Sarah Ricks, World TravelingMom, Author at Traveling Mom

My Top 11 Things to Do in Budapest, Hungary

Posted by Sarah Ricks, World TravelingMom | Jul 23, 2017 | 1 |

Among the best things to do in Budapest, Hungary are enjoy pastries while sipping coffee in luxurious cafes, explore its gorgeous architecture, or visit a public bath, says World TravelingMom. Or walk its bridges over the Danube River for great views of the city. At night, the city lights up its monuments, a dramatic sight best appreciated from a boat on the river. Ready for more tips? Read on for this and other things to do in Budapest. Budapest, Hungary has changed dramatically over the five times I’ve visited since 1983. Now, Budapest is a thriving Central European capital...

Is a European River Cruise Right for Your Family?

Posted by Sarah Ricks, World TravelingMom | Jul 20, 2017 | 18 |

A European river cruise might be a good fit if your family enjoys exploring palaces, churches, medieval history – and skipping logistics. Philadelphia Traveling Mom Sarah Ricks and her family have taken two European river cruises. With her teenagers, she cruised the Seine to visit places in Normandy, France. Without kids, she and her husband cruised the Danube to visit Austria, Hungary, and Slovakia. They loved exploring different places across a region – without the hassle of logistics. My husband, teens, and I cruised the Seine River to visit villages and cities in Normandy, France. Without kids, my husband...

7 Reasons to Visit Ljubljana, Slovenia

Posted by Sarah Ricks, World TravelingMom | Jun 23, 2017 | 6 |

Beautiful Ljubljana, Slovenia is filled with gorgeous 17th – 19th century architecture. Lively sidewalk cafes and city squares, good museums, and a friendly, sprawling green park, all appealed to Philadelphia Traveling Mom Sarah Ricks. In the center of town, there’s a castle on a hill and a river. The Old Town is easily walkable. Nearby is the natural beauty of Lake Bled and its surrounding mountains. And these are just are some of the reasons to visit Ljubljana, Slovenia. I visited Ljubljana for four days with my husband and college-age daughter. And I immediately fell in love with this...

My Accidental $2000 Room at Hotel Imperial in Vienna

Posted by Sarah Ricks, World TravelingMom | Jun 12, 2017 | 4 |

Philadelphia Traveling Mom Sarah Ricks got a good deal at the luxurious Hotel Imperial in Vienna, Austria. But when she checked in, the hotel desk clerk played fairy godmother. The hotel upgraded the room, for free, by a huge amount. Oh thanks, said our Traveling Mom, not appreciating the enormity of the upgrade. When she arrived in the fabulous $2000 a night hotel room, she got a taste of how the other half lives. In 1863, the Prince of Wurttemberg built an extravagant palace in the heart of Vienna. Since 1873, the palace has been a sumptuous luxury hotel,...

Harry Potter Themed Tour of the Metropolitan Museum

Posted by Sarah Ricks, World TravelingMom | Jun 12, 2017 | 19 |

Harry Potter fans, this Harry Potter themed tour is for you. Kids are often bored by art museums. But Philadelphia Traveling Mom Sarah Ricks discovered a magical way to make art come to life at the Metropolitan Museum in New York. She explored the Met by hunting for wizarding wands, horcruxes, and magical creatures. The Metropolitan Museum’s art and statues come alive through a lively new Harry Potter themed tour. Harry Potter Themed Tour of the Metropolitan Museum I discovered a great way to spark kids’ interest in visiting the amazing art at the Metropolitan Museum in New...

Family Fun at Beaches Near Wilmington, North Carolina

Posted by Sarah Ricks, World TravelingMom | May 21, 2017 | 21 |

Swim and sand time top the list of family fun at beaches near Wilmington, North Carolina. But Wrightsville, Carolina, and Kure Beaches have lots to do when you’re not splashing in the surf. Philadelphia TravelingMom Sarah Ricks explored a botanical garden, enjoyed an exhilarating sailboat ride, and visited the ruins of a Civil War-era fort. She’s got restaurant recommendations for foodies, for great ocean views, and for relaxing with family. Family fun at beaches near Wilmington, North Carolina includes sailing, exploring a botanical garden, restaurants, visiting a Civil War fort, and more. Sailing – Ride or Lesson I have...

Wonderful Things to Do in Wilmington, North Carolina

Posted by Sarah Ricks, World TravelingMom | May 10, 2017 | 4 |

Philadelphia Traveling Mom Sarah Ricks says strolling the pretty wooden walkway on the riverbank was one of her favorite things to do in Wilmington, North Carolina. Plus, the riverwalk is free. But Wilmington has much more. Explore antebellum house museums, gorgeous 19th architecture, an historical downtown district that is easily walkable, and African-American history. A plantation near Wilmington is both a house museum and – surprise – a horse sanctuary. Things to do in Wilmington, North Carolina include exploring antebellum architecture and house museums. We enjoyed walking along the river front, a ghost walk, and boutique shops in Wilmington’s walkable...

Bed and Breakfast in Wilmington, North Carolina

Posted by Sarah Ricks, World TravelingMom | May 5, 2017 | 15 |

Wilmington, North Carolina is a 19th century town at the edge of a river and also close to the Atlantic Ocean. A bed and breakfast in Wilmington, North Carolina can be in the historic downtown. Or stay at the beach to explore Wilmington. Philadelphia Traveling Mom Sarah Ricks first stayed in historic Wilmington at an elegant mansion converted into a bed and breakfast. Later, she explored the nearby beaches from a casual beachfront bed and breakfast with a fun retro 1950s vibe. A bed and breakfast in Wilmington, North Carolina can be a relaxed beach house or an elegant...

Philadelphia Locals Reveal Favorite Spots

Posted by Sarah Ricks, World TravelingMom | Apr 18, 2017 | 2 |

Philadelphia locals know where to go for a magical mosaic sculpture, great burgers, a giant wooden slide, Amish farm stands, pop-up parks, a Japanese garden, and more. Tourists know about some of the Philadelphia favorites. But other spots are only known to locals and require the inside scoop from a local guide. Philadelphia TravelingMom Sarah Ricks lets you in on 12 local Philadelphia favorite places to visit, play, and eat. Philadelphia locals love some spots that are on the tourist radar, like Reading Terminal. But many of my favorite places to play and eat in Philadelphia are only known to...

No Car Necessary: A Weekend in Claremont, California

Posted by Sarah Ricks, World TravelingMom | Mar 28, 2017 | 6 |

No need for a car during a weekend in Claremont, California, because everything is within walking distance in this upscale village. Restaurants, shops, art galleries, day spas, and the beautiful campus of the Claremont Colleges are all within a few blocks of each other. Philadelphia TravelingMom stayed at a downtown boutique hotel for the weekend. She avoided all California traffic because there was no need to drive. We recently spent a weekend in Claremont, California. My husband and I enjoy visiting this upscale village with its boutique shops and good restaurants. Claremont is home to a gorgeous college campus...