Helen Hatzis Profile Overview

Helen Hatzis

Helen Hatzis

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.
Explore the Real-World Locations of the Original Star Wars Trilogy
 · 5 min read

Explore the Real-World Locations of the Original Star Wars Trilogy

The galaxy far, far away isn’t so far after all. While Star Wars is a legendary work of fiction, the breathtaking locations used in George Lucas’s original trilogy are very real—and they’re waiting to be explored. From arid deserts to lush forests and frozen tundras, these destinations transport travelers straight into the Star Wars universe. […]

Active holiday in Mallorca: Hike through the exciting canyon, Torent de Pareis gorge - exciting climbing, entry into the gorge from above
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How to Travel Green on a Budget in Eastern Europe

Eastern Europe Welcomes Sustainable Travellers Eastern Europe is packed with affordable, eco-friendly options for mindful travellers. Countries like Slovenia, Romania, and Estonia lead the way with green initiatives that support local communities and protect natural beauty. You will find a combination of car-free city centres, organic guesthouses, and community-driven tourism projects. Traveling sustainably here does […]

Benagil Caves Algarve Portugal
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The World’s Most Relaxing Countries to Visit Right Now

The Power of True Relaxation In today’s fast-paced world, relaxation isn’t just a luxury—it’s a necessity for mental clarity and emotional balance. Taking time to truly unwind helps us reconnect with ourselves, restore inner peace, and approach life with renewed energy. Whether it’s through a walk in nature, a quiet moment of meditation, or comfort […]

Dubai autism
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Dubai Becomes First Certified Autism Destination™ in the Eastern Hemisphere

Dubai has once again proven itself a global leader—this time, by becoming the first Certified Autism Destination™ in the Eastern Hemisphere. The city’s groundbreaking designation sets a new global standard for accessible and inclusive travel. This milestone recognizes a sweeping, city-wide commitment to inclusive and accessible tourism, driven by Dubai’s Department of Economy and Tourism […]

cherry blossoms
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Where to See Cherry Blossoms in Toronto and Beyond

Toronto’s High Park is about to burst into bloom — here’s how to catch the magic of sakura season locally and across Canada, while being mindful of the tiny lives that share the space beneath our feet. The Brief, Beautiful Life of the Cherry Blossom Each spring, something magical happens across parts of Canada: streets, […]

Mayapur ISKCON Temple, also known as Sri Mayapur Chandrodaya Mandir, is a magnificent temple complex located in Mayapur, West Bengal, India.
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Discover Spiritual India Beyond the Tourist Trail

Go Beyond the Usual Spots India’s spiritual heartbeat isn’t confined to its crowded pilgrimage circuits. Beyond the usual sites lies a quieter, deeper India, where sacred rituals and ancient wisdom still guide daily life. This journey explores offbeat corners where spirituality thrives in silence, amid forests, mountains, and forgotten temples. These lesser-known places offer something […]

Sunrise over Sanjunoto pagoda and Kiyomizu-dera Temple in the autumn season, Kyoto, Japan
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Temples and Teahouses – A Cultural Guide to Kyoto

Kyoto’s Soul Lives in Temples and Teahouses Kyoto isn’t just a city. It’s a living museum of Japanese tradition, where centuries-old temples and humble teahouses reveal the country’s spiritual and aesthetic core. With over 1600 Buddhist temples and 400 Shintō shrines, Kyoto preserves Japan’s architectural and cultural legacy in an unmatched way. Tea culture here […]

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Georgia Is the Budget-Friendly Gem of the Caucasus

Why You Need a Georgia Trip Wedged between the Black Sea and the snow-capped Caucasus Mountains, Georgia delivers unforgettable travel experiences without draining your wallet. Its affordability is matched only by its cultural depth, welcoming locals, and jaw-dropping scenery. Whether you’re into hiking, history, or feasting on cheesy khachapuri, your money stretches surprisingly far here. […]

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10 Places in the Balkans Everyone Will Be Talking About

The Balkans are Having a Moment The Balkans are making waves as Europe’s next great travel region in 2025. With a mix of dramatic coastlines, alpine landscapes, ancient cities, and lesser-known cultural treasures, the area offers incredible variety without the price or crowds of Western Europe. Travellers are looking for places that feel real, and […]

An Exotic Pink Beach (Long Beach) and blue clear water in Padar Island, Labuan Bajo, has become a favorite visiting place for domestic and foreign tourists
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Secret Beaches You Won’t Believe Exist in Southeast Asia

Escape the Crowds Without Leaving the Region Southeast Asia’s coastline is world-famous, but the real magic lies beyond the tourist trail. Skip the chaos of Phuket and Bali and discover pristine, hidden beaches that still fly under the radar. These gems offer crystal waters, powdery sand, and lush backdrops with barely another soul in sight. […]

Los Angeles ipw
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A Love Letter to Los Angeles

City of Firsts and Forevers Some places stay in your mind. Others settle into your bones. For me, that place has always been Los Angeles. I first moved to LA in the early ’90s, a suitcase full of ambition and a heart wide open to possibility. This was where I became independent — where I […]

Ura e Ulzes bridge on one of most beautiful roads in Albania along the Shkopet Lake precipitous сoast. Lake Ulza Nature Park, Diber County, Balkan mountains, Albania, Europe.
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Why Albania Is Europe’s Most Captivating Destination Right Now

Albania’s Tourism Boom: From Overlooked to In-Demand Albania has gone from travel underdog to Europe’s rising star. We added it to our travel trend watch in December 2024. Bookings have surged year-over-year, outpacing places like Montenegro and Istanbul. Travelers are catching on to its mix of affordability, natural beauty, and cultural depth. It’s still off […]