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.
July brought the highest average temperatures ever recorded across the contiguous United States, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. The announcement arrives at a moment when many travelers are finalizing plans for national parks, mountain trails, and desert landscapes that define American autumn journeys. Rather than altering the appeal of these places, the
The contiguous United States recorded its warmest July on record last month, according to new data from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Average temperatures reached 76.89 degrees Fahrenheit across the Lower 48 states, surpassing the previous mark set during the Dust Bowl era of 1936. The milestone arrives as many travelers begin mapping autumn
Travelers often share stories of unexpected moments on the rails that prompt a fresh look at everyday routines. One such account emerged recently when a passenger described a near-miss involving her belongings during a train journey through Europe. The episode aligns with patterns long observed on popular rail routes across the continent, where quick thinking
California’s northern coastline holds more than its share of towering forests, yet one particular state park continues to draw quiet praise for remaining largely undiscovered by the wider traveling public. Tucked near the Pacific shore amid stands of ancient coast redwoods, the park recently appeared on a national list of America’s best-kept secrets. Its recognition
Los Angeles holds countless corners where film history lingers in plain sight. One of them sits quietly along the Sunset Strip, a place that once hosted the early writing sessions for Quentin Tarantino’s groundbreaking film. Today that same bar continues to serve locals and visitors alike, its worn counters and steady rhythm offering a direct
Southern coastal states continue to record Vibrio vulnificus infections at levels above recent averages this season. Health officials in Florida and Louisiana have documented more cases than typical, with some resulting in hospitalization. Travelers heading to Gulf and Atlantic beaches can prepare with clear, practical steps that allow them to enjoy the shoreline responsibly. Why
Wildfires have prompted large-scale evacuations across parts of British Columbia and the inland Northwest, with more than 20,000 residents displaced in Canada over the weekend and additional communities in Washington state on alert. Officials continue mop-up operations and support efforts while monitoring conditions that could influence travel plans in the region. Those heading west this
Western Colombia – A 7.4-magnitude earthquake centered near San José del Palmar, about 250 miles west of Bogotá, has drawn attention across the Andean region. The event unfolded in a landscape of cloud forests and mountain communities that many visitors come to explore for their rich biodiversity and living traditions. Travelers already in Colombia or
In a quiet suburban neighborhood, the Hatakeyama family discovered an unexpected visitor making regular use of their backyard pool. What began as a surprise encounter evolved into a deliberate choice about how humans and wildlife share space. Liz Hatakeyama later reflected on the experience, noting that the household had learned to “respectfully coexist” with their
Torres del Paine National Park in southern Chile draws travelers seeking one of the most dramatic landscapes on Earth. The granite towers, vast glaciers, and windswept plains of Patagonia create a setting where every choice of lodging shapes the experience of the place. Visitors who return to the park often discover that different forms of
Jackson Hole, Wyoming – A newly renovated property at the foot of Snow King Mountain now gives travelers a practical way to settle into one of the West’s most iconic mountain towns. Trailborn Jackson Hole, which reopened after a full transformation and joined Marriott’s Outdoor Collection, combines the area’s longstanding western character with straightforward access
Travelers with routes through the western United States and Canada are adjusting itineraries this season as more than 40 large wildfires burn across the region. Severe drought has intensified conditions, while western Canada contends with over 100 additional blazes. The situation affects national parks, scenic drives, and small communities that rely on visitors, yet many
