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.
Orange County, California, reveals a layered side of itself each fall as beaches and theme parks give way to pumpkin patches, historic ghost walks, and community altars that honor the season’s deeper meanings. The celebrations stretch from mid-September into early November, drawing families, couples, and solo travelers who seek both lively entertainment and moments of
La Paz, Bolivia – In the misty slopes of the Yungas, a small spotted feline long mistaken by locals for a stray house cat has been confirmed as an entirely new species. The discovery, led by Bolivian biologist Paola Nogales-Ascarrunz, marks the first time scientists have described a fresh wild cat species anywhere in the
A Colorado high school science teacher has identified the first known Tyrannosaurus rex trackway, a series of footprints left by the iconic predator roughly 68 million years ago. The find occurred during a volunteer research trip to the badlands of southwestern North Dakota and is now being prepared for display at the Denver Museum of
As September 22 marks the official start of autumn, the familiar shift in leaf color is poised to begin across much of the United States. Timing varies with elevation, latitude and local weather conditions, creating a moving display that rewards those who plan with care. Forecasts drawn from temperature trends, precipitation records and historical patterns
Canadian travelers often look for small comforts that echo home when they fly. WestJet is adding one of the country’s most familiar rituals to its cabins with a dedicated Tim Hortons coffee blend. The change begins on November 30 and extends into a deeper partnership with loyalty programs in 2027. ([1]) A Familiar Ritual at
Meteorologists are monitoring a developing disturbance in the Atlantic that could mark the end of an unusually quiet stretch in the 2026 hurricane season. The system remains in its early stages, yet forecasters note its potential to strengthen into the year’s first named storm or hurricane. For anyone planning trips to the Caribbean, Florida, or
St. Louis offers a distinctive setting for one of the country’s longest-running hot air balloon events. The Great Forest Park Balloon Race and Glow returns for its 54th year this weekend, filling the city’s celebrated urban park with color and movement. The free gathering stands out because it unfolds inside a major metropolitan area rather
Austin stands ready to open its cultural doors wide this coming Sunday. The 29th annual Austin Museum Day brings free admission to more than 30 participating institutions across the city, turning a single September afternoon into an open invitation for residents and travelers alike. The event centers on shared access to art, history, science, and
Air Canada will temporarily close its Signature Suite at Toronto Pearson International Airport later this year to complete a significant expansion. The move affects passengers who hold access to the premium lounge on international departures. Travelers planning flights through the hub can prepare by noting the defined closure window and the carrier’s arrangements for the
Jimmy Chin has long documented the world’s most dramatic mountain environments through both still photography and film. His latest work appears in the group exhibition “What Holds Us,” now on view in Chelsea before traveling to London and Shanghai. The show pairs his images with pieces by Alex Prager and Jack Davison, yet Chin’s contribution
The Texas Hill Country offers a compact yet richly varied landscape that bridges the greener eastern reaches of the state with its drier western expanses. Limestone hills, clear aquifer-fed streams, and stands of juniper and live oak create a setting where urban energy meets rural calm. An itinerary linking San Antonio and Austin captures this
Ometepe rises from the waters of Lake Nicaragua as a striking geological formation created by the twin volcanoes Concepción and Maderas. The island combines dramatic natural landscapes with the unhurried rhythms of local communities, offering visitors a chance to engage with both in measured, respectful ways. Its appeal lies in the opportunity for independent exploration