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.
Something interesting happens in towns where the population fits on a few thousand mailboxes. People actually know each other. They show up, not because someone organized a committee, but because the town is theirs in a way that a city never quite manages to be. Across the United States, a handful of small towns have
New York City – Observers in parts of New Jersey and Manhattan noticed an unusual sight in the sky on Tuesday afternoon. A partial arc of vivid colors stretched across the heavens directly above Madison Square Garden. The display stood out against the urban backdrop and drew immediate attention from those on the ground. A
World of Hyatt members seeking strong value often turn to Category 1 properties, where standard rooms can be booked for as few as 3,000 points on the lowest nights. These hotels rarely top overall best-of lists, yet they deliver comfortable accommodations and convenient locations at a fraction of the cost required for higher-category stays. The
Viking has built one of the largest fleets among cruise companies focused on North American travelers, yet its vessels follow a remarkably consistent pattern. More than 100 ships now operate under the brand, but the vast majority belong to just three groups that share nearly identical designs within each category. This standardization has supported rapid
Visitors arriving at Yosemite National Park this summer are encountering long lines at entrances and congested trails that were less common under the previous reservation rules. The decision to lift those requirements has produced noticeable changes in daily operations and visitor flow. Park managers report that traffic volumes have risen sharply in recent weeks, creating
Central Delaware draws visitors who want a genuine break without the usual travel complications. Positioned between major East Coast cities, the area combines lower costs, tax advantages, and a compact layout that lets travelers sample history, nature, and small-town life in a single trip. Its appeal has grown as more people seek nearby options that
Travelers holding annual free night certificates from premium Hilton credit cards often target luxury properties like the Waldorf Astoria for maximum value. These certificates can offset costs of several hundred or even thousands of dollars per night at top-tier hotels. Yet booking them requires navigating specific rules around standard award space and reservation methods. One
Western Europe endured an unusually intense spring heat wave this week that toppled long-standing temperature records and prompted fresh government alerts about health risks. The unseasonable warmth struck before the traditional summer season, catching many residents and visitors off guard in countries where air conditioning remains uncommon. Several deaths linked to the heat, mostly drownings,
Tired of the concourse trains at DIA? Officials announce plans for pedestrian walkways – Image for illustrative purposes only (Image credits: Unsplash) Denver International Airport has long relied on its automated concourse trains to move passengers between terminals and gates. Those trains have drawn complaints from travelers who find them slow or inconvenient during peak
New species of blue octopus discovered 5,900 feet underwater – Image for illustrative purposes only (Image credits: Unsplash) Researchers working in the waters around the Galápagos Islands have documented a previously unknown octopus species that stands out for its distinct blue coloration. The discovery occurred at a depth of 5,900 feet, a zone where light
Discover Ushuaia: 10 Best Things to Do & More – Image for illustrative purposes only (Image credits: Pixabay) Ushuaia sits at the southern tip of South America, where the continent narrows into a rugged landscape that feels removed from everyday travel routes. Travelers often reach it as the final stop on a long South American
Where to find the hidden historic home of a DC beer baron – Image for illustrative purposes only (Image credits: Pixabay) Washington, D.C. – A short walk from the bustle of Dupont Circle stands a residence that once anchored one of the city’s largest private enterprises. Built in 1890 for German immigrant Christian Heurich, the