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.
New research from San Jose State University suggests the San Andreas Fault has been moving at a steadier and somewhat faster rate than earlier estimates indicated over the past 10,000 years. The findings come from careful study of preserved landforms and add a layer of fascination for anyone drawn to California’s dramatic geology. Rather than
California’s Sierra Nevada offers a rare chance to experience three distinct national parks in a single, efficient loop. The route begins and ends near Fresno, covering roughly 200 miles of mountain roads that connect Yosemite, Kings Canyon, and Sequoia without backtracking. Travelers who allocate six days gain time to hike, observe wildlife, and absorb the
Cancun has long drawn visitors to its Caribbean coastline, yet a recent addition to the hotel landscape brings a distinct approach to the all-inclusive model. Hyatt Vivid Cancun opened after a transition from its previous identity as a family-oriented property, now positioned exclusively for adults seeking a balance of activity, rest, and cultural engagement. The
Two Chase business credit cards have reached their highest welcome offers to date. The Ink Business Unlimited and Ink Business Cash each provide a $1,000 cash-back bonus after $8,000 in purchases within the first four months. For travelers who maintain an Ultimate Rewards account, these offers can translate into meaningful support for upcoming flights, hotel
Emilia-Romagna, Italy – Extreme temperatures across northern Italy this summer prompted widespread online discussion about risks to local agriculture. Much of the attention focused on Parmigiano Reggiano, the protected hard cheese produced under strict rules in this region. Verified reports show that production and storage facilities have continued without disruption, even as outdoor conditions reached
Chicago travelers and those connecting through one of the nation’s busiest airports stand to gain practical relief from added capacity in the coming years. The Chicago Department of Aviation recently confirmed plans to begin work on the first phase of a new concourse at O’Hare International Airport. Groundbreaking is expected later this year, marking a
Winnipeg often catches visitors off guard with its blend of riverfront beauty, layered history, and a food scene that rewards curiosity. Summer brings long days that invite unhurried exploration along the Red River and through neighborhoods where culture and community intersect. A focused two-day visit reveals the city at its most inviting, when parks feel
West Texas holds one of the country’s most expansive and lightly visited protected landscapes in Big Bend National Park. Months after Congress directed substantial funding toward border infrastructure improvements, earth-moving equipment reached areas adjacent to the park. The development places renewed focus on how such projects intersect with the daily rhythms of a place defined
Travelers based in the Pacific Northwest will soon have more direct options for reaching two of Europe’s most visited capitals. Alaska Airlines plans to launch seasonal nonstop service from Seattle to both Paris and Athens beginning in May 2027. The additions mark the latest step in the carrier’s measured growth beyond North America. Route Timelines
For travelers who return to Disney destinations year after year, keeping pace with new attractions and insider opportunities often shapes the planning process. D23, the official fan club of The Walt Disney Company, provides a direct line to those updates and experiences. Launched in 2009, it now connects more than 1.8 million members worldwide through
A U.S. Air Force aircraft traveling from New Zealand toward Antarctica reversed course on Tuesday after receiving a warning about potentially hazardous space activity. The decision highlights the layered safeguards that govern every movement across the vast Southern Ocean and into the continent itself. Such protocols exist because Antarctica remains one of the most logistically
San José sits at the geographic heart of Costa Rica, a position that makes it a natural gateway for visitors arriving by air. Many pass through quickly on their way to beaches or rainforests, yet those who pause discover a capital shaped by daily rhythms, layered history, and local pride. A few days spent here