Helen Hatzis Profile Overview

Helen Hatzis

Helen Hatzis

Helen Hatzis, is the Chief Exploration Office and Co-Founder of Trip Jaunt. Helen is a recipient of the Governor-General Award, has been honoured as one of Canada's Nicest People! A true xenophile at heart, she finds joy in traveling and delights in sharing her experiences through Trip Jaunt (formerly Weekend Jaunt), an online travel community and hub she established in 2010. Her aspiration is to inspire others to explore the world as she does! Helen is an esteemed advisory member of the North American Travel Journalists Association.
audiobook
 · 5 min read

Top 5 Audiobooks to Keep You Company on the Road

As an avid traveller and reader, I’ve always packed books for the journey—whether it’s a plane ride, lounging on a lanai with an ocean view, or finding shade under a palm tree. Before embracing audiobooks, I would lug around physical books, filling my carry-on with five or more titles for long holidays. For some time […]

Kauai
 · 6 min read

Island Hopping to Kauai: A Cottage-Country Vibe in Paradise

Island hopping in Hawaii is an experience like no other, and stepping onto Kauai feels like entering a laid-back haven with lush landscapes and a pace that shifts you into relaxation mode. After leaving the vibrant energy of Maui, Kauai greeted me with a calm, tranquil atmosphere that reminded me of a weekend getaway in […]

ecotherapy
 · 3 min read

Nature’s Healing Power: The Benefits of Ecotherapy in Travel

I try my best to carve out time each day to walk in the forest near my house or, at the very least, along the boardwalk, taking in the vastness of Lake Ontario. Ecotherapy, also known as nature therapy, is a powerful way to harness the healing effects of the natural world. Spending time outdoors […]

Eco-Friendly Travel
 · 3 min read

5 Eco-Friendly Travel Destinations Around the World

Eco-friendly travel is no longer just a buzzword but a way of life for many conscious travellers. As destinations around the globe prioritize sustainability and environmental protection, eco-conscious travellers are increasingly seeking places that support green tourism. In this guide, we’ll explore eco-friendly travel destinations where you can enjoy your holiday while contributing to the […]

hawaii
 · 4 min read

A Day with Hawaii in Toronto: Exploring the Islands

Today, I had the pleasure of attending a gathering that brought together representatives from four of Hawaii’s stunning islands—Hawai’i, O’ahu, Maui, and Kauai. Having personally visited the islands of Hawai’i, Maui, and Kauai, I was excited to deepen my knowledge about each one and look forward to exploring O’ahu in the future. My last visit […]

Beach Toronto
 · 7 min read

The Beach: A Local’s Guide to Toronto’s Lakeside Neighbourhood

Along the shores of Lake Ontario, just east of Toronto’s downtown core, lies the Beach—a neighbourhood that blends small-town charm with big-city amenities and a population of just over 20,000 residents. It’s a community where the bustle of Toronto melts into the sound of waves meeting the shoreline, children playing, and friends and families strolling […]

destination dupe
 · 5 min read

Destination “Dupes”: The Smart Way to Travel in 2024

In an age where social media and global connectivity have made travel more accessible and desirable, popular tourist destinations are often overwhelmed with visitors. The charm and allure of places like Portofino, Santorini, Bali, and Paris can be somewhat diminished by the throngs of tourists, long queues, and soaring prices. As a result, a new […]

Regenerative travel
 · 2 min read

Regenerative Travel: Going Beyond Sustainability for a Positive Impact

Regenerative travel takes the concept of sustainability one step further by encouraging travellers to leave destinations better than they found them. Unlike sustainable tourism, which focuses on minimising impact, regenerative travel seeks to restore and enhance the natural environment and local cultures. This post explores how you can embrace regenerative travel and contribute to the […]

forest bathing
 · 2 min read

Forest Bathing: How Immersing in Nature Can Revitalise Your Travels

Forest bathing, or shinrin-yoku, is the Japanese practice of immersing oneself in nature to reduce stress and promote well-being. In today’s fast-paced world, forest bathing offers a mindful way to slow down, reconnect with nature, and revitalise both body and mind during your travels. This guide explores how forest bathing can enhance your travel experience, offering […]

New York Wine Experience 2024
 · 6 min read

My First New York Wine Experience: A Taste of Global Excellence

Attending the New York Wine Experience 2024 for the first time was an exhilarating experience. I was there on behalf of Grapes for Humanity Canada, where I serve as President of the Board of Directors, alongside fellow board member Steven Campbell, a seasoned veteran in the restaurant and wine industry with over 50 years of […]

wine
 · 4 min read

Wine, Philanthropy, and a Serendipitous Lunch in NYC

I arrived in New York City yesterday for a truly special event: the Grapes for Humanity Global Foundation’s “Wine Legends Dinner V.” As the sister organization to Grapes for Humanity Canada, the U.S. chapter, founded in 2003 by Arlene Willis, shares the same passion for wine and philanthropy. This year’s event promised to be an […]