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.
The Bronx, New York City’s northernmost borough, is a vibrant destination with a rich history, cultural treasures, and some of the city’s most iconic landmarks. Known as the birthplace of hip-hop, home of the Yankees, and the heart of incredible food and art, The Bronx offers a dynamic mix of experiences for visitors. If you’re
Brooklyn, New York, is a borough bursting with creativity, charm, and history. From its world-famous landmarks to its local treasures, Brooklyn offers a unique blend of culture, art, and culinary delights. If you’re looking to experience the best of this iconic borough in just one day, here’s a guide to the perfect Brooklyn day trip.
Queens, New York, often referred to as the city’s most diverse borough, is a treasure trove of cultural experiences, global cuisine, and unique attractions. From its bustling neighbourhoods to serene parks, Queens offers something for everyone. If you’re planning a day trip to this vibrant borough, here’s your guide to a perfect Queens adventure. Morning:
As an avid traveller and reader, I’ve always packed books for the journey—whether it’s a plane ride, lounging on a lanai with an ocean view, or finding shade under a palm tree. Before embracing audiobooks, I would lug around physical books, filling my carry-on with five or more titles for long holidays. For some time
A one-week, copy-and-go list—aurora hunting, gold-rush fun, hot springs, museums, an Arctic Circle adventure, and a festive detour to North Pole’s Santa Claus House. 1) Watch the Aurora A purpose-built viewing venue just outside town with indoor warmth, hot drinks, and guides who keep an eye on the skies—transport is DIY, reservations required.Tip: Arrive late
In a city that has a short, intense summer with long daylight and lots of colour, the Tanana Valley Farmers Market is where Fairbanks tastes its season—local food grown under long northern days, artisan work rooted in place, and a building designed to keep it all fresh without fuss. It’s the oldest established farmers market
Give this place time—and it will give you wonder. Why Denali Rewards the Unhurried I arrived early on purpose. Too many travellers skim Denali and leave with the “commercial” version. The real Denali reveals itself slowly: weather rolls in and out, wildlife keeps its own schedule, and vast valleys open as the single park road
A Town That Lives Christmas Every Day Just 20 minutes outside of Fairbanks lies North Pole, Alaska — not the geographic North Pole, but a small town that has fully committed to Christmas magic year-round. Driving in, I was greeted by festive street names like Santa Claus Lane, Kris Kringle Drive, Snowman Lane, Mistletoe Lane, Donner, Blitzen, Holiday
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
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 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
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