BCBusiness

What makes the ultimate family break? If backseat road games or a staycation aren't cutting it, consider booking on Carnival Cruise Lines' Mardi Gras, which will have the world's first at-sea roller coaster, Bolt, later this year. Or at SeaWorld in San Diego, the only place in North America to see lovable Emperor penguins, which is building a floorless "dive coaster" to emulate the birds' ocean plunges. And through the end of March, Japanese airline ANA has a fleet of Star Wars–liveried aircraft mak- ing themed flights around the globe: check routes and designs at ana-sw.com. THE FAMILY ZONE The Japan Airlines seat map system allows travellers to identify where children younger than two years are booked to sit on its aircraft—a major win for quiet-seeking passengers. Other airlines offer perks that come close to creating family zones on planes. Air New Zealand has an economy class Skycouch, a row of seats that can be turned into a sofa after takeoff; its Cuddle Belt allows two small children (or an adult and a child) to safely sleep side-by-side. It also pro- vides infant harnesses in three sizes. The Qsuite on Qatar Airlines business class, a four-seat cabin tricked out for comfortable meeting, eating and entertain- ment options, is ideal for col- leagues, as well as for families on long-haul trips. ANA STAR WARS PROJECT; COURTESY OF BEARFACE WHISKY; ISTOCK No Breaking Bad C A R R Y ON ( quality time ) Venezuelan-born Andres Faustinelli, master blender for the Bearface Whisky brand launched by B.C.-based Mark Anthony Group in 2018, finds in- spiration around the globe. For the recent Bearface One Eleven Series Oaxaca Release, he spent time in Mexico experienc- ing the faces and places behind the smoky spirit that gives his whisky a distinctive finish. "I arrived at 5 p.m., and five hours later I was tasting through 20 different varieties of mezcal with maestros mezcaleros," he recalls. "[Oaxaca Release] cap- tures that moment, and it tells a story about a real place, and most importantly, real people." This master blender can't travel too lightly, as he always checks at least one bag, "filled with samples of the amazing spirits I have tasted in some of the most remote, and remarkable, distilleries on the planet." Fitness gear takes up packing space, too, says the morning runner, who uses early exercise sessions to hone his sharp professional palate for tastings, which typically happen before lunch. "It is also very important for me to fast ahead of a tasting or a blending session," he explains. "You need to be hungry to pick out the essences in the whisky!" Faustinelli has his own travel motto: Hay que perderse para encontrarse ("You have to get lost to find yourself"). Accordingly, he loves "those 'lost' or 'missing in action' moments" that travel can bring, like a no-wifi or no-cell zone that can leave you "travelling on a dirt road listening to music, and with no clear perception of time and place." We like the flavour of that. • Tips for a successful, healthy and fun spring break—or any family holiday by Charlene Rooke MARCH 2020 BCBUSINESS 75 TRAVEL INSIDER TASTING FLIGHT Andres Faustinelli, master blender for Bearface Whisky, travels often D E F X X APPY AND HEALTHY CanImmunize is a digital vaccination record you can create for yourself or family members, on free Android or iOS apps or a website. Recording what immunizations and travel-related medicines you've had and when keeps the information organized and handy when moving or vacationing, and can even give you reminders for updates. The website is also loaded with information about the most common travel vaccinations (no substitute, of course, for consulting a physician or travel clinic before you go). CanImmunize partners with the Public Health Agency of Canada to ensure what it calls the "highest privacy standards" for users.

• Cover