Ok, so just this title makes me want to sign up right away so let’s take a look at the details. Palace Resorts is wanting to fly you to their resort and back now that is All-Inclusive to a new level, they call it an “awe”-inclusive Palace Resort.

Palace Resorts is a company that sets the standard in five-star, all-inclusive resort accommodations and Palace Resorts is pleased to announce Fly Me To The Moon, an exclusive promotion for guests traveling to Moon Palace Jamaica, a AAA Four Diamond resort.

Palace Resorts is taking the all-inclusive concept and making it truly AWE inclusive, Fly Me To The Moon includes two round-trip airline tickets from anywhere in the U.S. to Jamaica, when booking a stay of six nights or more*.  (See below for extra details on that)

Moon Palace Jamaica is Palace Resorts’ first property outside of Mexico and Jamaica’s most luxurious all-inclusive resort. Since opening, the property has already achieved the esteemed recognition of being named a AAA Four Diamond resort. The family-friendly property offers guests the opportunity to experience 17-acres of ivory sand on the longest stretch of private beach in Ocho Rios. The resort features the only FlowRider® Double wave simulator in Jamaica, lavish swimming pools, a kids water park, multiple dining destinations and bars, a gourmet corridor, an ultra-chic nightclub, NOIR, and signature AWE Spa®, the largest spa in Jamaica.

The resort also offers an array of off-site activities such as: kayaking, paddle boarding, or even taking a scenic catamaran ride through the clear waters of Ocho Rios. Guests have access to complimentary Wi-Fi, 24-hour room service, CHI hair care products and unlimited long distance calls to the United States. Moon Palace Jamaica is on track to becoming one of the Caribbean’s top entertainment destinations with world-class performances by OMI, Shaggy, MAGIC!, Sean Paul among others. 

*Flights can be out of any airport in the Continental U.S. and must have an arrival destination to Montego Bay Sangster International Airport.  Transfers to and from the airport will also be included. All reservations must be made approximate 60 days prior to the preferred travel dates.  This promotion is available for immediate booking through August 31, 2018, for travel beginning September 1, 2018 – April 30, 2019. Blackout dates are November 17, 2018 – November 24, 2018, December 24, 2018 – January 3, 2019, and April 14, 2019 – April 20, 2019.

We spent an extended weekend at Semiahmoo Resort as a family and we had a blast. From the moment we arrived, we felt like VIP, now we were VIP, because we received one night free and two more nights at a media rate but everyone was treated as a VIP. I watched how the Semiahmoo staff interacted with everyone. At check in, Semiahmoo offers you free VIP parking service. At first we were going to say no, but then we thought, why not use it. They also have free electric vehicle charging, which was awesome!

Another thing that happens when you check in is the Semiahmoo staff goes over all the events you can try out. For example they have Wine Nights, Seafood Boils, and BBQ nights. Some of these events includes games and live music. They also have movie nights and nightly smores. The wonderful thing about Smores night is that they will start smores night at whatever time is convenient for your children. Yes they schedule it at 8 but let’s say you want your kids in bed by 8 then they will start them early.

We were only supposed to stay there for two nights, but we ended up adding on a third because of how amazing our stay was. Staying at Semiahmoo makes it very easy to be unplugged and enjoying yourself as a family. We have come up with a list of 10 things you can do at Semiahmoo, and  this isn’t everything.

10 Things to Do At Semiahmoo Resort

1. Bike Riding, Kayaks and Body Boards – for guests at the resort you can get 1 hour of bike riding free per day of your stay. You can rent the bikes for longer. You can also rent kayaks and body boards. My son wouldn’t relax until we took him for a bike ride and it was so fun.

2. Trail Hiking – We decided one morning that we wanted to talk to the Semiahmoo Golf Course for breakfast. We were told it was just over, 2 miles and thought we can do that. So we went for a walk, it ended up being over 3 miles so we took the hotel shuttle back. We had a blast walking because the trails along the road were quite nice. We even came upon an Bald Eagle. He was in the trees right above us and his wings were so loud. I’ve never been that close to an Eagle. He startled us at first because he was so loud, but as he flew away, that was when we realized he was an American Bald Eagle.

3.  Enjoy the Beach, Ocean, and Tide – My son and I got up every morning and walked the beach. We like to talk and enjoy a few moments of the day before my husband and daughter get up. He collected shells and found different kinds of sea life. One morning before we left the resort, the tide was down super low, so low it looked like we could walk to Canada. My family didn’t make it but they had fun trying.

4. Enjoy Excellent Food – Semiahmoo resort was full of different amazing food options. We had breakfast at the golf course, and all our other meals at the resort. They have two different sides to their restaurant and each one serves mostly the same food, they just have different feels.

5. Feel Like a VIP – The staff here are amazing. Anything you need if it is within their power to provide for you they do. They have such excellent service and I can’t stress this enough. We had a few issues, like a broken thermostat, and a fridge that wasn’t working. They quickly fixed both with no questions asked. I never felt like, oh no, here comes the blogger that wants everything perfect. Because really, I don’t. I like seeing how the staff responds to things and this was beautifully.

6. Play Golf – Semiahmoo resort includes a golf course a few miles away. We aren’t golfers so we didn’t try it, but we did walk along the golf course and it was glorious.

7. Enjoy the Family Room & Games – Past the fireplace and to the left there is a family room. The family room includes games and activities you can do as a family on a rainy day. There are also a few books to choose from. So grab a game and have some fun. During the day, the family room also offers a children’s program, a glorified day care if you will. We used the service one day and the kids spent three hours making different arts and crafts, indoor and outdoor. It gave my husband and I some time to have some alone time.

8. Outdoor Games – I can’t believe how many different outdoor activities are included with your stay at this hotel. They have a chess set, a volleyball net, and horse shoes. They have a sand box and plenty of shovels and buckets. They also have this wooden box of all kinds of balls, rackets and frisbees. We never ran out of things to do.

9. Movie Night – We were so busy doing other things we never participated in movie night. But on both, Friday and Saturday night they shoed a movie in their theater. You can reserve the theater and order room service and enjoy a movie from a list of about 300? I can’t quite remember the exact number but it a lot to choose from.

10. Enjoy the Spa, Pool and Gym – We loved getting a couples massage. It was unlike anyone I’ve had before because it was very deep. It was lots of pushing and rubbing instead of what I’m used to but it was still good. They also have a sauna, a steam room, and a gym. While we didn’t use the workout room, we used one of the indoor courts to play basketball and tennis. We also enjoyed the outdoor pool. It has a very tiny portion of the pool covered but not enough in my opinion to call it an indoor pool. They have a hot tub to enjoy too if you think the heated pool is too cold for the day. We found the pool to be the perfect temperature and we even swam in the rain.

oh and the spa dog.

In conclusion: I would have to describe this hotel as pure joy.

We love traveling and have started to travel a lot more here at MomStart. Our latest adventure took us to the border of Canada and the US at Semiahmoo Resort. It’s amazing. Look for that review soon. We will also have a trip to Hawaii and Florida for you guys to look forward to. For now though, we want to focus on properties in the United States and Fiji that have experts on sites that lead guests through some really extraordinary experiences.

Extraordinary Experiences With Guided Tours

In Wyoming

In-House Naturalist at Hotel Terra Jackson Hole and Teton Mountain Lodge & Spa (Jackson Hole, Wyoming)

Hotel Terra Jackson Hole and Teton Mountain Lodge & Spa, which are slopeside to Jackson Hole Mountain Resort, the number one ski resort in North America according to Forbes, boast an onsite naturalist, Kurt Johnson of Wild Things of Wyoming. Kurt guides travelers through off-site wildlife safaris, astronomy nights, and photography workshops, and provides high-quality field guides for visitors. Kurt offers day trips and multi-day itineraries in both Grand Teton National Park and Yellowstone National Park. On the wildlife adventure excursions, participants create lifetime memories as they thrill at the up-close observation of bison, elk, bighorn sheep, moose, coyotes, wolves and bald eagles in their natural environment.

In New Mexico

Adventure Architect at Four Seasons Resort Rancho Encantado (Santa Fe, New Mexico)

As a life-long explorer and passionate story-teller, Four Seasons Resort Rancho Encantado’s resident Adventure Architect, Ismar “Izzy” Uzicanin, is the dedicated experiential guide for guests at the resort. Leading a team of eight adventure experts, including an archeologist, art historian and veteran National Park ranger, Izzy connects adventure seekers to the rich culture, history and magical landscape of northern New Mexico. From private guided hikes, cultural tours, art excursions and explorative bike tours through the Santa Fe National Forest to horseback riding, white water rafting, skiing and snow shoeing, Izzy’s passion for adventure and discovery know no bounds.

Cultural Curator at The St. Regis Mexico City (Mexico City, Mexico)

The St. Regis Mexico City, the cosmopolitan hotel setting the highest standard for luxury and bespoke service in Mexico, offers guests the expertise of its Cultural Curator. Set in the heart of the famed capital city, The St. Regis Mexico City’s Cultural Curator features three distinct categories: kids and family; art and architecture; and history and culture, each showcasing the city’s extraordinary vitality and providing guests with unprecedented access to a variety of distinguished exhibits, curators, and events. Offering an unrivaled dimension of exclusivity and sophistication, The Cultural Curator can arrange private tours at the various museums and landmarks, including insider access to the top curators, and share exclusive invitations to special openings and events.

In Fiji

On-Site Marine Biologist at Jean-Michel Cousteau Resort (Fiji)

Guests at Jean-Michel Cousteau Resort will learn about the beauty and wonders of the ocean from the resort’s marine biologist, Johnny Singh. It is the only resort that employs a full-time resident marine biologist, helping visitors appreciate the Fijian natural systems and understand the Cousteau philosophy. He interprets the surrounding ecosystems for the education and enjoyment of the guests, regularly diving and snorkeling with the guests, and conducting evening slide presentations, video presentations, and night snorkels for audiences of all ages. Singh educates guests, by way of stories and lessons from the natural ecosystem, about the necessity of protecting our environment through action and advocacy in our daily lives.

In Colorado

Curator of Curiosity at Gateway Canyons Resort & Spa (Gateway, Colorado)

Zebulon Miracle is the curator of curiosity for Gateway Canyons Resort & Spa and is uniquely qualified to guide visitors through the land, cultures, history, and heritage of the American Southwest. After serving numerous positions at the Museum of Western Colorado, including curator of anthropology, collections manager, and curator of cross orchards historic site, Zebulon was honored with the opportunity to start a new position and department for Gateway Canyons Resort & Spa that allows visitors the chance to not only see and hear the wonderful history and geology of the area, but to experience it firsthand. The resort offers numerous tours and experiences led by Zebulon such as the Dinosaur Track & Geology excursion, which features a tour of the Dolores River Canyon to find some of the best preserved dinosaur and ancient proto-mammal tracks in the area. A full list of the programs can be found here.

We look forward to trying these places out as our travels continue to increase. I’m hoping maybe next summer we can take an epic road trip.

The heat is on and boy is it on. It’s 85 degrees outside and that’s unusual for us. According to AAA, 88 percent of American travelers report they plan to take their families on vacation this year. Here is a list of “Top 10” choices for kid-friendly vacations with plenty of activity suggestions to minimize planning (a perk for parents!) and keep the focus on fun. One Destination I would add to this post would be the hotel we just stayed at.

1. Semiahmoo Resort in Washington State. Semiahmoo contains everything you need to stay unplugged and busy as a family. They have games, a game room, a library and a pool. There are bikes you can rent by the hour and for guests the first hour is free. You can Kayak, golf, or paddle board. There is a chess set and volleyball net right outside the rooms. They also have excellent food and rooms. I can go on and on about this place.

Top 10 Travel Destinations for Kids

1. Discover North Carolina gold. Just 20 minutes north of Charlotte, N.C., Cabarrus County is family vacation gold. In fact, kids can pan for the precious metal at Reed Gold Mine in Midland – the state’s only underground gold mine open to the public. Dine on authentic Carolinas BBQ at the deservedly popular Smoke Pit. Take a self-guided walking tour of Concord’s Union Street and check out the art exhibits at Cabarrus Arts Council. Stop at Cabarrus Creamery for homemade ice cream in signature flavors like Moon Pie, inspired by the classic Southern chocolate-covered graham cracker and marshmallow snack cake. Watch a first-run movie at one of the oldest single-screen theatres still in operation. And cap it off with a stay at Great Wolf Lodge resort – home to the largest indoor waterpark in the Carolinas.
2. Footloose and stress-free in the Adirondacks. Lake Placid’s all-suite Whiteface Lodge has bucked the resort fee trend in favor of a resort-inclusive concept that lets families avoid surprise charges on their bill at check-out. Here’s just a small sampling of what’s included in the room rate: complimentary breakfast; family-friendly movies in a 56-seat surround sound movie theater; game room complete with two-lane bowling alley; nightly s’mores; and a catch-and-release pond with all fishing equipment. Complimentary kids’ club Kamp Kanu is open daily in summer.  And while it’s not free, the Sunset Club lets couples enjoy an evening on their own while their kids have pizza and supervised fun for a sliding fee of $30 for the first child, $20 for the second, and $10 for any additional ones.

3. “Fun Central” in Monterey. Just two blocks from the ocean, Embassy Suites by Hilton Monterey Bay Seaside is “family fun central” on the central California coast, from Monterey Bay Aquarium to the kid-friendly National Steinbeck Center Museum, and the shops, dining and entertainment of Cannery Row. A two-night Monterey Bay Aquarium Package includes two two-day admission tickets (additional tickets available for purchase) plus cooked-to-order breakfast; complimentary Evening Reception; local airport transfers; and pool and fitness center access. Also nearby: the hands-on MyMuseum and Dennis the Menace park, known for its whimsical play equipment. 

4. Everything under the Florida sun. Palm Beach Marriott Singer Island Beach Resort & Spa is an oceanfront oasis for family vacationers, with newly renovated, condo-style accommodations that include a full kitchen, private balcony and in-suite washer and dryer. The Kids Club caters to children ages 4-12 with a daily “menu” of crafts, sports and adventures from sea shell expeditions and bodyboard lessons to sand art and candy creation. Lagoon Pool is a grotto-style, heated outdoor pool with two-story waterfall and water slide, plus Friday and Saturday night Dive-In movies.
5. A family forest ride at Pebble Beach. From its spectacular coastline setting to its world-class amenities, Pebble Beach Resorts delivers an unsurpassed guest experience. And that includes helping parents create lasting memories for their children. One such opportunity: a horseback guided trail tour for the whole family through the beautiful Del Monte Forest. Pebble Beach Equestrian Center offers riders of all experience levels, ages seven and up, a chance to explore the forest via more than 27 miles of marked equestrian trails. The 50-minute tour is priced at $95 per person.
6. They’ll take Manhattan. With kid-friendly attractions like the Empire State Building, The LEGO Store, Central Park Zoo, Discovery Times Square and Broadway theaters all just a short stroll away, midtown’s Sofitel New York is perfectly situated for a quintessential Manhattan family vacation. The hotel’s luxury suites can comfortably fit a family of four and are all located on the 23^rd floor and above, ensuring world-class views of the famous New York skyline.

7. A Martha’s Vineyard getaway for the ages. Presiding over the heart of Edgartown, historic Harbor View Hotel has been a home away from home for generations of travelers. In recent years, that home has expanded to include five spacious Captain’s Cottages ideal for those seeking quality time with the kids on a classic New England beach getaway. Parents will find no shortage of ways to keep young ones busy, thanks to a robust daily schedule of activities like lawn games, morning yoga for all ages on the Great Lawn, sandcastle building, beach blanket bingo, water balloon games, scavenger hunts, and rubber duck races, to name a few.
8. Summer in the ‘Cuse. Syracuse is in full swing as this Central New York city continues its renaissance, and Marriott Syracuse Downtown puts families in the heart of the action. Opened last year in a landmark 1924 building that was once the historic Hotel Syracuse, the new hotel is just a short stroll from MoST (Museum of Science and Technology) and quick ride to Destiny USA’s Wonder Works indoor amusement park. This summer, the live animals at nearby Rosamond Gifford Zoo will be joined by a dozen animatronic dinosaurs in “Dinosaur Invasion!” from May 25 to Sept. 3. And Green Lakes State Park, just a 10-mile drive, beckons for a family day outside on the water.
9. A Beantown bonanza. The Element Boston Seaport District is a great family-friendly option for Boston travelers, thanks to features like full in-room kitchens, complimentary RISE breakfast, a heated saline swimming pool, outdoor patio with self-serve grill, and complimentary Bikes to Borrow that launch family travelers on pedal-powered adventures around Beantown. Among the notable kid-friendly sites nearby: Fenway Park, Faneuil Hall Marketplace, Boston Common, Freedom Trail, Boston Public Garden of Make Way for Ducklings fame, and New England Aquarium. And don’t forget $1 admission to the Boston Children’s Museum on Friday evenings.

10. Hop the pond to Harry Potter (and more). CIE Tours International’s curated Family Vacation Collection offers eight-day itineraries in Britain and Ireland that will spark young imaginations and captivate travelers of all ages. Irish Myths and Legends includes castles and ruins to explore, a farm visit with sheepdog demonstration, and Irish cooking class. English Knights and Wizards spans from London to the Welsh countryside with a steam train ride, falconry exhibition, and tour of Warner Bros. The Making of Harry Potter. Among the highlights of Scottish Lochs and Castles: a speedboat ride, Tall Ship tour, red deer encounter and Loch Ness cruise.