rica 9 Days/8 Nights  All meals included!
Heart of Texas 6 Days/5 Nights
Belize 9 Days/8 Nights All meals included!
Deep South 9 Days/8 Nights
Florida's Hidden Treasures 7 Days/6 Nights NEW!
Panama & the Panama Canal 9 Days/8 Nights NEW! All meals included! LIMITED SPACE
Arizona Adventure 6 Days/5 Nights
Northern California 7 Days/7 Nights
California Dreamin' Kids Tour 7 Days/7 Nights