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.
September 11, 2001, marked a turning point not only in global events but also in the quiet routines of air travel that millions still follow each day. The attacks prompted immediate and lasting reforms across aviation security, many of which travelers now accept as standard procedure. Those measures continue to shape every boarding pass, checkpoint,
Twenty-five years after the attacks, the routines of air travel continue to reflect a single day that altered the industry in lasting ways. Travelers now move through checkpoints, present identification, and follow liquid restrictions that trace directly to those events, even as the memory of that morning fades for newer generations of flyers. The changes
Austin, Texas – Construction crews are steadily shaping a distinctive new presence at the intersection of West Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard and San Gabriel Street, where a structure designed to resemble an open book is rising from the ground. The project has drawn local attention for its unusual form and the clear timeline attached
Switzerland draws visitors with its dramatic peaks and clear lakes, yet many of its most striking landscapes remain out of reach for those who stay on paved routes. A traveler who spent a full month exploring the country on foot discovered that the finest views often require leaving roads and lifts behind. This approach turns
San Diego’s coastal waters delivered an extraordinary catch this week when local anglers brought in what is believed to be the largest bluefin tuna ever taken on rod and reel. The fish, estimated at 500 pounds whole, measured 446 pounds after gilling and gutting. The achievement has drawn attention from the sportfishing community and highlighted
Singapore presents a striking departure from the typical travel experience across much of Southeast Asia. While many regional cities embrace a more relaxed pace and informal character, this island nation has cultivated an identity built on meticulous urban planning and an unwavering commitment to integrating nature into every corner of daily life. The result is
Barcelona rewards those who return. After the first visit has checked off the Sagrada Família, Park Güell, the Gothic Quarter and La Rambla, the city opens into quieter rhythms and unexpected corners. Repeat travelers often find that the most lasting memories come from time spent in residential neighborhoods and short journeys into the surrounding region.
Travelers weighing new credit cards for hotel stays now have several Hilton Honors American Express options to consider. The current welcome offers stand out for their size and the practical value they can deliver toward future nights at Hilton properties worldwide. These promotions run through January 13, 2027, giving interested applicants a defined window to
Fort Bragg sits along a striking stretch of California’s Highway 1, where the Pacific meets rugged headlands and the town’s coastal character draws travelers year after year. A recent sidewalk upgrade project, valued at nearly $10 million, aimed to improve pedestrian access and meet accessibility standards across much of the city. The work replaced an
Travelers who rely on Air Canada for routes across North America and beyond now face a recalibrated credit card option. The Chase Air Canada Aeroplan Credit Card has been updated with several new benefits that directly affect how points convert to flights and how status is earned. These adjustments arrive alongside a higher annual fee,
Frontier Airlines has announced its first flights to South America, with three new nonstop routes from Orlando International Airport to cities in Colombia. The Denver-based carrier will begin service in December, marking a notable expansion for the budget airline into a new continent. These routes fill gaps left by the earlier cessation of operations by
New York City – Independent restaurants and cafes form a vital part of the city’s daily rhythm, offering travelers and residents alike a direct way to experience its neighborhoods through food. Blackbird, a loyalty program and payment app built specifically for these establishments, provides a measured way to earn rewards on routine dining without requiring