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.
Travelers drawn to places where the past lingers often find themselves at historic American hotels whose documented stories continue to shape their present character. These properties stand out not for manufactured thrills but for the verifiable events, architectural legacies, and consistent guest accounts that have accumulated over decades or centuries. Staying in them offers a
Maldives – A substantial private island is taking form within one of the nation’s deep-water lagoons, representing a notable example of large-scale marine engineering. The project covers 155 acres and carries an asking price of $450 million. Such developments illustrate how private investment can intersect with the technical challenges of building in sensitive ocean settings
Cinema has long held the power to plant seeds of wanderlust in unexpected ways. Viewers often find themselves drawn not only to sweeping visuals but also to the quiet invitations these stories extend toward real places and personal renewal. Several films stand out for the way they portray authentic destinations while underscoring the value of
Off the coast of Lombok, Indonesia, a cluster of small islands known as the Gilis offers travelers a rare chance to slow down. These compact landmasses, connected by short boat rides from the mainland, operate without cars or motorbikes. The result is an environment shaped by the rhythm of waves, the clip-clop of horse-drawn carts,
Greenpoint, Brooklyn – A compact 250-square-foot studio here offers visitors a direct path back to the era of mall photo sessions, where families and friends posed for glossy, stylized portraits. The space functions as a working time capsule, complete with the lighting, backdrops, and props that defined those late-century shoots. Travelers and locals alike arrive
A recent notice from the Department of Transportation outlines adjustments to long-standing requirements on how airlines advertise ticket prices. The changes would permit carriers greater flexibility in presenting base fares alongside taxes and fees. Travelers who rely on clear upfront totals may notice differences in how options appear during searches. **Understanding the Current Full Fare
The Old Man of Coniston rises above the village of the same name in England’s Lake District, offering walkers a compact yet varied day on the fells. A well-established 6.7-mile loop links four distinct summits, passes through the atmospheric ruins of the Coppermines Valley, and finishes beside a waterfall that remains off the main tourist
San Francisco International Airport handled a routine yet notable aviation event when a fully loaded United Airlines flight bound for Mexico experienced a tire blowout during its takeoff roll. The aircraft returned to the airport without further incident, allowing passengers and crew to disembark safely. Such occurrences, while uncommon, illustrate the layered safety systems that
Travelers frequently notice how hotels balance limited space, construction costs, and visual appeal when shaping guest rooms. These decisions often stem from practical constraints or efforts to create distinctive atmospheres, yet they can affect daily routines in subtle ways. Observing these patterns offers insight into the ongoing evolution of hospitality design. Bathroom Layouts and Privacy
American Airlines is adjusting how complimentary upgrades work on a growing number of domestic routes. Elite members who once cleared into lie-flat business class seats will instead move into premium economy when that cabin is available. The shift begins August 25 and applies only where the airline markets premium economy as a distinct product. The
Air France and KLM’s Flying Blue program releases monthly award promotions that lower the cost of reaching Europe from the United States. The August edition continues this pattern with economy fares beginning at 18,750 miles each way on select long-haul routes. Travelers who act before the end of the month can lock in travel through
Alaska Airlines has activated its monthly Atmos Rewards promotion for August, giving members access to reduced award pricing on select international routes. The Global Getaways offers apply to economy travel between the United States and several cities across Europe, Asia, and the South Pacific. With a booking deadline of August 8, 2026, the window is
