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.
Cities That Look Straight Out of a Fairytale
 · 11 min read

11 Under-The-Radar Mountain Cabins Perfect For A Cozy Winter Getaway

There’s a specific kind of quiet that only exists in a mountain cabin in winter. It’s not just silence. It’s the kind of stillness where you can actually hear the snow settling on pine branches outside, and nothing competes with it. Most people default to the same well-known ski resorts every season, missing dozens of

 · 9 min read

5 Affordable Overwater Bungalows That Don't Require A Flight To Bora Bora

Overwater bungalows have become one of travel’s most iconic fantasies. Most people hear those two words and immediately picture French Polynesia, a hefty price tag, and a flight itinerary that eats most of the budget before you’ve even unpacked. There are now over 250 resorts around the world with overwater rooms, and the options have

 · 2 min read

Copa Airlines Extends Free Panama Stopover to 15 Days

Passengers routing through Panama now have a practical new option. Copa Airlines has lengthened its stopover program, giving travelers up to 15 days in the country at no added ticket cost. The change turns routine connections at Tocumen International Airport into opportunities for longer visits that can include beaches, rainforests, and towns. Practical Impact for

 · 2 min read

United Drops Restriction on Pooled MileagePlus Miles

United Airlines has lifted a key barrier that previously limited how members could use shared miles. The change allows pooled balances to book award flights on partner carriers, a shift that broadens options for families and groups who combine their MileagePlus accounts. The update builds on the pooling feature introduced in 2024 and addresses one

 · 2 min read

Grass for Soccer, Turf for the NFL at Gillette

Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, Massachusetts, is undergoing a temporary shift to natural grass ahead of the 2026 World Cup. The change stands out because it reverses the venue’s usual artificial turf setup. NFL team owners have approved the move specifically for soccer events, even as they have resisted similar upgrades for their own league’s players.

 · 3 min read

New Data Reveals Which US Cities Deliver the Most Value for Summer Staycations

As summer 2026 draws near and many households weigh the rising costs of travel, a fresh analysis from WalletHub offers clear guidance on where residents can enjoy meaningful leisure time without venturing far from home. The study examined 182 cities across key categories such as recreation options, food and entertainment access, and opportunities for rest

 · 2 min read

Disney World Removes Over 400 Alligators Since 2016

Orlando – A decade after a toddler’s death at a Disney World resort, wildlife officials have removed more than 400 alligators from the property. The effort reflects a sustained focus on reducing encounters between guests and the reptiles that inhabit Florida’s waterways. Additional barriers and other precautions now limit how close the animals can come

 · 7 min read

Virginia History Buffs Are Headed To This Small Town You've Never Heard Of

Most people driving through Virginia have a mental shortlist. Williamsburg. Richmond. Charlottesville. They follow the well-worn path, tick the landmark boxes, and head home feeling satisfied. Virginia is steeped in American history and natural beauty, and while cities like Williamsburg and Charlottesville often draw crowds, the state is also home to lesser-known gems brimming with

PLAYA DEL CARMEN, MEXICO
 · 11 min read

The 7 Cheapest All-Inclusive Resorts In Mexico That Don't Feel Cheap At All

Mexico’s all-inclusive market is enormous, and most of the spotlight lands on the high-end properties with butler service and nightly rates that rival a car payment. What tends to get overlooked is the genuinely solid middle ground: resorts where meals, drinks, activities, and a real beach are included, and you don’t leave feeling like you