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.
Thanksgiving is a holiday filled with family, food, and gratitude, yet its origins and traditions differ between Canada and the United States. It’s also worth noting how Thanksgiving intersects with the acknowledgment of Indigenous peoples in both nations. Let’s explore the history, cultural differences, and the interesting fact that Thanksgiving in the U.S. and Indigenous […]
Nestled atop a hill overlooking Toronto, Casa Loma stands as a timeless monument to the city’s early 20th-century grandeur. For years, I mistakenly referred to it as “Castle Loma”—can you blame me? With its towering spires, stone façade, and grandiose appearance, it certainly looks like a castle. In fact, many of the promotional materials refer […]
I was recently listening in on a webinar hosted by TravMedia, featuring the editorial and communications teams from Fodor’s. During the session, the editors and writers were asked to share their favourite stories. Assignment editor, Eva Morreale brought up her article on the California accent, which got me thinking—what about the Canadian accent? That curiosity […]
The Trevi Fountain in Rome is a masterpiece of Baroque art and one of the most famous landmarks in the world. Every year, millions of tourists flock to see this magnificent fountain and take part in an age-old tradition: tossing coins into its waters. While the ritual is said to bring good fortune—particularly a return to Rome—it […]
Zero-waste travel is about making conscious decisions that minimize your environmental impact while exploring the world. By adopting sustainable practices, travellers can significantly reduce the amount of waste they generate, from packing reusable items to choosing eco-friendly accommodations. This guide provides practical tips on how to travel the world with minimal waste, leaving a positive […]
Montreal is celebrated for many things: its vibrant arts scene, diverse neighbourhoods, and, of course, its bagels. As a lover of authentic food experiences, I knew that no visit to Montreal would be complete without sampling its iconic bagels. So, during my recent trip to the city, I made my way to the legendary Saint-Viateur […]
When in Montreal, a visit to Schwartz’s Deli is a must. This iconic spot has been serving up some of the best smoked meat sandwiches for nearly a century and remains a staple for both locals and visitors. Today, I had the pleasure of experiencing this legendary deli firsthand, and I’m here to share why […]
Montreal is an enchanting city, especially in the fall, when the air is crisp and the leaves turn a stunning array of colours. On this beautiful day, I had the pleasure of exploring the city with a local friend, who showed me around by car, giving me a Montrealer’s perspective. We drove through some of […]
Last night, I had the pleasure of attending a Visit Florida event in Toronto, held at Cirillo’s Academy, right next to the St. Lawrence Market. The invite promised a fun-filled cooking workshop: “Get your chef’s hat ready and join us for a fun-filled cooking workshop! Sizzle, stir, and savour a taste of Florida’s best flavours […]
Solo travel is more than just an adventure—it’s an opportunity for self-discovery and personal growth. Travelling alone builds confidence, encourages self-awareness, and fosters a deeper connection with the places you visit. In this guide, we explore the benefits of solo travel and offer tips for responsible and safe journeys as a solo traveller. 1. Embrace the […]
Eco-luxury retreats offer the perfect balance between sustainability and indulgence, allowing travellers to enjoy a high-end experience while minimizing their environmental impact. From off-the-grid escapes to sustainable resorts, these destinations prove that you don’t have to sacrifice comfort to be eco-conscious. This post showcases some of the top eco-luxury retreats around the world where you […]
Oktoberfest is one of the most famous cultural celebrations in the world, originating in Germany and spreading across continents through its vibrant customs. This blog post dives into the festival’s roots and highlights five destinations where Oktoberfest retains its authenticity and cultural importance. A Brief History of Oktoberfest Oktoberfest traces back to October 12, 1810, […]
