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.
A developing El Niño pattern, with forecasts pointing toward a very strong event this fall and winter, is drawing attention from travelers who cherish America’s national parks. Forecasters note that such conditions often shift storm tracks, bringing varied precipitation and temperature changes across different regions. This offers an opportunity to approach upcoming trips with extra
Reno, Nevada – A state of emergency has been declared after the Hawk Fire erupted over the weekend in the Sierra Nevada foothills and moved quickly toward neighborhoods in northwest Reno. Nearly 90,000 residents received orders to evacuate or prepare to leave at a moment’s notice. The fast-moving blaze has already reached some homes, prompting
Residents of central Alabama often find the Gulf Coast within easy reach, with the drive from Montgomery taking roughly three and a half hours. Gulf Shores and Orange Beach serve as the nearest stretch of genuine shoreline for many in the state, drawing repeat visits from those who value both convenience and the steady rhythm
Allegiant Air has started selling seats in a new premium cabin called Allegiant First, marking a notable change for the longtime budget carrier. The first flights with these recliner seats are scheduled to begin in March 2027, and travelers can already reserve them on the airline’s website for certain routes. This development comes after the
Singapore Airlines is extending its reach across Europe with a new service to Madrid and higher frequencies on several established routes. The changes take effect progressively from late October 2026 and give travelers additional one-stop options through the airline’s Singapore hub. The move reflects steady demand for European destinations and the carrier’s ongoing investment in
A recent national poll of more than 2,500 American adults reveals that many travelers notice changes in how people behave on planes, yet the findings point toward a shared preference for simple consideration rather than additional regulations. The survey, conducted by YouGov on behalf of The Points Guy, examined common points of friction during flights
Death Valley National Park – Temperatures that climbed to 116 degrees recently claimed a life when a vehicle became stranded, a stark reminder of how quickly conditions can turn dangerous in one of the hottest places on Earth. The incident, reported last week, points to the value of thorough preparation rather than any inherent peril
Hawaii’s Big Island and neighboring islands continue their measured recovery from Hurricane Lala’s heavy rains and winds last weekend. Now a second system, Tropical Depression Moke, is expected to pass just south of the chain and deliver additional rainfall through Monday. Travelers with upcoming plans will find the islands focused on safety and preparation rather
New York City has long drawn people seeking to mark life’s most meaningful moments against its most recognizable skyline. A recent high-profile climb to the spire of the Empire State Building for an engagement has once again placed the landmark at the center of global attention. The incident underscores both the building’s magnetic pull and
California’s shoreline stands at the center of a rare natural alignment this winter, where a strengthening El Niño pattern, elevated king tides, and ongoing sea level rise are expected to shape coastal conditions in distinctive ways. Travelers drawn to the Pacific Coast Highway, the cliffs of Big Sur, or the sandy stretches of Malibu and
Across much of the United States, winter days often end early, with darkness settling in well before many people finish work or begin evening plans. A shift to permanent daylight saving time would move the clocks forward year-round, pushing sunset later into the evening even in the shortest months. This change could reshape how travelers
Reno, Nevada – A fast-moving wildfire that began on Saturday has prompted authorities to order or advise the evacuation of roughly 90,000 people in the northwest part of the city and surrounding areas. The blaze, known as the Hawk Fire, is human-caused and remains uncontained as of Sunday, with shifting winds adding to the challenge
