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Artisanal Christmas Ornament with the Chicago city scape as a design

Christkindlmarket Chicago 2026 Guide to Illinois’ Authentic German Christmas Markets

By Marilee Kostadimas | Travel,  USA

The enchanting Christkindlmarket Chicago creates holiday magic and memories infused with the authentic traditions and festive spirit of Austrian and German Christmas Markets. Paul and ...
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St Paul European Christmas Market: Blog Cover Image

St Paul European Christmas Market 2026 Guide to Minnesota’s Holiday Tradition

By Marilee Kostadimas | Travel,  USA

The St Paul European Christmas Market is a beloved holiday tradition in Saint Paul, Minnesota. It's a festive, authentic holiday event with free admission and ...
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Ceramic mugs at Chriskindl Market in Minneapolis MN

Minneapolis Christkindl Market 2026 Guide to the Twin Cities’ Magical Christmas Market

By Marilee Kostadimas | Travel,  USA

The enchanting Minneapolis Christkindl Market charms and delights visitors with classic European-inspired Christmas festivities in Minnesota's Twin Cities. Paul and I (Marilee) greatly enjoy traditional ...
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Christmas tree and decorations in Lisbons Rosio Square

Christmas in Lisbon: Must-Visit Markets, Magical Lights, and Meaningful Traditions

By Marilee Kostadimas | Portugal,  Travel

Christmas in Lisbon (Natal em Lisboa) is a meaningful and magical season of delightful markets, dazzling lights, delicious holiday foods, and deep cultural traditions. The ...
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Vienna Maria Theresien Platz Christmas Market copyright Spotlight Sojourns

Viennese Christmas Markets: A Curated Guide to Celebrate Christmas in Vienna 2026

By Marilee Kostadimas | Austria,  Travel

Planning to celebrate Christmas in Vienna? Wunderbar! Viennese Christmas Markets bring time-honored traditions, timeless culture, and twinkle aplenty to the historic, romantic Austrian capital. During ...
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Confluence of Mohawk and Hudson rivers at lock E2 the beginning of the Erie Canal at sunset

Erie Canal, New York: Travel Guide to an Epic Road Trip Along the Legendary Waterway

By Marilee Kostadimas | Travel,  USA

The legendary Erie Canal is a fully Navigable National Historic Landmark across New York State. The Erie Canal is also an unexpected epic road trip ...
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Stella Niagara preserve with trees starting to bloom, tall grass covers the foreground in front of a small white isolated church, the turquoise waters of the mighty Niagara River flow past, and a motor boat skims the water

Lewiston, New York: Travel Guide to the Historic Hidden Gem on the Niagara River

By Marilee Kostadimas | Travel,  USA

Travel off the beaten path in New York State to Lewiston, the beautiful and historic hidden gem on the Niagara River. Yes, nearby Niagara Falls, ...
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Lush green island in the middle of a deep blue sea with mountains in the background. This is Pontikonisi The Legendary 'Mouse' Island in Corfu, Greece

Pontikonisi, the Legendary Mouse Island, Corfu

By Marilee Kostadimas | Greece,  Travel

Let's discover Pontikonisi, the lovely little islet fondly named Mouse Island, Corfu, and its legendary tales (or shall I say, "tails"). Pontikonisi is a tiny ...
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An open green wrought-iron gate with gold Greek lettering spelling 'ΑΧΙΛΛΕΙΟΝ' leading along a paved pathway toward the white Achilleion Palace in Corfu, Greece.

The Achilleion Palace: Empress Elisabeth of Austria’s Villa in Corfu, Greece

By Marilee Kostadimas | Greece,  Travel

Once upon a time in the late 19th century, Empress Elisabeth of Austria created a palatial retreat, the Achilleion Palace, on the Greek island of ...
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Exterior photo of a sunny winter's day infront of the decorated gates to the Rathausplatz Christkindlmarkt (Christmas market) at the Rathausplatz square.

Vienna Winter, the Magical Season: A Slow Travel Guide

By Marilee Kostadimas | Austria,  Travel

Vienna winter is the magical season for cultural and slow travelers. The historic Austrian capital sparkles beautifully and shines brilliantly during the cold winter months. ...
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Feature Articles

Famous Landmarks in Greece to Visit in All 14 Greek Regions

3 Days in Lisbon Portugal: Ultimate Lisbon Itinerary and Travel Tips

Vienna Winter: Things to Do, See, and Celebrate in a Magical Season

What is Third Wave Coffee? Craft and the Specialty Coffee Journey

Erie Canal, New York: Travel the Legendary Route on a Bucket List Road Trip

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All content and images are original, created with care by yours truly, Marilee Kostadimas and Paul Kostadimas. We're the Hidden Gemologists® of Spotlight Sojourns: Award-winning travel experts and slow travel storytellers. Because slow travel is meaningful travel, part of a meaningful life. And stories enrich the meaning.

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