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.
Buenos Aires has long carried the memory of the South Atlantic islands known locally as the Malvinas. A single hand-painted banner unfurled during a World Cup semifinal has now carried that memory into everyday life for a younger generation. The result is a fresh wave of cultural attention that reaches far beyond the stadium. The
France’s Seine River winds through centuries of history, and few vessels offer a more considered way to trace its course than Tauck’s ms Serene. The ship recently welcomed Travel + Leisure aboard for the debut episode of its “Step Inside” series, filmed during the Rendezvous on the Seine itinerary. The resulting footage highlights the quiet
Effective Aug. 15, 2026, Chase Sapphire Lounges will no longer participate in the Priority Pass or LoungeKey networks. This marks a clear shift after years of steady expansion that brought these distinctive airport spaces to more travelers across the country. At the same time, the issuer is introducing a targeted improvement for its own cardholders
Many travelers carry cards that quietly open doors to smoother journeys, yet few pause to explore the full range of benefits attached to their wallets. For holders of select Canadian-issued Visa cards, the Visa Destinations program supplies concrete conveniences that support more fluid movement through airports, cities, and cultural landmarks. These advantages center on reliable
Hiroshima continues to offer new layers of understanding long after 1945. An international research team recently identified a previously unknown alloy while studying tiny glassy particles collected from the region. The finding emerged from careful examination of fallout material and adds a scientific dimension to the city’s well-known sites of remembrance. Tracing the Discovery in
California’s 2025 grape harvest reached its lowest level in three decades, a development that has placed immediate pressure on small and mid-size wineries across the state. Industry observers note that hundreds of additional operations could close within the next two years if current conditions persist. The situation stems from a combination of reduced yields, shifting
Rockaway Beach has long drawn New Yorkers and visitors alike for its wide sands and reliable surf, yet this summer the waters just beyond the breakers have drawn fresh attention from city agencies. Between July 1 and July 5, the New York City Department of Parks and Recreation recorded 16 shark sightings in the area,
Travelers searching for vacation homes often discover promising options through social media posts that promise attractive rates and immediate availability. This approach can lead to financial setbacks when the listings turn out to be fabricated. Recent reports highlight cases where individuals lost thousands of dollars after sending deposits for properties that never existed. The Growing
In an Australian public library, a volume devoted to Greek antiquities has quietly resumed its place on the shelves after an absence of roughly 150 years. The book carries visible traces of its long concealment, including water damage sustained while sealed behind bricks in a fireplace. Its return draws attention to the patient ways institutions
Madrid – The arrival of Thompson Madrid marks a measured expansion for the hospitality group into Europe, placing a design-oriented hotel within easy reach of the Spanish capital’s main thoroughfares and cultural sites. Positioned steps from Gran Vía, the property offers travelers a new base that combines residential-style accommodations with an emphasis on local artistic
In the heart of Waikiki, a fresh lodging concept has arrived that draws on Japanese capsule traditions and airline cabin design. First Cabin International represents the brand’s first United States location, offering compact private spaces in a high-rise setting steps from the beach. The approach provides travelers with clear choices in privacy and price while
Nestled against the dramatic rise of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains, Taos delivers a distinctive blend of high-desert scenery and layered cultural heritage that sets it apart from more crowded mountain destinations. The town’s compact scale and walkable core allow visitors to leave the car behind for much of a short trip, while its position