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.
Nashville carries a well-earned reputation for live music and lively nights, yet October reveals another dimension of the city. Historic properties open after dark, farms fill with pumpkins and families, and performances blend classic stories with live orchestras. The result is a season that rewards visitors who plan a few focused evenings alongside daytime exploration.
Bali’s annual observance of Nyepi, the Day of Silence, transforms the island into a place of profound stillness each March. Streets empty, beaches remain untouched, and even the airport closes as residents and visitors alike are asked to stay indoors, refrain from speaking, and turn inward. A recent court ruling in Denpasar has underscored how
In the sunlit waters off Australia, a brief yet unforgettable encounter unfolded between a scuba diver and a tiny baby shark. The short video captures the young shark gliding calmly in front of the diver, its small form illuminated by rays of light piercing the surface. Such moments remind viewers of the quiet curiosity that
Washington, D.C. – A traveling exhibition now on view at the Japan Information & Culture Center offers visitors a rare opportunity to step into centuries of Japanese storytelling. “Yokai Parade: Supernatural Monsters from Japan” gathers picture scrolls, woodblock prints, games, sculptures, and other works that trace the long evolution of yokai, the shape-shifting, trickster, and
Fall brings a distinctive rhythm to Maryland’s Eastern Shore, where the opening of oyster season aligns with the arrival of thousands of migrating waterfowl and bald eagles. The flat coastal landscape offers golden marsh grasses and low light over the water rather than dramatic mountain foliage. This seasonal overlap creates opportunities to experience the region’s
After years of shared journeys with family and colleagues, I finally booked a week alone in Lisbon. The decision marked a deliberate step into unfamiliar territory. What unfolded offered practical insights into both the demands and the quiet rewards of traveling without company. The Weight of Every Detail Handling every step of the journey alone
In the far western corner of Slovenia, the hills of Goriška Brda rise and fall in gentle waves of vines that continue unbroken across the Italian border. From a hilltop table in Gornje Cerovo, the view stretches past rows of grapes to a distant silver line of the Adriatic on clear evenings. The region offers
West Texas – A diverse group of environmental advocates, business owners, local leaders, and residents from across the state appeared before the Texas Parks and Wildlife Commission on Wednesday. Their message centered on a shared desire to see proposed border wall construction near some of Texas’ most valued public lands placed on hold. The gathering
Millions of passengers each year at Washington Dulles International Airport will continue to rely on the airport’s distinctive mobile lounges for connections and arrivals well into the next decade. The vehicles, which transport travelers between the main terminal and several concourses as well as the international arrivals facility, form part of a carefully sequenced redevelopment
Boston travelers who rely on the city’s rapid transit network will need to adjust their plans this September. The Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority has confirmed another multi-day closure along the Orange Line, a step the agency describes as the most efficient approach to completing essential work. The decision reflects ongoing efforts to keep one of
Air France and KLM have long offered award travel through the Flying Blue program as a reliable way for members to reach destinations across Europe and beyond. Beginning September 8, 2026, those awards will be structured in three distinct fare types: Light, Standard, and Flex. The shift marks a clear evolution in how the program
The Pacific Coast Highway remains one of America’s most celebrated drives, winding along the California coast through Malibu with sweeping ocean views and dramatic cliffs. Travelers planning a road trip along this route will soon encounter new speed enforcement technology designed to encourage safer speeds in a busy stretch of the highway. The update reflects