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.
Austin continues to draw travelers who seek both vibrant city energy and meaningful connections to the natural world. The opening of 1 Hotel Austin marks a notable addition to that landscape, bringing the brand’s signature emphasis on sustainability and understated design to the Texas capital. The property occupies the tallest tower in the state and
Hawaii – Hurricane Nolo has intensified into a Category 2 storm with maximum sustained winds of 105 miles per hour. The system sits roughly 145 miles south of South Point on the Big Island, placing the Hawaiian Islands in its path as it continues to organize. Travelers with upcoming plans in the region are monitoring
Travelers heading to the Northeast or Hawaii this weekend are watching two separate weather systems that have prompted official preparations across both regions. Governors in New York and New Jersey announced states of emergency on Friday ahead of a nor’easter expected to affect the East Coast, while additional hurricane activity moves toward Hawaii. ([1])The timing
A team of astrophysicists has recorded the first direct radio signal originating from a planet outside our solar system. The detection, detailed in research published on September 26, 2026, opens a fresh avenue for studying worlds that orbit other stars. It arrives at a moment when interest in the night sky continues to draw travelers
New York – Governors Kathy Hochul and Mikie Sherrill announced states of emergency on Friday for key areas across New York and New Jersey ahead of a powerful coastal storm expected this weekend. The declarations cover Nassau, Suffolk, New York City, and Westchester counties in New York, with similar measures in New Jersey. Travelers planning
McKinney National Airport has received its commercial operating certificate from the Federal Aviation Administration, clearing the way for scheduled passenger service to begin in November at this previously underutilized facility in the northeast corner of the Dallas metropolitan area. Avelo Airlines, the Houston-based carrier, will serve as the launch airline and has already outlined an
Washington, D.C. – The Smithsonian’s National Museum of African American History and Culture has reached a quiet milestone this week, marking ten years since its doors first opened to the public. The anniversary arrives at a moment when many travelers seek out places that invite deeper reflection on American life and identity. Visitors continue to
Travelers holding the Chase Air Canada Aeroplan Credit Card now receive an automatic reduction in the points required for many Air Canada flight awards. The change took effect with the card’s September refresh and applies to primary cardholders who link their account properly. It represents a straightforward way to stretch loyalty points further on routes
Travelers now have another convenient option for joining or renewing TSA PreCheck, the government program that speeds vetted passengers through airport security. Clear, the membership service known for expedited screening, began offering PreCheck enrollment in 2024 and has since added dozens of airport locations across the country. The change gives flyers more places to complete
Doney Park, Ariz. – What began as a personal project after retirement has become a seasonal gathering place where neighbors and passersby can cut their own flowers at no charge. Cindy Wilson tends nearly three acres behind her home on Butterfly Lane, turning rows of blooms into an open invitation each summer. The garden sits
Norwegian Cruise Line has built one of the more generous loyalty structures in the cruise industry through its Latitudes Rewards program. Passengers who sail repeatedly with the line gain access to meaningful discounts, priority services, and even a complimentary voyage at the highest level. The program recognizes steady patronage without requiring annual requalification, allowing points
Tampa residents and visitors alike are witnessing a striking display of civic affection this evening. On September 25, 2026, key downtown landmarks are bathed in bright pink light to mark Dolly Parton Day. The gesture captures the city’s playful spirit and its willingness to celebrate icons who embody joy and resilience. A Citywide Gesture of