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.
10 Travel Moments That Change You Forever
 · 5 min read

10 Travel Moments That Change You Forever

Travel isn’t just about checking destinations off a list—it’s about the moments that quietly alter our perspective and enrich our lives. Whether it’s a serendipitous encounter or a quiet moment of reflection, each experience has the power to change us forever. In this post, we celebrate 10 travel moments that remind us why purposeful, responsible

Staycations: Finding Adventure in Your Own Backyard
 · 5 min read

Staycations: Finding Adventure in Your Own Backyard

In a world that constantly nudges us toward far-flung adventures—airplane selfies, bucket-list destinations, and exotic itineraries—it’s easy to overlook the everyday magic that exists right outside our doors. But sometimes, the most meaningful journeys are the ones that require no passport at all. Staycations—those slow, intentional getaways in our own cities or neighbouring regions—are not

Slow Travel
 · 6 min read

The Art of Slow Travel

In an age where speed and efficiency often take precedence, the concept of slow travel offers a refreshing alternative. Rather than rushing through a checklist of must-see sights and attractions, slow travel encourages you to take your time, immerse yourself in the local culture, and truly savor your experiences. It’s about quality over quantity, depth

gratitude and self awareness
 · 7 min read

How Travel Can Cultivate Gratitude and Self-Awareness

Travel is a transformative experience that can foster gratitude and self-awareness by immersing you in new cultures, environments, and perspectives. Whether you’re exploring distant lands or nearby regions, travel provides a unique opportunity to reflect on your place in the world and develop a deeper appreciation for life. This guide explores how travel can cultivate

Beach Toronto
 · 7 min read

The Beach: A Local’s Guide To Toronto’s Lakeside Neighbourhood

Along the shores of Lake Ontario, just east of Toronto’s downtown core, lies the Beach—a neighbourhood that blends small-town charm with big-city amenities and a population of just over 20,000 residents. It’s a community where the bustle of Toronto melts into the sound of waves meeting the shoreline, children playing, and friends and families strolling

Why Your Passport Is the Most Powerful Book You’ll Ever Own
 · 4 min read

Why Your Passport Is the Most Powerful Book You’ll Ever Own

I still remember the feeling—the slight weight of my first passport in hand, the soft bend of its navy-blue cover, and the silent promise held within its pages. I was a teenager boarding a flight to London, England, with wide eyes and a heart ready to be changed. Until then, my travel experiences were closer

Eco-Friendly Travel
 · 3 min read

5 Eco-Friendly Travel Destinations Around the World

Eco-friendly travel is no longer just a buzzword but a way of life for many conscious travellers. As destinations around the globe prioritize sustainability and environmental protection, eco-conscious travellers are increasingly seeking places that support green tourism. In this guide, we’ll explore eco-friendly travel destinations where you can enjoy your holiday while contributing to the

Gander’s 9/11 Kindness Is a Reminder We Still Need
 · 6 min read

Gander’s 9/11 Kindness Is a Reminder We Still Need

On September 11, 2001, as terror brought the skies to a standstill, nearly 7,000 passengers (fondly known as the ‘Plane People’) from 95 different countries found themselves grounded in the small town of Gander, Newfoundland, Canada—a dot on the map with a giant heart. With no warning, this town of 9,300 people welcomed strangers from

Responsible travel
 · 4 min read

How to Be a Responsible Tourist: Tips for Eco-Friendly Adventures

Being a responsible tourist is no longer a trend but an essential approach to modern travel. With the growing awareness of environmental and social impacts, more travellers are seeking ways to explore the world without leaving a negative footprint. This blog post offers practical tips for eco-friendly adventures, helping you become a responsible tourist while fully

JOMO
 · 3 min read

Embracing The Joy Of Missing Out (JOMO)

In our fast-paced, hyper-connected world, the concept of JOMO—the Joy of Missing Out—is gaining traction, especially in the realm of travel. Originally coined by entrepreneur Anil Dash in 2012 as a counter to FOMO (Fear of Missing Out), JOMO encourages individuals to find contentment in choosing less and savouring moments of stillness. This philosophy is

Why Intergenerational Journeys Matter Now More Than Ever
 · 4 min read

Why Intergenerational Journeys Matter Now More Than Ever

Discover how travelling with parents, grandparents, or elders can strengthen bonds, bridge generations, and keep cultural wisdom alive. In a world that moves quickly and prizes the new, there’s something profoundly grounding about slowing down to journey with those who came before us. Travelling with elders—parents, grandparents, aunties, uncles, or chosen family—offers far more than a

Discovering Wildlife Without Disturbing It
 · 5 min read

Discovering Wildlife Without Disturbing It

There’s something unforgettable about locking eyes with a wild animal—on their terms, not ours. But in a world where animal tourism is often driven by performance and profit, the most meaningful wildlife experiences are those that let nature take the lead. Discovering Wildlife Without Disturbing It is a guide to gentle, responsible travel: observing animals respectfully, leaving