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.
Southern California – October 11, 2026 – Post-Tropical Cyclone Rachel moved across the region Sunday morning, bringing heavy rain and prompting flash flood warnings for portions of Orange, Riverside, and Imperial counties. The National Weather Service issued the first alert around 4 a.m. for southern Orange County, with additional advisories following as moisture continued to
New York City hotel rates can climb sharply during overlapping events like the United Nations General Assembly and Fashion Week. One traveler facing those conditions turned to a newer option in the American Express Membership Rewards program to secure a room at a landmark property. The result offered a practical demonstration of how points can
Alaska cruises stand out as journeys that reward careful thought and preparation. The region’s vast landscapes, from towering glaciers to sheltered fjords, offer experiences that linger long after travelers return home. Getting the details right – from timing and route selection to how one moves through coastal communities – helps ensure the trip feels both
Los Angeles has long drawn travelers and locals alike to its neighborhood tables, where meals become part of a city’s living memory. One such destination, Tar & Roses, has now set its final service for October 24 after fifteen years of operation. Guests have already begun posting recollections of the evenings they spent there, turning
Astronomers have identified signs of a planet that formed after its host star had already died, offering a rare glimpse into planetary origins that differ from the familiar process seen in our own solar system. The finding centers on a white dwarf star whose ejected material appears to have gathered into a new world. This
Travelers who rent vehicles in the United States sometimes encounter an unexpected reality once keys change hands. Reports indicate that certain rental cars and trucks end up driven across the southern border, where they support luxury or specialized fleets. This pattern, detailed in recent coverage from the Los Angeles Times, highlights practical considerations for anyone
London – The Jacksonville Jaguars return to Wembley Stadium this October for their 15th international contest, reinforcing the franchise’s unique place in the NFL’s growing global footprint. The matchup against the Philadelphia Eagles forms part of the league’s 2026 international series and continues a pattern that has turned the British capital into a recurring destination
Panama City Beach, Fla. – Tropical Storm Isaias made landfall as a Category 2 hurricane near Destin on Friday before moving inland, bringing damaging winds that stripped rooftops and facades from hotels and condominiums along the Florida Panhandle. The system continued northward with heavy rain and the risk of flash flooding and isolated tornadoes across
San Francisco City Hall has welcomed countless couples over the years, its grand Beaux-Arts architecture providing a stately backdrop for weddings that range from intimate to elaborate. On a recent Thursday, the familiar sight of newlyweds posing for photographs took an unexpected turn when two people in full inflatable dinosaur costumes appeared among the crowd.
Van Horn, Texas – A Texas Department of Public Safety trooper came upon an injured owl along Interstate 10 and took measured steps to ensure the bird received professional care. The officer contacted Texas Parks and Wildlife, which arranged transfer to the El Paso Zoo for treatment. The episode highlights a straightforward model for travelers
Travelers who rely on cameras, phones, and other devices during long days on the road often need reliable power that can handle real-world conditions. The INIU RG-10000 enters the market as the brand’s first rugged power bank, offering a sealed and tougher build while maintaining 45W charging capability. Reviewers who already depend on other INIU
West Hollywood, California – On a patio shaded by the evening light, diners at Uchi gather around as a whole bluefin tuna arrives for its final preparation. The 216-pound fish, farm-raised and destined for the evening’s menu, becomes the quiet center of attention while Chef Joel Hammond begins the careful work of breaking it down
