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.
 · 3 min read

Choosing Seats for Smoother, Quieter Holiday Flights

With holiday travel season approaching, many travelers are finalizing plans for Thanksgiving and December journeys. Selecting a seat with intention rather than accepting whatever remains can make a noticeable difference in comfort during busy flights. Research from regulators and aviation experts offers practical guidance on matching a seat to individual preferences for motion, sound, and

 · 3 min read

Heading to Florida? Practical Protection Against Dengue Fever

Florida continues to report locally acquired cases of dengue fever this year, with health officials documenting more than 250 infections so far, the majority in Hillsborough County around Tampa. ([1])Local emergency declarations have led to round-the-clock mosquito control measures in affected areas. Travelers heading to the state can approach their plans with calm preparation that

 · 2 min read

Plaza Hotel to Close for Four Years of Facade Restoration

Midtown Manhattan’s Plaza Hotel will close its doors for at least four years while crews restore its celebrated historic facade. The decision reflects a deliberate commitment to preserving one of New York’s most recognizable landmarks for generations of travelers who value architectural heritage. Work is expected to begin soon, giving visitors a final window to

 · 3 min read

Cruisetours Unlock Alaska's Most Remote Adventures

Alaska offers travelers a rare chance to combine a coastal voyage with extended time on land, opening access to experiences that remain out of reach for those who stay ship-bound. These combined itineraries, known as cruisetours, take passengers north from ports such as Skagway or Anchorage into the interior, where Denali National Park and Fairbanks

 · 2 min read

Southwest Airlines Refines Its Rapid Rewards Program for the Years Ahead

Southwest Airlines, the nation’s fourth-largest carrier, has long shaped how millions of travelers move across the United States with its distinctive approach to loyalty and service. The airline is now extending that evolution to its Rapid Rewards program, introducing measured updates that reflect broader shifts in how passengers earn status and redeem rewards. These adjustments

 · 2 min read

Earn Aeroplan Points Through DINR Reservations

Aeroplan members who enjoy dining out now have a straightforward way to turn reservations into travel rewards. Through a new partnership with DINR, completed bookings earn points that can support future flights and experiences. The update adds a practical layer to everyday choices for those already collecting Aeroplan miles. How the Rewards Work Participants receive

 · 2 min read

Hiking Ella Rock in Sri Lanka's Hill Country

Ella sits in Sri Lanka’s central highlands, where rolling tea estates meet dramatic ridges. The village itself draws visitors with its mix of quiet lanes and bustling main street, yet the real draw lies beyond the shops and cafes. A walk to the summit of Ella Rock reveals the broader landscape that defines this corner

 · 2 min read

El Niño Strengthens: What the New Winter Outlook Suggests for U.S. Travel Plans

Forecasters released fresh guidance this week on conditions expected across the country from December through February. The Climate Prediction Center updated its seasonal outlook on Thursday, October 15, highlighting how a strengthening El Niño pattern may tilt probabilities for temperature and precipitation in different regions. Travelers planning ski outings, holiday drives, national park visits, or

 · 2 min read

Rove Offers 1:1 JetBlue TrueBlue Transfers With 20% Bonus

Travelers who collect Rove miles now have a direct path to JetBlue TrueBlue points. The new 1:1 transfer ratio expands options for flights across the United States and on select international routes operated by JetBlue and its partners. The partnership marks Rove’s 22nd transfer option and arrives with a limited-time incentive that rewards careful planning.

 · 2 min read

The First New Sunscreen Ingredient in 25 Years Reaches U.S. Store Shelves

Washington – Travelers preparing for beach days, mountain hikes, and long afternoons outdoors now have a fresh choice when they reach for sunscreen. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved bemotrizinol, also known as BEMT, in June, marking the first new chemical sunscreen ingredient cleared for use in more than a quarter century. The first

 · 2 min read

Breeze Airways Opens New Nonstop Routes Linking Regional Airports and Santo Domingo

Breeze Airways has announced a significant expansion that adds four new cities to its network and introduces 16 fresh nonstop routes. The move strengthens connections from established hubs like Myrtle Beach while opening direct service from Boston, Buffalo, Latrobe in Pennsylvania, and Santo Domingo in the Dominican Republic. Travelers can expect the first flights to