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.
Newport Beach, California – Remnants of Post-Tropical Storm Rachel, combined with a separate weather system, have produced unusually high ocean water levels along parts of the Southern California coast. Some beaches and access points in Newport Beach and nearby communities have been closed as a precaution while crews work to protect property and public safety.
Many travelers begin with the Chase Sapphire Preferred card because its bonus categories and flexible points align well with common trip expenses. Over time, the question of what to add next often arises for those seeking broader coverage without added complexity. Pairing it with the Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card offers one practical
Powerful waves swept across parts of the Southern California coast on Sunday morning, creating challenging conditions for anyone near the water. In one incident at a beach in the region, a person died after drowning, underscoring the need for caution when ocean conditions turn rough. The event serves as a reminder that even familiar shorelines
San Francisco’s annual Fleet Week draws attention for its dramatic aerial displays, yet the event extends well beyond the flight paths. This year, organizers shifted the focus of Fleet Fest to Fisherman’s Wharf, creating a waterfront gathering that invites visitors to engage directly with the people and equipment behind the celebration. The change centralized activities
Panama City Beach, Fla. – As Hurricane Isaias moved across the northern Gulf Coast this weekend, staff at ZooWorld Panama City Beach took careful steps to protect their animals from high winds and heavy rain. Among the preparations, a flock of flamingos was moved into one of the zoo’s restrooms, where the birds remained together
Across the United States, the second Monday in October brings a federal holiday that carries different names and meanings depending on where travelers find themselves. On October 12, 2026, some communities will mark Columbus Day while others observe Indigenous Peoples Day, and a number of places recognize elements of both. These differences reflect long-standing conversations
Southern California – October 11, 2026 – Post-Tropical Cyclone Rachel moved across the region Sunday morning, bringing heavy rain and prompting flash flood warnings for portions of Orange, Riverside, and Imperial counties. The National Weather Service issued the first alert around 4 a.m. for southern Orange County, with additional advisories following as moisture continued to
New York City hotel rates can climb sharply during overlapping events like the United Nations General Assembly and Fashion Week. One traveler facing those conditions turned to a newer option in the American Express Membership Rewards program to secure a room at a landmark property. The result offered a practical demonstration of how points can
Alaska cruises stand out as journeys that reward careful thought and preparation. The region’s vast landscapes, from towering glaciers to sheltered fjords, offer experiences that linger long after travelers return home. Getting the details right – from timing and route selection to how one moves through coastal communities – helps ensure the trip feels both
Los Angeles has long drawn travelers and locals alike to its neighborhood tables, where meals become part of a city’s living memory. One such destination, Tar & Roses, has now set its final service for October 24 after fifteen years of operation. Guests have already begun posting recollections of the evenings they spent there, turning
Astronomers have identified signs of a planet that formed after its host star had already died, offering a rare glimpse into planetary origins that differ from the familiar process seen in our own solar system. The finding centers on a white dwarf star whose ejected material appears to have gathered into a new world. This
Travelers who rent vehicles in the United States sometimes encounter an unexpected reality once keys change hands. Reports indicate that certain rental cars and trucks end up driven across the southern border, where they support luxury or specialized fleets. This pattern, detailed in recent coverage from the Los Angeles Times, highlights practical considerations for anyone
