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.
Los Angeles is introducing a new network of speed cameras to support safer streets across the city. The program is set to expand gradually, with cameras already active in several neighborhoods ahead of the official start. Visitors who plan to rent a car or drive during their stay will find clear information helpful for navigating
Shoppers across the United States often encounter orange-fleshed tubers labeled as yams in the weeks leading up to Thanksgiving. In reality, those items are sweet potatoes, a distinction rooted in botanical differences rather than marketing alone. The clarification matters for recipes that rely on specific textures and flavors. ([1]) Separate Plant Families Shape Distinct Vegetables
Southwest Airlines is preparing to introduce a new layer of premium service at airports across its network. The carrier expects the first of 11 planned Icon Lounges to open in late 2027, marking a notable evolution for an airline long associated with straightforward, no-frills travel. ([1])Travelers who value comfort before departure will soon have dedicated
The City of Austin has issued a notice about a water line issue near Farm-to-Market 812 that is affecting westbound traffic into the Circuit of the Americas. ([1])This update arrives as visitors prepare for the Formula 1 U.S. Grand Prix, a highlight of the racing calendar that draws enthusiasts from around the world to Austin
Harry Houdini died on Halloween in 1926, and the circumstances surrounding his passing at age 52 continue to spark curiosity a full century later. The escape artist who built a career on seemingly impossible feats left behind a legacy that blends performance, skepticism, and quiet reflection. A recent examination by CBS News correspondent David Pogue
Travel announcements this week point to smoother experiences for guests and fresh ways to explore destinations. Airbnb introduced clearer boundaries around end-of-stay requests, while Marriott’s Luxury Collection outlined new journeys that extend beyond hotel stays. These shifts arrive as many travelers plan holiday trips and look ahead to next year’s adventures. Clearer Guidelines for Airbnb
Sonoma County in Northern California draws visitors with its rolling vineyards, historic sites, and distinctive wine culture. A private tour with Pushpak Wine Country Tours offers one way to move through the landscape at a measured pace, using guided electric trike rides along scenic routes. The approach centers on a dedicated guide and an itinerary
Emirates is weighing several additional U.S. destinations as part of its long-term growth strategy from Dubai. President Tim Clark recently highlighted Denver International Airport, Detroit Metropolitan Airport, and Philadelphia International Airport among the markets under consideration, noting that the carrier’s list of possibilities remains extensive. The comments came during the Routes World conference and were
The Citi / AAdvantage Platinum Select World Elite Mastercard currently features a welcome offer of 80,000 AAdvantage miles after meeting a $3,500 spending requirement in the first four months. This limited-time promotion aligns with the card’s highest recorded bonus level and can support future travel on American Airlines. Travelers considering the card should first confirm
Travelers looking ahead to summer 2027 are encountering early signals that airfares may rise, driven by sustained high jet fuel prices, measured adjustments in airline schedules, and evolving government charges in certain markets. These pressures echo across both sides of the Atlantic, though the precise impact varies by route and carrier. Thoughtful preparation now can
Anaheim, California – On October 24, 2026, a sudden downpour moved across Disneyland, bringing localized flooding that briefly altered the look of familiar pathways and prompted temporary adjustments to operations. Guests noticed water levels rising in areas near the Rivers of America, with one visitor remarking that the waterway seemed to have expanded into Frontierland.
Travel brings meaningful connections and discovery, yet it also carries environmental costs through energy demands and waste. Hotels contribute noticeably to these pressures, but many are now adopting concrete measures to reduce their footprint. Properties across several continents demonstrate how thoughtful design and operations can limit emissions, recycle materials, and support local ecosystems. Several of