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.
Washington, D.C. – The National Gallery of Art stands as one of the country’s most visited cultural landmarks, yet its origins reflect a deeply personal story of two generations who approached collecting in markedly different ways. Andrew Mellon assembled a distinguished group of Old Master works in private before offering to create the museum itself.
The Philippines has established the legal foundation for a digital nomad visa through Executive Order 86, yet remote workers cannot submit applications as of October 2026. No official form, fee schedule, or minimum income threshold has been released by authorities. American travelers and other remote professionals planning extended stays will need to monitor developments closely
Each autumn, growers across California prepare to bring their largest pumpkins to an annual weighing contest that celebrates both agricultural skill and community spirit. The event draws participants eager to claim the top prize while keeping an eye on the possibility of setting a new world record. This gathering highlights the dedication required to cultivate
Tampa, Florida – A South Tampa neighborhood has earned a place on Reese’s national list of the trick-or-treatiest streets in America. The recognition comes from an analysis conducted by Hersheyland, which reviewed thousands of neighborhoods across the country to identify those that embrace the Halloween season with particular enthusiasm. The neighborhood was selected for the
Mexico’s Pacific coast is bracing for the arrival of Hurricane Simon, which has strengthened into a Category 4 storm. Travelers with upcoming trips to the region are watching developments closely as the system moves toward resorts and coastal towns. Official updates from meteorological agencies and local authorities remain the most reliable sources for real-time information.
Texas is taking deliberate steps to grow its film industry through targeted incentives designed to attract more productions to the Lone Star State. An Austin-based company is already assisting filmmakers who select Texas locations for their projects. These efforts could place additional Texas landscapes and communities in front of audiences worldwide, potentially sparking interest in
Newport Beach, California – Remnants of Post-Tropical Storm Rachel, combined with a separate weather system, have produced unusually high ocean water levels along parts of the Southern California coast. Some beaches and access points in Newport Beach and nearby communities have been closed as a precaution while crews work to protect property and public safety.
Many travelers begin with the Chase Sapphire Preferred card because its bonus categories and flexible points align well with common trip expenses. Over time, the question of what to add next often arises for those seeking broader coverage without added complexity. Pairing it with the Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card offers one practical
Powerful waves swept across parts of the Southern California coast on Sunday morning, creating challenging conditions for anyone near the water. In one incident at a beach in the region, a person died after drowning, underscoring the need for caution when ocean conditions turn rough. The event serves as a reminder that even familiar shorelines
San Francisco’s annual Fleet Week draws attention for its dramatic aerial displays, yet the event extends well beyond the flight paths. This year, organizers shifted the focus of Fleet Fest to Fisherman’s Wharf, creating a waterfront gathering that invites visitors to engage directly with the people and equipment behind the celebration. The change centralized activities
Panama City Beach, Fla. – As Hurricane Isaias moved across the northern Gulf Coast this weekend, staff at ZooWorld Panama City Beach took careful steps to protect their animals from high winds and heavy rain. Among the preparations, a flock of flamingos was moved into one of the zoo’s restrooms, where the birds remained together
Across the United States, the second Monday in October brings a federal holiday that carries different names and meanings depending on where travelers find themselves. On October 12, 2026, some communities will mark Columbus Day while others observe Indigenous Peoples Day, and a number of places recognize elements of both. These differences reflect long-standing conversations