Blogs
Erie Canal, New York: Travel the Legendary Route on a Bucket List Road Trip
By Marilee Kostadimas | Travel, USA
Travel the legendary Erie Canal route on an unexpected and epic bucket-list road trip across New York State. First opening on October 26, 1825, the ...
Read More... 
Lewiston, New York: Niagara’s Hidden Gem Off the Beaten Path
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, ...
Read More... 
Christkindlmarket Chicago, Authentic German Christmas Markets in Chicago
By Marilee Kostadimas | Travel, USA
The enchanting Christkindlmarket Chicago creates holiday magic and memories infused with the festive spirit of German Christmas Markets. Christkindlmarket Chicago celebrates the holiday season in ...
Read More... 
St Paul European Christmas Market, a Traditional Holiday Market in the Twin Cities
By Marilee Kostadimas | Travel, USA
The St Paul European Christmas Market is a festive, free holiday market in Saint Paul, Minnesota. Inspired by traditional European Christmas Market, it's one of ...
Read More... 
Minneapolis Christkindl Market, a Charming Christmas Market in the Twin Cities
By Marilee Kostadimas | Travel, USA
The Minneapolis Christkindl Market charms and cheers visitors with traditional European-inspired Christmas festivities in Minnesota's Twin Cities. Let’s discover together this delightful German-style Christmas Market ...
Read More... 
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 ...
Read More... 
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 ...
Read More... 
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 ...
Read More... 
Vienna Winter: Things to Do, See, and Celebrate in a Magical Season
By Marilee Kostadimas | Austria, Travel
Vienna in winter is the perfect place to be in a magical season. One of Europe's most beautiful cities, the Austrian capital sparkles and shines ...
Read More... 
Vienna Christmas Markets: Where Viennese Christmas Dreams Come True
By Marilee Kostadimas | Austria, Travel
Vienna Christmas markets combine time-honored traditions, timeless treasures, and twinkle aplenty. These magical markets are the real-life places where Viennese Christmas dreams come true. The ...
Read More... Get travel inspo!
Subscribe to our weekly newsletter and join our global community of slow travelers and travel dreamers.
It's a quick 1-2 minute read with slow travel stories, hidden gems, travel tips, recommendations, and conversations.
"Don't call it a newsletter! It's not a newsletter." "It’s the only email l really read and enjoy."
The Hidden Gemologists
All opinions expressed are Spotlight Sojourns' own.
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.