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.
A recent notice from the Department of Transportation outlines adjustments to long-standing requirements on how airlines advertise ticket prices. The changes would permit carriers greater flexibility in presenting base fares alongside taxes and fees. Travelers who rely on clear upfront totals may notice differences in how options appear during searches. **Understanding the Current Full Fare
The Old Man of Coniston rises above the village of the same name in England’s Lake District, offering walkers a compact yet varied day on the fells. A well-established 6.7-mile loop links four distinct summits, passes through the atmospheric ruins of the Coppermines Valley, and finishes beside a waterfall that remains off the main tourist
San Francisco International Airport handled a routine yet notable aviation event when a fully loaded United Airlines flight bound for Mexico experienced a tire blowout during its takeoff roll. The aircraft returned to the airport without further incident, allowing passengers and crew to disembark safely. Such occurrences, while uncommon, illustrate the layered safety systems that
Travelers frequently notice how hotels balance limited space, construction costs, and visual appeal when shaping guest rooms. These decisions often stem from practical constraints or efforts to create distinctive atmospheres, yet they can affect daily routines in subtle ways. Observing these patterns offers insight into the ongoing evolution of hospitality design. Bathroom Layouts and Privacy
American Airlines is adjusting how complimentary upgrades work on a growing number of domestic routes. Elite members who once cleared into lie-flat business class seats will instead move into premium economy when that cabin is available. The shift begins August 25 and applies only where the airline markets premium economy as a distinct product. The
Air France and KLM’s Flying Blue program releases monthly award promotions that lower the cost of reaching Europe from the United States. The August edition continues this pattern with economy fares beginning at 18,750 miles each way on select long-haul routes. Travelers who act before the end of the month can lock in travel through
Alaska Airlines has activated its monthly Atmos Rewards promotion for August, giving members access to reduced award pricing on select international routes. The Global Getaways offers apply to economy travel between the United States and several cities across Europe, Asia, and the South Pacific. With a booking deadline of August 8, 2026, the window is
Slovenia’s Vintgar Gorge draws visitors with its narrow limestone canyon and the vivid green-blue flow of the Radovna River below. Boardwalks cling to the rock walls, offering close views of pools, rapids, and the occasional waterfall as the path winds for 1.6 kilometers. The experience feels both intimate and timeless, yet many travelers discover that
South Korea draws millions of visitors each year with its vibrant food culture, efficient cities, and rich traditions. Among the many items travelers pack from home, one popular American pantry staple has drawn particular attention at the border. Trader Joe’s Everything But The Bagel seasoning blend contains poppy seeds, an ingredient South Korean regulations classify
As families settle back into school routines after summer, many are already looking ahead to fall and winter escapes that offer warmth and relaxation without straining household budgets. Hyatt Inclusive Collection properties in Mexico and the Caribbean have introduced a limited-time promotion that allows children to stay free at select family-oriented all-inclusive resorts. The offer
Six Flags Great America has confirmed plans for a new family-focused expansion that will reshape part of its existing grounds. The project, called Camp Timber Trail, will introduce a woodsy-themed adventure area with nine attractions, anchored by the Sky Hawk roller coaster. It is scheduled to open in 2027 within the park’s Yukon Territory section.
A prolonged heat wave is now prompting red alerts across several major Italian cities while setting a new national temperature record in Austria. The conditions have also contributed to wildfires in France and placed added pressure on energy grids and transportation networks throughout the continent. For US travelers with summer plans in Italy, Austria, or