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.
Along the quiet curve of the Herengracht, six 17th- and 18th-century canal palaces have been carefully returned to public life as the Waldorf Astoria Amsterdam. The property stands as the Netherlands’ sole Forbes Five-Star hotel, a distinction earned through meticulous preservation rather than new construction. Guests arrive to a setting that still feels deeply connected
New York – Air France is preparing a substantial new lounge for the forthcoming Terminal One at John F. Kennedy International Airport. The facility will serve passengers on the airline’s frequent flights between New York and Paris, offering expanded space and amenities ahead of the terminal’s expected opening. Travelers can anticipate improved comfort during connections
The Southeast offers one of the longest fall foliage seasons in the eastern United States, with color progressing steadily from the highest peaks down through valleys and foothills over several weeks. This gradual descent creates opportunities for travelers to experience shifting displays from late September into early November, a pattern shaped by elevation rather than
Fauquier County, Virginia, sits just an hour from Washington, D.C., yet its rolling farmland feels worlds away from the capital’s pace. On one quiet stretch of that countryside, a working winery now occupies ground that once served as a closely guarded military outpost during World War II. The site’s natural ability to capture distant shortwave
Travelers planning stays in the Middle East now have expanded options through the ALL Accor+ Explorer program. The loyalty initiative is extending its Stay Plus free nights and dining discounts to additional countries in the region, including Qatar, Egypt, and Jordan. This development broadens practical access to hotel experiences that highlight the distinct character of
O’Fallon, Illinois – The O’Fallon Township High School Marching Panthers have been selected for a rare international opportunity. The group, based in Southern Illinois, will travel to the United Kingdom to perform in a major London parade scheduled for 2027 or 2028. The invitation highlights the band’s reputation and opens a path for students to
Las Vegas has long been known for its high-energy entertainment, yet a quieter evolution is underway. Across the city, new venues are inviting visitors into layered, interactive worlds that blend art, storytelling, and sensory detail. These experiences reward curiosity and offer a different rhythm from the usual casino floor. The shift draws families, couples, and
Travelers with tickets or plans for performances at the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C., now confront sudden uncertainty about access to one of the nation’s premier performing arts venues. The institution’s board is scheduled to vote Tuesday on whether to close the main building immediately for renovations. Officials have warned of an impending fiscal collapse
Carlsbad, California – A stretch of the city’s beloved coastline is receiving focused attention this month as officials move quickly to reinforce a section of bluff along south Carlsbad Boulevard. The work comes as the region prepares for the possibility of intensified winter conditions associated with a strong El Niño pattern. Travelers who cherish this
Monterey, California – Delta Air Lines is bringing nonstop flights back to Monterey Regional Airport after nearly two decades without regular service. The return, set to begin in December, reconnects travelers with one of California’s most scenic coastal stretches at a time when demand for direct access to the Central Coast continues to grow. This
New Jersey played host to a half-marathon that encountered sudden flash flooding, with warnings already in place before the start. Runners found themselves adjusting mid-course as conditions shifted rapidly, prompting many to reflect on how such events unfold when forecasts evolve. The experience underscores the value of thoughtful preparation for anyone traveling to participate in
Miami Beach officials have approved a marketing campaign tied to the upcoming Grand Theft Auto VI, a title set in a fictional world inspired by the city’s distinctive landscape. The decision highlights how the destination’s visual character continues to resonate far beyond its shores. This development arrives as the city maintains its role as a