In our line of work, we regularly turn to tour leaders and tour guides to ensure our guests enjoy their trips.  But we've come to realize that the distinction between the two, while obvious to us, is not always clear to our guests. In response, we've published this short article.   

Typically, we'll arrange for tour leaders on more complicated trips or on larger group trips.  For small groups, and if our local partners can provide solid local support, we may conclude that it's not necessary to send a tour leader on the trip.   

 

WHAT IS A TOUR LEADER?

A tour leader is the person who keeps the trip running smoothly from start to finish. They travel with the group, handle the day-to-day details, ensure things are on schedule, and step in when plans need adjusting. Whether it’s sorting out a delayed transfer, coordinating with hotels, or simply making sure everyone knows what’s happening next, they are the steady presence behind the scenes who keep the experience seamless and stress-free. Tour leaders may have direct experience in the region and may be in a position to provide additional dimensions to the visit.

Throughout the journey, the tour leader serves as the primary point of contact for guests. They help bridge the gap between travelers and the many suppliers, hotels, transportation providers, and local teams involved in delivering the experience. Their focus is not only on logistics, but also on group well-being. They keep an eye on how everyone is doing, assist with practical matters, and help ensure that the trip unfolds as comfortably and enjoyably as possible.

For example, if weather conditions force a change to the planned itinerary, the tour leader helps coordinate alternatives and communicates the changes clearly. If a traveler becomes ill, loses luggage, or simply needs assistance navigating an unfamiliar situation, the tour leader is often the first person they turn to. On an expedition voyage, a tour leader may organize briefings, facilitate group discussions, help interpret the broader context of the journey, and ensure that everyone understands the plans and opportunities for the days ahead. Or - at meal times, the tour leader may help guests communicate to the restaurant what their dietary restrictions might be. 

 

WHAT IS A TOUR GUIDE?

A tour guide, on the other hand, is there to bring a place to life. They are experts in the destination. They join the group for specific visits or regions and help you understand what you are witnessing. They share stories, history, culture, wildlife knowledge, and local insight that deepen the experience. If the tour leader makes sure the journey works, the tour guide makes sure it means something. There will be several tour guides on the ship and accompanying you on excursions.

A tour guide's expertise is usually focused on a particular place, subject, or region. While visiting an archaeological site, a guide may explain the historical significance of the ruins and the people who once lived there. In a national park, a naturalist guide may help guests spot wildlife, identify species, and interpret animal behaviour. In a city, a local guide might introduce visitors to neighbourhood traditions, architecture, cuisine, and contemporary life in ways that would be difficult to discover independently.

Consider a visit to a historic cathedral. The tour leader ensures that transportation arrives on time, tickets are ready, and the group knows where and when to meet. The tour guide explains the building's history, points out artistic details that might otherwise go unnoticed, and helps visitors understand its place in the region's culture and heritage. Similarly, during a wildlife excursion, the tour leader ensures everyone is present, equipped, and informed about the day's plans, while the guide focuses on finding wildlife, interpreting what is being observed, and answering questions about the ecosystem.

Together, the tour leader and tour guides provide two complementary forms of expertise. One is focused on the overall journey and the guest experience from beginning to end; the other is focused on revealing the character, history, culture, and natural wonders of the places being visited. Their roles overlap at times, but their primary responsibilities are distinct. The tour leader is responsible for the continuity of the trip, while the tour guides provide the specialized knowledge and local perspective that transform a visit into a deeper and more meaningful experience.

 

 

Cultural & Natural Heritage Tours - Chart Your Path to Wonder

www.cnhtours.com

Galapagos / The Arctic / Antarctica / Okavango / Madagascar / Easter Island / Pantanal... and more!

 

 Contact us for more information

 

SIGN UP TO OUR NEWSLETERS FOR UPDATES ON TRIPS AND OCCASIONAL DEALS

During the last two days, Kelsey Bradley, Managing Director (Galapagos) of CNH Tours/Galapagos Travel, attended her first Annual General Meeting of the Charles Darwin Foundation (CDF) as a Governing Member. While this was not directly related to CNH Tours/Galapagos Travel's work, it highlights our team’s connection and on-going roles in Galapagos. Kelsey shares her thoughts on the experience, as well as CDF updates, below:

 

Having worked at the Charles Darwin Research Station until 2018, I was excited to take part (virtually this year) and I knew that the meeting would be both engaging and informative. What I did not expect was just how inspiring it would be as well. If you've been to Galapagos before, you know first-hand how truly remarkable it is. Its magic and awe-inspiring beauty is in large part thanks to the many decades of hard work and dedication of those at the Foundation and its operational arm -- the Charles Darwin Research Station on Santa Cruz Island. 

The AGM brought together members of the Foundation's General Assembly, Board of Directors, researchers, and selected staff. We were led by the incomparable Yolanda Kakabadse, who currently holds the position of President of the CDF. She kept everyone energized and inspired, while regular orders of business were conducted, just like any such organization’s annual general meeting. Throughout the meeting, I was struck by the remarkable advances being made across so many areas of conservation, research, and community engagement in Galápagos. Even compared to the updates shared just a few months earlier, during our last group encounter in November 2025, the pace of progress was impressive.

 

Remarks being made by CDF President, Yolanda Kakabadse

 

Participating in the discussions, workshops, and breakout groups was particularly rewarding. The sessions offered opportunities to exchange ideas, explore future priorities, and learn more about the challenges and opportunities facing conservation in the archipelago. For someone who spent many years at the Research Station, it was both professionally engaging and personally meaningful.

In many ways, attending the AGM felt like stepping back into a familiar world. Seeing former colleagues, hearing updates from staff, and learning about ongoing projects brought back countless memories of my years at the Station. At the same time, it was exciting to see how the organization has evolved and expanded its impact since I left.

Among the highlights were presentations from several of the Foundation's researchers. Dr. Nicolás Moity shared updates on the CDF's mangrove ecology and climate change work, including efforts to better understand the vital role Galápagos mangroves play in carbon storage, biodiversity conservation, and climate resilience. The scale and ambition of the project continue to grow as researchers gather new data on these critical coastal ecosystems. Did you know that the area of all mangroves worldwide would fit in the same geographical space as the Galapagos Marine Reserve?

Dr. Heinke Jäger provided updates on the Foundation's ongoing restoration of the endangered Scalesia forests, one of Galápagos' most unique and threatened habitats. She also discussed current research on invasive invertebrates and other introduced species, work that is essential to protecting the islands' fragile ecosystems. Her incredible work in Galapagos spans decades and is truly what is making it possible to share this unique archipelago with future generations.  

The last of the three presentations was from Dr. Miguel Pinto presented exciting developments related to the Foundation's Natural History Collections, including progress on the new collections housing facility. The project represents an important investment in preserving and expanding one of the most valuable scientific resources in Galápagos for future generations of researchers.

Lastly, as a surprise to most of us, the special K-9 unit “crashed” our meeting – what a great way to add excitement to the agenda! This particular dog had been specially-trained to detect Galapagos species, in order to help the authorities find and prosecute those attempting to bring flora and fauna out of the islands. While sad figures for the Galapagos flora and fauna, the special K-9 unit’s recent successes include finding 12 marine iguanas in the Guayaquil airport and 21,000 shark fins. The dogs and their training were a special donation to the CDF, made by one of its most ardent supporters and his friends. 

The "drop-in" guests to the AGM, with CDF Executive Director Rakan Zahawi

I left the AGM feeling energized, optimistic, and grateful to be part of the Charles Darwin Foundation community once again. The dedication, expertise, and passion of those involved is so very special. It was a powerful reminder that, while conservation challenges remain significant, so too does the commitment of those working every day to protect the extraordinary natural heritage of the Galápagos Islands. If you’d like to know more about the CDF’s incredible work, I’d welcome you to check out their site (here: darwinfoundation.org), or let me know – always happy to chat about it too!

 

Cultural & Natural Heritage Tours - Chart Your Path to Wonder

www.cnhtours.com

Galapagos / The Arctic / Antarctica / Okavango / Madagascar / Easter Island / Pantanal... and more!

 

 Contact us for more information

 

SIGN UP TO OUR NEWSLETERS FOR UPDATES ON TRIPS AND OCCASIONAL DEALS

 

 

The Charles Darwin Foundation's AGM took place in Galapagos these last three days, with a surprise "drop in" by the Galapagos K-9 unit, trained to detect Galapagos species.

Published on the Instagram page of BitocaraECU today (below) / VISTAZO 

The trafficking of Galápagos’ unique wildlife does not stop. In addition to the four iguanas found near the Guayaquil Airport last week, 12 more marine iguanas were seized today, one of them dead, at the Guayaquil Airport. According to reports, three Thai citizens were detained when they attempted to take four iguanas each in their personal backpacks while boarding a KLM flight destined for Amsterdam and then Bangkok. Police reported that the three detainees had arrived in Guayaquil from Baltra earlier today, coming from the Galápagos National Park and Ecological Airport area.

The Ecuadorian Police, together with the National Unit for the Investigation of Environmental and Nature Crimes (UNIDCAN) and the Environmental Protection Unit (UPA), carried out the operation after customs inspections and airport security controls revealed the iguanas hidden inside black cloth bags in the backpacks. Upon opening the bags, officials discovered the animals and initiated legal proceedings with the Prosecutor’s Office, with the assistance of an interpreter.

It is evident that the 16 marine iguanas found in Guayaquil are not isolated incidents. We are facing an active international wildlife trafficking route that is bypassing controls in Galápagos, Baltra, and Guayaquil, and that authorities are failing to contain. The questions remain: How many marine and land iguanas have already been successfully smuggled out? How many tortoises?

Mr. Minister of the Environment Juan Carlos Bion, this is happening while you remain focused on promoting the country abroad and organizing workshops, while leaving park rangers without the tools and resources needed for patrols throughout the country. If this can happen in Galápagos, with its most protected species, what can be expected in mainland Ecuador?

CNH Tours invites its readers to reading other stories of wildlife trafficking:

Giant Tortoise Heist is Foiled

Tortoise thief placed in preventive detention

Smuggling of Marine Iguanas Thwarted by K-9 Corps

German Iguana Smuggler Gets 4 Years!

 

Cultural & Natural Heritage Tours - Chart Your Path to Wonder

www.cnhtours.com

Galapagos / The Arctic / Antarctica / Okavango / Madagascar / Easter Island / Pantanal... and more!

 

 Contact us for more information

 

SIGN UP TO OUR NEWSLETERS FOR UPDATES ON TRIPS AND OCCASIONAL DEALS

 

For nearly two decades, Madagascar has held a special place in the hearts of many of our travellers thanks to the passion, knowledge and infectious enthusiasm of British-born Richard Parsons. As we look ahead to our 2026 trip — Richard’s final tour leadership role in Madagascar — we do so with deep gratitude for the remarkable contribution he has made to these journeys since first creating the program in 2008.

Richard’s connection with Madagascar goes back much further. In 1991, he established the first international study program for American students in the country, drawing on his own experience living and working there. Over the years, his career has spanned naturalist guiding in the Galápagos Islands, academic leadership, conservation work, and ecotourism. Today, as co-owner of the pioneering Bellavista Cloud Forest Lodge outside of Quito, he continues to dedicate himself to protecting biodiversity and inspiring others to appreciate the natural world.

Richard: Never afraid to get involved

Richard’s legacy, however, is not only the tours he built, but also the people he has helped bring into the CNH Tours family. We are especially excited that 2026 will also introduce travellers to two exceptional Malagasy-based leaders: Ony Rakotoarivelo and Kasia Bialous.

Ony brings an extraordinary combination of cultural insight, guiding experience, and humanitarian commitment. A longtime contributor to the respected Bradt Madagascar guidebook series, she has spent decades helping visitors understand Madagascar beyond its famous wildlife — through its people, traditions, and daily life. Together with Kasia, she has also devoted years to supporting vulnerable communities through the Ankizy Gasy Foundation.

 

Ony: She knows Madagascar down to its roots!

Kasia’s own story is equally inspiring. Originally from Poland, she first came to Madagascar as a volunteer and ultimately made the island her home. Today, through both humanitarian initiatives and responsible tourism, she and Ony help travellers experience a Madagascar that few outsiders ever truly see.

Kasia: Big heart and big love for Madagascar and its people

 

As one chapter closes and another begins, we could not imagine a more fitting transition. Richard’s remarkable legacy will continue in excellent hands.

Learn more about our Madagascar trip

 

IS MADAGASCAR ON YOUR LIST OF PLACES TO EXPERIENCE?

Our 2026 trip to Madagascar sold out long ago... but we'll be publishing the details of our 2027 trip in the coming weeks.  Be the first to know by signing up to our...

 MADAGASCAR ADVANCE NOTIFICATION LIST.   

 

 

Cultural & Natural Heritage Tours - Chart Your Path to Wonder

www.cnhtours.com

Galapagos / The Arctic / Antarctica / Okavango / Madagascar / Easter Island / Pantanal... and more!

 

 Contact us for more information

 

SIGN UP TO OUR NEWSLETERS FOR UPDATES ON TRIPS AND OCCASIONAL DEALS

El Niño and the Galápagos: certainty remains elusive

CNH Tours owners first arrived in Galapagos at the tail end of the last severe El Niño to affect the islands (1997-98).  Conditions were very warm and humid, there was plenty of rain.  Sea temperatures were very warm (no wetsuits needed!).  These conditions reduced the productivity of the marine ecosystems and had a devastating effect on most species that depended on the sea for food (marine iguanas, penguins, sea birds etc...).  In contrast, terrestrial ecosystems, with the good rains, thrived.  

We are now seeing an upsurge in social media mentions of a possible El Niño affecting Galapagos this coming year. Is this warranted?  Should visitors be concerned?

We've seen this before.  The U.S. National Atmospheric and Oceanographic Administration (NOAA - thank you US for operating this excellent organization) regularly publishes predictions on the chances and severity of an El Niño event and updates them monthly.  

But how accurate are these predictions?  And when they are correct, how does a predicted El Niño affect the visitor experience in Galapagos? 

NOAA's Sea Surface Temperatures - how much they depart from average in the past 4 weeks.  Galapagos waters show as having been 1-2 degrees Celsius warmer than average.

Looking at the NOAA page, you'll read that there is currently a 61% chance of an El Niño developing in 2026. Yet if there is one consistent lesson from decades of observation, it is that El Niño is inherently difficult to predict in timing, strength and local effects. The system itself is irregular, cycling every two to seven years but with wide variability in intensity and duration. Even major events have defied expectations—arriving late, peaking differently than forecast, or weakening unexpectedly. For travellers and planners alike, this means that while probabilities can be assigned, the lived conditions in the Galápagos cannot be forecast with precision months in advance.

Over the past 30 years, the Pacific has produced roughly 8–10 El Niño events, depending on classification thresholds. These include notable episodes in 1997–98, 2002–03, 2009–10, 2015–16, and 2023–24, alongside several weaker events. However, only a small subset—principally the 1997–98 event, and less so the 2015–16 event —qualify as having had a significant effect in Galapagos. These are the episodes that left a clear imprint in the islands: elevated sea temperatures, disrupted marine food chains, coral bleaching, and visible changes in wildlife behaviour. In contrast, most weaker or moderate El Niño years produced far subtler, often barely perceptible impacts for visitors.

This distinction is critical. While all El Niño events share the same underlying mechanism—warmer ocean temperatures and reduced upwelling—their ecological consequences in Galapagos are not usually important. A weak event may simply mean warmer water and greener landscapes; a strong event can temporarily restructure entire marine ecosystems. Even then, impacts vary by location within the archipelago and by timing within the event. As a result, two El Niño years can deliver markedly different visitor experiences, despite being driven by the same climatic phenomenon.

For 2026–27, the outlook points toward a moderate event, with some risk of stronger conditions. But history suggests caution: only a minority of El Niño episodes materially alter the Galápagos experience, and those that do are difficult to anticipate with confidence until they are well underway.  Plain English Conclusion: Based on previous experience, it's way too early to tell if an El Niño of any strength will have an effect of any significance on the Galapagos visitor experience over the next 12 months.  

For visitors, the implication is less about avoiding El Niño than understanding its variability. The islands remain compelling in all phases—what changes is not whether the experience is worthwhile, but the particular character it takes in any given year.

 

Cultural & Natural Heritage Tours - Chart Your Path to Wonder

www.cnhtours.com

Galapagos / The Arctic / Antarctica / Okavango / Madagascar / Easter Island / Pantanal... and more!

 

 Contact us for more information

 

SIGN UP TO OUR NEWSLETERS FOR UPDATES ON TRIPS AND OCCASIONAL DEALS

 

 

April 22, 2026 

Samba On Sale for Summer of 2026! 

For all new bookings on the Samba for departures no later than 25 August 2026, the ship owner is offering a US$ 1,100 discount per person booking on a share or solo basis.  This sale includes both Active Galapagos and Open departures throughout May, June, July and August 2026. 

Beyond this, the owner of the Samba is waiving the fuel surcharge for all new bookings that are expected to take place before December 31, 2027. 

Please contact us for current availabilities. 

 

Cultural & Natural Heritage Tours - Chart Your Path to Wonder

www.cnhtours.com

Galapagos / The Arctic / Antarctica / Okavango / Madagascar / Easter Island / Pantanal... and more!

 

 Contact us for more information

 

SIGN UP TO OUR NEWSLETERS FOR UPDATES ON TRIPS AND OCCASIONAL DEALS

 

 

 

If your Galápagos plans include Española Island, and if you plan on being there from between (about) mid-April to November / December) you’re in for one of the archipelago’s most distinctive wildlife spectacles: the waved albatross (Phoebastria irrorata). Unlike most seabirds, nearly the entire global population comes ashore here to breed, turning the island into a stage of clacking beaks, synchronized head-bobbing, and long, deliberate courtship rituals. It’s a surprisingly elegant performance—and one that rewards a bit of patience from visitors.

Timing matters. Birds begin arriving in April, eggs are laid through May and June, and the first chicks typically hatch in late June, with fluffy youngsters dotting the colony through July. By late summer, many chicks are already stretching their wings and preparing for their first flights. Visit in this window and you’ll see the full arc: attentive parents, awkward juveniles, and the occasional dramatic takeoff from cliff edges as adults head out over the Pacific.

CNH Tours' naturalist guide friends who navigate the archipelago on a regular basis reported in this week that there are currently plenty of males - and females are starting to arrive as well.   Punta Suarez is the visitor site that allows guests to "walk among the albatross". 

What makes the experience especially memorable is how accessible it is. Trails on Española Island bring you within clear view of the nesting grounds, and because the birds evolved without land predators, they’re remarkably tolerant of quiet observers. Keep a respectful distance, follow your guide’s lead, and you’ll find yourself watching a life cycle unfold at close range—one that plays out almost nowhere else on Earth.

Cultural & Natural Heritage Tours - Chart Your Path to Wonder

www.cnhtours.com

Galapagos / The Arctic / Antarctica / Okavango / Madagascar / Easter Island / Pantanal... and more!

 

 Contact us for more information

 

SIGN UP TO OUR NEWSLETERS FOR UPDATES ON TRIPS AND OCCASIONAL DEALS

It's decided!  CNH Tours founders, Heather Blenkiron and her husband Marc Patry will be leading a 20 day “Grand Tour” of Antarctica from the 14 February to the 4^th March 2028.   “We’re hoping to have 20 people join us on this amazing adventure” says Heather. 

The 10 people already signed up are benefitting from a 21% group discount from the published price.   On top of that, CNH Tours is throwing in complimentary emergency medical evacuation insurance, carbon offsetting, a group dinner on the night before embarkation, a group wine & cheese event on board, and for those booking before 30 April 2026, a US$500 / person discount on any other CNH Tours trip booked before 31 December 2027.  You'll also have the services of your trip concierge - our Antarctica specialist Kathy Haesevoets - who will be on hand to answer all your questions as you prepare for the trip.  She will host a pre-trip zoom conference for all participants so that we'll be as prepared as can be.  

Marc explains:  “If you’ve had Antarctica on your bucket list, it may not get better than this... We’re spending time in the Falkland Islands, in South Georgia and around the Antarctica Peninsula, giving you a full exposure to diverse ecosystems, landscapes, remote towns and fascinating stories of exploration and industry”.  Indeed, the Falklands has been a geopolitical flashpoint for years - and also where you find the most southerly English pubs on earth (along with the peculiar looking rock-hopper penguins).   South Georgia is also known as the Serengeti of the south - with hundreds of thousands of penguins, elephant seals, several species of albatross and other wildlife.  It's also where the determined Antarctic explorer, Ernest Shackleton, was laid to rest, and the site of busy early 20th century whaling stations.  

"the peculiar looking rockhopper penguin"

The group will be aboard the 130 passenger Ocean Explorer – purposely-built to navigate icy polar waters.   Prices start at US$21,555 (triple cabin shared) and US$25,585 (double cabin, veranda stateroom, shared).  

Go to our website for all the details and booking.

 

Cultural & Natural Heritage Tours - Chart Your Path to Wonder

www.cnhtours.com

Galapagos / The Arctic / Antarctica / Okavango / Madagascar / Easter Island / Pantanal... and more!

 

 Contact us for more information

 

SIGN UP TO OUR NEWSLETERS FOR UPDATES ON TRIPS AND OCCASIONAL DEALS

We prompted ChatGPT to carry out a comparative analysis of the effectiveness and reliability of carbon offsetting programs in the Galápagos sector.  It turns out that among the few actors in the Galapagos cruise carbon offset realm, CNH Tours comes out on top - largely because we rely on a very highly regarded third party registry to ensure our contributions have the desired results.  

Read on..

 

Carbon Offsetting in the Galápagos: Which Programs Are Actually Effective?

Most Galápagos operators now promote carbon offsetting as part of their sustainability positioning. However, the critical question is not whether offsets are offered—but whether they are credible, measurable, and likely to deliver real climate impact.

A closer look reveals that operators fall into distinct categories, with meaningful differences in effectiveness and reliability.

The Key Criteria for Evaluating Offsets

Before comparing operators, it is useful to define what makes an offset program credible. Four technical criteria dominate:

• Additionality: Would the carbon reduction or removal have happened without the program?
• Verification: Is the outcome independently audited and certified?
• Permanence: Will the carbon remain sequestered over time?
• Accounting integrity: Is there clear evidence that each tonne is counted once and retired?

Programs that perform well across these dimensions are far more likely to deliver real impact.

1. Market-Based, Certified Offsets

(e.g. CNH Tours; some smaller operators)

Operators such as CNH Tours calculate emissions per passenger and purchase certified carbon credits from third-party registries such as Gold Standard. These credits are then retired and documented periodically.

Effectiveness

• Strong on additionality (projects must meet strict eligibility criteria)
• Strong on verification (independent certification bodies)
• Clear 1:1 linkage between emissions and offsets purchased

Reliability

• High accounting integrity (credits are tracked and retired in registries)
• Low risk of double counting
• Transparent, repeatable methodology

Limitations

• Funds are deployed globally, not necessarily in Ecuador
• Limited visibility into specific project outcomes for the traveler

Assessment:
This is currently the most reliable and defensible model for carbon offsetting claims.

2. Vertically Integrated Conservation Models

(e.g. Metropolitan Touring)

Metropolitan Touring applies a per-trip carbon fee and directs funds into forest acquisition and restoration projects in Ecuador, primarily in the Chocó region.

Effectiveness

• Potentially strong on real-world conservation impact
• Aligns carbon funding with biodiversity and habitat protection
• Creates tangible, place-based environmental assets

Reliability

• Moderate on verification (some third-party validation, but largely internal system)
• Weaker on standardized accounting compared to registry-based credits

Key Risks

• Additionality is harder to prove (would the forest have been protected anyway?)
• Permanence risk (forest carbon can be reversed through fire, land-use change, etc.)
• Internal carbon pricing and measurement frameworks are not market-benchmarked

Assessment:
Potentially meaningful from a conservation standpoint, but less robust as a strictly verifiable carbon offset mechanism.

3. Corporate-Level Offset Programs

(e.g. Lindblad Expeditions)

Larger operators such as Lindblad Expeditions offset emissions at the corporate level, investing in a portfolio of external projects across their global operations.

Effectiveness

• Strong on scale and coverage
• Uses diversified project portfolios (renewables, reforestation, community initiatives)

Reliability

• Generally strong on verification and certification
• Relies on established carbon market mechanisms

Limitations

• Limited transparency at the passenger level
• Less direct connection between a specific trip and its offset

Assessment:
A credible and institutional-grade model, though less transparent for individual travelers.

Comparative Summary

Dimension	CNH Tours (Market-Based)	Metropolitan Touring (Integrated)	Lindblad (Corporate)
Additionality	Strong	Uncertain	Strong
Verification	Strong	Moderate	Strong
Permanence	Structured (project-dependent)	Variable (forest risk)	Structured
Accounting integrity	High	Moderate	High
Geographic relevance	Low	High	Low–Moderate

Final Evaluation

From a purely analytical perspective:

• Most effective and reliable for carbon offsetting:
  → CNH Tours and similar certified-credit models
  These provide the strongest assurance that emissions are measured, matched, verified, and retired properly.
• Most compelling for conservation impact (but less verifiable):
  → Metropolitan Touring
  Strong alignment with Ecuadorian ecosystems, but greater reliance on internal assumptions and methodologies.
• Most comprehensive at scale:
  → Lindblad Expeditions
  High institutional credibility, though less granular transparency.

Bottom Line

Not all carbon offset programs are equal. In the Galápagos context:

• Reliability comes from independent verification and strict accounting
• Effectiveness depends on additionality and permanence—not marketing claims

For operators and travelers alike, the most credible approach remains:

reduce emissions where possible, then offset the remainder using conservative, independently verified systems

Offsetting can play a role—but only when executed with rigor.

 

Cultural & Natural Heritage Tours - Chart Your Path to Wonder

www.cnhtours.com

Galapagos / The Arctic / Antarctica / Okavango / Madagascar / Easter Island / Pantanal... and more!

 

 Contact us for more information

 

SIGN UP TO OUR NEWSLETERS FOR UPDATES ON TRIPS AND OCCASIONAL DEALS

Monday 6 April 2026

The operating cost of any trip that takes place on a ship is affected by the price of fuel.   In Galapagos, a typical 8-day ship itinerary will cover up to 500-600kms while trips in the polar regions can cover up to 3,000kms over 10 days (most have to cross the Drake Passage both ways – that’s 2,000 kms right there).   A typical Northwest passage itinerary can cover similar distances. 

It should come as no surprise then that when the price fuel increases significantly, there’s a chance that ships will impose a fuel surcharge – not only on future bookings, but also on existing bookings.  

CNH Tours saw this happen in about 2012, when the price of oil surged.  Ships in Galapagos imposed a surcharge in the $150/person range for 2-3 years.  The surcharges tend to be imposed soon after oil price surges, but they also tend to take a long time to be removed, even after prices return to “pre-surge” levels.

In an effort to protect our guests from fuel price surcharges, CNH Tours is offering a “don’t pay the fuel surcharge guarantee” to all bookings on any of our polar or Galapagos trips made from the date of publication of this news item to the date that fuel charges are officially applied (the offer does not apply to existing bookings) or until until 30 June 2026, whichever comes first.   Your booking is considered official the moment we receive your deposit payment. 

For more information, contact us:  hello@cnhtours.com

 

Cultural & Natural Heritage Tours - Chart Your Path to Wonder

www.cnhtours.com

Galapagos / The Arctic / Antarctica / Okavango / Madagascar / Easter Island / Pantanal... and more!

 

 Contact us for more information

 

SIGN UP TO OUR NEWSLETERS FOR UPDATES ON TRIPS AND OCCASIONAL DEALS

How Much More Protection Do Higher SPF Sunscreens Really Provide?

Our trips will take you to places where the sun can be unrelenting.  If you're going to Galapagos and mainland Ecuador, or the Okavango Delta and the Kalahari desert, or even to polar regions the highly reflective snow and ice, you absolutely need to consider protecting your skin from the sun's powerful rays - more so if you're leaving home during your winter season and your skin has not been exposed to the sun for months.  

We typically suggest that the best way to protect your skin is to keep the sun from shining on it in the first place. Long sleeves, long pants, a wide-brimmed hat.  But that's not always fun - it's nice to feel a warm tropical breeze on your skin after having been cooped up in cold climates for months! And even with a wide-brimmed hat, UV radiation is reflected onto your face by water surfaces, ice, snow and sand.  

An effective sunscreen is therefore a critical component of your packing list.  There is a lot of gobbledygook on sunscreens out there in the social media world.  We thought we'd help you cut through the nonsense with the following article (thanks to ChatGPT for the help...).  

 

How high should the SPF rating be?

At a glance, sunscreen labels biggest a simple equation: higher SPF equals significantly better protection. In reality, the relationship between Sun Protection Factor (SPF) and ultraviolet (UVB) protection is nonlinear, with diminishing incremental gains as SPF increases.

What SPF actually measures
SPF refers specifically to protection against UVB radiation—the primary cause of sunburn and a contributor to skin cancer. An SPF rating indicates how much longer skin can theoretically be exposed to UVB before burning, compared to unprotected skin. More precisely, it reflects the proportion of UVB radiation blocked.

The nonlinear protection curve
The key insight is that SPF gains flatten out at higher levels:

• SPF 15 blocks about 93% of UVB rays

• SPF 30 blocks about 97%

• SPF 50 blocks about 98%

• SPF 100 blocks about 99%

The jump from SPF 15 to SPF 30 reduces UVB penetration by roughly half (from 7% to 3%). But moving from SPF 30 to SPF 50 only reduces it from 3% to 2%. In absolute terms, that’s just a 1 percentage point improvement.

 

 

Why the small differences could matter
Although the incremental gains appear modest, they are not trivial—especially over prolonged exposure. The difference between 2% and 3% UVB transmission represents a 33% relative reduction in UV exposure, which can be meaningful for individuals at higher risk (e.g., fair skin, history of skin cancer, or intense equatorial sun).

Real-world performance considerations
Laboratory SPF values assume ideal conditions: generous application (2 mg/cm²) and even coverage. In practice, most people apply far less, effectively reducing the achieved SPF—often by half or more. Under-application makes higher-SPF products a useful buffer against imperfect use.

Beyond SPF: broad-spectrum protection
SPF does not measure protection against UVA radiation, which penetrates deeper into the skin and contributes to aging and cancer risk. A “broad-spectrum” sunscreen—covering both UVA and UVB—is therefore more important than chasing very high SPF numbers alone.  Thankfully, in many jurisdictions (including the U.S. and Canada), sunscreens must meet regulatory criteria to be labeled “broad spectrum” and most reputable sunscreens on shelves today clearly state “broad spectrum” or “UVA/UVB protection” on the packaging.

Bottom line
Increasing SPF does improve UVB protection, but with sharply diminishing returns beyond SPF 30. For most users, consistent application of a broad-spectrum SPF 30–50 sunscreen, reapplied appropriately, offers a well-balanced and effective level of protection. Higher SPF products provide marginal but sometimes meaningful additional protection—particularly as a safeguard against under-application.

 

Cultural & Natural Heritage Tours - Chart Your Path to Wonder

www.cnhtours.com

Galapagos / The Arctic / Antarctica / Okavango / Madagascar / Easter Island / Pantanal... and more!

 

 Contact us for more information

 

SIGN UP TO OUR NEWSLETERS FOR UPDATES ON TRIPS AND OCCASIONAL DEALS

31 March 2026

The following statement is adapted from a Galapagos National Park Directorate posting on its Facebook page (and translated from Spanish). Editor's note:  Although the authorities have announced that the code was approved - they don't appear to have made it public yet....   We looked around, asked our local contacts - no luck in finding it. 

 

A Galapagos Agreement: The Galapagos Governing Council Approves Code of Conduct for Visitors to the Archipelago

The Galapagos National Park Directorate participated in the Plenary Session of the Governing Council of the Galapagos Special Regime, a strategic forum for inter-institutional coordination and decision-making focused on the well-being of the territory.

In this context, the Plenary Session reviewed and approved the Code of Conduct for Visitors, aimed at both tourists and the local community, recognizing it as a key tool for strengthening sustainable tourism management in the islands.

Visitors at South Plazas Island

This Code is the result of a broad participatory process that integrated local stakeholders, the tourism sector, and government institutions. Its collective development promotes a culture of shared responsibility, respect, and conservation of the Galapagos' natural and social heritage, laying a solid foundation for harmonious coexistence between tourism and environmental protection.

In this regard, its implementation represents a firm step toward consolidating a responsible and low-impact tourism model. Through this instrument, comprehensive actions are being promoted that strengthen environmental education, minimize negative impacts, and reinforce citizen commitment to the conservation of one of the planet's most valuable ecosystems.

Lorena Sánchez - Galapagos National Park director

Furthermore, this Code is framed within the UNESCO Strategic Plan, contributing to the fulfillment of international commitments and positioning the Galápagos Islands as a global benchmark in conservation and sustainable tourism management. This progress not only reflects a technical and strategic vision but also a clear political will to protect our natural heritage for future generations.

We continue to move forward in a coordinated manner, with responsibility and a vision for the future, for the protection of the Galápagos Islands. This joint effort demonstrates how all state institutions work in a coordinated way, reaffirming their commitment and unity by prioritizing conservation, responsible development, and the well-being of all.

 

Cultural & Natural Heritage Tours - Chart Your Path to Wonder

www.cnhtours.com

Galapagos / The Arctic / Antarctica / Okavango / Madagascar / Easter Island / Pantanal... and more!

 

 Contact us for more information

 

SIGN UP TO OUR NEWSLETERS FOR UPDATES ON TRIPS AND OCCASIONAL DEALS

Our "Journey to the Antarctic Circle" is happening right now! 

Both our Antarctica Travel Advisor, Kathy Haesevoets, and our Galapagos Managing Director, Kelsey Bradley, are onboard the Greg Mortimer, navigating the waterways of the Antarctic Peninsula as I type these words.  

They are leading our 21 CNH Tours guests on a trip of a lifetime.  They're taking pictures and videos.

 Your cheerful tour leaders! Kelsey (left) and Kathy (right)

 

Follow their adventures in real time on our CNH Tours Polar Facebook page

 

"There are tons of whales!  We're truly spoiled down here!" (first words we received from Kathy)

 

JOIN US ON OUR NEXT TRIP TO ANTARCTICA - LIMITED BOOKING WINDOW

Don't miss out on our next group departure to the 7th continent (14 Feb - 4 Mar 2028). 

We just this week secured 10 berths on the same ship, but this time, on the "Grand Tour" itinerary.  20 days, including the Falklands Island, South Georgia AND the Antarctic Peninsula.   We' getting an unprecedented 21% early bird + group booking discount - but we need to fill our spots by 30 March 2026!  If this is a trip you've always dreamed of doing - perhaps this is the time to take the plunge. 

QUESTIONS?  Even though Kathy is dodging icebergs right now, she still has time to answer your questions.  Reach out to her in Antarctica, in real time now with your questions:  kathy@cnhtours.com  

 

 

DETAILS / INFO / BOOKING ON OUR FEB-MAR 2028 GRAND TOUR OF ANTARCTICA TRIP

 

 

 

Cultural & Natural Heritage Tours - Chart Your Path to Wonder

www.cnhtours.com

Galapagos / The Arctic / Antarctica / Okavango / Madagascar / Easter Island / Pantanal... and more!

 

 Contact us for more information

 

SIGN UP TO OUR NEWSLETERS FOR UPDATES ON TRIPS AND OCCASIONAL DEALS

Today marks the birthday of Charles Darwin, born on 12 February 1809—a quiet, methodical observer who would go on to profoundly unsettle humanity’s place in the natural world. When On the Origin of Species appeared in 1859, it did more than introduce evolution by natural selection. It captured something essential about the Victorian age itself: a growing belief that careful observation, patient evidence, and long horizons could reveal hidden patterns beneath everyday life. Darwin was not working in isolation. He was part of a generation that believed the world could, and should, be understood.

Across Britain, similar revolutions were unfolding in other fields. In London, Michael Faraday was unlocking the laws of electricity and magnetism, laying foundations for the modern technological age. In literature, Charles Dickens was chronicling the human cost of industrial progress, while Alfred Lord Tennyson gave poetic voice to a society wrestling with doubt, faith, and change. Science, literature, and technology were advancing together—sometimes in harmony, sometimes in tension—but always in conversation.

Faraday - demonstrating his discoveries on electricity

 

Dickens:  "It was the best of times... It was the worst of times"

 

Tennyson - expressing through his poetry the angst of the times

 

This was a also an era of reform and responsibility. Florence Nightingale was transforming medicine through data and sanitation, insisting that compassion should be guided by evidence. Thomas Henry Huxley, Darwin’s most vocal defender (and grandfather of Aldous Huxley - author of "Brave New World" and to Julian Huxley, first director general of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization - UNESCO) took evolutionary theory into packed lecture halls and public debates. Under the long shadow of Queen Victoria, Britain was expanding globally, industrializing rapidly, and trying—sometimes awkwardly—to reconcile moral certainty with scientific uncertainty.

 

Florence Nightingale - Compassionate care

 

Thomas Huxley - vocal defender and disseminator of Darwin's work

 

This moral climate of the times had been shaped in large part by reformers such as William Wilberforce, whose decades-long campaign in Parliament helped end the transatlantic slave trade in 1807 and slavery itself in 1833. Through persistent legislation, public advocacy, and alliance-building, Wilberforce made abolition a central cause of British political life. By the time Darwin reached adulthood, opposition to slavery was no longer marginal but firmly embedded in elite moral and intellectual culture.

William Wilberfoce - helped set the moral foundation of Darwin's times

Seen in this wider context, Darwin’s achievement feels less like a solitary breakthrough and more like part of a shared intellectual journey. His careful notebooks, his reluctance to publish too soon, and his willingness to follow evidence wherever it led mirrored a broader Victorian confidence in inquiry itself. On his birthday, we are reminded that evolution was not born in a vacuum. It emerged from a time when poets questioned faith, engineers harnessed new forces, reformers measured human suffering, and scientists dared to suggest that life itself was shaped by slow, relentless change. It was an age learning—often uncomfortably—to see the world anew.

Happy birthday Charles!

 

Cultural & Natural Heritage Tours - Chart Your Path to Wonder

www.cnhtours.com

Galapagos / The Arctic / Antarctica / Okavango / Madagascar / Easter Island / Pantanal... and more!

 

 Contact us for more information

 

SIGN UP TO OUR NEWSLETERS FOR UPDATES ON TRIPS AND OCCASIONAL DEALS

 

Few wildlife encounters in the Galápagos inspire quite the same sense of awe as a sudden meeting with a whale shark. These immense, slow-moving fish -- the largest in the world -- can grow longer than a city bus, yet they move through the water with quiet grace. Feeding mainly on plankton and microscopic life, they drift through the sea with mouths open, filtering their meals as they go. Despite their size, whale sharks are gentle, unhurried, and seemingly unconcerned by nearby boats or swimmers, which only deepens the magic of an unexpected sighting.

While the remote northern islands of Darwin and Wolf (not accessible on an expedition cruise) are best known for regular whale shark activity, the creatures’ seasonal movements also bring them through the central waters of the archipelago. While the odds are better during cooler months (June-Nov), they have been spotted throughout the year.  The cooler months bring nutrient-rich currents sweeping across the islands, creating feeding opportunities that occasionally draw these giants closer to the heart of the Galápagos. It is in these moments, while cruising between islands, snorkeling from shore, or simply watching the sea from a deck, that visitors may be surprised by the shadow of a massive, spotted body passing silently below.

Even though the warmer months have lower odds, it maybe in fact easier to spot them – that’s when seas are at their calmest and any disturbance on the surface can be spotted from a long distance. 

Most whale sharks seen in the Galápagos are large adult females, many believed to be pregnant, making the islands one of the few places in the world where this remarkable life stage can be observed. Their presence remains something of a mystery: they arrive without fanfare, stay briefly, and then vanish again into the open Pacific. For travellers, this unpredictability is part of the appeal. No schedule can guarantee an encounter, but when it happens, it feels like a private audience with one of the ocean’s great nomads.

 

Cultural & Natural Heritage Tours - Chart Your Path to Wonder

www.cnhtours.com

Galapagos / The Arctic / Antarctica / Okavango / Madagascar / Easter Island / Pantanal... and more!

 

 Contact us for more information

 

SIGN UP TO OUR NEWSLETERS FOR UPDATES ON TRIPS AND OCCASIONAL DEALS

That's the amount of carbon emissions that has been offset due to our trips from July to December 2025 - thanks to CNH Tours' participation in the Gold Standard carbon emissions retirement program.  

The Gold Standard is rated as among - and possibly "the" best - carbon offset programs, according to CarbonCredits - an agency that reports on carbon, clean energy, emission reduction and climate related business practices.

CNH Tours began purchasing carbon offsets in January 2022 and we publish our certificate every 6 months.  We've calculated the amount of C02 emitted by our trips and have been purchasing the equivalent offsets.  For Galapagos, this amounts to the CO2 emitted by the domestic flight to the islands and to those emitted by the expedition cruise ship.

For a detailed description on carbon offsets - what they are, how they work, how they relate to climate change mitigation, why they're important, see our very own Carbon Offsets 101 Illustrated Guide.

 

 

 

 What the Recent U.S. NOTAM Means for Travellers to Ecuador

Some travellers may have noticed news reports or airline advisories referring to a recent U.S. aviation notice affecting airspace associated with Ecuador and other nearby countries.  The advisory came into effect on 16 January and is in effect until 17 March. While such language can sound alarming, there is no cause for safety concerns for visitors planning trips in the region in the coming weeks. 

In simple terms, the notice issued by U.S. aviation authorities is called a NOTAM, which stands for Notice to Air Missions. A NOTAM is essentially a short, technical bulletin used in the aviation world to inform pilots and airlines about temporary conditions or precautions related to flying. These can range from runway maintenance and navigation equipment checks to airspace management advisories. NOTAMs are routine tools of aviation safety and are issued frequently around the world.  In this case, the US government is citing potential military activities and global navigation satellite system (GNSS) interference. 

While this may sound alarming, it's important to note that NOTAMs are operational guidance for pilots and airlines, not travel warnings for passengers. They do not imply that a destination is unsafe to visit, nor do they suggest disruptions to normal tourism activities on the ground. Airlines review these notices as part of standard flight planning and make any necessary adjustments well in advance, often without passengers noticing any change at all.  You can be assured that your airlines are aware of the situation and will be constantly monitoring it for any needs to make any changes in their flight plans. 

Flights to and from Ecuador and the region continue to operate normally, airports are functioning as usual, and tourism services remain fully open. Visitors can expect the same high standards of safety and professionalism that underpin international aviation worldwide.

For travellers, the practical takeaway is straightforward: your airline and flight crew are already aware of, and fully managing, any technical considerations related to airspace. You can focus on planning your itinerary, enjoying local culture, and looking forward to your journey with confidence.

As always, if schedules or routings were ever to change, airlines would communicate directly with passengers. At present, there is no indication that this notice will have any meaningful impact on tourist travel to Ecuador.

 

Cultural & Natural Heritage Tours - Chart Your Path to Wonder

www.cnhtours.com

Galapagos / The Arctic / Antarctica / Okavango / Madagascar / Easter Island / Pantanal... and more!

 

 Contact us for more information

 

SIGN UP TO OUR NEWSLETERS FOR UPDATES ON TRIPS AND OCCASIONAL DEALS

A future traveller reflects: “The Galápagos Islands? Sure! That's where I'll spot giant tortoises, marine iguanas, and Darwin’s celebrated finches". These are indeed some of the iconic wildlife species. Yet one of the most frequent—and often most surprising—wildlife encounters in the archipelago takes place underwater:  Sharks.

“Sharks? I’m not sure I like the sound of that!” is a common reaction when the idea of swimming alongside them is raised. The concern is understandable, but largely misplaced. Sharks in the Galápagos are notably calm and uninterested in human contact. For many first-time snorkelers, their initial encounter with a Galápagos shark becomes one of the most vivid and memorable moments of the trip. The key is to quiet the reflexive fear shaped by decades of sensational films and headlines, and to observe these animals with composure. After a sighting or two, most visitors find their apprehension replaced by confidence—and even a touch of swagger—when another shark glides past.

The very common white-tip reef shark

This confidence should never translate into pursuit or interference. As with all wildlife interactions in the Galápagos, National Park regulations require visitors to keep a minimum distance of two metres (just over six feet) from any animal. Move closer than that, and a shark will almost certainly swim away. It has no interest in confrontation and prefers not to be disturbed.

The species you are most likely to see while snorkeling is the white-tipped reef shark. Shy and relatively small—rarely longer than about 1.6 metres (5 feet 2 inches)—these sharks typically rest on the seabed during daylight hours and hunt at night, feeding on fish, octopus, and crustaceans.

With a bit more luck, you may glimpse the unmistakable silhouette of a hammerhead shark. While they are most commonly associated with the remote northern islands of Darwin and Wolf, destinations primarily visited by dedicated scuba divers, hammerheads do range throughout the archipelago. In the Galápagos, they can reach lengths of up to five metres (around 15 feet) and are often seen schooling in impressive numbers.

We don't think we need to tell you what kind of shark this is!

And if fortune truly smiles on you, there is the possibility—slim but thrilling—of encountering a whale shark. The largest fish in the ocean, reaching up to 12 metres (40 feet), this gentle giant feeds exclusively on plankton and has no teeth to speak of. Though most frequently observed near Darwin and Wolf Islands, occasional sightings do occur elsewhere, even for travellers not on scuba-focused itineraries. Hope springs eternal.

A snorkeling encounter with a whale shark is rare - but among the most thrilling experience you can have in Galapagos

Statistics further underscore just how unfounded the fear really is. Over nearly six decades, only nine shark-bite incidents have been recorded in the Galápagos. Just three involved snorkelers (remember, on average, there must be up to 1,000 snorkelers in the water, ever day of the year); the remainder were linked to surfing or fishing activities. Quite simply, you are far more likely to be bitten by a neighbourhood dog than by a shark in these waters.

So relax, take it in, and enjoy the experience. When you return home, you can confidently say—truthfully—that you swam with sharks in the Galápagos and loved every moment of it.

 

Cultural & Natural Heritage Tours - Chart Your Path to Wonder

www.cnhtours.com

Galapagos / The Arctic / Antarctica / Okavango / Madagascar / Easter Island / Pantanal... and more!

 

 Contact us for more information

 

SIGN UP TO OUR NEWSLETERS FOR UPDATES ON TRIPS AND OCCASIONAL DEALS

The seasonal flooding of the Okavango Delta is one of Africa’s most distinctive hydrological phenomena (this phenomena is behind the Delta’s recognition as a UNESCO World Heritage site). Unlike most floodplains, the Delta’s waters do not originate locally but arrive from the Angolan Highlands, where summer rains fall between November and March. These rains feed the Cubango and Cuito Rivers, which combine to form the Okavango River and begin a slow, gravity-driven journey of more than 1,000 kilometres (600 miles) southward. Because the Delta is an inland basin with no outlet to the sea, the water spreads outward across a vast fan of channels, lagoons, and floodplains, with much of it ultimately lost to evaporation and transpiration rather than runoff.

The timing of the flood is counter-intuitive. Although rainfall peaks in Angola during the southern summer (Nov-Mar), the floodwaters typically reach the upper Delta in April and progress south and west through May, June, and July, often peaking in August. This delay is due to the extremely gentle gradient of the river system and the absorptive capacity of the Delta’s sands and vegetation. As the dry season tightens its grip on Botswana, the Delta paradoxically becomes wetter, transforming arid grasslands into a mosaic of navigable waterways precisely when surrounding regions are at their driest.

For wildlife, this seasonal inundation is the engine that drives abundance and movement. As waters rise, fish populations explode in newly flooded areas, attracting birds in extraordinary numbers, from herons and storks to African fish eagles. Large mammals respond dynamically: elephants, buffalo, red lechwe, and sitatunga concentrate along flood edges where grazing is lush and permanent water is assured, while predators such as lions and wild dogs exploit these predictable movements. The flood effectively redistributes life across the Delta, creating shifting zones of productivity that sustain one of Africa’s richest wetland ecosystems.

For visitors, the flood cycle profoundly shapes the experience, and April–May offers particular advantages. This period marks the early arrival of the waters, when channels begin to open but the landscape remains vividly green from the recent rains. Wildlife is widely dispersed and in excellent condition, birdlife is at its most diverse with both resident and late-departing migrants present, and temperatures are more moderate than in the deep winter months. Importantly, visitor numbers are typically lower than during the peak June–August season, allowing for a more tranquil, exploratory experience that combines early mokoro access with outstanding photographic light, fresh vegetation, and a palpable sense of seasonal transition within the Delta.

CNH Tours has partnered with Dr. Karen Ross, a 30 year Okavango Delta wildlife conservation veteran, to design the ideal trip to this region.  Karen was instrumental in assembling the nomination for UNESCO World Heritage status, and has been called the “Champion of the Okavango” by the National Geographic magazine.  Karen has been leading our tours since we first started offering them in 2022.  We run one or two trips a year to this magnificent part of the world - get all the information here.  

Are you interested in joining us on this trip?
Our Okavango-Kalahari trips tend sell out quite quickly.  If you would like to be among the first to be informed when we publish the details of our upcoming trips and open them up for bookings, sign up to our "keep me posted" list.   

 

 

Cultural & Natural Heritage Tours - Chart Your Path to Wonder

www.cnhtours.com

Galapagos / The Arctic / Antarctica / Okavango / Madagascar / Easter Island / Pantanal... and more!

 

 Contact us for more information

 

SIGN UP TO OUR NEWSLETERS FOR UPDATES ON TRIPS AND OCCASIONAL DEALS