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.
Thailand invites visitors to shape journeys that match their available time and personal interests. A modular approach lets travelers combine distinct regions without committing to a single rigid route. This method proves especially useful when balancing the cultural depth of the north with the coastal rhythms of the south. Why Flexibility Matters When Time Is
La Palma sits in the western reaches of the Canary Islands, its rugged profile shaped by centuries of volcanic activity and, most recently, the 2021 eruption of the Cumbre Vieja volcano. The island has long drawn visitors for its dramatic geology and exceptionally clear night skies, now formally recognized as a UNESCO Starlight Reserve. In
Travelers planning meaningful trips now have a timely opportunity to stretch their budgets further. The Chase Sapphire Preferred card has revived its highest-ever welcome bonus, giving new cardholders a substantial head start on rewards that can support flights, hotel stays, and other experiences. This development arrives as many seek practical ways to make international or
Southern California stands at the center of an uncommon weather development this week. A significant heat wave is expected to settle over the region while Tropical Storm Elida generates elevated surf along the coastline. The combination creates a moment that calls for thoughtful planning among those drawn to the area’s shores and communities. Understanding the
Aruba has long drawn visitors with its calm waters and powdery shores, yet a fresh layer of exclusivity now sits within one of its established beachfront resorts. The Westerly, a new 161-room tower, opened recently as a distinct boutique experience inside the Hilton Aruba Caribbean Resort & Casino. Guests gain private check-in and elevated touches
Dana Point, California – The town’s rugged bluffs rise sharply above the Pacific, creating a shoreline that has drawn travelers for generations with its sweeping views and easy access to the sea. These dramatic formations frame a harbor known for whale watching and a stretch of coast favored by surfers and beachgoers alike. With forecasts
Hong Kong International Airport has long earned its place among the globe’s most highly regarded terminals, a distinction built on consistent operational excellence and thoughtful passenger facilities. Travelers stepping off flights often notice how the airport’s layout and services anticipate needs before they arise, turning what could be a hectic arrival into a measured transition.
Arriving in Vienna for the Eurovision Song Contest, a traveler watched the baggage carousel empty without her carry-on. The bag had been gate-checked on an Austrian Airlines flight from Valencia, and an AirTag confirmed it remained in Spain. What began as a minor inconvenience turned into three days without most of her clothing, yet careful
Los Angeles – Delta Air Lines has confirmed plans for a new nonstop service linking Los Angeles International Airport with Manila’s Ninoy Aquino International Airport. The route is scheduled to begin in March 2027 and expand to daily operations by June of that year. This development marks the first time a U.S. carrier will offer
A single large trip booking can unlock welcome bonuses worth more than a thousand dollars in travel value when the right card is selected. Travelers planning expensive flights, multi-week tours, or premium accommodations often face the same practical question: which payment method maximizes protection and return while managing cash flow. The answer depends on spending
The Chase Sapphire Preferred Card has long served as a reliable tool for travelers seeking to stretch their budgets through points and protections. A recent update to the card introduced several new benefits and adjusted earning categories while keeping the annual fee steady at $95. These changes arrive at a time when many travelers are
Taiwan’s high-speed rail system has quietly reshaped how visitors move through the island, turning what once required a full day of transfers into a matter of hours. The network links the northern capital with southern coastal cities along the western corridor, offering reliable connections that reward thoughtful planning. Travelers who understand its rhythms gain more