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.
Travel with ease and confidence—no embassy appointments, no long forms, just your passport and a sense of adventure. In an increasingly complex world of travel restrictions, visa applications, and shifting geopolitics, it’s refreshing to know that many countries still warmly welcome U.S. travellers—no paperwork required. Whether you’re seeking culture, coastline, or a culinary journey, these
How a spontaneous visit with goats turned into a small-town adventure filled with film magic. Sometimes the best travel stories begin without a plan. On a sunny August morning, my daughter and I set off on an impromptu drive to Port Hope, Ontario—a small town I’d visited once before and remembered fondly. What began as
From eco-friendly essentials to sanity-saving hacks, here’s what experienced globetrotters pack to stay prepared, comfortable, and connected—without overpacking. Whether you’re heading out on a soul-searching solo trip or a multigenerational journey with family in tow, packing shouldn’t feel like a puzzle. After decades of travel and fine-tuning the art of packing for purpose-driven adventures, I’ve
Discover how to identify truly ethical zoos and wildlife sanctuaries. Learn what accreditations matter, what red flags to avoid, and how cultural and Indigenous values can guide respectful, conservation-minded travel. Look Closely: Are We Helping or Harming? Wild animals have a way of stopping us in our tracks. A silverback gorilla’s gaze, a tiger’s pacing
When you walk through a museum or library, your steps soften, your voice lowers, and you become attuned to something greater than yourself. What if we carried that same reverence into the natural world? Nature as Gallery, Nature as Home There’s a quiet power in stillness. In museums, we lean in without leaning on. In
There are musicals that entertain, and then there are those that honour memory, heritage, and the heartbeat of a people. Buena Vista Social Club, now a five-time Tony Award–winning triumph on Broadway, belongs emphatically to the latter. Directed with reverence and rhythm by Saheem Ali, this exuberant and elegiac musical is more than just a
What Michelin Stars Really Mean in the World of Dining For many travellers, dining out is more than just nourishment—it’s a form of exploration, a celebration of culture, and often, a moment to remember. And in the world of fine dining, few accolades carry more weight than the coveted Michelin Star. But for all the
In the age of filtered wanderlust and resort-ready escapes, it’s easy to overlook the systems that quietly keep island life afloat. But beneath the pastel beauty of Bermuda lies a story of ingenuity—etched into every stepped white rooftop and hidden in every underground cistern. Travellers who pause to understand this island’s relationship with water are
It’s the most whispered-about “membership” in travel. But is anyone actually getting frisky in-flight, or are we just full of hot cabin air? Let’s Clear the Cabin Air The Mile High Club. A phrase guaranteed to raise eyebrows and spark curiosity. It sounds glamorous. Adventurous. Just naughty enough to inspire both intrigue and denial. But
A new kind of patriotism is emerging—one that honours the land by travelling lightly across it Canada Day has long been a time to wave the flag and celebrate the breathtaking landscapes and cultural richness that define this country. But in recent years, a quieter movement has taken hold. More Canadians are choosing to travel
Jacksonville, Florida, known for its expansive coastline and vibrant beach communities, has long been a hub for surf culture. With a mix of consistent waves, a laid-back atmosphere, and a tight-knit surfing community, the city offers an authentic surf experience that draws both locals and visitors to its shores. A Surfer’s Playground Jacksonville boasts over
From Chicago to California, celebrate a century of America’s Mother Road with this must-do guide. Route 66 turns 100 in 2026—a milestone that makes now the perfect time to plan the road trip of a lifetime. Stretching 2,448 miles (3,940 km) across eight states, Route 66 is a living museum of Americana, nostalgia, and offbeat
