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.
For years now, the Japanese practice of ‘forest bathing’ called Shinrin Yoku, has quietly become one of the most rewarding and effective ways to reconnect with nature. Its health benefits are remarkable, and it can be done anywhere quiet and green. You just need to get away from the chaos of city life, but this […]
Whether you’re a Houston local looking to turn the flavor up a notch with some tasty local fare or one of the many travelers who come to Houston seeking an authentic local experience, Houston’s farmers’ markets are an amazing way to immerse yourself in the food and culture of this warm-hearted city. A trip to […]
Ever dreamed of a boat trip down Venice’s canals? How about a mouth-watering hot dog in Central Park? A relaxing cycle through Amsterdam? If so, you’d better act now. According to a study by the Potsdam Institute, these places might be underwater within the next century, along with a whole list of others. With sea levels steadily […]
If you could do one thing, for just ten minutes a day, that would increase your happiness while improving your mental health long-term, would you try it? Millions of people worldwide are already saying yes to the well-studied benefits of meditation. The World’s 12 Best Meditation Retreats For All Levels Following the rise in popularity of […]
The Royal Agricultural Winter Fair takes place annually and has been a major cultural event in Toronto, Canada since it began in 1922. It continues to be the largest indoor agricultural fair and international equestrian competition worldwide. It attracts over 6000 animals along with a huge display of crops, vegetables, and other attractions. Whether you […]
In the March of 2011, an earthquake rocked Japan. The tsunami that followed lead to meltdowns in the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant. A rapid evacuation took place and an exclusion zone surrounding the reactor was set up with strict regulations for anyone wishing to enter it. Since the disaster, international attention has zeroed in […]
If you could simplify your travel planning, and save time and money, would you? Of course! And the good news is that you can. Plenty of websites exist for the sole purpose of simplifying your trip as much as possible. From cheaper plane tickets to easy-to-book hotels and rental cars, these sites have you covered. […]
There is one thing for certain, no matter the duration of your vacation, you will need to start by packing! In this video, I show you the ins-and-outs of packing efficiently – and wrinkle free! Whether you love to plan things way ahead of time or usually leave things to the last minute, these helpful […]
HEAD TO THE BEACH Blue Flag is a highly respected and recognized international eco-label that works towards sustainable development of beaches and marinas. Blue Flags are awarded to beaches and marinas that meet strict criteria for water quality, environmental education, environmental management, and safety and services. Ontario alone is home to 14 Blue Flag beaches. […]
HAVE AN ADVENTURE Cycling Cycling is perhaps the best way to explore Vancouver, and its moderate climate makes it possible to pedal here year-round. There are around 300 kilometres (186 miles) of dedicated bike routes crisscrossing the region and cyclists can take their bikes for free on SeaBus and SkyTrain services as well as rack-fitted […]
HEAD TO THE BEACH Among Vancouver’s best summertime haunts, Kitsilano Beach is the most popular spot for catching the rays. It attracts families, locals, and visitors with its vast sandy expanse and large saltwater swimming pool. English Bay Beach, at the intersection of Denman and Davie Streets, is a busy stretch for sunbathers, volleyball players, […]
March Break is almost here and it’s a busy time of year for passengers traveling through Toronto Pearson. This year, Toronto Pearson expects to welcome 115,000 passengers on March 10 and nearly 120,000 passengers on March 11. This year’s expected passenger numbers represents 3-4 percent increase over March Break last year, a year in which Toronto Pearson welcomed […]