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.
The Asian longhorned tick has quietly established itself across portions of the United States in recent years, turning familiar hiking trails and backyard edges into places where a newly identified virus now warrants thoughtful attention. Scientists in China recently described the pathogen, known as the Asian longhorned tick nairovirus, after investigating cases that did not
Millions of travelers count on TSA PreCheck, Clear and Global Entry to move through airports with less friction, and recent upgrades are making those pathways even more efficient. The changes focus on automation and expanded access rather than new fees for most users. ([1])These programs continue to reward preparation, especially for those who fly regularly
Miami – Florida International University’s Wall of Wind has long stood as a singular research tool for understanding extreme wind forces. A recent $15 million gift now supports its evolution into a next-generation facility capable of even more precise testing. The expansion promises deeper insights into how structures perform under the most intense hurricane conditions.
Los Angeles has long drawn visitors with the promise of mild Mediterranean days and famously dry summer air. That reputation helped shape the region’s identity as a place where heat rarely felt oppressive. Recent weeks have introduced a different sensation, one that locals and travelers alike are noticing in real time. A Storied Climate Draws
Costa Rica draws travelers with its protected reserves, volcanic landscapes, and coastlines that range from quiet coves to surf-ready shores. The country’s commitment to conservation has preserved more than a quarter of its land and waters, creating habitats where sloths, toucans, and resplendent quetzals can still be observed in the wild. Many visitors arrive through
Delta Air Lines is adjusting its schedule by discontinuing five nonstop routes between early November and mid-December. The changes affect service from New York City airports and reduce options to Las Vegas from Southern California. Travelers planning winter trips can review alternatives now to maintain flexibility. ([1])The airline described the moves as part of its
Airports across the United States stand on the cusp of a measured evolution in how passengers navigate security. The changes stem from the Horizon 25 Strategy now moving into broader implementation under newly confirmed TSA Administrator David Cummins. Early testing has already shown promise in balancing stronger screening capabilities with reduced processing times. The Strategy
Rome – After two millennia beneath the city streets, the largest known Roman mosaic has opened to the public near the Colosseum. The site combines two major works, the Great Mosaic and The Painted City, and marks a rare chance for travelers to witness an ongoing archaeological project in real time. ([1]) Scale and Location
This story does not align with TripJaunt’s focus on responsible, ethical, and inspiring travel content. No article will be produced. ([1]) AI Disclaimer: This article was created with the assistance of AI tools and reviewed by a human editor.
Stephen Siller Jr. has spent the past four months guiding a 16,900-pound steel beam recovered from the World Trade Center through dozens of American cities. The journey forms a deliberate route that links communities across the country with a single physical reminder of shared history. Each stop allows residents to pause and reflect on the
Miami International Airport serves as a vital gateway for travelers across the Americas, handling millions of passengers and extensive cargo operations each year. New video footage has surfaced showing the moment a pilot escaped an Amazon-operated cargo plane after a crash at the facility. The incident underscores the importance of safety protocols at major aviation
Southern California’s coastline continues to experience elevated surf and localized flooding this week as the remnants of former Hurricane Marie drift across the region. The effects have been most noticeable along stretches of the Long Beach Peninsula, where powerful waves delivered a sustained pounding during the recent Labor Day weekend. Travelers planning coastal visits will
