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.
Where the World’s Coolest Neighbourhoods Are Redefining Travel Looking for your next city adventure that feels more local than touristy? These global neighbourhoods are reshaping what it means to travel cool. They’re not just trendy. They reflect deep community roots, creativity, and resilience. Whether you’re chasing street food in Lisbon or wandering art-filled alleys in […]
PreCheck Is Becoming Practically Essential With rising passenger volumes and tighter screening, TSA PreCheck is no longer just a perk—it’s becoming a travel essential. In 2025, more airports are streamlining lanes to prioritize trusted travellers, cutting wait times by up to 70%. If you’re not enrolled, expect longer lines and more frequent bag checks. The […]
Learn the Culture by Cooking It Italian cuisine isn’t just food. It’s a window into the country’s heart and soul. From rolling fresh pasta to simmering slow-cooked sauces, local cooking classes across Italy invite travelers into a cultural ritual passed down through generations. These hands-on experiences are more than just lessons; they’re immersive storytelling sessions […]
Discover the Magic of Slow Travel Ever felt like you need to just… breathe? These little corners of the world invite you to do just that. Picture yourself strolling down lanes where no one’s in a hurry, where smiles come easy and genuine. You know that feeling when you sink into a comfy chair with […]
Where Life Goes Underground and Dreams Are Carved from Stone Somewhere in the arid heart of South Australia, a day’s drive from Adelaide and far from city lights and coastal breezes, lies a town unlike any other on Earth. At first glance, Coober Pedy seems like a ghost town—flat, dusty, and scattered with heaps of […]
The galaxy far, far away isn’t so far after all. While Star Wars is a legendary work of fiction, the breathtaking locations used in George Lucas’s original trilogy are very real—and they’re waiting to be explored. From arid deserts to lush forests and frozen tundras, these destinations transport travelers straight into the Star Wars universe. […]
Eastern Europe Welcomes Sustainable Travellers Eastern Europe is packed with affordable, eco-friendly options for mindful travellers. Countries like Slovenia, Romania, and Estonia lead the way with green initiatives that support local communities and protect natural beauty. You will find a combination of car-free city centres, organic guesthouses, and community-driven tourism projects. Traveling sustainably here does […]
The Power of True Relaxation In today’s fast-paced world, relaxation isn’t just a luxury—it’s a necessity for mental clarity and emotional balance. Taking time to truly unwind helps us reconnect with ourselves, restore inner peace, and approach life with renewed energy. Whether it’s through a walk in nature, a quiet moment of meditation, or comfort […]
Dubai has once again proven itself a global leader—this time, by becoming the first Certified Autism Destination™ in the Eastern Hemisphere. The city’s groundbreaking designation sets a new global standard for accessible and inclusive travel. This milestone recognizes a sweeping, city-wide commitment to inclusive and accessible tourism, driven by Dubai’s Department of Economy and Tourism […]
Toronto’s High Park is about to burst into bloom — here’s how to catch the magic of sakura season locally and across Canada, while being mindful of the tiny lives that share the space beneath our feet. The Brief, Beautiful Life of the Cherry Blossom Each spring, something magical happens across parts of Canada: streets, […]
Go Beyond the Usual Spots India’s spiritual heartbeat isn’t confined to its crowded pilgrimage circuits. Beyond the usual sites lies a quieter, deeper India, where sacred rituals and ancient wisdom still guide daily life. This journey explores offbeat corners where spirituality thrives in silence, amid forests, mountains, and forgotten temples. These lesser-known places offer something […]
Kyoto’s Soul Lives in Temples and Teahouses Kyoto isn’t just a city. It’s a living museum of Japanese tradition, where centuries-old temples and humble teahouses reveal the country’s spiritual and aesthetic core. With over 1600 Buddhist temples and 400 Shintō shrines, Kyoto preserves Japan’s architectural and cultural legacy in an unmatched way. Tea culture here […]