Helen Hatzis Profile Overview

Helen Hatzis

Helen Hatzis

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.
Aerial view of Alaska’s rugged tundra landscape with winding rivers, seen from a small plane window.
 · 6 min read

I Crossed the Arctic Circle—And Faced Alaska’s Wildest Road

Flying North into Alaska’s Wild Heart The day began with a breathtaking flight from Fairbanks with the Northern Alaskan Tour Company, tracing the path of the Dalton Highway and the Trans-Alaska Pipeline from above. From the air, the vast wilderness stretched endlessly—miles of spruce forest, braided rivers, and tundra. Cutting through it all were two human-made lines: a narrow […]

Antique auto paired with an ornate gown from the early 1900s, reflecting an elegant past.
 · 7 min read

From Birch Bowls to Bing Crosby’s Suit

A Day of Passion Projects Fairbanks often surprises me with the depth of its community spirit. My day unfolded around places built not just for business, but for love—for craft, culture, and history. From locally made wooden bowls to cultural storytelling to a museum filled with antique cars and couture, everything I visited today carried […]

A group of visitors stands outside the arched blue entrance of the Aurora Ice Museum at Chena Hot Springs.
 · 6 min read

Soaking, Sculptures, and Sled Dogs: A Day at Chena Hot Springs

A Warm Welcome in Alaska Fairbanks isn’t always as cold as outsiders imagine. On this early September day, the air held steady at 53°F—a comfortable contrast to the steam rising from the geothermal pools at Chena Hot Springs Resort, about 60 miles northeast of the city. The drive itself is simple: follow Chena Hot Springs […]

Three reindeer with impressive antlers graze on a green lawn surrounded by forest at Running Reindeer Ranch.
 · 6 min read

Yes, I Walked with Reindeer in Fairbanks—And That Was Just the Start

A Holiday in the Golden Heart Labour Day in Fairbanks felt unhurried. While elsewhere the holiday was marked by parades and barbeques, Alaska’s interior sets its own pace. The day unfolded through history at Pioneer Park, reflection at the Museum of the North, a walk with reindeer in the forest, and the quiet welcome of […]

Historic Gold Dredge 8 in Fairbanks, Alaska, reflected in a pond. This massive dredge once mined for gold during the early 20th century gold rush.
 · 5 min read

I Struck Gold in Alaska!

Golden Beginnings Fairbanks is no stranger to the glitter of gold. This northern city was built on the dreams of prospectors who rushed here in the early 1900s, forever shaping its history and identity. Today, travellers can still step back into that world of grit and fortune-seeking. My morning began aboard a replica of the […]

Large outdoor “LOVE ALASKA” sign in bold white letters set against a backdrop of trees and reflected in a small pond at Pike’s Waterfront Lodge.
 · 3 min read

From Frontier Spirit to Northern Lights: Arriving in Fairbanks

A Warm Alaskan Welcome Fairbanks is a city shaped by resilience, gold, and the great outdoors. Founded in 1901 during Alaska’s gold rush, it quickly became known as the “Golden Heart City”—a nickname that still fits, thanks to the warmth of its people and its role as a gateway to Alaska’s interior. Today, Fairbanks blends […]

A desolate cracked desert floor stretches endlessly under a dark, cloudy sky, with a single dead tree standing starkly on the right side.
 · 4 min read

Desert Retreats: Healing in the Silence of Sand and Sky

In 2025, minimalist landscapes and ancient rituals are redefining luxury—inviting travellers to slow down, turn inward, and reconnect with the rhythms of the earth. Forget infinity pools and infinity itineraries. Today’s most transformative wellness escapes are happening far from the coastline, tucked within the world’s arid heartlands. From the shifting dunes of Morocco to the […]

A large red and white text sign that reads "FAN EXPO Canada"
 · 5 min read

Fan Expo Canada: Where Cosplay Builds Community and Belonging

Step into a world where fantasy and reality collide — a safe, creative playground where fans gather, dress as their favourite characters, and celebrate imagination without judgement. The Magic of the Crowd From the moment you enter Toronto’s Metro Convention Centre, the energy is electric. Crowds pour in — families, lifelong fans, and first-time visitors […]

Elegant spa or hotel hallway with soft green curtains draped over an archway, beige armchairs, a decorative mirror, and large windows letting in natural light.
 · 3 min read

The Silent Concierge: How AI Is Quietly Redefining Luxury Travel in 2025

Welcome to a new kind of opulence—one that doesn’t ask for attention, but anticipates your every need before you even speak. There was a time when luxury meant a white-gloved butler or a personal shopping assistant. Today, it’s less about human presence and more about intelligent absence. In 2025, artificial intelligence is transforming high-end travel […]

astrotourism
 · 4 min read

Stargazing Gets Serious: Why Astrotourism is the Travel Trend Bringing Us Back to Wonder

In a time of constant connection and digital saturation, travellers are turning their gaze upward—and finding clarity in the cosmos. While mainstream tourism races to offer faster Wi-Fi and flashier experiences, a quiet movement is unfolding under dark skies. In 2025, astrotourism—travel centred around observing celestial events, constellations, and unpolluted night skies—is becoming a leading […]

visa free travel
 · 4 min read

Visa-Free and Welcome: Top Countries U.S. Travellers Can Visit Without a Visa in 2025

Travel with ease and confidence—no embassy appointments, no long forms, just your passport and a sense of adventure. In an increasingly complex world of travel restrictions, visa applications, and shifting geopolitics, it’s refreshing to know that many countries still warmly welcome U.S. travellers—no paperwork required. Whether you’re seeking culture, coastline, or a culinary journey, these […]