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.
New York City rewards visitors who move at a measured pace through its distinct districts rather than racing between landmarks. In fall 2026, when the light softens and the air carries a crisp edge, three days offer enough time to absorb the city’s layered character through neighborhoods that each tell their own story. The approach
Antigua Guatemala draws visitors with its layered history and dramatic setting, where cobblestone lanes wind past centuries-old ruins and the silhouettes of active volcanoes rise in the distance. Travelers who arrive during Semana Santa encounter processions that fill those same streets with color, incense, and centuries-old tradition. The experience rewards those who move slowly and
A traveler with deep family ties to Transylvania recently made her first visit to Romania, drawn by stories passed down through generations and a desire to experience the landscapes her ancestors once called home. The personal account, originally shared in The Observer, blends reflections on ancestry with observations of contemporary Romanian life and culture. Her
Alaska’s cruise ports offer access to landscapes and wildlife that reward those willing to venture beyond the dockside streets. Many travelers find that the most memorable moments come from guided outings that reach the region’s glaciers, fjords, and marine life. Cruise expert Gene Sloan, who has explored these ports extensively over decades, has long emphasized
Copenhagen and Oslo offer travelers a measured pace through centuries of Nordic heritage, where royal legacies and artistic legacies sit alongside everyday city rhythms. A single week spent moving between the two capitals reveals layers of history that reward slow observation rather than hurried checklists. One guest’s journey captured these moments through quiet streets, waterfront
Ocean City, New Jersey, offers a distinctive setting for the Thanksgiving holiday once summer visitors depart. The beaches stretch empty under cooler skies, while the Boardwalk continues its steady rhythm of activity and the downtown streets begin to glow with seasonal lights. This shift creates space for unhurried walks, family events, and simple coastal pleasures
Travelers in three U.S. cities will soon enjoy new nonstop options to Mexico City. Aeromexico plans daily flights from Portland International Airport, John Wayne Airport in Orange County, and Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport beginning in January 2027. The additions expand connections between the United States and Mexico through the carrier’s long-standing partnership with Delta Air
A recent Royal Caribbean sailing originally planned for warmer southern waters has instead been directed toward Canadian ports, marking the second such adjustment this month. Industry observers note that these shifts fall within the terms outlined in most cruise contracts, leaving passengers with limited options for recourse once the change is announced. Travelers facing similar
Tribeca’s narrow Staple Street has long drawn quiet attention for its cast-iron skybridge and low brick buildings that feel removed from the surrounding city grid. Now a distinctive two-building compound on that same block has come back onto the market, offering a fresh chance to consider how this tucked-away corner of New York City continues
San Francisco – The Golden State Valkyries are returning to their home court for Game 5 of the WNBA Finals with the series tied, and the city’s supporters are ready to welcome them back in the distinctive way that has become known as Ballhalla. Inside Chase Center, the atmosphere reflects a deep connection between the
Austin, Texas – The Circuit of the Americas came alive once more for the Formula 1 United States Grand Prix, drawing visitors who sought more than grandstand views. Amid the weekend’s packed schedule of racing and related events, one hospitality space stood out for its deliberate approach to comfort and connection. Guest House at Turn
United Airlines has outlined a measured expansion of its network that will give travelers additional options for summer journeys beginning in 2027. The carrier plans to introduce a new nonstop between Chicago O’Hare and Bermuda while restoring and adding three routes from its San Francisco hub. These changes, first reported by Ishrion Aviation, reflect a