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Got a travel consumer query or need some help finding your next dream holiday? Send your questions to our resident travel expert, Melissa Tilling, founder of Charitable Travel and she’ll answer them here

 I was away on holiday in Peru when I was notified by the tour operator I was travelling with that they’d gone into administration, yet I still had various elements of my holiday to do, let alone get my return flight home. In this situation, what are my rights and what service should I expect to receive?

Alice Goodlife

Melissa:  That must have been very stressful. I hope you booked through a travel agent and tour operator because your rights and expected services depend on how you booked your holiday. For UK travellers with an ATOL- (Air Travel Organisers’ Licensing) protected package, the Civil Aviation Authority should ensure you can complete your holiday and arrange your return flight. This protection prevents you from being stranded or facing financial loss due to the operator’s insolvency.
Under EU Package Travel Regulations which remains adopted legislation in the UK), similar protections apply, mandating tour operators to have insolvency measures for refunds and repatriation. Check too if your travel insurance covers the operator’s financial failure, which might cover additional costs or offer refunds for services not provided.
If these protections don’t apply, contact your embassy or consulate for assistance, although they typically don’t cover travel costs. Should you need to self-arrange a return journey, paying by credit card offers
potential recourse under the Consumer Credit Act’s Section 75, which might cover the costs. In essence, your protection hinges on your holiday’s booking details and any travel insurance you hold, highlighting the
importance of understanding these aspects for such situations. Professional travel agents, like Charitable Travel, will support you navigate this situation.

Speak to our travel experts today to plan your perfect holiday!

Remember – every time you book a break with Charitable Travel you can donate 5% of the price to the charity of your choice for free!

This is a feature from Issue 20 of Charitable Traveller.
Click to read more from this issue, or more from Ask the Expert

Looking for your next getaway? We’re here to help! This edition we’ve got some fantastic offers for you – from a 7 night escape in Marrakech, Morocco, a 4 night city break in Athens, Greece, or a 7 night Girona, Spain trip by rail.

Remember, wherever you choose to visit, you can donate 5% of your total holiday price to the charity of your choice at no extra cost. So what are you waiting for? Book your next escape and make a difference today!

P.S. Don’t forget to follow us on social media for your daily dose of travel inspiration!

Over my 35-plus years in the Travel Industry, I have seen some amazing places, had fantastic experiences and am constantly surprised and delighted to discover destinations for the first time. It never gets old and as long as this is the case and we still enjoy travelling, (even though air travel is arguably not the experience it used to be and seems more tiring), then we should continue to travel as far as we feel comfortable, because there will come a time, inevitably, when those long haul trips will just be physically impossible for us.

I always get asked the same question when I announce that I work in Travel, ie. where is your favourite destination? Now, this could mean where is the best place I have been to, or it could mean where would be the place I would most like to travel to?!

This got me thinking about the most remarkable places I have sent my luxury clients to, places I have not been to myself but would really like to! These are all exceptional journeys. So, in no particular order, these are the outstanding journeys my clients have taken.

Clayoquot Sound, Canada

Clayoquot Wilderness Lodge skirts the banks of the Clayoquot Sound on the west coast of Vancouver Island and is reached only by seaplane or boat. A small collection of just 25 ultra-luxurious canvas tents allows you to be at one with nature and explore the beauty of this remote wilderness region. This is high-end accommodation and there are many activities on offer to keep you busy if you want to be. Think horseback riding, hiking, boat tours, biking and viewing the incredible wildlife. A very unique place which combines well with Vancouver and Vancouver Island.

Mmenba Island, Zanzibar

This is perhaps the ultimate hideaway. A tiny island of Zanzibar, triangular in shape and with just 12 luxurious bandas, or beachfront lodges with thatched roofs and uninterrupted views of nothing……. except the ocean and the horizon. With pristine white beaches, and a beautiful coral reef, it’s the perfect place to get away from it all – and very exclusive. . The island is currently closed for renovation and will open around 01 October ’24 with a spa and an Oceans Without Borders (OWB) interpretative centre allowing you to engage with conservation and community-focused projects in and around the Mnemba Atoll.

A safari in India

Ranthambore National Park is an exclusive wildlife park in Rajhastan and is famous for its tiger conservation project. There are currently around 80 tigers in the park and over the past few years, most guests have been lucky to spot one. I have sent many clients here and almost always put them in the Oberoi Vanjavilas. I love the Oberoi brand and have stayed in many of their properties in India, but not this one. These tented villas are ultra-luxurious, furnished with beautiful fabrics in rich colours you can only really find in India. Expect outstanding accommodation, a great spa, pool and private 4×4 game drives.

The Inside Passage, Alaska

The Inside Passage is a coastal route for ships and boats along a network of passages which weave through the islands on the Pacific Northwest coast of the North American Fjordland. I recommend a cruise on the ironically named UnCruise line. Their small expedition ships can navigate inlets that the bigger vessels cannot. This is an adventure “cruise” so you should be prepared to get involved and be reasonably fit and hardy. The rewards are numerous. See bears, baby animals, migrating grey whales and birds, budding forests, snow-covered peaks, gushing waterfalls, and the Aurora Borealis if you’re lucky. In summer, temperatures are warmer, so there’s better access to high-elevation hikes. And humpback whales are abundant. From the ship, you can paddle or boat out to get really close to the glaciers.

An Irrawaddy river cruise in Myanmar

This was an incredible trip along the Irrawaddy River from Padang to Mandalay in Myanmar. The Pandaw river cruises are exceptional, on small, beautifully crafted ships reminiscent of a bygone era. Elegant and slow, with plenty of time to stop off and explore the temples and monuments along the way. Sadly, this voyage is not currently running, due to the political situation in Myanmar. There are other routes in Southeast Asia though. I hope I get to experience this one day.

Rocky Mountaineer or trans-Canada train

I don’t know why I’ve not got around to exploring the Rockies on this iconic train. My clients rave about the scenery. The actual journey from Vancouver to Banff is not that long, but you can then explore the mountains in your own time. Some other clients took the train from Vancouver to Toronto over 5 days. This is a working train that drops post and packages to the towns along the way and you have to be prepared for schedule changes, but that’s all part of the adventure and the scenery is incredible. This is a great extension to a stay in Vancouver and if you do the coast-to-coast train, you get to stay in Toronto at the end, too. Both are vibrant cities with so much in offer.

A cruise in the Galapagos Islands, Ecuador

I’m sure you have seen one of the many documentaries on the Galapagos Islands. If you are into wildlife, this has surely got to be one of, if not the most, amazing experiences. Viewing species that only exist in the Galapagos and have no fear of predators. How incredible! Some of the most dramatic scenery you will find anywhere and strange, otherworldly creatures. If you want ultra-luxury I would opt for Silversea’s Silver Origin, which takes just 100 passengers and has everything the luxury traveller could wish for. But I would probably take one of the Avalon Waterways’ tiny ships, the Treasure of the Galapagos and the Delfin III. The Delfin 111 is its newest and most luxurious Galapagos cruise ship. The ship has just 22 suites, and the Treasure of the Galapagos is even smaller, carrying a maximum of 16 guests.

Island hopping in the Seychelles

Now, I have been to the Seychelles, many moons ago, but I cannot hand on heart say I have experienced the Seychelles. To my shame, this was a fly-and-flop visit, flying in and staying in one hotel. I have sent many clients on an island-hopping holiday, and it is worth seeing at least a few of the 115 islands that make up the Seychelles, as they are all very different. Maybe start with the main island of Mahé with its mountainous landscape and bustling capital, Victoria, then chill out on tranquil Praslin Island, which has two UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Finally step back in time on La Digue, where oxcarts are the main form of transport, with its gorgeous beaches where they sell fresh coconuts and local rum. The Seychelles has always been a luxury destination and it has some of the best hotels in the world, but it is absolutely worth splashing out on for that holiday of a lifetime experience.

All the above are still on my wish list, but your bucket list will no doubt look very different to mine. Maybe there is somewhere special you dream of that I have already seen and can tell you about first-hand. Wherever you feel is your “must see once in my life” destination, I can help you plan it in style!

Feeling inspired? Book your next escape now. Get in touch with Lizzi by emailing [email protected] to book your dream trip!

Treat yourself to some New Year’s cheer by booking a wonderful holiday with us and supporting the charities you care about for free! This January, if winter’s biting and you’re desperate for sun, why not treat yourself to a last-minute 7 night winter sun getaway in Tenerife, Spain next month from just £575pp!

Get in touch with our travel experts today to book your place now and avoid missing out on incredible savings! If that’s not quite your vibe, consider a 7 night rail adventure in Frankfurt and the Black Forest, Germany or a 7 night luxury escape in Dreams Natura Resort & Spa, Mexico – with big savings as part of the Join the Club promotion!

P.S. Don’t forget to follow us on social media for your daily dose of travel inspiration!

Every year, after the festive season, we are encouraged to get healthier by eating nutritiously and exercising more. For some, the new year is a time to make resolutions, to change bad habits and turn our lives around. To every New Year jogger, I say, well done and keep it up!

However, you might be, like me, an all-year-round exercise aficionado and already have a favourite sport you practise and can’t do without. Some of us just need that rush of endorphins!

The thought of lying around a pool or on the beach is still appealing to sports lovers, but you can guarantee we will also be doing regular laps of the pool, swimming in the sea and jogging along the beach!

You may have a sport you excel in or just particularly love and wish to incorporate into your holiday. Whether it’s skiing, cycling, canoeing, rowing, horseback riding, windsurfing, hiking, running marathons, diving, snorkelling, sailing, attending a tennis academy, or doing a triathlon, we at Charitable Travel can make that dream come true. Oh, and if it’s just you who wants to be active, your travelling companion can just relax or spend time in the spa! The Body Holiday on St Lucia is a great choice as you have spa treatments included but they also offer a wide range of water sports.

Some lovely walking holidays caught my eye recently. Doing some of the Camino Way in Spain, walking between Granada and Cordoba, through the Italian or French vineyard regions, or the lush green mountainous crags of Slovenia. It doesn’t have to be a hard slog every day. If you want to take your time and stay in lovely character properties along the way, all this is possible. You can even have your luggage transported for you, to save wear and tear on your back!

Or maybe you just love watching sports, from cricket in Barbados or Sri Lanka, following the Formula 1 in Abu Dhabi, or the round-the-world yacht races – whatever you fancy, we’ve got you covered. We can arrange your flights and accommodation and often secure tickets to the big events.

So, whether you choose to try out a new activity or practise sport this year or just watch from the sidelines, make this the year you fulfil your dreams.

Feeling inspired? Book your next escape now.

Charitable Traveller talks to Kaury Pimentel, Dominicus La Romana’s social media manager, about why she loves the resort so much.

What attracted you to working at the Dominicus La Romana?

“I’ve always been passionate about tourism and helping to promote the beauty of my country, but what drew me to wanting to work at the Dominicus La Romana in the beautiful Bayahibe area was that the hotel attracts so many people from different countries. It’s especially strong with the UK and European audiences due to the Italian-inspired influence in the resort.”

What do your guests like most when they’re staying with you?

“They love our beach, our infrastructure and our food and drink, but really the main feature that our guests highlight is the warmth of our people, and the good service our staff offer, always with a smile to make guests feel at home.”

How does the Italian-inspired architecture influence the atmosphere of the hotel?

“It provides a certain warmth that’s hard to put your finger on but we’d be lost without it. This, combined with the positive approach of our team of staff, creates the ideal atmosphere for a wonderful stay.”

The hotel is committed to preserving the environment, can you tell me what that looks like for guests?

“We carry out a range of initiatives, from properly sorting the waste to making sure energy isn’t being used unnecessarily when a room is unoccupied, as well as regular beach cleans. We run these regardless of whether guests wish to take part or not, simply so we can raise awareness about the importance of taking care of our beaches. In addition, we are Blue Flag-certified, and the accreditation is visible in several areas of the resort.”

Lastly, where’s your favourite part of the hotel, and why?

“My favourite part of Dreams Dominicus La Romana is our pier. It has the most beautiful view of our beautiful turquoise-sea beach; it’s a space with a unique magic and a great place to have a wedding!”

DREAMS DOMINICUS LA ROMANA, DOMINICAN REPUBLIC

Dreams Dominicus La Romana, set just 20 minutes from La Romana International Airport, beckons with its prime location on the picturesque Bayahibe Beach. Whether you’re exploring the region, trying scuba diving, enjoying family activities, or just relaxing in your luxury suite, this resort offers a diverse range of  activities and amenities, making it an ideal destination for a varied and memorable holiday.

Experience worry-free holidays with the family-friendly Explorer’s Club, teen-friendly Core Zone activities and PADI-certified diving. And with AAA Four Diamond status, Unlimited-Luxury perks are promised, including limitless access to gourmet à la carte dining, top-shelf spirits, and endless daytime activities and nightly entertainment. 

Revel in the convenience of nearly 20 bars and restaurants, before retreating to the luxurious suites, equipped with connecting rooms, 24-hour room service, free Wi-Fi, and a host of other amenities. Your ideal escape awaits at this beach-front gem.

Unlimited Luxury® for the discerning traveller
  • 488 guestrooms and suites
  • Dreams Spa by Pevonia®
  • 10 dining experiences
  • Four swimming pools
  • Two hot tubs
  • 17 bars and restaurants
  • 24-hour gourmet room service
  • Unlimited dining and drinks
  • Free Wi-Fi
  • Endless entertainment
Enriching Activities
  • Ping pong and giant chessboard
  • Beach and pool volleyball
  • Tours and excursions*
  • Kids Clubs – video games, crafts, camping etc.
  • Snorkelling
  • Non-motorised water sports
  • Scuba diving tour and deep-sea fishing*
  • PADI diving centre*
  • Boat and fishing excursions*
  • Big screen movies on the beach
  • Live musical performances
  • Theme nights and beach parties
  • Spectacular shows
  • Dance and Spanish classes
  • Spa treatments
  • Fitness – treadmills, weights, exercise bicycles etc.
*additional costs apply.
Earlybird offer! Save 15% on selected hotel stays!

7 nights Unlimited-Luxury in Dreams Dominicus La Romana from £1,565pp! Price includes return flights, private return transfers, all-inclusive stay in a Deluxe Room with Tropical View, ATOL protection, and a FREE £156 donation to the charity of your choice! Terms and conditions apply.

Happy New Year! As we celebrate new beginnings and start working on our New Year’s resolutions, there’s no better time to start planning your 2024 trips. Our travel experts have fantastic travel deals to help you start the year strong with a focus on wellness, from a city break during a marathon in Berlin, an 8 day walking trip in Jordan and a 14 day cycling trip in Sri Lanka!

P.S. Don’t forget to follow us on social media for your daily dose of travel inspiration!

With just one more sleep to go…your first Christmas gift is here early! In this final 2023 edition of the Charitable Traveller Report, you’ll find the 20th edition of Charitable Traveller Magazine with fantastic articles, unbelievable travel deals, and a recap of how you made a difference this year!

P.S. Don’t forget to follow us on social media for your daily dose of travel inspiration!

Got a travel consumer query or need some help finding your next dream holiday? Send your questions to our resident travel expert, Melissa Tilling, founder of Charitable Travel and she’ll answer them here

I’d love to explore more of northern Europe this summer with my family as a change from heading to the Med – I was thinking we could get the Eurostar then pick up a hire car and head to perhaps the coast of Holland and Germany, but I don’t really know where to begin. What would you suggest? We’re a fairly active family with two young teens.

Mike O'Hagen

Melissa: Getting away on a northern European adventure is a great idea for your active family, not least because you can travel in a low-carbon way. Start with a Eurostar journey from London to Brussels before picking up a hire car to drive to The Netherlands coastline. Renting an EV car is a great option because charging stations are widespread and easy, but make sure you avoid one-way rental fees by building in time to get back to where you started.

Alternatively, you can travel by train and really relax. The coastal towns of Scheveningen (accessed via The Hague by train) and Noordwijk (via Leiden by train) are perfect for a few days of cycling and water sports suitable for your young teens. Next, head towards Germany’s North Sea coast, driving or by train to Hamburg, Germany and onwards from there. Spend several days exploring the Frisian Islands, an archipelago that runs along the coast of the Netherlands, Germany and into Denmark, including the picturesque Sylt, known for its sandy beaches and thatched houses. Here, you can indulge in hiking, beach activities and experiencing the unique island culture. They’re a little challenging to visit by public transport, but it’s possible by bus and ferry, from ports such as Norddeich or Dagebüll. Whether you drive or take the train finish your trip with a few days in Hamburg, a city teeming with maritime history and attractions. 

Let a travel agent help you with the planning, hotels, car rental and rail too because you’ll have the accountability and support that a travel professional can provide.

Speak to our travel experts today to plan your perfect holiday!

Remember – every time you book a break with Charitable Travel you can donate 5% of the price to the charity of your choice for free!

This is a feature from Issue 20 of Charitable Traveller.
Click to read more from this issue, or more from Ask the Expert

As soon as the festive season is over, the TV ads start encouraging people to book their annual holidays. So far, so good. I would also urge you to book early and pay a deposit to secure your 2024 holidays. But if this is all feeling a bit deja vu, here are a few ideas to get you excited about travelling again, about looking forward to a new adventure, somewhere different.

January is always a bit flat. How about heading to the Hagar Mountains in Ras Al Khaimah? This tiny emirate, about 45 minutes from Dubai, will surprise you. With five-star hotels and white sand beaches it is already a winner, but add a 1.75-mile zip line, a balloon flight over the mountains, a thrilling toboggan ride, nature reserves and excellent food and you can see why this is a great choice.

Does anyone like February, arguably the gloomiest month? You could escape to the Caribbean! But try a different island, like Dominica, with its vast rainforest, lakes, waterfalls, and fabulous hotels such as Secret Bay and Jungle Bay. Lots of great hiking and plenty of historical sites if you get tired of the beach! Wonderful seafood too.

March sometimes brings a promise of Spring, but in recent years we’ve had to wait a bit longer for the winter to end. So, you may be longing for sunshine by now. How about Cape Verde? This group of islands is only a few hours away by plane, but it has sunshine when we do not, and it now has some excellent hotels. I particularly like the traditional Hotel Morabeza, but to mention a few others, there is the adults-only Hotel Riu Cabo Verde and the Hotel Riu Palace Santa Maria.

By April, many people make the mistake of thinking that Greece, Cyprus and Croatia are hot, but you should really wait till next month if you like to bake in the sun. However, if you want to explore, hike, and see some amazing scenery, how about the Azores? Still very unspoilt, this group of islands in the Atlantic Ocean is perfect for island hopping, free diving, waterfalls, taking in the thermal waters and volcanic lakes and whale watching. It is easy to get around by car and a paradise for nature lovers.

May can be great in the UK so sunshine may not need to be a priority. How about soaking up some history and culture before the crowds arrive? I’d recommend a three-centre tour of Seville, Córdoba and Granada. Words cannot describe the beauty of the Alcazar in Seville, the Alhambra in Granada, and the Great Mosque of Córdoba. As well as these famous landmarks, the cities are charming, with cobbled streets, cafes and restaurants and there’s so much interesting history to learn about.

June is the last month for couples to get away before the school holidays arrive and families take over! Air fares are about to skyrocket so how about splashing out in a long-haul destination and exploring Vietnam and Cambodia? The Far East is relatively inexpensive right now and you will never forget your visit to Angkor Wat or the buzz of Ho Chi Minh City! Although some parts are rainy at this time, others are fine to visit, and you avoid the crowds. The countryside is lush and green, and it is still very warm.

July is when most families think of a longer holiday. Instead of bucket and spade, why not take the kids on safari? Witness the Great Migration in East Africa and the wonders of the Ngorongoro Crater and bring The Lion King to life with your children. They’ll never forget this! Here, you’ll find plenty of family-friendly safari lodges.

The family holiday period continues in August, of course. Did you know you can fly to Newfoundland on the East Coast of Canada in just over 5 hours? Here you can explore stunning scenery, view icebergs and puffins, walk some of the trails in the national parks, and camp with the kids. This is another great choice for families.

For something very different in September, I’m going to suggest the Silk Route. This was actually a series of routes, exporting first silk but then all sorts of other goods from China right through to Europe. By September, the searing heat of the summer is over, temperatures are pleasant, and the colours of the deserts are stunning. The whole route would be a huge commitment, but you could focus on Central Asia, taking in primarily Kyrgyzstan and Uzbekistan. It’s even possible to see the best of Uzbekistan in 11 days.

Many people avoid the Caribbean in October as there is a hurricane risk, although there are safe islands outside the hurricane belt. It is a great time to visit Mauritius, though, which is warm and dry at this time. Mauritius has so much to offer as well as the beach, such as visiting the national parks, an underwater waterfall, swimming with dolphins, and horse riding, to name but a few. It has hotels to suit every budget and taste. I like The Residence and Le Prince Maurice and the Saint Gerain but there are a number of fine hotel choices. For an extra treat, you can combine Mauritius with the wildlife of Madagascar!

From November to April is the best time to visit India. If you haven’t been, start with the Golden Triangle of Delhi, Agra and Jaipur. India is vast and there are so many other areas to explore, such as Shimla, at the foot of the Himalayas, or stay in one of the national parks and try to spot a tiger. Kerala is quite different again and miles away from the fascinating but hectic lifestyle of the rest of India. It is known for its beauty and tranquillity, beaches and backwaters, hill stations and national parks.

And just like that, we are back to December! As well as the well-known Christmas markets, you could opt for Copenhagen, Denmark, Ljubljana in Slovenia, Gothenburg, Sweden, or Gdansk in Poland. Each one offers its own take on Christmas, with different traditions, foods, and gifts. So, maybe steer away from the predictable and you’ll be rewarded by a less commercialised, more traditional experience.

I hope you’ve been inspired by my ideas. I’m always ready to offer suggestions of places you might not have thought of, so do get in touch and start the year off with a bang!

Feeling inspired? Book your next escape now. Get in touch with Lizzi by emailing [email protected] to book your dream trip!

Only one more sleep till Christmas now and you may have already had your fill of TV ads, Christmas music in shops and Christmas meals with the office or groups of friends. The Christmas build-up seems to come earlier and earlier these days. What can we learn from all this?

Well, as avid travellers, we could jump on the bandwagon and start thinking about Christmas 24? Have I gone mad? No, in fact, many of the world’s most desired resorts and villas get booked up a year in advance by repeat customers. As soon as they leave the resort for home, clients secure it for the following year. This is why some places never seem to be available over the festive period! Well, two can play at that game! Don’t forget that you can secure your booking with a deposit now and then you have about ten months till you need to pay the balance.

In addition, flights go on sale in early January, and you may never see these sale prices again. More than ever before, these genuine sale fares are to be snapped up. It is no longer a case of hedging your bets and waiting to see if prices come down later in the year. I’m prepared to stick my neck out and say that they will only go up.

The holiday season is always expensive, but leaving booking until the last minute makes it more so. So, be savvy and plan now.

Do you want to know how other nations celebrate Christmas?

Well, most Europeans have their big meal on Christmas Eve. Some have already had a celebration on December 6th, and some will have another on January 6th or 7th.

Although Turkey is traditional in the UK, it is not the case elsewhere. In the USA, they will have already had their Turkey meal on Thanksgiving, so they might opt for something else on the 25th. In Japan, it’s usually KFC for Christmas dinner! In the Nordic countries, it’s a hearty reindeer stew in Norway or a fishy feast in Sweden, never, ever forgetting the herring!

In Barbados, the table is not complete without Jug Jug, a dish inspired by the Scottish influence on the island combining pigeon peas, guinea corn flour, herbs, and salt.

Decorating is popular almost everywhere, with fake cobwebs in Ukraine (hoping they will turn to gold) but we all stand with them in wishing for the end of war this Christmas. In Germany, Saint Nicholas leaves coins in the shoes of good children and the Philippines holds a giant lantern festival in San Fernando. In Iceland, children put their shoes on the windowsill each night in the run-up to the big day and if they’re good, they find a candy in them the next morning, but if they’re naughty, it’s a rotten potato! In South Africa, traditional fir trees are decorated with handmade beads. And in Venezuela, it is traditional to head for the Christmas church service on rollerblades!

So, whether Christmas is celebrated for religious reasons or just to bring joy around the world, in the spirit of the movie Love Actually, it seems that Christmas is all about families and friends coming together to give thanks, eating together and spreading love.

Wishing our great big global family, a very happy Christmas and let’s never stop hoping and praying for Peace on Earth.

Feeling inspired? Book your next escape now. Get in touch with Lizzi by emailing [email protected] to book your dream trip!

With the countdown to Christmas in full swing, we’ve made sure to pack this penultimate edition of the Charitable Traveller Report full of phenomenal travel deals which are too good to miss, inspiration from destinations all around the world, and the latest edition of Green Traveller magazine!

P.S. Don’t forget to follow us on social media for your daily dose of travel inspiration!