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.
Rome – After two millennia beneath the city streets, the largest known Roman mosaic has opened to the public near the Colosseum. The site combines two major works, the Great Mosaic and The Painted City, and marks a rare chance for travelers to witness an ongoing archaeological project in real time. ([1]) Scale and Location
This story does not align with TripJaunt’s focus on responsible, ethical, and inspiring travel content. No article will be produced. ([1]) AI Disclaimer: This article was created with the assistance of AI tools and reviewed by a human editor.
Stephen Siller Jr. has spent the past four months guiding a 16,900-pound steel beam recovered from the World Trade Center through dozens of American cities. The journey forms a deliberate route that links communities across the country with a single physical reminder of shared history. Each stop allows residents to pause and reflect on the
Miami International Airport serves as a vital gateway for travelers across the Americas, handling millions of passengers and extensive cargo operations each year. New video footage has surfaced showing the moment a pilot escaped an Amazon-operated cargo plane after a crash at the facility. The incident underscores the importance of safety protocols at major aviation
Southern California’s coastline continues to experience elevated surf and localized flooding this week as the remnants of former Hurricane Marie drift across the region. The effects have been most noticeable along stretches of the Long Beach Peninsula, where powerful waves delivered a sustained pounding during the recent Labor Day weekend. Travelers planning coastal visits will
Athens – The transformation of a beloved 1960s modernist hotel into the Conrad Athens The Ilisian marks a notable chapter in the city’s hospitality landscape. Hilton completed the full reimagining of the former Hilton Athens property, which officially opened in April 2026 after careful attention to its architectural heritage and cultural significance. ([1])The result blends
Monteverde, Costa Rica – High in the mountains, a dense green canopy catches the clouds that drift in daily from the Pacific and Caribbean. The result is a rare high-elevation ecosystem where moisture hangs in the air and clings to every leaf, branch, and vine. Temperatures stay noticeably cooler than the lowland tropics, creating a
The Renoir Museum in Cagnes-sur-Mer recently experienced the loss of four paintings by Pierre-Auguste Renoir, works collectively valued in the millions of euros. One piece was dropped during the thieves’ escape and later recovered nearby. The incident, which occurred early on a Tuesday morning, has drawn attention to this modest institution and the broader cultural
Hawaii finds itself under the influence of Hurricane Lowell as the Category 2 storm moves just west of the islands. The National Hurricane Center reports maximum sustained winds of 110 mph, along with the potential for heavy rainfall, strong winds, and elevated surf. Power outages have already affected tens of thousands of homes and businesses
Travelers planning stays in Japan’s two largest cities now have a fresh choice with the opening of Caption by Hyatt properties in Tokyo and Osaka. These hotels position themselves as community-oriented options that balance central locations with more approachable pricing. The brand’s approach reflects a deliberate effort to create spaces that feel connected to their
Point Reyes, California – A dramatic headland on the Pacific coast holds one of the region’s most enduring maritime landmarks, and the National Park Service is inviting a committed individual to help care for it through the quieter months ahead. The seasonal volunteer position at the Point Reyes Lighthouse offers on-site housing in exchange for
Many travelers accumulate Chase Ultimate Rewards points through everyday spending and card bonuses, yet the greatest returns often come when those points move beyond the portal into airline and hotel loyalty programs. This approach can open access to premium cabins and distinctive properties that cash redemptions rarely reach at the same scale. The strategy rewards