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.
Aurora, Illinois – Young peregrine falcons have recently left the nest built outside city hall, drawing quiet attention from residents and visitors alike. The fledglings represent more than a seasonal milestone. Their presence marks a measurable return of birds of prey to a river system that once supported none. A Region Once Without These Birds
Bangkok has gained a new luxury address with the arrival of Fairmont Bangkok Sukhumvit. The 416-room property marks the first time the Fairmont brand has opened in Thailand, bringing its emphasis on cultural connection and refined service to the bustling Sukhumvit district. Developed with Asset World Corp, the hotel positions itself as both a destination
Los Angeles – In the height of August, when the city basks in long, warm days, a distinctive sight appears in parks, gardens, and neighborhoods across the region. Large, vivid green beetles take to the air in noticeable numbers, their presence marking a familiar seasonal rhythm for locals and travelers alike. These figeater beetles move
Every circle of friends has at least one person who quietly takes charge when a group trip is proposed. They compare flight options late into the night, build detailed spreadsheets, confirm hotel availability, and juggle everyone’s schedules until the itinerary feels solid. Their efforts often go unnoticed once the journey begins, yet without them many
Malang sits in the cool highlands of East Java, where fresh mountain air and a slower rhythm invite travelers to linger. The city combines colonial-era architecture with easy access to some of the region’s most striking volcanic landscapes. Many visitors first encounter it only in passing, yet those who stay longer discover a place that
Bandung sits in the highlands of West Java as a city shaped by its own layered history and present-day energy. Colonial-era structures line many of its streets, offering a tangible record of earlier periods of development. At the same time, a lively arts community continues to expand, giving the city a creative pulse that stands
American Express Membership Rewards introduced Leading Hotels of the World as a transfer partner in July, a development that received less immediate attention than some earlier additions. The partnership brings access to a collection of distinctive properties across the globe, many of them independent and character-rich. For travelers who value thoughtful stays over standard chains,
Allegiant Travel Company announced nine new nonstop routes on August 17, 2026, with several serving airports in the Tampa Bay region. The expansion focuses on seasonal spring travel demand and connects smaller markets to Florida leisure destinations. Travelers can now book introductory fares as low as $49 one way on select services beginning in February
Big Bend National Park occupies a vast stretch of the Chihuahuan Desert along the Rio Grande in West Texas. Its remote canyons, rugged mountains, and expansive night skies draw travelers seeking solitude and natural quiet. Recent news that border construction has been paused during a senior official’s visit introduces a new layer of attention to
Airlines often adjust their schedules in anticipation of seasonal demand, and Allegiant Air has done exactly that with the addition of nine new routes. The carrier announced the changes on a recent Monday, directing most of the new service toward Florida airports that serve as gateways for late-winter and spring-break travel. Seven of the routes
Trujillo, Peru – Travelers heading north from the capital often discover that this city functions as far more than a convenient waypoint. Peru’s third-largest urban center presents an elegant colonial core, a plaza widely regarded as one of the nation’s most appealing, and ready access to both ancient heritage sites and a relaxed coastal enclave.
Fort Zachary Taylor Historic State Park in Key West drew hundreds of visitors on Friday for the release of a massive loggerhead sea turtle. The animal had completed weeks of rehabilitation before returning to the water. The gathering reflected steady local efforts to support sea turtle recovery along the Florida Keys coastline. The Release at