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.
 · 2 min read

Life Beneath Costa Rica’s Arenal Volcano

La Fortuna sits at the base of one of Costa Rica’s most recognizable natural landmarks, where the perfectly formed cone of Arenal Volcano rises above the town and shapes daily rhythms for residents and visitors alike. The region’s cooler highland air, dense rainforest canopy, and geothermal features create a landscape that feels both dramatic and

 · 2 min read

Veteran Finds Allies for Longs Peak Climb

A U.S. Army veteran prepared to tackle Longs Peak on his own until a local group learned of the plan and stepped in to accompany him. The story, reported from Boulder County, Colorado, highlights how a new initiative aims to change the experience of solo hiking for veterans. Longs Peak stands as one of the

 · 3 min read

The Kentucky Town Where a Sinkhole Swallowed Eight Corvettes

Bowling Green, Kentucky, sits quietly along Interstate 65, often passed by travelers heading between Nashville and Louisville. Yet beneath its unassuming surface lies a story that turned one local landmark into something far more memorable. In 2014, a sudden sinkhole opened inside the National Corvette Museum and pulled eight rare Corvettes into the earth, an

 · 2 min read

A Midnight Crossing Home: Returning to Saudi Arabia After 37 Years

A traveler stepped off a late flight into Bahrain, the small island kingdom linked to its larger neighbor by the King Fahd Causeway. Thirty-seven years had passed since the last departure from Saudi Arabia, and the immediate plan centered on hiring a taxi for the crossing and settling into a hotel on the other side.

 · 2 min read

Endangered Whale Sharks Sighted Near New York City

New York City – A recent encounter off the New York coastline placed endangered whale sharks within feet of a passing vessel, drawing renewed attention to the presence of large marine species in waters adjacent to one of the nation’s busiest urban centers. The sighting underscores how ocean ecosystems continue to support megafauna even in

 · 2 min read

United Airlines Eases Earlier Flight Standby and Gate Orders

United Airlines has introduced two targeted updates designed to reduce friction for passengers facing delays or short connections. The changes focus on practical tools within the airline’s app and at select airport gates. They reflect ongoing efforts to address everyday travel challenges without requiring major infrastructure overhauls. The details appear in reporting from The Points

 · 2 min read

Southwest Airlines Begins Construction on Its First Airport Lounges

Southwest Airlines has started work on a new set of airport lounges, marking a clear evolution in how the carrier serves its passengers. Four locations are already in development, with openings planned for late 2027 in Austin, Baltimore, Honolulu and Nashville. The move reflects ongoing adjustments at the airline as it responds to traveler expectations

 · 3 min read

Sundance Film Festival Finds Its New Home in Boulder

The Sundance Film Festival will unfold in Boulder, Colorado, from January 21 to 31, 2027, marking a notable shift for one of the country’s most prominent independent film gatherings. This development opens a fresh chapter for visitors who have long connected the event with its previous setting, now inviting them to experience the festival amid

 · 2 min read

Apple Maps Shows 'Lake America' for U.S. Users

Travelers relying on Apple Maps to explore the Great Lakes region may notice a new label when viewing the body of water that borders New York state and Ontario province. As of this week, the app displays “Lake America” for users inside the United States while retaining the traditional name for those elsewhere. The adjustment