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.
Travelers seeking easier access to Southeast Asia may soon benefit from expanded nonstop options across the Pacific. Delta Air Lines is directing more of its long-haul growth toward major Asian markets after years of building out its European network. The carrier has already restarted service to Hong Kong and announced new flights to Manila while
Branson, Missouri – Silver Dollar City has announced plans for Miner’s Mountain Express, a new family roller coaster scheduled to open in spring 2027. The attraction draws directly from a documented Ozarks mining narrative, positioning the park to expand its offerings while honoring regional heritage. For families planning visits and for the broader Branson tourism
In the highlands of Davao Oriental, one weaver continues a practice that transforms abaca fibers into textiles carrying generations of Mandaya knowledge. Samporonia Madanlo stands at the center of this work, recognized nationally for her command of techniques that few now master. Her story illustrates how a single craft can hold an entire community’s understanding
Travelers who value both form and function have long gravitated toward certain bags that feel as considered as the journeys they support. In a move that underscores this preference, Samsonite Group announced it would acquire an 85 percent stake in BÉIS, the lifestyle and travel brand founded in 2018 by actress and entrepreneur Shay Mitchell.
Hawaii has issued a state of emergency declaration in advance of Tropical Storm Lala, a system whose path brings the possibility of a direct landfall on the islands. The Big Island stands to feel the first effects, with rain expected to arrive by midday Friday and intensify through the afternoon and evening. Travelers already in
Tabanan, Bali – A new destination at Nuanu Creative City gathers flavors, coffee traditions, and cultural objects from across the Indonesian archipelago into a single, walkable experience. Nusantara opened its doors on August 14, giving visitors a chance to sample regional dishes and explore tribal artifacts without leaving the island. The project reflects a deliberate
La Jolla, California – An 18-year-old man has pleaded guilty in federal court after a widely shared video showed him kicking a sea lion at La Jolla Cove. The case brings renewed attention to the strict protections that safeguard marine mammals along this stretch of the California coast. Visitors drawn to the cove’s dramatic cliffs
Hawaii stands in the path of Tropical Storm Lala, a system that forecasters expect could intensify into a hurricane before reaching the islands. The development arrives at a time when many travelers have trips already in motion or under consideration. Attention now turns to preparation and reliable information rather than disruption. Current Track and Strengthening
Hawaii residents and visitors are watching Tropical Storm Lala as it moves across the central Pacific. Forecasters expect the system to intensify into a hurricane before it reaches the Big Island. The development remains a forecast at this stage, and conditions can shift. Tracking the Storm’s Progress Lala continues its steady movement through open waters
Hawaiian Islands – Forecasters are watching Tropical Storm Lala closely as it moves toward the islands this weekend. A hurricane warning has been issued, signaling the system could strengthen and bring significant weather changes to the region. Travelers with plans in the area are advised to stay alert and flexible with their arrangements. Current Forecast
London had promised more than 90 percent coverage of the recent solar eclipse, yet the pull of full darkness proved stronger than any plan for rest. After a demanding stretch of work and a milestone birthday, one traveler set aside a self-imposed pause on trips and looked instead toward the path of totality over northern
Along stretches of coastline where ocean travelers pause to watch waves roll in, a quiet pattern unfolds beneath the surface. Juvenile great white sharks appear to detect approaching storms and move away from shallow waters in advance. This behavior, documented in a new study, offers a glimpse into how young sharks navigate changing conditions in