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.
American Airlines has expanded its existing interline arrangement with Taiwan’s Starlux Airlines into a full codeshare agreement. The change takes effect September 30 and lets passengers book certain Starlux-operated flights under American flight numbers on a single ticket. This development gives U.S. travelers more straightforward access to Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport and onward connections across
Many travelers return from a getaway expecting the total to match their careful plans, only to find the final bill noticeably higher. The gap often stems from small decisions made under time pressure or without full details, rather than from any single extravagant purchase. Planning with a clear view of these patterns helps turn a
Japan’s landscape transforms with each passing season, offering visitors a chance to experience its mountains, temples, and cities in ways that shift dramatically depending on the month. Many travelers focus on the well-known peaks of spring cherry blossoms or winter ski periods, yet those windows bring larger crowds and higher costs. Thoughtful timing can open
Each autumn, brown bears in Alaska’s Katmai National Park enter a critical phase of preparation. They spend weeks feeding intensely on salmon runs to build the fat reserves that will sustain them through months of hibernation. This natural cycle draws quiet attention from wildlife enthusiasts and researchers alike, and the annual Fat Bear Week offers
New York-area travelers faced widespread delays on Monday as an equipment outage at a key air traffic facility rippled through three major airports. Newark Liberty International Airport, John F. Kennedy International Airport and LaGuardia Airport all experienced ground stops and flight holds tied to problems at the Philadelphia Terminal Radar Approach Control facility. The Federal
New York City’s Ink 48 hotel will become the flagship property for Accor’s MGallery brand in the United States when the transition takes effect in 2028. The move elevates a well-regarded Hell’s Kitchen property that already draws guests with its Hudson River location and skyline views. The change arrives as MGallery seeks greater visibility in
The Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card has long appealed to travelers seeking a straightforward way to accumulate miles without a steep annual fee. At $95 a year, the card sits comfortably in the mid-tier category, offering everyday utility alongside targeted travel perks. Right now, new cardholders can earn 75,000 bonus miles after meeting a
The Cannes Yachting Festival offered an early look at how luxury sea travel is evolving. Italian builder Sanlorenzo presented its new 25.5-meter yacht SHE, which incorporates synthetic decking and advanced energy systems developed with Chinese electric-vehicle maker BYD. The event, held ahead of the Monaco show, highlighted practical steps toward lower emissions without sacrificing the
Florida continues to report elevated levels of locally acquired dengue this year, a development that warrants attention from anyone planning time in the state. The Florida Department of Health has confirmed one death linked to the illness, an elderly resident of the Tampa area, while noting more than 130 cases centered in Hillsborough County. Travelers
The Skytrax World Airline Awards for 2026 were announced on September 18 in London, highlighting carriers that continue to raise standards in service and passenger experience. Singapore Airlines took the top honor for the sixth time since the awards began in 1999, based on surveys collected from September 2025 through August 2026 across more than
The Dolomites rise sharply in northern Italy, their pale limestone ridges drawing hikers year after year. At dawn and dusk the peaks often take on a rose-pink or amber hue known locally as enrosadira, a natural display caused by the angle of sunlight on the rock. This phenomenon adds a quiet drama to any walk
Independent travel to Afghanistan remains possible in 2026, though it requires careful preparation and an understanding of current entry rules and movement restrictions. The country has issued tourist visas through more embassies than in the immediate post-2021 period, and an e-visa option now exists for arrivals at Kabul airport. Travelers continue to report on the
