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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A Midnight Crossing Home: Returning to Saudi Arabia After 37 Years

A traveler stepped off a late flight into Bahrain, the small island kingdom linked to its larger neighbor by the King Fahd Causeway. Thirty-seven years had passed since the last departure from Saudi Arabia, and the immediate plan centered on hiring a taxi for the crossing and settling into a hotel on the other side.

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Endangered Whale Sharks Sighted Near New York City

New York City – A recent encounter off the New York coastline placed endangered whale sharks within feet of a passing vessel, drawing renewed attention to the presence of large marine species in waters adjacent to one of the nation’s busiest urban centers. The sighting underscores how ocean ecosystems continue to support megafauna even in

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United Airlines Eases Earlier Flight Standby and Gate Orders

United Airlines has introduced two targeted updates designed to reduce friction for passengers facing delays or short connections. The changes focus on practical tools within the airline’s app and at select airport gates. They reflect ongoing efforts to address everyday travel challenges without requiring major infrastructure overhauls. The details appear in reporting from The Points

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Southwest Airlines Begins Construction on Its First Airport Lounges

Southwest Airlines has started work on a new set of airport lounges, marking a clear evolution in how the carrier serves its passengers. Four locations are already in development, with openings planned for late 2027 in Austin, Baltimore, Honolulu and Nashville. The move reflects ongoing adjustments at the airline as it responds to traveler expectations

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Sundance Film Festival Finds Its New Home in Boulder

The Sundance Film Festival will unfold in Boulder, Colorado, from January 21 to 31, 2027, marking a notable shift for one of the country’s most prominent independent film gatherings. This development opens a fresh chapter for visitors who have long connected the event with its previous setting, now inviting them to experience the festival amid

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Apple Maps Shows 'Lake America' for U.S. Users

Travelers relying on Apple Maps to explore the Great Lakes region may notice a new label when viewing the body of water that borders New York state and Ontario province. As of this week, the app displays “Lake America” for users inside the United States while retaining the traditional name for those elsewhere. The adjustment

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Catalina Island's Path to Ecological Renewal: The Mule Deer Decision

Catalina Island stands at a pivotal moment in its long history of balancing human enjoyment with natural preservation. A recent court decision has cleared the way for the Catalina Island Conservancy to proceed with its plan to remove the island’s non-native mule deer population, a step aimed at safeguarding the unique habitats that define this

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American Airlines Retires Flagship First on 777 Fleet

Passengers planning long-haul journeys with American Airlines will encounter a clear change in the carrier’s highest tier of service. The airline has begun phasing out its Flagship First cabin on Boeing 777 aircraft, replacing it with an expanded business-class product that emphasizes privacy and space. This transition marks a deliberate step in how the carrier