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.
Singapore’s downtown core holds one of hospitality’s most enduring landmarks. Raffles Singapore opened its doors in 1887 as a modest ten-room property and has since shaped the city’s sense of refined welcome. A recent stay revealed how the hotel balances its deep history with the quiet comforts of the present. ([1]) Stepping Into a Living
Off the waters north of Puerto Rico, a coordinated response by the U.S. Coast Guard brought an 81-year-old man safely ashore after he experienced a medical emergency while traveling aboard a cruise ship. The vessel was located nearly 150 miles from the island when the call for assistance came in. Crews moved quickly to transfer
Cruise travelers often arrive in Alaska eager to witness its vast landscapes and abundant wildlife, yet the time spent in port can feel limited when viewed only from the deck of a large ship. Shore excursions open pathways to places that remain otherwise inaccessible, allowing visitors to step onto glaciers, glide alongside calving ice, or
Alaska Airlines has confirmed plans for a new nonstop service linking Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport with Tokyo’s Narita International Airport, marking the carrier’s first direct flight between its namesake state and Japan. The route is scheduled to begin in May 2027 and forms part of a four-route expansion at the Anchorage hub. It will
Communities throughout the Bay Area faced disruptions from elevated tides that closed roads and left some vehicles stranded on Monday. Officials noted that residents and visitors alike are now watching for the possibility of further flooding in the days ahead. The situation stems in part from broader El Niño influences that have raised water levels
A new analysis of search data shows how often Americans turn to online tools when ordering from restaurant menus or planning trips abroad. The findings highlight everyday terms tied to food, places, and names that spark frequent pronunciation questions. This curiosity reflects a growing interest in global flavors and destinations rather than any shortcoming. ([1])
Travelers who hold points or elite status in Best Western Rewards will soon see their program combine with WorldHotels Rewards under a single, refreshed loyalty structure. The transition, set for January 5, 2027, forms part of a larger effort by BWH Hotels to unify its portfolio under the WorldHotels masterbrand. Members can expect their existing
Bilt is adjusting several elements of its rewards program beginning in 2027, with an immediate update to how Bilt Cash expires. The changes aim to simplify choices for members while preserving flexibility for those already enrolled. Travelers who rely on points and cash back to fund future trips can review the details now to plan
Travelers who rely on American Airlines for their journeys will soon see updates to two long-standing co-branded credit cards from Citi. The changes introduce new earning opportunities, statement credits, and protections while adjusting the annual fees on both products. These adjustments take effect for existing cardmembers beginning January 24, 2027 ([1]). The moves reflect ongoing
Travelers drawn to the Canadian Rockies often seek more than a quick overnight. They look for time to walk the trails around Lake Louise at dawn, watch the light shift across the peaks from the terraces of Banff Springs, and settle into the rhythm of these storied places. A current promotion from ALL Accor Live
Nashville’s songwriting community marked another milestone with the induction of Taylor Swift and Lyle Lovett into the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame. George Strait received the Career Maker Award in recognition of his lasting contributions. These honors underscore the city’s role as a center where songs are crafted and passed along through generations. ([1]) A
Travelers often turn to familiar search tools when they need to reach an airline, hotel, or cruise line about a booking change or question. Recent reports show that some results now include phone numbers that do not connect to the intended company, a development that has led certain travelers to lose thousands of dollars before