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.
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TSA's Gateside Program Opens Security Lanes to PreCheck Members Without Tickets

Airport security procedures have evolved considerably since the changes that followed the September 11 attacks, when non-ticketed visitors were largely restricted from proceeding past checkpoints. A new initiative from the Transportation Security Administration now offers a measured return to earlier practices at a limited number of facilities. Eligible individuals can apply for access that allows

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La Compagnie to Launch Nonstop All-Business Flights from New York to Düsseldorf

Business travelers and frequent transatlantic flyers will soon have a new direct option when La Compagnie begins service between Newark Liberty International Airport and Düsseldorf Airport on April 23, 2027. The all-business-class carrier plans five weekly flights on the route, filling a longstanding gap for nonstop connections to one of Germany’s key industrial and corporate

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A New Tick-Borne Virus Discovery Brings Practical Awareness for U.S. Outdoor Travelers

The Asian longhorned tick has quietly established itself across portions of the United States in recent years, turning familiar hiking trails and backyard edges into places where a newly identified virus now warrants thoughtful attention. Scientists in China recently described the pathogen, known as the Asian longhorned tick nairovirus, after investigating cases that did not

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Airport Security Shortcuts Get High-Tech Boosts

Millions of travelers count on TSA PreCheck, Clear and Global Entry to move through airports with less friction, and recent upgrades are making those pathways even more efficient. The changes focus on automation and expanded access rather than new fees for most users. ([1])These programs continue to reward preparation, especially for those who fly regularly

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Miami’s Wall of Wind Lab Recreates Category 5 Storms to Bolster Florida’s Built Environment

Miami – Florida International University’s Wall of Wind has long stood as a singular research tool for understanding extreme wind forces. A recent $15 million gift now supports its evolution into a next-generation facility capable of even more precise testing. The expansion promises deeper insights into how structures perform under the most intense hurricane conditions.

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Southern California’s Dry Heat Meets New Humidity

Los Angeles has long drawn visitors with the promise of mild Mediterranean days and famously dry summer air. That reputation helped shape the region’s identity as a place where heat rarely felt oppressive. Recent weeks have introduced a different sensation, one that locals and travelers alike are noticing in real time. A Storied Climate Draws

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Experiencing Costa Rica’s Beaches and Rainforests with Points and Miles

Costa Rica draws travelers with its protected reserves, volcanic landscapes, and coastlines that range from quiet coves to surf-ready shores. The country’s commitment to conservation has preserved more than a quarter of its land and waters, creating habitats where sloths, toucans, and resplendent quetzals can still be observed in the wild. Many visitors arrive through

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Delta Ends Five Routes This Winter

Delta Air Lines is adjusting its schedule by discontinuing five nonstop routes between early November and mid-December. The changes affect service from New York City airports and reduce options to Las Vegas from Southern California. Travelers planning winter trips can review alternatives now to maintain flexibility. ([1])The airline described the moves as part of its

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New TSA Technology Aims to Streamline PreCheck Security Nationwide

Airports across the United States stand on the cusp of a measured evolution in how passengers navigate security. The changes stem from the Horizon 25 Strategy now moving into broader implementation under newly confirmed TSA Administrator David Cummins. Early testing has already shown promise in balancing stronger screening capabilities with reduced processing times. The Strategy