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.
Is Germany on your travel bucket list? Did you know that the country is filled with little ‘Disneyesque’ towns who spread their share of fairytale-like vibes with winding cobblestone alleys, medieval townhouses and countless memorable photo stops? Below is a list of eleven magical villages in Germany you need to visit at least once. Ahrenshoop
One very thoughtful grandmother Darlene Howell Waller, (aka Nonna) came up with a brilliant Christmas gift for her grandsons – Grandma’s adventure box! She compiled a box full of goodies that kept the boys busy for the following year. And made sure that the entire family can enjoy throughout the year. She shared her idea
Road-tripping this summer? These charming destinations from across the U.S.A. may not be on your radar but they will be after you have this read this… Solvang, California Solvang is a quaint city located in southern California’s Santa Ynez Valley. It’s known for its Danish-style architecture and many wineries. The Elverhøj Museum of History &
Campers! Aside from staying in the usual camping shelter – a tent, have you tried a covered wagon? The Conestoga Wagons at the Horse Cave KOA are now renting covered wagons. If you’ve ever been intrigued by the subterranean world, plan a stay at Horse Cave KOA. It lies in the heart of one of
If exploring haunted places and creepy museums is your thing, the Museum of the Paranormal (Ohio State Reformatory) should be on your bucket list. The exterior of the building is a stunning piece of architecture; however, behind the esthetically pleasing structure lies a past not for the faint of heart. Hollywood comes calling Formerly known
Hales Bar Marina and Resort in Tennessee rent out floating cabins alongside the Tennessee River Valley. If you prefer to stay on land, the resort is located on the old Hales Bar Dam site. They also offer an option for RV’s. The park has about 80 paved, full hookup sites both on the waterfront and off
American Green Inc., a Pheonix based cannabis grower and product maker had the vision to turn the small town of Nipton, California into Cannabis Town – Weedville. The concept was shared in 2017 as the first weed-friendly, energy-dependent destination in the United States. Imagine someone taking an entire town and transforming it into a place just
Memories of Willy Wonka and Charlie and the Chocolate Factory! In Zaanstad, northwest of Amsterdam, a Dutch confectionary company called Tony’s Chocoloney will be opening up a building inspired by the wacky world of Roald Dahl’s beloved children’s novel Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. A Dutch architecture firm called SeARCH released a rendering for the project. And yes, it is bright red and
Are you up for an incredible adventure? The Grand Canyon awaits you. The Grand Canyon is one of the most famous national parks in the United States. Hiking to the bottom of it feels like you have time-warped into the prehistoric era. For the ‘average’ hiker, this video from an ‘average hiker’ shows you how
Well, space travel is beyond our means but we can all dream a little right? Before sunrise, eight Explorers and a Pilot climb aboard the Neptune Capsule. They recline in the plush seats and lift off into the predawn sky. The ascent takes approximately two hours. Neptune travels three times higher than a commercial airliner.
The pandemic has us feeling some pretty serious cabin fever. I have daydreamed about being on a tropical private island surrounded by palm trees and turquoise water – wait, it is actually possible! Kanu Island Situated only 15 minutes off the coast of Placencia, Belize sits a rare coral private island called Kanu. Kanu’s 2.5
Crossing the border is not possible at this time due to Covid-19. However, we truly can’t wait to resume our annual jaunt to the beautiful state of California. For those of you who live in California, you have some of the most extraordinary and mystical locations at your fingertips! Ancient Bristlecone Pine Forest Located in