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.
A Warm Welcome in Alaska Fairbanks isn’t always as cold as outsiders imagine. On this early September day, the air held steady at 53°F—a comfortable contrast to the steam rising from the geothermal pools at Chena Hot Springs Resort, about 60 miles northeast of the city. The drive itself is simple: follow Chena Hot Springs
A Holiday in the Golden Heart Labour Day in Fairbanks felt unhurried. While elsewhere the holiday was marked by parades and barbeques, Alaska’s interior sets its own pace. The day unfolded through history at Pioneer Park, reflection at the Museum of the North, a walk with reindeer in the forest, and the quiet welcome of
Golden Beginnings Fairbanks is no stranger to the glitter of gold. This northern city was built on the dreams of prospectors who rushed here in the early 1900s, forever shaping its history and identity. Today, travellers can still step back into that world of grit and fortune-seeking. My morning began aboard a replica of the
A Warm Alaskan Welcome Fairbanks is a city shaped by resilience, gold, and the great outdoors. Founded in 1901 during Alaska’s gold rush, it quickly became known as the “Golden Heart City”—a nickname that still fits, thanks to the warmth of its people and its role as a gateway to Alaska’s interior. Today, Fairbanks blends
In 2025, minimalist landscapes and ancient rituals are redefining luxury—inviting travellers to slow down, turn inward, and reconnect with the rhythms of the earth. Forget infinity pools and infinity itineraries. Today’s most transformative wellness escapes are happening far from the coastline, tucked within the world’s arid heartlands. From the shifting dunes of Morocco to the
Step into a world where fantasy and reality collide — a safe, creative playground where fans gather, dress as their favourite characters, and celebrate imagination without judgement. The Magic of the Crowd From the moment you enter Toronto’s Metro Convention Centre, the energy is electric. Crowds pour in — families, lifelong fans, and first-time visitors
With rising costs and a growing desire for presence over prestige, more travellers are staying close—and finding magic just a few hours from home. In a year shaped by cautious optimism and tighter budgets, a quiet shift is underway in how people travel. Gone are the months-long countdowns and over-planned itineraries. Instead, a new kind
Welcome to a new kind of opulence—one that doesn’t ask for attention, but anticipates your every need before you even speak. There was a time when luxury meant a white-gloved butler or a personal shopping assistant. Today, it’s less about human presence and more about intelligent absence. In 2025, artificial intelligence is transforming high-end travel
In a time of constant connection and digital saturation, travellers are turning their gaze upward—and finding clarity in the cosmos. While mainstream tourism races to offer faster Wi-Fi and flashier experiences, a quiet movement is unfolding under dark skies. In 2025, astrotourism—travel centred around observing celestial events, constellations, and unpolluted night skies—is becoming a leading
Travel with ease and confidence—no embassy appointments, no long forms, just your passport and a sense of adventure. In an increasingly complex world of travel restrictions, visa applications, and shifting geopolitics, it’s refreshing to know that many countries still warmly welcome U.S. travellers—no paperwork required. Whether you’re seeking culture, coastline, or a culinary journey, these
How a spontaneous visit with goats turned into a small-town adventure filled with film magic. Sometimes the best travel stories begin without a plan. On a sunny August morning, my daughter and I set off on an impromptu drive to Port Hope, Ontario—a small town I’d visited once before and remembered fondly. What began as
From eco-friendly essentials to sanity-saving hacks, here’s what experienced globetrotters pack to stay prepared, comfortable, and connected—without overpacking. Whether you’re heading out on a soul-searching solo trip or a multigenerational journey with family in tow, packing shouldn’t feel like a puzzle. After decades of travel and fine-tuning the art of packing for purpose-driven adventures, I’ve