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.
San Francisco – Voters here will decide next month whether to reopen the Great Highway to motor vehicles, a choice that coincides with fresh data on the economics of daily travel. A report from the American Public Transportation Association points to meaningful annual savings for households that rely on public transit instead of private cars.
Financial institutions have begun identifying instances of personal AI agents operating within customer bank accounts, according to a report highlighted by CBS News. ([1])This development arrives at a moment when many travelers increasingly turn to AI assistants to compare flights, suggest itineraries, or manage travel budgets. The situation invites a measured look at how people
Sitka occupies a distinctive place among Alaska cruise ports, set on the rugged coastline of Baranof Island and shaped by layers of Tlingit stewardship, Russian colonial presence and American history. The opening of the Sitka Sound Cruise Terminal has allowed the community to welcome more vessels, including the possibility of two large ships at once,
Many travelers look for ways to stretch the value of their dining experiences, especially when meals form a regular part of trips away from home. Credit cards that award bonus points or miles on restaurant purchases provide a solid foundation, yet additional layers of rewards from loyalty programs, reservation platforms and card-linked offers can multiply
Travelers preparing for flights on American Airlines benefit from understanding the carrier’s baggage policies in advance. Clear knowledge of carry-on allowances, checked-bag rules and weight limits helps avoid surprises at the airport. The airline permits a full-size carry-on and a personal item for every passenger, including those in basic economy fares. ([1]) Carry-On Guidelines for
When planning a relocation from the United States to Scotland, the list of tasks grew long quickly. A spouse visa application, the sale of a home in Ohio, and arrangements for shipping household goods all demanded attention. Yet the most pressing concern remained how to transport a beloved family member safely across the Atlantic. Our
Orange County, California – Coastal rail service along one of Southern California’s most scenic routes will pause for several days next week as powerful surf and elevated tides are expected to affect tracks that run close to the shoreline. Metrolink has announced that the Orange County Line will not operate between the Laguna Niguel-Mission Viejo
Burnet County, Texas – A bridge long envisioned for the Wirtz Dam site is moving forward with the goal of strengthening connections across the Highland Lakes. The project, discussed since the 1970s, centers on improved emergency medical access for residents of Horseshoe Bay and Marble Falls. Archaeological discoveries along the route have shaped the timeline,
In the far north suburbs of Chicago, a single home has become a seasonal gathering point for neighbors and visitors alike. Aaron Shriver and his family have spent the past several years transforming their property into Whispering Shadows Estate, an elaborate walkthrough experience built entirely by hand. This year the project reaches its largest scale
As temperatures drop and holiday travel ramps up, flu season has arrived with a familiar mix of respiratory viruses including influenza, COVID-19, and RSV. Travelers want to reach their destinations feeling their best so they can fully enjoy time with family and new places. Lessons from recent years have clarified simple, effective habits that reduce
JetBlue is preparing to introduce its new domestic first-class cabin, BlueFirst, on select aircraft later this year. The carrier has now detailed how elite members of its TrueBlue loyalty program will access complimentary upgrades into those seats once they appear. The changes, many of which take effect in early 2027, give Mosaic status holders and
New York City’s City Council approved legislation this week that would phase out horse-drawn carriages in Central Park by June 2028. The Transport Workers Union, representing drivers and owners, filed suit immediately afterward seeking to block the measure. For travelers who have long associated the park with these rides, the development raises practical questions about