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.
September marks Hispanic Heritage Month, a fitting time to turn attention toward destinations where Indigenous traditions, colonial legacies and contemporary creativity intersect in compelling ways. Five cities across the region stand out for their layered histories, distinctive neighborhoods and proximity to remarkable natural landscapes. Travelers can reach them more readily by drawing on loyalty programs,
Clearwater Beach draws crowds each year for the Clearwater Offshore Nationals, where powerboats reach speeds above 150 miles per hour along the Gulf coastline. Hundreds of spectators gather to watch the vessels cut through the water just offshore from the popular Florida beach. The event turns an ordinary stretch of sand and sea into a
Grand Teton National Park – Major League Baseball has floated the idea of staging a regular-season game within one of America’s most iconic protected landscapes. Federal officials recently examined three possible sites inside the Wyoming park, though the concept remains early and no decisions have been made. The proposal highlights both the enduring appeal of
Atlanta – Two giant pandas from China reached Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport on Sunday morning and continued on to Zoo Atlanta, where they will begin their new chapter under the care of the institution’s specialists. The arrival adds a rare and closely watched presence to one of the few American zoos currently home to the species.
Travelers planning winter getaways may soon face a noticeable shift in daylight patterns if Congress advances the Sunshine Protection Act. The proposal would lock the country into daylight saving time year-round, eliminating the November clock change for most states. Hawaii and most of Arizona would remain on standard time as they do now. The change
New York – A strong nor’easter has brought periods of heavy rain, coastal flooding, and gusty winds to parts of the Northeast over the weekend, with additional effects expected through Monday. The system has prompted states of emergency in affected areas of New York and New Jersey, where low-lying roads and waterfront neighborhoods have seen
The Outer Banks form a slender ribbon of barrier islands along North Carolina’s coast, where wind, waves, and shifting sands have long defined the landscape. An early-season nor’easter has recently moved through the region, bringing stronger winds and higher surf than typical for late September. Travelers who know these islands understand that such events are
As autumn deepens and leaves turn across much of the country, many travelers plan outings to nearby farms and pumpkin patches. These seasonal visits offer a chance to connect with the land and support local growers while selecting pumpkins that will hold up well into the cooler months. The timing aligns with peak harvest for
Bordeaux serves as an ideal base for venturing into the surrounding countryside, where the Médoc wine region lies roughly an hour’s drive to the north. ([1])The area’s celebrated Route des Châteaux winds through rolling vineyards and historic estates, offering visitors a direct connection to centuries of winemaking tradition without requiring an overnight stay. A structured
New York and New Jersey moved quickly on Friday to declare states of emergency as a nor’easter gathered strength along the Atlantic seaboard. At the same time, hurricane activity continued to track toward the Hawaiian Islands, creating overlapping concerns for travelers heading to either coast this weekend. The dual systems have already begun to influence
Atlanta stands ready to welcome two new residents whose presence will draw families and wildlife enthusiasts from across the country. Ping Ping and Fu Shuang, both born in 2020 at the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding, departed southwestern China early Sunday bound for Zoo Atlanta. Their arrival marks the first time giant pandas
Paris drew an extraordinary assembly of faithful when Pope Leo celebrated Mass during his visit to France. The Vatican placed the attendance at roughly 800,000 people, a figure that underscores the continued strength of religious pilgrimage across Europe. Travelers and worshippers alike converged on the city, many arriving after long journeys by rail, coach, or
