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.
Puerto Vallarta has become one of the most popular vacation spots in Mexico, especially if you want to avoid the big crowds and the high tourist prices of more famous destinations. Sandy beaches, a fantastic atmosphere, colonial and modern architecture as well as delicious cuisine await you! Puerto Vallarta has lots to offer: incredible beaches
Hiking is a great way to stay in shape while experiencing some natures most beautiful landscapes. It also rewards the hiker with a unique view of vast open landscapes, or even sprawling cities. While lacing up your hiking boots and struggling to the top of a mountain might sound grueling, there are mountains out there
The best way to get a dose of Quebecois culture and history in just one week is by going to Quebec City during the New France Festival. The festival has incredible entertainment, unique food and lots of things to see and do. You can eat turkey drumstick that looks right out of the Flintstones, try
Traveling solo can be one of the best ways to see the world while getting to know yourself. There are places to see, people to meet, things to do. But there are some places where you can walk around without a lot less stress, where one can feel safe and protected. These are some of
This could be one of the most satisfying, relaxing and beautiful trips of your life. Norway is a place of rolling hills, magnificent fjords and delicious fare. We were invited to Norway by Jarlsberg, one of the country’s most recognizable brand of cheese, who treated us to a tour of some of the country’s best
Germany has some of the most amazing spas and hotels. It is one of the only countries in the world that has whole villages dedicated to wellness, that have turned themselves into incredible spas and treatment centres. They’ve created a booming economy and an amazing culture around health and well-being. Why you need to visit
For years now, the Japanese practice of ‘forest bathing’ called Shinrin Yoku, has quietly become one of the most rewarding and effective ways to reconnect with nature. Its health benefits are remarkable, and it can be done anywhere quiet and green. You just need to get away from the chaos of city life, but this
Whether you’re a Houston local looking to turn the flavor up a notch with some tasty local fare or one of the many travelers who come to Houston seeking an authentic local experience, Houston’s farmers’ markets are an amazing way to immerse yourself in the food and culture of this warm-hearted city. A trip to
Ever dreamed of a boat trip down Venice’s canals? How about a mouth-watering hot dog in Central Park? A relaxing cycle through Amsterdam? If so, you’d better act now. According to a study by the Potsdam Institute, these places might be underwater within the next century, along with a whole list of others. With sea levels steadily
If you could do one thing, for just ten minutes a day, that would increase your happiness while improving your mental health long-term, would you try it? Millions of people worldwide are already saying yes to the well-studied benefits of meditation. The World’s 12 Best Meditation Retreats For All Levels Following the rise in popularity of
The Royal Agricultural Winter Fair takes place annually and has been a major cultural event in Toronto, Canada since it began in 1922. It continues to be the largest indoor agricultural fair and international equestrian competition worldwide. It attracts over 6000 animals along with a huge display of crops, vegetables, and other attractions. Whether you
In the March of 2011, an earthquake rocked Japan. The tsunami that followed lead to meltdowns in the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant. A rapid evacuation took place and an exclusion zone surrounding the reactor was set up with strict regulations for anyone wishing to enter it. Since the disaster, international attention has zeroed in