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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Waikiki's Royal Hawaiian Prepares Pink Palace for Centennial

The Royal Hawaiian has stood on a prized stretch of Waikiki Beach since 1927, its distinctive pink stucco and Spanish-Moorish architecture making it one of Honolulu’s most recognizable landmarks. As the hotel approaches its 100th birthday in February 2027, a comprehensive renovation is underway to refresh guest rooms, public spaces, and amenities while honoring its

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Viking Reaches 109 Ships After Adding Seven New Vessels

Viking marked a significant expansion this week with the official naming of seven new river ships during a ceremony in Amsterdam. The 29-year-old company now operates a total of 109 vessels, including river, ocean, and expedition ships. This milestone underscores the continued appeal of intimate, destination-focused cruises along some of the world’s most storied waterways,

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Beyond the Coastline: Princess Cruises’ Extended Alaska Journeys Reach Deeper Into the Wilderness

Standard cruises along Alaska’s southeastern coast offer striking views of glaciers and fjords, yet many travelers seek more time to experience the state’s vast interior. Princess Cruises addresses this desire through its cruisetours, which combine a seven-night coastal voyage with multi-night overland segments that reach several national parks in a single itinerary. These programs stand

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Non-Travelers at the Gate: What to Know About TSA’s Gateside Program After Its Expansion Pause

The Transportation Security Administration introduced a pilot program in September 2026 that lets certain non-travelers accompany loved ones through security and all the way to the departure gate. Called Gateside by TSA PreCheck, the initiative revives a practice familiar to many before heightened security measures took hold after 2001. Recent developments show the program has

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After Nearly Eight Months in Orbit, SpaceX Crew-12 Astronauts Reflect on the Joy of Their ISS Journey

Three members of NASA’s SpaceX Crew-12 gathered recently to describe their time aboard the International Space Station. They had returned to Earth after nearly eight months in orbit, and their reflections centered on a single word: joy. The astronauts spoke about the mix of demanding work and meaningful moments that defined their mission, offering a

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Castello di Bolgheri Merges Medieval Past with Super Tuscan Wines

Travelers drawn to Tuscany often seek places where the landscape itself tells a layered story. Castello di Bolgheri stands as one such site, its stone walls rising amid the rolling hills of the Bolgheri region. The castle’s 13th-century origins anchor it firmly in the area’s long history of settlement and cultivation, while the surrounding vineyards

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This Plainfield Yard Is More Than a Halloween Display — It’s Art Rooted in Family Tradition

In the quiet neighborhoods of Plainfield, Illinois, one home has become known for a Halloween installation that residents and visitors alike describe as something beyond ordinary yard decorations. Brian Hunter’s Pumpkin Riot Productions draws directly from the seasonal rituals he shared with his family during childhood, turning personal memory into a form of public craft.

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ETIAS Delay Means No Waiver Needed Now

US travelers planning trips to Europe can proceed with confidence for the time being. The European Travel Information and Authorization System, known as ETIAS, has not yet launched, so no authorization is required or available through official channels. This pause follows ongoing adjustments to related border systems and leaves room for travelers to focus on

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Tesla Roadster Lifts Off in Texas Demo

Houston – During a livestreamed event at a SpaceX facility in Texas, Tesla unveiled its updated Roadster equipped with high-pressure air thrusters that allowed the vehicle to leave the road surface entirely. The demonstration offered a tangible look at one possible direction for personal mobility, framed through the lens of how future travel might evolve

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Royal Caribbean's Largest Ships Expand Deck Adventures

Royal Caribbean operates a diverse fleet that includes some of the largest passenger vessels ever built. The three Icon Class ships stand at the top, each measuring 248,663 gross tons and offering space for thousands of guests along with extensive facilities. These vessels demonstrate how greater volume translates into more options for recreation and relaxation

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Gable Opens at Hollywood Roosevelt with Timeless Appeal

Hollywood Boulevard has long drawn visitors eager to connect with the golden age of cinema. Now a new restaurant inside one of its most storied addresses adds a fresh reason to linger. Gable, which opened in August inside the Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel, blends the property’s rich past with the city’s vibrant present. ([1]) A Landmark

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Southwest Revises Companion Pass Rules for 2027

Southwest Airlines has outlined adjustments to its popular Companion Pass program that will take effect at the start of 2027. The changes center on how travelers qualify for the benefit, which lets a designated companion fly along for only taxes and fees on most trips. These updates arrive alongside broader revisions to the airline’s Rapid