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.
Rove, a rewards program that allows members to earn transferable miles without a credit card, has introduced three transfer bonuses running through October 31. These offers apply to Japan Airlines Mileage Bank, Air France-KLM Flying Blue and Qatar Airways Privilege Club, with bonuses ranging from 15 percent up to 50 percent depending on the partner
Southern California is settling into an extended stretch of autumn warmth that forecasters expect to continue well into the month. The National Weather Service has outlined a heat wave that may persist through mid-October, with Saturday marking the period of highest temperatures. Travelers planning coastal visits, park outings, or city explorations can still enjoy the
Travelers preparing for international journeys may soon encounter a noticeably different experience when securing or renewing a U.S. passport. The federal government is introducing an online-first application system alongside a refreshed passport design that emphasizes national symbols and historical milestones. These adjustments aim to simplify what has long been a multi-step process for many applicants.
Many travelers assume American Airlines AAdvantage miles come only from flights, yet the program offers numerous paths to accumulate them through ordinary spending and partnerships. This flexibility helps frequent flyers and occasional travelers alike build balances that support future journeys. The approach turns routine choices into meaningful progress toward award travel. Flights Still Form the
Bel-Air, Los Angeles – A landmark of mid-century Los Angeles architecture has found new stewardship. Casa Encantada, the 40,000-square-foot estate built in 1938, changed hands this summer for $130 million at a foreclosure auction in Pomona. The transaction brings renewed attention to one of the city’s most enduring residential landmarks. A Residence Rooted in 1930s
Alaska Airlines continues to broaden the reach of its Atmos Rewards program through a series of measured expansions. The carrier recently introduced a points-earning debit card and now plans to follow with a credit card that carries no annual fee. These steps aim to give more travelers straightforward ways to collect both redeemable points and
United Airlines plans to introduce a new “Base” fare option in its domestic first-class cabin, extending the unbundled pricing model already in place for other premium products. The change follows similar moves the carrier made earlier for long-haul Polaris business class and Premium Plus seats. Tickets are expected to become available in the coming weeks.
Big Sur, California – Along the winding curves of Highway 1, a modest opening in the hillside marks the entrance to a passage with roots in the region’s logging past. The Partington Cove Trail begins with a descent that soon leads travelers through this hand-carved tunnel and out to a sheltered cove where waves meet
A Phoenix-based tour operator has filed suit against the Trump administration, arguing that higher entrance charges for non-U.S. residents at certain national parks are unlawful. The case centers on an executive order that introduced additional fees for overseas visitors, and it raises practical questions for international travelers planning trips to these shared public lands. Across
Many travelers keep a handful of essential details ready when booking flights, from confirmation codes to passport information. Among these, one nine-digit identifier stands out for those enrolled in certain federal programs, as it connects directly to expedited screening options at U.S. airports. Issued by the Department of Homeland Security, this code appears on boarding
World of Hyatt has introduced a new global promotion that provides up to 36,000 bonus points for qualifying hotel stays. The offer applies across the brand’s portfolio and centers on stays that travelers book and complete during the active period. Details remain subject to the program’s official terms, which participants should review directly before registering
San Francisco – A power outage along the Embarcadero on Wednesday morning left the San Francisco Ferry Building without electricity for a short time, dimming the usual glow at popular coffee counters and prompting commuters to adjust their routines ([1]). Gates stayed down at spots such as Red Bay and Blue Bottle while the waterfront