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.
TOKYO, JAPAN - JULY 1ST, 2017. People in the street of Shimokitazawa district. This Tokyo neighborhood is known for small independent fashion retailers, cafes and entertainment venues.
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The 14 Coolest Neighbourhoods in the World

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 […]

Security Checkpoint: African American TSA Officer Checking Young Man with Prosthetic Leg in Airport Terminal. Passenger Screening Procedures for Boarding Flight. Traveler with Disability Going on Trip
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TSA Changes Every Passenger Should Be Ready For In 2025

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 […]

Florence, Tuscany, Italy. June 22, 2018. Cookery classes at Taste Italy. Students and instructors sit and stand at a table with ingredients for Italian pizza. A wood burning oven is in the background,
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Discover Italy’s Culture Through Local Cooking Classes

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 […]

Beautiful view to the three blue domed churches in the village of Oia, Santorini, Greece, during dusk without people
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These Tiny Towns Are Perfect for Slow Travel This Summer

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 […]

Coober Pedy Australia
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Discovering the Underground World of Coober Pedy, Australia

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 […]

Explore the Real-World Locations of the Original Star Wars Trilogy
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Explore the Real-World Locations of the Original Star Wars Trilogy

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. […]

Active holiday in Mallorca: Hike through the exciting canyon, Torent de Pareis gorge - exciting climbing, entry into the gorge from above
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How to Travel Green on a Budget in Eastern Europe

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 […]

Benagil Caves Algarve Portugal
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The World’s Most Relaxing Countries to Visit Right Now

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 autism
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Dubai Becomes First Certified Autism Destination™ in the Eastern Hemisphere

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 […]

cherry blossoms
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Where to See Cherry Blossoms in Toronto and Beyond

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, […]

Mayapur ISKCON Temple, also known as Sri Mayapur Chandrodaya Mandir, is a magnificent temple complex located in Mayapur, West Bengal, India.
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Discover Spiritual India Beyond the Tourist Trail

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 […]

Sunrise over Sanjunoto pagoda and Kiyomizu-dera Temple in the autumn season, Kyoto, Japan
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Temples and Teahouses – A Cultural Guide to Kyoto

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 […]