Blogs

Travel Guides

Confluence of Mohawk and Hudson rivers at lock E2 the beginning of the Erie Canal at sunset

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... →
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: 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... →
Artisanal Christmas Ornament with the Chicago city scape as a design

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... →
Ceramic mugs at Chriskindl Market in Minneapolis MN

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... →
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 ...
Read More... →
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 ...
Read More... →
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 ...
Read More... →
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: 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... →
View of the Christmas Village of Maria-Theresien-Platz, with the Christmas Market sandwiched between two imperial buildings

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... →

Search Posts

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

Topics

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-Avatar

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.

    YouTube Facebook Spotlight Sojourns Website Linkedin Instagram