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.
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security is retiring the dedicated Global Entry mobile app on September 15, shifting users to a broader platform called the Trusted Traveler app. ([1])This update affects travelers who have relied on the app to submit arrival details after international flights and proceed directly to a shorter inspection line. The change
Mystic, Connecticut sits along the banks of the Mystic River, where working waterfronts and historic shipyards still shape daily rhythms. The town lies roughly 2.5 hours by car or train from New York City, offering travelers a direct route into a coastal community long defined by its relationship with the sea. Fresh catches arrive daily
Across the country, travelers are turning to search engines in greater numbers to learn about protected landscapes that have shaped the American experience for generations. A fresh look at online query data places Yellowstone National Park at the forefront of that interest, with more searches than any other site in the system over the past
Hawaii has declared a statewide emergency as Hurricane Lowell strengthens into a Category 5 system with winds reaching 160 mph. The storm, the third to threaten the islands in recent weeks, is forecast to weaken somewhat before approaching the western islands early next week. Travelers with plans in the region are watching developments closely while
Mandello del Lario, Italy – After five years of careful work, Moto Guzzi has reopened its expanded headquarters on the shores of Lake Como, giving motorcycle enthusiasts fresh reasons to make the journey. Thousands of riders converged on the site this year for the annual World Guzzi Days gathering, arriving from across Europe and beyond
Los Angeles is already mapping out how millions of visitors will move through the region during the 2028 Games. A coordinated effort is underway to create a dedicated Games Route Network that prioritizes reliable travel for athletes, coaches, officials, and support staff while keeping the broader visitor experience in mind. The plan draws on lessons
New York City – Frontier Airlines will conclude all flights at John F. Kennedy International Airport on October 5, marking the close of a brief chapter that began in June 2024. The decision follows earlier reductions that left only the daily Atlanta route in place. Travelers who rely on the ultra-low-cost carrier for trips to
Washington, D.C. – The Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool remains one of the most photographed and contemplative spots on the National Mall, drawing visitors who pause to take in its long, mirrored surface and the quiet symmetry it creates with the surrounding monuments. This year, preservation work on the pool forms part of broader renovation efforts
Travelers enrolled in Accor’s loyalty program have a narrow window to secure the current annual rate for ALL Accor+ Explorer membership. The fee will rise worldwide on October 1, 2026, and existing members must act by September 30 to lock in today’s pricing for another full year. This adjustment affects anyone who values the program’s
Security lines at major U.S. airports move with a familiar rhythm, yet one longstanding policy continues to influence how millions of passengers prepare their carry-on bags each day. The Transportation Security Administration has maintained restrictions on liquids, gels, and aerosols for nearly two decades, a measure that affects everything from toiletries to snacks. This framework
Frequent flyers often face the frustration of learning about disruptions only after reaching the airport. The Flighty app, an iOS tool first released in 2019, has expanded its capabilities with recent updates that deliver earlier and more detailed information on flight changes. These improvements arrive as many travelers prepare for peak fall schedules and seek
Nashville International Airport stands as the primary gateway for visitors entering Music City and the broader state of Tennessee. A formal proposal now seeks to attach the name of the late country music legend Dolly Parton to that facility. The move follows her passing on August 25 and reflects widespread appreciation for her decades of