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.
Washington, DC, offers travelers a distinctive way to connect with American civic history through a carefully maintained museum exhibit just steps from the White House. The People’s House has refreshed its replica Oval Office so that visitors can walk through the space and observe the design choices associated with President Donald Trump’s second term. Gold
Long Grove, Illinois, holds a distinctive place among Chicago suburbs, where a single covered bridge serves as the heart of the downtown area. Drivers of taller vehicles have found themselves drawn to its low clearance again and again, resulting in the 77th strike since 2020. The structure remains a defining feature that continues to welcome
Travelers arriving at Tampa International Airport now have a new public transit option that links directly to downtown St. Petersburg. The Pinellas Suncoast Transit Authority launched the service on Sunday, October 4, 2026, creating a straightforward connection across the Tampa Bay region. This addition supports visitors who prefer to explore the area’s waterfront parks, arts
Travelers planning road trips often turn to rental cars for flexibility and convenience. Joining a loyalty program like Avis Preferred can streamline the process while offering opportunities to earn rewards on those journeys. The program provides clear paths to points and status that reward consistent use. Details on participation, tiers and redemption come from established
Laurence Norah has been traveling full time since 2010, and over those years a duffel has remained a steady companion in the packing rotation. Two very different examples sit in the house today: a leather Floto received as an anniversary gift and a pair of lightweight Outdoor Products duffels that compress into their own stuff
Milwaukee – On an October evening in 2026, a towering fly ball during Game 1 of the National League Division Series between the San Diego Padres and Milwaukee Brewers met an unexpected element of the ballpark itself. Ty France connected on a pitch from Trevor Megill in the ninth inning, sending the ball high toward
After a journey ends and the bags come home, a few minutes of attention can prevent the musty odor that often greets travelers on the next outing. Moisture trapped inside is the usual culprit, and addressing it promptly keeps luggage ready for whatever comes next. The approach centers on complete drying, gentle cleaning, odor absorption,
Malibu area responders acted quickly on Saturday when a single-vehicle crash sent a car off Pacific Coast Highway near Deer Creek Road and into the surf north of Malibu. The vehicle came to rest among rocks in the breaking waves, leaving a dog trapped inside. Firefighters and lifeguards reached the scene and freed the animal,
Travelers planning journeys through the American Southwest will soon have a more direct option for reaching northern Arizona. Beginning June 7, 2027, Delta Air Lines will launch twice-daily nonstop service between Salt Lake City International Airport and Flagstaff Pulliam Airport. The new route adds a practical connection for those drawn to the region’s distinctive landscapes
Across much of the United States, the annual shift from green to gold, crimson, and amber is expected to unfold on a compressed timeline this year. Experts point to the lingering effects of extreme summer heat combined with El Niño conditions as the main drivers behind a delayed start and a shorter, more concentrated display.
San Francisco Bay Area – A heat advisory now blankets the entire region through 10 p.m. Sunday, October 4, with moderate to major heat risk expected to linger across interior zones from Monday through Thursday. Elevated fire weather conditions remain in higher terrain through Thursday as well. Travelers drawn to the Bay Area’s celebrated coastlines,
For many Filipino families living abroad, the act of preparing and sending a balikbayan box represents far more than logistics. It is a quiet expression of care that bridges distance and time, carrying familiar comforts to loved ones ahead of the holidays. As Christmas 2026 approaches, travelers and senders from places like California weigh practical