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 many travelers, the challenge of resting during overnight long-haul journeys often centers on maintaining head and neck support in a seated position. Emirates has developed a solution to this practical concern through a new headrest design intended for its economy cabins. The carrier will begin rolling out the feature across select aircraft, with broader
Aeroplan has introduced the ability to redeem points for Emirates premium economy awards, a development that expands options for members seeking elevated comfort on long-haul routes. At the same time, the program now limits first class redemptions to those holding Aeroplan 35K status or higher. This adjustment reflects ongoing refinements in how loyalty programs manage
The Florida Keys have long drawn travelers seeking turquoise waters and relaxed rhythms. Yet one property stands out for offering a complete all-inclusive experience without the need for a passport or lengthy flight. Bungalows Key Largo provides exactly that, set on a stretch of shoreline just an hour from Miami. A short weekend there can
Portugal introduced significant updates to its nationality law in May 2026 that directly affect the timeline for obtaining citizenship. The changes lengthen the period of legal residency required before most applicants can apply, while leaving the country’s residency-by-investment program intact. For individuals considering the Portugal Golden Visa, the distinction between securing residency and achieving citizenship
The American Express Platinum Card and The Business Platinum Card from American Express each carry an annual fee of $895. Cardmembers who enroll receive complimentary elite status across three separate hotel loyalty programs. The benefit extends to authorized users as well, though activation requires a few steps and some patience for processing. Enrollment Process Cardmembers
Along the Atlantic waters that border eastern Canada, a subadult great white shark named Ripple has drawn attention for covering substantial ground in a brief span. OCEARCH researchers documented the animal’s progress through satellite tags that transmit location data in near real time. The resulting track shows Ripple traveled 350 miles northward along the coast
After more than fifteen years of continuous movement across continents, a couple who began their travels in 2008 made the decision to become residents of Bulgaria. The shift from living out of suitcases and relying on short-term rentals to establishing a permanent base in the town of Bansko has produced measurable changes in their daily
Travel rewards programs continue to evolve in ways that can meaningfully expand access to purposeful journeys. Recent reports from The Points Guy indicate that some longtime former holders of the Chase Sapphire Preferred card are unexpectedly qualifying for its current 100,000-point welcome bonus after meeting the required spending threshold. This development arrives at a moment
Berlin – Germany’s national railway operator Deutsche Bahn has decided to prohibit the consumption of alcohol at every station across its network. The move aims to enhance security and maintain cleaner environments for both staff and passengers. The policy will roll out gradually, reaching all 5,400 stations by mid-October, with several major hubs already operating
Travelers with plans along the Gulf Coast are watching Tropical Storm Bertha closely as it gains strength in the Atlantic. The system marks the second named storm of the current hurricane season, bringing renewed attention to seasonal weather patterns that can affect coastal itineraries. Its projected path places several popular destinations in its potential reach
Just three hours south of Paramaribo, a forested plateau rises above the broad waters of the Brokopondo Reservoir. Brownsberg Nature Park occupies this elevated landscape, where dense rainforest meets sweeping views and a network of trails. The setting draws travelers who seek active days in the jungle paired with quiet nights beside the reservoir. The
Washington, D.C. – Tucked along a quiet residential street in Northwest Washington lies Unicorn Lane, a short stretch of pavement that feels worlds away from the marble monuments and bustling avenues most visitors know. Here, two modest unicorn statues stand as the District’s only examples of their kind, their presence a quiet reminder that even