DRIFT Travel Spring 2019

TRAVEL OFTEN . LIVE WELL 

TRAVEL MAGAZINE 

A WOW TRIP TO SPAIN 

WITH A MUST-DO DETOUR TO ICELAND 

WINE ADVENTURES 

AUSTRALIA | FRANCE | USA 

LAND OF THE INCAS 

A PHOTOGRAPHIC JOURNEY TO PERU 

FAMILY TRAVEL 

AFRICA | CANADA | JAMAICA 

SPRING 2019 

COME ALONG ON THE JOURNEY at DRIFTTRAVEL.COM

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UNLOCK 

MEXICO 

CITY 

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GUEST 

HOUSE 

JALAPA 208 CASA B, 

COLONIA ROMA, 06700, 

MEXICO CITY 

hola@ignacia.mx 

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2 . DRIFTTRAVEL.COM

TRAVEL OFTEN . LIVE WELL . 1


INSIDE this issue 

7 TRAVEL STYLE 

Chic tips for the stylish nomad. 

8 48 HOURS 

Winnipeg, Canada in two days. 

14 TRAVEL GEAR 

Trending good stuff for travelers. 

18 

SPAIN VIA ICELAND 

Two countries – one unforgettable 

adventure. 

26 PARIS WINE BARS 

All natural wines with a French flair. 

32 LET’S TAKE THE KIDS 

Family travel on Canada’s West Coast. 

PHOTOGRAPHIC JOURNEY 

38 Peru, the land of the Incas. 

52 FAMILY ON SAFARI 

A first timer’s guide for families. 

58 

WINING IN AUSTRALIA 

Emerging South Australian wine 

culture. 

LAND OF THE BLUE DRAGON 

60 Vietnam’s story in pictures. 

70 WOMEN IN WINE 

Celebrating women’s history month. 

In this issue DRIFT takes the 

family on vacation. From the wilds 

of Africa to an iconic luxury hotel 

that caters to kids, there’s a perfect 

family destination waiting for 

you. Come along on the journey 

as we discover a world of fun and 

adventure. 

EXPATS GUIDE TO BELIZE 

74 Is this dream destination for you? 

80 FAMILY VACATIONS 

Hotels and hotspots for kids of all ages. 


PUBLISHER 

GLOSSY MEDIA 

CREATIVE DIRECTOR 

STEVE DRAKE 

PRODUCTION/EDITORIAL 

STEVE DRAKE, WAKE UP REYKJAVIK, DONI BELAU, 

RUSS WALSH, REBECCA TALBOT, MARY ANNE 

KENNEDY, ZOEY GOTO, KATIE MERRIAM, 

ALEXANDRA LOWDER, MIKE COBB, 

LAURA D’ANGELO, JON ANDRASZ, 

ERIC HIMEL 

CREATIVE | PHOTOGRAPHY 

BOOKING.COM, ADOBE STOCK, WOW AIRLINE, 

INN AT THE FORKS, TOURISM WINNIPEG, 

TOURISM MANITOBA, STEVE DRAKE, 

PIXABAY.COM, ASSINIBOINE PARK ZOO, 

THE FORKS, SAMSUNG, WESLEY GIBBS, 

HOTEL BAHIA CALPE, DONI BELAU, BLUE LAGOON, 

AFRICA ODYSSEY, TODD TALBOT, REBECCA TALBOT, 

KATIE MERRIAM, FAIRMONT EMPRESS HOTEL, 

TIM WEST, JON ANDRASZ, HALL FAMILY, EVE FAN, 

CAYE CAULKER,WILDERNESS SAFARIS, 

FLORIANNE VIALLES, MARION GAMBIN, WIKIMEDIA 

ADVERTISING & PUBLISHING RIGHTS INQUIRIES 

sales@DRIFTtravel.com | www.DRIFTtravel.com 

Published by: Glossy Media 

All rights reserved. No part of DRIFT magazine may be 

copied or reproduced without permission. 

© COPYRIGHT DRIFT TRAVEL MAGAZINE 

GLOSSY MEDIA 

2015-2019 


CONTEST 

TIME! 

ATTENTION all photographers - this giveaway is for you! 

In this issue we have full licensed copies of the famed Aurora HDR & Luminar 3 

photo editing software. Aurora HDR 2019, its fourth generation, high dynamic 

range editor, whose predecessor is the current Mac App of the Year. Luminar 

has enabled photographers to edit photos in a more creative and effective way, 

through Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools like Accent AI and AI Sky Enhancer, 

new Looks and more. With the addition of libraries in Luminar, Luminar 3 is an 

all-in-one solution for both editing and managing photos. 

CLICK HERE TO ENTER!! 

or visit drifttravel.com/giveaways/skylum 


Bags designed to be efficient, protective and 

extremely durable 

Get through TSA faster and with ease 

Designed to protect your tech and belongings, 

with plenty of pockets 

6 . DRIFTTRAVEL.COM 

Learn more at www.ec-bc.com

Eric Himel’s 

LIFE+STYLE 

Hermès, $2150, 

hermes.com 

Alessandra Rich, $2125, 

netaporter.com 

Chloé Sunglasses, $476, 

holtrenfrew.com 

ONCOUR Designer Leather 

Handbag, $375, 

oncour.com 

Valentino, $795, 

valentino.com 

ERIC’S TIPS: 

• DO wear flowy materials that 

catch the breeze 

• DO pack comfortable Espadrilles 

for off-boat excursions for uneven 

walking surfaces 

• DO avoid anchor motifs - too 

literal 

• DO bring your good jewelry 

FASHION ON THE HIGH SEAS 

Dress like you will be sailing on the South Pacific, not like you are in 

the cast of South Pacific. 

Fashion on the high seas should be one part glamour, one part 

elevated nautical chic! Embrace clean navy and white color palettes, 

and add accessories that mimic rope, chain and portholes motifs! 

ERIC HIMEL (erichimel.com) 

is a widely known celebrity stylist, fashion expert and media personality. Himel attended 

Parson’s School of Design and trained under Project Runway’s Tim Gunn. Now based in 

Los Angeles, Himel’s roster of celebrity clientele has included Jenny McCarthy, Giuliana 

Rancic, Pete Wentz, Gabby Douglas and more. Eric is best known for his signature Closet 

Purge and now offers Virtual Styling Sessions. 


48HOURS IN... 

Winnipeg 

CANADA 

BY: STEVE DRAKE 


WHERE TO STAY 

Inn at the Forks 

innforks.com 

In Winnipeg, where the 

Assiniboine and Red Rivers 

meet; in the middle of the 

historic and cultural center of the 

city – this is where you will find 

the Inn on the Forks. A modern 

yet relaxed hotel ready to call 

your home away from home. 

“The best of Winnipeg is right 

here at our doorstep. Come 

explore where the rivers meet - 

there’s no place else you’ll want 

to be.” - Joel Waterman General 

Manager, Inn at the Forks 

Rooms and suites have the 

perfect balance of luxury, 

sophistication, comfort, and 

convenience and all in the 

heart of downtown Winnipeg. 

Signature custom blown glass 

vanities are the feature of the 

bathroom, along with exclusive 

locally-made Riverstone Spa 

amenities. Guestrooms include 

a mini-fridge with beer, wine 

and snacks for purchase, 

complimentary filtered water 

service, and the best views 

in Winnipeg. I particularly 

appreciated the convenient 

bedside USB ports. 


WHAT TO DO 

JOURNEY TO CHURCHILL 

Assiniboine Park Zoo 

The award-winning Journey to 

Churchill exhibit is home to 

polar bears, muskoxen, Arctic 

fox and other northern species. 

It is the most comprehensive 

northern species exhibit of its 

kind in the world. 

Visitors experience a variety 

of naturalistic landscapes 

and animal viewing areas. 

Interpretive signage and 

interactive displays invite visitors 

to learn about biodiversity, 

climate change and conservation. 

It is an educational classroom 

like no other, inviting 

exploration, challenging thinking 

and promoting personal action. 

CANADIAN MUSEUM FOR 

HUMAN RIGHTS 

The Canadian Museum for 

Human Rights is the only 

museum in the world to explore 

the concept of human rights 

as an aspiration for all people. 

Using multimedia technology 

and other innovative approaches 

to storytelling, the museum 

creates inspiring encounters with 

human rights for all ages and 

abilities, in a visitor experience 

unlike any other. 


THE FORKS 

Remember to save some time 

to roam The Forks. Walk, 

skate or cycle along the 

frozen Assiniboine and Red 

Rivers, stopping to view the 

amazing warming huts that are 

strategically placed on the river 

skating course. 

The Forks Market offers a great 

escape from the cold. Now home 

to a vibrant + deliciously eclectic 

food hall featuring the best in 

local offerings on the main floor 

and fantastic local maker and 

retail options on the second floor 

The Common is must stop 

for the wine or beer lover. 

Sommelier Veronique Rivest has 

curated a great lineup of beers 

and wines for taste testing. Think 

hearty stouts and rich reds, 

perfect for a chilly post-skate 

sip, alongside brighter brews and 

crisp whites with hints of citrus 

and honey. 

A winter visit to Winnipeg 

wouldn’t be complete without a 

game of Crokicurl, a Canadian 

winter sport first played in 

Winnipeg. The game is a large 

scale hybrid of curling and the 

board game Crokinole. Such 

fun! 


WHERE TO EAT 

PASSERO the latest restaurant 

from celebrated Winnipeg chef 

Scott Bagshaw. It features Italian 

cuisine with menu items such 

as scallop crudo with lomo and 

lemon oil, salt-roasted beets with 

pistachio butter, blood orange 

and salsa verde, and of course, 

plenty of delicious house pastas. 

TALL GRASS PRAIRIE 

BREAD COMPANY is a bakery 

dedicated to providing an 

exceptional product that respects 

the earth, those who grow, mill, 

bake and buy the food. This is a 

bakery for people to see, smell, 

taste and touch the goodness of 

the land - real, organic wheat, 

milled and baked into healthy, 

delicious products. 

CLEMENTINE CAFE - 

Breakfast, brunch or lunch - 

make sure you find time to eat 

here! The menu is varied and 

inventive. Porridge with mixed 

grains, coconut, pineapple puree, 

berries, cashews. Roasted 

mushroom toast with kale, 

tare, truffle cheese, white bean 

purée, poached egg. My personal 

favorite was the Burger Dip 2.0, a 

beef & bacon patty, basil & white 

cheddar aioli, pickled white 

onion, herbs, phớ jus. 


DEER + ALMOND 

Located in the heart of the 

Exchange, chef Mandel Hitzer 

has created the restaurant of his 

dreams. Full of friends, laughter 

and music, Deer + Almond 

serves tapas-style dishes, perfect 

for sharing in a relaxed and 

comfy environment. Try the 

roast chicken & kale salad – so 

yummy! 


HOT NEW TRAVEL PRODUCTS 

TRAVEL GEAR 

BY: RUSS WALSH 

SUMSUNG GALAXY S10 

Celebrating 10 years of great Galaxy phones, 

Samsung releases what may be the best cell phone 

ever, the Galaxy S10. Nineteen options to choose 

from, Galaxy S10 is the device that delivers choice 

without compromise. Ultrasonic Fingerprint unlock 

– So no more fumbles to unlock Galaxy S10. The 

Cinematic Infi nity Display is uninterrupted, super bright 

and vibrant. If that wasn’t enough, Galaxy S10 can 

also wirelessly charge other devices. 

If you’re like me, the camera may be the most important 

feature. If so then you’re going to fall in love with the 

S10’s multiple cameras. Telephoto, Wide-angle and 

Ultra Wide cameras, available with just a touch. It’s 

like a full kit of lens in your pocket. 

DRIFT Travel took the new S10 to Cancun, check the 

photos – no re-touching – no fi lter. The S10 camera 

deliver well saturated colors, well balance exposure 

with awesome shadow detail. 

samsung.com 


MARINE LAYER - Products for Men 

What guy wouldn’t want a little rescue from the damage 

done by sun exposure. Here’s a skincare trio that’s perfect 

to take with you and use while you relax on your next 

fl ight. 

Port Products Marine Layer® Age-Fighting Trio. This antiaging 

set of Under Eye Recovery Gel, Sol Defense SPF 

17 Daily Moisturizer and Intense Recovery Treatment is 

packed with potent marine ingredients like red algae and 

sea kelp that work wonders both in the moment and in 

the long run—instantly bringing your skin back to life while 

fi ghting long-term damage. 

themotley.com 


INTREPID BELT BY UNBELTS 

This is a lifetime belt. Buy it once, and they’ll 

repair or replace it forever. A rugged belt that 

has all the hallmarks of an Unbelt: insanely 

comfortable, machine washable and travelfriendly. 

You’ll also find some hidden bonuses 

like a secret pocket, a no-slip inner grip, and 

elastic made out of recycled water bottles. 

Unbelts was founded with two goals in mind: 

helping you feel great in your jeans, but also 

creating quality jobs for the people at the 

beginning of our supply chain. 

unbelts.com 

VESICA - Smart Luggage 

The luggage that’s more than a suitcase – It’s also 

an app. 

The 100% polycarbonate shell, non-rip nylon interiors 

with an Anti-Microbial coating, and padding for our 

external laptop sleeve. Comfortable trolley handle 

and easy access to the 2 charging posts featuring 

a 10400 mAh removable lithium-ion rechargeable 

battery. TSA/ FAA approved combination lock keep 

your belongings secure while traveling. 

The APP – It’s so much more than a companion for 

the luggage, it helps you build a complete travel 

itinerary. Customize your profile and the app will 

suggest curated travel options including restaurants, 

culture, outdoor recreation and nightlife. Track your 

travel statistics, time in the air, destinations visited 

and more. No luggage is lost with their Ping GPS 

system. Using GPS, Bluetooth, and cellular you now 

have the ability to know where your luggage is 24/7 

vesica.com 


CEPTICS WORLD TRAVEL ADAPTER KIT 

Perfect Travel Adapter Kit 

Grounded Adapter + Surge Protection 

2 USB + 2 US Outlets 

Smart Voltage Indicator 

Safe & High Quality (ETL Listed) 

Compact & Light (2.75” x 3.75” x 1.5”, 5 oz) 

2-Year Limited Warranty 

13-Travel Adapter Attachments Included 

This adapter kit doesn’t convert voltage so make 

sure the devices connected to the adapter support 

the AC voltage indicated. 

ceptics.com 


A WOW 

TRIP TO 

SPAIN VIA 

ICELAND 

BY: STEVE DRAKE 

Travel to Europe has long 

been accessible for North 

Americans, but it hasn’t always 

been affordable or exciting. But 

imagine if in a span of just two 

weeks you could experience 

two diverse countries for less 

money than your average flight 

to a single country? WOW Air is 

making it easy to do just that. 


WOW Air pioneered the long haul, 

low cost stopover flight model and 

recently was awarded the CAPA 

Aviation Award for Excellence 

for Low-Cost Airline of the Year 

2018. The award is bestowed 

upon an airline that has been the 

biggest standout strategically, has 

established itself as a leader, has 

been most innovative and has 

provided a benchmark for others 

to follow. For an airline that is just 

seven years old, that is quite a feat. 

Having flown WOW twice now, 

I can see why. The airplanes are 

immaculate, the legroom is larger 

than normal, the flight crew are 

exceptional (I love their magenta 

retro style uniforms) and the 

flights are very affordable. 


We flew from Toronto, Canada 

to Alicante, Spain via Iceland and 

it was magnificent. On our way 

to Spain, we landed (very early 

morning) at Reykjavik Keflavik 

International Airport and had a 

10-hour layover in Iceland. So we 

rented a car and went to explore 

Reykjavik, which is about a 

40-minute drive from the airport. 

It was the perfect amount of time to 

explore this small Viking inspired 

city, experience an Icelandic 

meal, do a little bit of shopping 

(save room in your suitcase for an 

Icelandic wool sweater or blanket), 

and finish with a leisurely drive 

back to the airport to board our 

flight to Spain. 

It was early October and the 

weather on the Costa Blanca was 

glorious (warm and sunny) but 

the tourist mobs had retreated 

for the season. I recommend 

Spain this time of year – locals 

are more relaxed, there are no 

lineups and deals are a plenty. We 

landed in Alicante, rented a car 


and meandered along the coast 

with stops in Valencia, Sitges 

and Barcelona before driving to 

Cartagena and Malaga before 

ending back in Alicante for a 

sojourn. Truly, I could write an 

entire feature just about our 

Spanish experience on the white 

coast but for this article – and I 

will at a later date – but for now, 

I wanted to share just one of the 

gems on our road trip – Calpe. 

Calpe is in the province of 

Alicante region of Spain, and is 

a tiny Mediterranean hilly beach 

town nestled at the foot of the 

Natural Park of Penyal d’Ifac. 

The waters are blue, the beaches 

are white and although it is a bit 

of a sleepy town, it doesn’t lack 

in things to do and see. Calpe 

has a rich history and because of 

its coastal location has attracted 

many different settlers over the 

centuries including Iberian tribes, 

Romans, Christians and Moors. 

In its more recent history, Calpe 

was a productive fishing village 

that progressed into a lucrative 


seaside retreat for travelers. One of 

the most impressive sites in Calpe 

is the Rock of Ifach. Also a nature 

reserve, it rises from the sea into 

a rocky towner that measures an 

incredible 332 meters high. The 

Rock of Ifach is a popular climb 

where you can reach the summit 

via a (nerve jangling) tunnel 

through the upper part of the 

rock. Less dangerous adventure 

activities in Calpe include a sailing 

club, windsurfing, water-skiing, 

world class golf and plenty of 

coastal walking. With a typical 

Mediterranean climate and 3,000 

hours of sunshine each year, 

Calpe enjoys warm days, cool sea 

breezes and wind shelter from the 

mountains. 

We stayed at the beachfront 

Hotel Bahia Calpe by Pierre & 

Vacances. The location of this 

hotel was amazing – walk out the 

front door, down a few steps and 

right onto silky sand and into 

salty waters. Our spacious room 


overlooked the Mediterranean Sea 

with tremendous views to Rock 

of Ifach. The hotel’s flexible late 

arrival was appreciated and the 

morning breakfast (included in the 

room rate) was the best of our trip 

in either country. The Wi-Fi was 

strong and the air conditioning was 

cold. There was a store just down 

the street for basic supplies and 

the local restaurants were friendly, 

delicious and cheap! When you 

think of Spain or visiting the Costa 

Blanca, Calpe is not as popular as 

other Costa Blanca beach towns, 

but it should be. It is bucket worthy 

for many reasons. After three days, 

we left feeling relaxed, rejuvenated 

and feeling like we had connected 

with local culture, and still had 

money left in our wallets – which 

was important as we headed to 

Barcelona (more on that later)! 

On our return trip from Spain, we 

chose a three day layover in Iceland 

so we could experience all corners 

of this unique island. My wife 


efers to this enigmatic country as 

the bright side of the moon. The 

topography, the geysers, the black 

volcanic beaches, the roads that 

seemingly lead to nowhere and the 

tiny villages along the way – it is a 

country that every traveler should 

experience at least once. For a real 

treat, spend an afternoon at the 

Blue Lagoon. 

Flying back to Toronto with WOW 

Air, we spent one night at the 

airport and chose the Alt Toronto 

hotel. It offers such convenience 

to the airport, especially for early 

morning flights. The hotel is 

bright, modern and comfortable 

with rooms that are spacious and 

relaxing. Every day, more than 

1,100 airplanes take off and land 

at Toronto’s Pearson International 

Airport. That is a lot of people, 

coming and going. I love airport 

hotels because I find it fascinating 

to watch airplanes come and go 

from my hotel room window; 

wondering where people have 


een or why they are traveling. 

WOW Air might have chosen 

their name for brand identity and 

perhaps the impact of the name 

splashed across a brightly painted 

plane – but the name is appropriate. 

The level of service, airline staff, 

food on board and the attention 

to care and detail all wowed me. I 

am a fan and I look forward to my 

next European adventure with an 

Icelandic stopover very soon. 


Discovering All Natural 

Wine Bars in Paris 

BY: DONI BELAU 

Natural wine is all the rage in Paris and the fervor has been raging for many years now. That’s why its 

surprising that it really hasn’t caught on as much in the states, even in New York City where we love to 

adopt a trend. No self-respecting foodie in Paris would turn their nose up at natural wine or look at you 

with a dumb stare when you mention it but here both are the most common responses to the subject. There 

is simply no important restaurant in the city of light that doesn’t have natural wine on its list whereas I may 

only find a few bottles sprinkled on the better lists here in NY and oddly the sommeliers do not advertise 

or push it. Quelle domage! 

For those unfamiliar, natural wine can be described as wine made without many additives and using the 

least amount of intervention possible. No added sulphates means less headaches in the morning which 

we can all be grateful for. Natural wines do taste slightly different than wine you are probably used to, so 

taking a natural wine tasting tour is a wonderful way to learn about it the next time you are in Paris. If you 

don’t have access to Michael Issac, my go to expert and Sommelier who knows natural wine like the back 

of his hand or you are unable to take a tour with Gastronomes, then go ahead and enjoy several of my picks 

below on your own. Cheers! 


1 

Yard 

At Yard you’ll eat and drink well 

and enjoy the company and 

conviviality around you. Situated 

on an tiny street in the 11th, on a 

warm night people spill out onto 

the rue. This hotspot is owned by 

two sisters and the natural wine is 

selected by Clovis Ochin, a wellknown 

natural wine distributor. 

Break out and try some of their 

funkier, farm-ier even effervescent 

natural glasses backing it up with 

some of their clean Mediterranean 

food. When I was there our 

group sat outside ordered several 

different wines and immediately 

began chatting with our neighbors 

- its that kind of place. 

2 

Jones 

In an unfinished industrial space 

in the 11th arrondissement you 

can chat, chew and sip some of the 

best natural wine around. Owned 

by restauranteur Flo Ciccoli this 

place is cooler than cool sporting 

a distinct hipster vibe sans the 

attitude. A good night is pretty 

much guaranteed if you start or 

end it here. The wine list is 100% 

natural so order what feels right 

and or sit down for a meal of 

market fresh vegetable forward 

cuisine. Reservations suggested. 


3 

Les Papilles 

An oldie but a goodie, this might be one of the first real 

Parisian wine bars I ever went to years ago. I love how one 

can simply take a bottle off the shelf because this latin quarter 

spot doubles as a wine store by day. You can choose a nice 

bottle by a non-interventionist winemaker that marry’s 

nicely with whatever they are serving that night, bottles are 

imminently affordable because they charge the same price as 

a wine store would plus a 7 euro corkage fee. No 60% markup 

here. This is a one-set-menu kind of resto based on what the 

chef discovered that day in the market. This idea is something 

many Parisian restaurants have taken to doing over the past 

decade. Considering it allows the chef to waste less and focus 

more on creating just several perfect dishes, I’m a huge fan 

of the concept. Ask for guidance on choosing the wine if you 

are a newbie. 


4 

Coup D’Oeil 

A newer and more casual place then 

Les Papilles feel free to stop in here, 

grab a stool, order a glass and a snack. 

Situated in the always-fun 11th 

arrondissement, there are a few seats 

outside and in summer you can enjoy 

a nice sunset while drinking some 

very approachable natural wines. The 

owner and passionate natural wine 

connoisseur David Rougier charms 

as do the French shareable tapas on 

offer. Or sit down to a proper meal, 

at lunch a 3-course menu will run 

you just 18 euros. The offerings are 

simple, fresh and done with panache. 

When I was there last fall, every bite 

and sip we had was perfection. 

5 

Frenchie Bar à Vins 

This extremely well-known wine bar is the little sister to Frenchie across the street in the 2nd arr. that 

wears its Michelin Star proudly. Both the wine bar and the resto are very difficult to get into, the word 

got out years ago and the lines still keep forming. So, yes its hard to get in, and you’ll have to sit on a 

stool but the food is as superb as the wine. If you can put up with the hassle, its worth it. Make sure 

to order lots of appetizers and share them. Take advantage of the reasonable per glass price and try 

a number of different wines. Pro Tip: Begin standing in line at least 1/2 hour before they open and 

chances are you’ll get in. Of course its easier earlier in the week rather than a Friday night. 


6 

Le Baron Rouge 

Go on a Sunday so you can try 

the oysters from the grower who 

drives up from Archachon to 

present his pearls. Stand in line as 

he shucks a plate for you outside. 

This is the most affordable wine 

bar on the list and probably 

the most fun. Located in the 

underrated 12th arrondissement 

they actually pour you a glass or a 

bottle out of a tap from one of the 

many small barrels stacked along 

the wall. Beware, the place can get 

absolutely packed but after a few 

glasses of 3 euro wine you’ll be 

chatting and sharing space with 

your mostly Parisian neighbors. 

7 

Freddy’s 

Squish into the bar at this hot spot in 

the 6th and order several different 

kinds of wine and small plates to 

create your own tasting. I’m a fan 

of the industrial decor I just wish 

it wasn’t as popular or crowded 

because when I went one of us 

had to stand. However each plate 

we tasted was superb and made 

bearing the crowd almost bearable. 

Go early or late if you want to have 

a calmer experience. You’ll have a 

tiny area to rest your plate and glass 

but you won’t be disappointed. No 

reservations accepted. 


8 

Companie sur Vin Surnaturel 

When you are sick of standing 

in line, being squished against a 

wall or having to stand while you 

drink your vin naturel, head to this 

more adult-friendly spot opened 

by the three boys of Experimental 

Cocktail fame. The decor by their 

go-to gal Dorothée Meilichzon 

soothes and comforts as do the 

sharable plates and proper glasses 

of wine. You’ll pay a bit more 

for the ease as well as the huge 

selection of wines both natural and 

otherwise but sometimes ponying 

up is worth it. Situated on my old 

rue in Paris’ tony St. Germain area 

the neighborhood ambiance suits 

the grown-up in us all. 

Doni Belau is the author of Paris Cocktails as well as the creator of Girls’ Guide to Paris. She guides 

tours for women-only groups throughout France each year. She divides her time between NYC, 

Paris and her home outside of Bordeaux in Southwestern France. 


Let’s Take the Kids to 

Canada’s Castle on the Coast 

BY: REBECCA TALBOT 

Fairmont Empress takes care of parents and kids – in luxury style! 


Fairmont Empress Hotel is Forbes Four-Star, 4 Diamond 

rating, with Fairmont Gold, Willow Stream Spa and world 

famous Empress 1908 gin, automatically makes you think... 

family vacation!!! Well, maybe it didn’t make you think that, 

but it should. When you’re in the mood for sophisticated old 

world charm, Canada’s Castle on the Coast mixes upscale 

and family friendly so well, it’s the perfect holiday to keep 

everyone happy. Of course, your kids would be happy with a 

trip to Disneyland but when the family is tagging along on a 

business trip, hotels often treat them as just that… tag-alongs. 

Not at The Empress; this luxury hotel has recognized this 

conundrum and created a family package that checks all the 

boxes. 

From the moment we arrived on Vancouver Island 

via Helijet, our vacation with the Empress began with 

Fairmont’s BMW car service to the hotel. Our bags traveled 

ahead of us to our room while we checked in at the 

Fairmont Gold concierge, who informed us of the benefits 

of the gold lounge including food service times, where to 

find board games and an honor bar featuring Todd’s favorite 

purple Empress 1908 Gin. 

Once in our room, the kids discovered a brilliant little 

‘camp out’ set up just for them. The Empress “Let’s Take the 

Kids” package includes a tent for the kids complete with 

pint-sized robes, sweet treats, stuffed Bengal tigers, and an 


activity book that sends them on a scavenger hunt 

all around the hotel. Our two loved the special 

attention and spent much time in the tent with 

their toys. They completed the scavenger hunt by 

the end of the trip and were so excited to choose 

their prizes. 

The big kids (Todd and I) were thrilled to have a 

date at the Q restaurant! The house made flax and 

farrow bread, warm from the oven, and served 

with the whipped butter and honey from the 

hotel’s own bees, is not to be missed. But the most 

impressive thing about our date was the nanny 

service that made it all happen. A Spoon Full of 

Sugar Nanny Service sent their very own Mary 

Poppins complete with British accent and a bag of 

tricks to entertain the kiddies. Getting back to the 

room with sound asleep children was the greatest 

gift we could have received, because bedtime with 

the kids in hotel rooms always requires the most 

out of a parent’s patience! 

The business on this particular excursion was an 

event sponsored by Fairmont Empress, benefitting 

BC Children’s Hospital Foundation and the kids 

and their families who have to travel for care. In 

keeping with the family theme, we put our kids 

to work at the Shine Fashion Tea and got all the 


Talbots participating in the event. With Todd and I 

as event hosts and emcees, and Ashlyn and Kesler 

modeling in the kids fashion show, we were able 

to have our cake and eat it too - literally because 

the event included high tea complete with scones, 

clotted cream and cakes! 


The event has grown quite popular in Victoria 

and though attendees are happy to just be there 

enjoying high tea in fancy hats, they are also 

contributing to the lives of the 8,000 children a 

year who need to travel from the island to BC 

Children’s hospital in mainland Vancouver. It’s a 

fundraiser that we are proud to be involved in and 

to teach our kids the difference they can make 

by volunteering. Although they might be doing 

it for those little bottles of shampoo with their 

own names on it, we can only hope that the bigger 

picture will sink in as we continue to include them 

in the work we do. We are grateful to the Empress 

hotel for giving us this opportunity and treating us 

as they do with all of their guests, like royalty. 


KNOW BEFORE YOU GO: 

Fairmont Empress sits majestically 

overlooking Victoria’s inner harbor. 

It has a walk score of 98 and so a car 

is really not necessary. There is much 

to do with the family within walking 

distance of the hotel including the Royal 

BC Museum, Victoria Bug Zoo, and 

checking out the authentic totem poles 

in Beacon Hill Park. 

Traveling from Vancouver to Victoria, 

two harbor-to-harbor options include 

Helijet which is a fantastic 35-minute 

helicopter ride with spectacular views or 

V2V Vacations which offers a leisurely, 

luxury focused 3-hour ferry cruise. 

Travel to Victoria is great any time of 

year. During the summer, the city fills 

with stunning flowers, sailboats and 

tourists. Spring and fall are a treat in 

the city, as hotel prices are lower and 

there is less tourist congestion. If you are 

coming from a cold climate, try Victoria 

during the winter, as the city boasts the 

most temperate climate in Canada. 


Cristo Blanco is massive statue of Jesus Christ which sits atop the city’s mountainside and symbolizes 

Peru’s predominantly Catholic religion. It is illuminated at night and distinctively visible from the 

Plaza de Aromas. 


PERU 

a photographic journey 

Featured Photographer: 

Jon Andrasz 

At a very young age I had always envisioned 

myself traveling the world and exploring diverse 

cultures. Despite working in the insurance field, 

photography has always been my passion and I 

have been fortunate to visit over 40 countries. 

I believe that every image is an expression of 

individuality and symbolizes a unique perspective 

and view of the world as seen through the eyes of 

the photographer. I have never shied away from 

last-minute trips and this Peruvian excursion was 

no exception. 

Website: shutterbugsafari.com 

Instagram: @shutterbugsafari 

Equipment: Nikon D700 with a Nikkor 24-70mm 

F2.8 and a 10.5mm Fisheye lens 



Cusco’s Plaza de Aromas comes to life in the early evening hours and 

serves as a popular gathering place for both locals and tourists. 


Pan Chuta is traditional hand-made bread that is more than just a 

food staple. This delicious local bread is often given as a gift and is 

entrenched in Cusco’s culture and society. 

There is no shortage of photo opportunities if you like vibrant images. 

Most locals are happy and honored to show off their colorful clothing. 


Llamas and Alpacas are often kept as pets in many rural 

communities and considered a part of the family. 


Masks have always been a part Cusco’s culture and these colorful Devil Balaclavas are 

usually worn during carnival season but can also keep you warm on chilly days. 



The Sacsayhuaman Ruins capture over 3000 years of historic battles with the 

Spaniards. The region is considered as a sacred and spiritual place to most Peruvians. 


The construction of these massive stones remains a 

mystery due to the lack of technology at the time. 


Llamas can be found roaming freely throughout the 

mountainous landscape as well as wondering through the 

streets of Cusco. These domesticated animals have been used 

for centuries as transporters but are now valued more for their 

fur which can yield various fabrics. 


There are various ways to get to Machu Picchu from Cusco but trains are 

usually the quickest and most reliable. Upon arrival in Agues Calientes, 

you will still need to hop on a shuttle bus to reach Machu Picchu. 



People often ask me what Machu Picchu is like and I tell them that it looks 

exactly as it does in photographs but there is no way to capture its energy and 

sense of spirituality until you visit this magical site. 


A First-Timer’s Guide 

to a Family Safari 

BY ZOEY GOTO 

I was recently asked to name the best place to take kids on holiday, and without 

missing a beat I knew the answer – on an African safari! Whilst this may not be an 

obvious choice for many families, a safari trip with children is well worth putting 

on to the table for consideration. The close proximity to wild animals and exposure 

to different cultures, combined with a crop of new eco-luxe camps, set against 

the striking beauty of the African bush, creates a memorable experience that can 

enrich the whole family. 

Having recently returned from an epic three-camp safari tour of Botswana, with 

my seven-year old daughter in tow, here are my tips for how to prepare and get the 

most out of this once in a lifetime family trip. 


Before You Go 

If vaccinations are needed or not 

will depend on where you are up 

to with your boosters and your 

chosen destination. Aim to speak 

to a travel healthcare practitioner 

6-8 weeks in advance of travel. 

Malaria tablets may be required, 

depending on the region and the 

season, but note that smaller, 

easier to swallow tablets are now 

available for kids. If it transpires 

that you and your family need to 

have vaccinations, don’t let this 

deter you! For our Botswana trip, 

my daughter and I had to have a 

booster injection each and take 

malaria tablets, but this paled in 

significance compared to what we 

gained from our amazing safari 

experience. 


What to Pack for a Safari 

If you are planning on staying at 

a more remote safari camp, this 

may involve getting there in a 

light aircraft. Generally, the small 

charter planes will have a weight 

limit on the luggage, so packing 

light is essential. Thankfully, all 

of the camps that we stayed at 

offered a complimentary, sameday 

laundry service, so we only 

needed a handful of outfits. 

However, although daytime 

temperatures in the bush can soar, 

the morning game drives can be 

surprisingly chilly, so make sure 

you include warm layers. 

Safari essentials include a camera 

for all those amazing wildlife 

photos (Vtech have a decent 

camera for kids), a sunhat and 

sunblock, insect spray, jeans, a 

pair of shorts, a few t-shirts, a 

fleece, closed shoes, swimwear, 

binoculars and a good book. Born 

Free by Joy Adamson and The 

No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency 

by Alexander McCall Smith, both 

make good safari reading. 

Where to Stay 

For a stress-free safari with kids, 

make sure you book with an 

operator who is experienced 

in family tours. We chose to 

stay at three camps run by 

Wilderness Safaris, who have 


camps throughout Africa and a 

reputation for being the best in 

the business for safaris with kids, 

with larger family lodges, kid’s 

menus, most importantly, safari 

activities specifically tailored for 

children. 

Families visiting the Wilderness 

Safaris camps also get their own 

Bush Buddy – a dedicated mentor 

who is on-hand to enhance the 

kid’s safari experience and help 

out with childcare. Amazingly, 

this service is complimentary 

for families and was one of the 

highlights of the trip for my 

daughter, who learnt to make 

beaded African jewelery and 

to play the traditional game 

of Morabaraba with marbles, 

which she has since taught her 

classmates back at home! 

If you’re looking for a region 

teaming with wildlife, then 

Botswana’s Okavango Delta a 

great option. It offers the variety 

of both land and water activities 

to keep things interesting, and is 

home to some of the most diverse 

wildlife on the planet. Expect to 

see lions hunting just feet away, 

hippos wallowing in lakes and 

curious elephants coming right 

up to the safari jeep. 


What Does a Typical Safari 

Day Look Like? 

Generally, your safari day will 

involve two separate activities, 

starting with an early morning 

game drive. For a safari with 

children, it is worth paying extra 

for private activities, so you can 

go at their pace and come back to 

the camp early if they tire. 

Following lunch and some 

downtime back at the camp, 

the afternoon activity could be 

another game drive, a walking 

safari tracking the animals, 

visiting a local village, taking a 

traditional mokoro canoe down 

the waterways or even viewing the 

animals from above, in a hot air 

balloon. When researching and 

booking a family safari, it is worth 

ensuring that the camp offers a 

few different activity options, so 

that children don’t get bored. 

What Do You Do In the 

Evening? 

Many camps also offer night time 

safari drives, or cultural activities. 

During our stay at Tubu Tree, a 

camp built into the treetops in 

the Jao Reserve, we were treated 

an evening of traditional African 

songs and dance, performed 

around a campfire, with a 

dramatic sun setting over the 

dusty plains. 


Try to find a camp where you 

can sleep in a safari tent, as this 

is a great way to connect with 

nature and can be particularly 

entertaining at night. With just 

canvas between you and the 

wildlife, drifting off to sleep whilst 

listening to nature’s chorus, which 

can include lions roaring, is a 

very immersive and memorable 

experience for children. 

What is the Best Age to 

Take a Child on Safari? 

It depends on your child’s level 

of maturity, but eight years is 

generally considered a good age 

for a child to gain the most from 

a safari. Game drives can be long 

and the children will need to 

exercise some control around the 

wild animals, so as not to scare 

them. However, if you wanted 

to take younger children, many 

camps will allow babies and 

toddlers and some offer childminding 

facilities. 

What Is The Best Time Of 

Year for a Family Safari? 

The good news is that there isn’t a 

bad time to visit Africa on safari, 

as each season has its own unique 

charm. The wet season can offer 

more in terms of waterborne 

activities and is particularly 

scenic, whilst the dry season is 

the best time for wildlife viewing. 

Easter is a good time for spotting 

baby animals, which is always a 

hit with children! 

Anything Else I Should 

Consider? 

Most African safari camps will 

have a restricted or no Wi-Fi, 

so you may be signing up for 

a digital detox. However, with 

nature’s classroom on your 

doorstep, there is so much to keep 

the children entertained that this 

can feel very beneficial after a 

couple of days of adjustment. 

Finally, it may be worth preparing 

a few activities to keep the 

children entertained on game 

drives. Think animal and bird 

checklists, a game of spot the 

animal tracks or some wildlife 

quiz printouts, for the inevitable 

moments when there is a lull 

in the animal spotting. And 

a notebook and pen, for your 

budding conservationists to 

keep a record of their incredible 

adventure! 

Africa Odyssey - Wilderness 

Safaris trip to Botswana - 

africaodyssey.com 


Wine & Food 

tours in South Australia 

BY: MARY ANNE KENNEDY 

Are you looking to enjoy a true South Australian food and 

wine experience? Meet the makers; enjoy their fine food 

and wine, experience the hospitality of friendly people 

and relish the special ingredient...WINE! A Taste of South 

Australia offers tours ranging from serious wine, to hands on fun 

food and wine experiences. 

Incorporating what is the essential ingredients of South Australia. 

They give visitors the opportunity to enjoy these secrets and very 

special gems in all a premium tour format. 

They have private and small group tours to the wine regions of South 

Australia as well as special half day experiences that can incorporate 

Adelaide with highlights of wine, food, wildlife and aboriginal 

experience which are tailor-made to your needs. They also create 

many extended tours from one to several days for couples to groups, 

that can cater to the more serious wine lovers, families, or those 

wanting a unique experience tailored to their own special interests. 

For more information visit tastesa.com.au. 


Live like a local 

and get the 

taste, texture 

and essence 

of life in 

South Australia 


Vietnam 

BY: KATIE MERRIAM 

Kansas native Katie Merriam 

received her MFA in Film 

Production from USC, and 

uses her cinematographer’s 

eye to record the beautiful, the 

interesting, and the just plain 

weird images of life and her 

travels. 

Instagram: @katability 


Hoi An is famous for it’s silk lanterns and nightly light show and 

festivities. This shop sits right on the river and is run by a family who 

hand craft their lanterns to sell. 


In the heart of the Marble Mountain near Da Nang 

stands a 20 foot statue of Buddha. The perfect place to 

practice peace of mind, while bats fly over head. 


Real men wear flowers. The scholar warrior statues at the burial 

site of Emperor Tu Duc look dashing in their silent stances, 

though none could be taller than the Emperor himself. 


A tour guide, dressed in the traditional Ao dai and 

conical hat, steps inside for one moment, taking a break 

from the sun and her group of multinational tourists. 


A fishing boat glides through the water near ancient 

limestone islands of Ha Long Bay in Northern Vietnam. 

Mekong Delta fisherman use a circular net and 

amazing throwing technique to catch fish for 

themselves and the floating market nearby. 


In a small pottery village in northern Vietnam, family members make 

their wares for the markets. One of the ladies rolls out the clay for the 

other to shape into the large pottery their family is known for making. 


On Coconut Island in the Mekong Delta area, 

a family still makes tasty coconut candy in the 

traditional manner. Dental fillings beware. 


A monkey lives the good life near Cao Dai temple in Southern Vietnam. 

We were advised that they would take our cell phones if we got too close 

but apparently they were looking for iphones and not androids. 

Water buffalo graze along the only highway that stretches the length of 

the country. These archetypal animals seem completely unaware of any 

changing customs or tourists excitedly snapping their pictures. 


A traditional lantern hangs near a shrine in the iconic 

Japanese covered bridge that dates back to the 18th century, 

situated in the ancient port city, Hoi An. 


Women 

in Wine 

BY: ALEXANDRA LOWDER 

Napa Valley is known around the world as a region that produces incredible 

wines, and with well over 400 wineries in Napa and Sonoma counties, it is often 

hard for brands to stand out from the rest of the pack; that is certainly not the 

case for BACA Wines. One of Napa Valley’s newest brands is making a big splash 

in the wine industry by being one of the only brands to be almost completely 

spearheaded by women. Owned by Kathryn Walt Hall and Craig Hall, BACA is a 

fresh, new luxury California Zinfandel that fosters a sense of adventure. BACA, 

founded in 2018, is led by both Director Jennifer Brown and Winemaker Alison 

Frichtl Hollister, who have set out to create a wine that is nuanced, honest, current 

and fun. BACA is all about getting outside and making the most of each moment, 

which is something that feels natural to so many of its followers. 


While BACA celebrates the diversity that having women leaders brings to the 

company each and every day, they also pay special attention to International 

Women’s Month and Day. The theme of this year’s Women’s Day, happening 

on March 8th, is #BalanceForBetter, which is all about the effort for gender 

equality both professionally and personally. With far fewer than 50% of Napa 

Valley Wineries having female winemakers, BACA is incredibly fortunate to 

have Alison as their rock-star winemaker. They are even further shattering 

glass ceilings with the stand-out leadership of Director Jennifer Brown. 

Jennifer Brown leads brand development, marketing strategies, and operational 

plans, as well as spearheads Direct-to-Consumer and Wholesale channels for 

the newly launched luxury wine brand. Prior to working at HALL & WALT, 

Jennifer was the founder of Omghow / Girl Karma Inc., a social platform and 

positive destination for teen girls. 


“At BACA.” says Brown, “we have women in leadership positions across all 

parts of the company, including myself as the director of BACA and Alison 

Frichtl Hollister, as our winemaker. Women have touched every aspect of our 

wine – from the women in the fields who help pick the grapes to our Creative 

Manager Christy Logan, who designed our wine label. We know that having 

women and men at our winery increases diversity of thought and creates 

a better product. For example, I have often thought that women taste wine 

differently than men do, so having both Alison and Steve Leveque, our VP of 

Winemaking, in the winemaking process results in better wine.” 

Jennifer grew up in the wine industry. Some of her fondest childhood memories 

are skipping through her family’s Zinfandel vineyards in Redwood Valley 

with her brother. As a little girl, she would pick out stones from the vineyards 

to inspire her mother, Vintner Kathryn Hall, to choose a background for their 

family’s original WALT labels. 


“On a personal note, I grew up with a strong female role model, who showed 

me what it means to be a woman who knows her power. My mother, Kathryn 

Hall, has been a trailblazer in male-dominated industries. She was one of only 

a few women in her law school class; she was an ambassador to Austria, when 

most of her predecessors and employees were men; she is a vintner when 

most in the wine industry are men. I feel very proud to be a female leader 

and to work with so many smart, capable women and men.” Shares Director 

Jennifer Brown. 

BACA’s message has inspired celebrities, influencers and wine lovers alike 

have join forces in support of this female led brand. Check out BACA’s 

Instagram @BACAWines using the hashtag #ForTheZin to learn how you can 

get involved. Throughout the month of March, we are raising our glasses to 

the strong women who surround us in all aspects of life. Cheers to finding a 

#BalanceForBetter. 

BACA is part of the HALL Family of wine brands and is produced at HALL 

Wines in St. Helena. For more information, please visit www.bacawines.com. 


“CAN I FIND A HIGHER 

QUALITY OF LIFE FOR A 

LOWER PRICE?” 

BY: MIKE COBB 

When most people think of 

paradise it’s usually sunny 

and warm year-round, crystal 

blue waters, pristine beaches, 

stress-free tranquility. Often 

there’s an icy margarita in 

there somewhere too. And 

while different people imagine 

different versions of nirvana, 

there’s usually one common 

thread in trying to take those 

dreams from fantasy to reality. 


If you can achieve that, consider 

it paradise found. And thankfully 

you can…you don’t have to suffer 

Milton’s dilemma. That’s because 

there is just such a place and 

it’s only a few hours from your 

nearest airport. 

It’s no secret that for many years 

the best bang for your North 

American dollar was Central 

and South America. But with the 

overexposure of many traditional 

expat hotspots like Costa Rica, 

prices for foreigners looking to 

relocate abroad have inflated 

beyond ideal. Consider then, the 

newest Caribbean darling for inthe-know 

expats...Belize! 

While some savvy international 

minds have figured out the 

wonders that Belize has to offer, 

the country is still in its infancy of 

growing popularity. With worldclass 

diving, fly fishing, beautiful 

Caribbean climate and beaches, 

Mayan ruins in the jungle, colorful 

culture, and a host of top financial 

and investment opportunities, 

Belize is the expat secret that’s 

about to be let out of the bag. 

Real Estate Affordability 

For those interested in investing 

and owning foreign real estate, 

Belize is a buyer’s market. Whether 

for commercial property, rental 

property or even personal 

property to use for yourself 

and your family, the economic 

landscape of Belize is the perfect 

place for foreign capital injection. 


The reason is two-fold – one, 

while other countries in the 

region with a developmental head 

start were receiving press, Belize 

was waiting just out of sight, 

working on its infrastructure. 

When neighboring countries 

became too pricey, insightful 

investors turned their attention 

toward Belize, particularly the 

island of Ambergris Caye, which 

is surrounded by the crystal blue 

waters of the Caribbean. The result 

is an island with the infrastructure 

and quality-of-life opportunities 

to attract tourists and expats in 

waves. And two, its cost of living 

hasn’t yet caught up. Real estate 

prices are increasing as people 

catch on, but where we stand here 

in early 2019, assertive investors 

are still well ahead of the curve. 

Growing Tourism 

The heartbeat of any good tourism 

sector is the ease of travel in and 

out of the country. With tourist 

demand and international flights 

increasing every year into Belize, 

the Belize City International 

Airport (BZE) is well underway on 

a projected 130,000-square-foot 

expansion and renovation. This 

includes expanded baggage claim, 

increased duty-free shopping, 

additional check-in counters 

and departure gates, as well as 

expanded aircraft parking. 


In 2011, tourism in Belize 

accounted for 12 percent of 

the country’s GDP, bringing in 

$176M. By the end of 2018, that 

number had grown to over 38 

percent generating over $244M in 

revenues for the country. 

In 2015, 1.3 million tourists visited 

the small Caribbean nation and 

in 2016, tourism-related jobs 

made up nearly 13 percent of the 

country’s employment. 2017 saw 

an increase in arrivals in all 12 

months of the year, accounting for 

7.8 percent growth and monthly 

overnight arrivals reached highs of 

49,000 visitors by December. There 

was a 14.6 percent increase in 

overnight arrivals in 2018, which 

equates to a boost of more than 

62,000 visitors to the country. 

For two consecutive years, Belize 

has been featured prominently 

by National Geographic for both 

its tourist-friendly offerings and 

its conservation efforts to protect 

the famed Belize Barrier Reef. 

Proudly, due to intensive training 

and education efforts, the reef 

in Belize was recently removed 

from the UNESCO Danger List. 

Last year, Belize was named in the 

publication’s “Best Winter Trips 

2018,” and this year was the only 

Central American nation included 

in the list of “Best Trips 2019.” 


Caribbean Culture 

Unlike many of the other 

tourist hotspots in the region, 

Belize has been able to preserve 

its unadulterated Caribbean 

charm. You won’t find any chain 

restaurants or large shopping 

complexes. With infrastructure 

developing to satisfy North 

American standards of living, 

Belize has been able to make 

necessary improvements without 

trading advancement for culture. 

The local color is alive and 

well, evidenced by the fresh 

markets, locally-owned shops 

and restaurants, well-preserved 

archeological sites, and historical 

architecture. Those interested 

in diving, fishing, snorkeling, 

and incredible Mayan ruins will 

find unparalleled adventure 

in Belize. And U.S. expats and 

investors won’t have to overcome 

too many cultural boundaries 

in order to assimilate. English 

is the country’s official language 

and many of the local businesses 

accept U.S. currency. 

Tropical Climate 

Belize enjoys a Caribbean subtropical 

climate that many expats 

find to be a welcome change 

from their home country. Expect 

two seasons, rainy and dry, 

and average temperatures on 

the mainland falling between 

73°F and 75°F, although in the 

lowland jungles, the daytime 


temperatures will be in the 

90’s. The picturesque island of 

Ambergris Caye sees average 

temperatures hovering around 

77°F and receives great sea 

breezes. Anyone looking to 

escape the weight of Seasonal 

Affective Disorder will welcome 

Belize with open arms. 

Untapped Investment 

Opportunities 

Belize is the perfect example 

of an untapped market. 

Idyllic natural landscape, 

countless leisure and adventure 

opportunities, very affordable 

real estate, a push towards firstworld 

tourism infrastructure, 

and an undersaturated business 

market. This means huge 

potential for those willing to 

invest in the country. 

Pair this with close proximity 

to North America – less than 

two hours from Miami and 

Houston – the ease of opening 

a business in the country, the 

English language, attractive 

banking, trust and corporate 

registry laws, and you have a 

formula for success. Residency is 

easy to obtain and maintain and 

the locals are very welcoming to 

outsiders. If you’re serious about 

dipping your toes into the crystal 

blue waters of international 

investing and real estate, Belize 

is a regional opportunity you 

should examine right now. 


The perfect family 

vacation for kids 

of all ages 

BY LAURA D’ANGELO 

Fun in the sun looks very different to babies, school-aged kids and teens. 

Whether you’re a new Mom looking for tips on how to travel with your baby for 

the first time, or a Dad seeking a resort cool enough to convince your teen to 

come away with the family on vacation, then this guide is for you. 

To learn more about Sunwing’s top-rated family resorts, check out reviews by 

the tour operators trusted team of travel savvy Kidcationers who ensure familyfriendly 

resorts are kid-tested and parent-approved! 


Teens can ride non-stop waves at Royalton Bavaro Resort and Spa, Dominican Republic 

It’s often hard to convince teens to join the family vacation but if you pick a resort like Royalton 

Bavaro Resort and Spa they may even ask to bring their friends along too! From practicing their 

hang ten surf skills on FlowRider® – the ultimate surf machine, to learning new skills on the water 

with complimentary kayaking and paddle boarding, there’s plenty to fill their days with Instaworthy 

moments. Evenings can be spent at the Hangout Teens Lounge equipped with video games, pool 

tables and more or grabbing a burger with their friends at one of the many relaxed eateries, while 

you take advantage of the resort’s plentiful à la carte dining options. 


Preschoolers can join the Paw Patrol at Nickelodeon 

Hotels and Resorts Punta Cana, Dominican Republic 

Nickelodeon Hotels and Resorts Punta Cana is a preschooler’s 

paradise where cartoons come to life. Little ones can meet their 

favorite Nickelodeon characters including Dora the Explorer, 

the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, Paw Patrol and more! Kids 

can get slimed at the Aqua Nick Playground featuring a kiddie 

splash pad or glide down a two-story slide into a ball pit at the 

supervised kids club. For an unforgettable experience, families 

can stay in SpongeBob’s one-of-a-kind Pineapple Villa. 


Schoolchildren won’t want to skip class at Planet Hollywood Beach Resort, Costa Rica 

Planet Hollywood Beach Resort Costa Rica might be the only vacation destination where the 

kids will ask to go back to school: stage school that is. A favorite activity at the resort’s Star 

Kids Club is the performance arts program. Complete with a wardrobe room full of red carpetready 

costumes, video recording equipment and a green screen, mini-rock stars and aspiring 

Hollywood divas can learn how to write chart-topping hits or take centre stage in their very own 

movie. 


84 . DRIFTTRAVEL.COM 

Tweens can saddle up at Jewel Runaway Bay 

Beach and Golf Resort’s water park, Jamaica 

Home to not only one of the area’s largest water parks, 

Jewel Lagoon Water Park, but its own Wild West inspired 

ranch, Jewel Runaway Bay Beach and Golf Resort has 

everything to keep this tricky age group entertained. 

From zooming down daring slides to horseriding and 

honing their ‘cowboy skills’ learning how to lasso by day 

to an evening laser tag or s’mores by the beach bonfire, 

you may just convince them to leave that cell phone in the 

room (well for a few hours at least!).

LIFE 

IN THE 

FACE OF 

CANCER 

ERIC McCORMACK 

Stand Up To Cancer Canada 

Ambassador 

We all have a story to tell and no matter who 

you are – a mother, a son, a best friend – 

cancer will change your life forever. But with 

research, we can change the story and help 

Canadians affected by cancer to live their lives 

to the fullest. 

Join Stand Up To Cancer Canada and the 

Canadian Cancer Society to learn more about 

the groundbreaking research and clinical trials 

that translate into life-saving treatments that 

may help you or your loved ones. 

TOGETHER, WE CAN CHANGE 

THE FACE OF CANCER. 

Visit StandUpToCancer.ca/CCS to learn more. 

Photo 

ANDREW ECCLES 

Stand Up To Cancer Canada is a Canadian Registered Charity (Reg. # 80550 6730 RR0001). 

Stand Up To Cancer and the design trademarks are trademarks of the Entertainment Industry 

Foundation, used under license. 


#WHERETONEXT 

CANCUN, MEXICO 

Cancún, Mexican - on the Yucatán Peninsula 

bordering the Caribbean Sea. Known for its 

beaches, numerous resorts and nightlife. 

DRIFT Travel spends a week at the new 

Royalton Suites Cancun Resort and Spa. A 

5-star beachfront, all-inclusive family-friendly 

Mexico spa resort.

DRIFT Travel Spring 2019

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