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.
Top Places to Eat in Houston
 · 4 min read

Top Places to Eat in Houston

Houston, one of the most diverse cities in the United States, thrives on the flavours of its immigrant communities. The city’s culinary scene is a testament to the cultural fusion that defines it, with global influences evident in every corner. From contemporary Mexican delights to authentic West African fare, my dining experiences in Houston showcased […]

Wine
 · 4 min read

Sipping the Story of a Place: Wine, Wisdom, and Wanderlust

How sustainable vineyards, thoughtful travel, and a good glass of wine connect us to culture, climate, and community. I’ve long believed that wine is more than a beverage—it’s a time capsule of terroir, a storyteller in a bottle. Whether I’m walking through windswept vines in the Peloponnese or sampling a new vintage in Texas Hill […]

New York City
 · 6 min read

Exploring New York City: A Perfect Day Trip

New York City, often dubbed “The City That Never Sleeps,” is a vibrant metropolis brimming with iconic landmarks, cultural hotspots, and endless activities. Whether you’re a local or a visitor, a day trip to NYC promises an unforgettable adventure. Here’s how to make the most of a day in the Big Apple. Morning: Central Park […]

exploring Staten Island, NYC
 · 4 min read

Exploring Staton Island, A Perfect Day Trip

Staten Island, often referred to as New York City’s “borough of parks,” offers a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of Manhattan. Known for its green spaces, waterfront views, and cultural attractions, Staten Island is a hidden gem waiting to be discovered. If you’re planning a day trip to this borough, here’s how to […]

exploring the Bronx
 · 4 min read

Exploring The Bronx: A Perfect Day Trip

The Bronx, New York City’s northernmost borough, is a vibrant destination with a rich history, cultural treasures, and some of the city’s most iconic landmarks. Known as the birthplace of hip-hop, home of the Yankees, and the heart of incredible food and art, The Bronx offers a dynamic mix of experiences for visitors. If you’re […]

Explore Brooklyn
 · 4 min read

Exploring Brooklyn: A Perfect Day Trip

Brooklyn, New York, is a borough bursting with creativity, charm, and history. From its world-famous landmarks to its local treasures, Brooklyn offers a unique blend of culture, art, and culinary delights. If you’re looking to experience the best of this iconic borough in just one day, here’s a guide to the perfect Brooklyn day trip. […]

exploring queens
 · 4 min read

Exploring Queens, NYC: A Perfect Day Trip

Queens, New York, often referred to as the city’s most diverse borough, is a treasure trove of cultural experiences, global cuisine, and unique attractions. From its bustling neighbourhoods to serene parks, Queens offers something for everyone. If you’re planning a day trip to this vibrant borough, here’s your guide to a perfect Queens adventure. Morning: […]

audiobook
 · 5 min read

Top 5 Audiobooks To Keep You Company On The Road

As an avid traveller and reader, I’ve always packed books for the journey—whether it’s a plane ride, lounging on a lanai with an ocean view, or finding shade under a palm tree. Before embracing audiobooks, I would lug around physical books, filling my carry-on with five or more titles for long holidays. For some time […]

Empty two-lane highway through spruce forest toward distant mountains beneath layered grey clouds.
 · 6 min read

Top Things To Do in Fairbanks (and Nearby)

A one-week, copy-and-go list—aurora hunting, gold-rush fun, hot springs, museums, an Arctic Circle adventure, and a festive detour to North Pole’s Santa Claus House. 1) Watch the Aurora A purpose-built viewing venue just outside town with indoor warmth, hot drinks, and guides who keep an eye on the skies—transport is DIY, reservations required.Tip: Arrive late […]

Wooden market building with “Farmers Market” sign and Alaska Grown logos on a sunny day.
 · 5 min read

Where “Alaska Grown” Means What It Says

In a city that has a short, intense summer with long daylight and lots of colour, the Tanana Valley Farmers Market is where Fairbanks tastes its season—local food grown under long northern days, artisan work rooted in place, and a building designed to keep it all fresh without fuss. It’s the oldest established farmers market […]

Decorative sleigh and reindeer statue on a green lawn in North Pole, Alaska, with a sign reading “Welcome to North Pole, Alaska.”
 · 4 min read

I Met Santa Claus at the North Pole—No Joke!

A Town That Lives Christmas Every Day Just 20 minutes outside of Fairbanks lies North Pole, Alaska — not the geographic North Pole, but a small town that has fully committed to Christmas magic year-round. Driving in, I was greeted by festive street names like Santa Claus Lane, Kris Kringle Drive, Snowman Lane, Mistletoe Lane, Donner, Blitzen, Holiday […]