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.
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Lake Bohinj: Stillness Amid Slovenia's Peaks

Lake Bohinj rests deep within Triglav National Park, where the mountains press close to the water and the surface often lies mirror-calm. Visitors who arrive expecting bustle instead find a place that rewards unhurried movement. A paddleboard drifting in the middle of the lake can become a platform for quiet reflection, with only the occasional

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Europe's Shrinking Rivers Reveal Mammoth Bones and Shipwrecks

This summer brought unusually low water levels to several major European rivers, exposing artifacts that had remained hidden for decades or centuries. The Danube, in particular, dropped to record lows in multiple countries, turning sections of its riverbed into temporary archaeological sites. Travelers and locals alike have watched as these receding waters offered rare glimpses

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The Quiet Greek Island Where the Art World Goes to Think

Chios, Greece – Far from the bustle of more familiar Aegean routes, the northwestern region of Amani offers a measured pace that suits extended stays and unhurried exploration. This summer, the island’s sole contemporary art organization has once again chosen an unexpected venue for its annual exhibition, turning a village school into a gathering point

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Wildfires Expose WWII Munitions in Le Porge

Le Porge, France – Recent wildfires sweeping through the pine forests near this coastal community have stirred long-buried reminders of the Second World War. Explosives from that era, both German and French in origin, have begun to detonate as flames reach deeper into the ground. The event has drawn attention to the layered history beneath

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Angkas Motorcycle Taxis Open to Foreign Visitors Exploring Metro Manila

Metro Manila traffic often turns short trips into lengthy delays, especially during peak hours when a route that appears quick on a map can stretch well beyond an hour. Many first-time visitors find themselves seeking reliable ways to move between neighborhoods without losing valuable time. Angkas, a motorcycle taxi service, stands out as one option

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El Valle de Antón: A Crater Town's Quiet Trails

El Valle de Antón sits in the bowl of an extinct volcano in central Panama, a compact town ringed by green ridges that rise sharply from the valley floor. Travelers arriving from Panama City often reach it in roughly two hours by road, yet many pass it by in favor of better-known highland spots farther

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Slovenia's Soča River: A Turquoise Gem for Adventure Seekers

After descending from the heights of Mount Triglav, the landscape shifted dramatically. The narrow pass gave way to a broad valley where the Soča River emerged in full view, its waters a vivid turquoise against white limestone and dense forest. The contrast with the alpine terrain above proved immediate and memorable, setting the tone for

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San Diego Time Capsule Unearths 1962 Cold War Note

A quiet moment of discovery unfolded recently when a time capsule was opened at a San Diego school, bringing forward a letter written to families in 1962. The document offers a direct window into how the city prepared for an era defined by nuclear tension and civil defense planning. Rather than abstract history, the find

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Southwest Lets Travelers Earn Companion Pass With One Flight

Southwest Airlines has opened a narrow window for Rapid Rewards members to secure a promotional Companion Pass through a remarkably straightforward requirement. The offer runs through August 6, 2026, and centers on completing one qualifying round-trip or two one-way flights. Those who meet the terms receive companion travel privileges during a defined two-month period in

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After Years of Preparation, the Boeing 737 MAX 7 Receives FAA Certification

The Federal Aviation Administration has approved the Boeing 737 MAX 7, the smallest member of the manufacturer’s narrow-body family, bringing a long-awaited addition to the commercial fleet. This certification arrives after more than four years of additional review and refinement following earlier grounding of other MAX variants. For travelers, the development points toward greater flexibility

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American Airlines Introduces New Solo Membership Option as Traditional Admirals Club Rates Rise

Travelers who value the quiet and convenience of airport lounges will soon encounter new pricing for American Airlines Admirals Club access. Beginning August 23, the carrier is raising fees for its standard membership while adding a lower-cost alternative designed specifically for individuals traveling alone. The adjustments arrive alongside updates to the Citi AAdvantage Executive card,

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How Points and Miles Open the Door to a Cancun Getaway

Cancun and the broader Riviera Maya region draw travelers year after year with their blend of Caribbean shoreline, ancient sites, and natural wonders. For many, the cost of flights and lodging can feel like a barrier, yet accumulated points and miles from everyday spending often provide a practical path forward. This approach allows families and