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.
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
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
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
Travelers who cross the King Fahd Causeway into Saudi Arabia often arrive after dark, their senses still adjusting to the shift from one country to another. A late-night check-in can follow a lengthy customs process, leaving visitors with a mix of relief and curiosity about what lies ahead. The drive through unfamiliar streets at that
Glacier National Park’s mountain goats have grown accustomed to people in some of the busiest alpine zones, a shift that makes maintaining distance more than a suggestion. Official guidelines call for at least 25 yards from these animals, yet many experienced observers recommend doubling that buffer to 50 yards for added safety and to reduce
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.
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
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
Chicago’s Loop holds a quiet landmark at the corner of Washington Street and Wabash Avenue. Completed in 1927, the 38-story Pittsfield Building stands as a refined example of Gothic Revival design that once ranked among the city’s tallest structures. Today the tower is entering a measured conversion from its historic office use into a mixed-use
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
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
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