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.
Tampa, Fla. – A single mariner has committed to navigating more than seven thousand miles of American waterways in pursuit of one million dollars for pediatric cancer research. Captain Scott “Red” Flowers launched the Great Loop Challenge after his own battle with stage four melanoma introduced him to families facing childhood cancers. The effort now
Cedar Park, Texas – A new Scheels sporting goods store has opened its doors as the first major anchor in the 117-acre CedarView development. The retailer brings more than equipment and apparel. Inside the store stands a 65-foot Ferris wheel and a 16,000-gallon saltwater aquarium stocked with roughly 600 fish. City leaders view the project
Rove, the transferable miles platform launched in April 2025, announced a significant expansion on August 28 that brings new earning opportunities into daily routines. Members can now accumulate miles at restaurants and retail locations without altering their usual habits. The updates also refine existing tools for hotel bookings and gift card purchases, reflecting steady growth
Nepal-China border region – Catastrophic flash floods struck the border area between Nepal and China this week, leaving hundreds of international travelers unaccounted for amid ongoing rescue operations. The disaster has drawn attention to the many visitors who travel to the remote Himalayan region each year for guided treks and pilgrimages to sacred sites. Rescue
High school sweethearts Jamie and Amy Shinneman have turned the Abbott World Marathon Majors into a shared passport for discovery. From the streets of Berlin to the paths of New York, the Indiana couple has already completed four of the premier races as a true team, with Jamie running and guiding Amy in their custom
Atlantic hurricane season brings its share of uncertainty each year, and the latest development involves Tropical Storm Dolly, which formed earlier this week and is now tracking westward across the open ocean. Forecasters are monitoring its path closely as it heads toward the Caribbean, with potential effects expected in the coming days for Puerto Rico,
Mexican authorities recently rescued more than 130 exotic and endangered animals during operations targeting fuel smuggling in the northeastern state of Tamaulipas, which borders the United States. Among the animals were Bengal tigers, jaguars, an American bison, lions, and a green macaw, with 35 species classified as endangered. The discovery underscores the hidden connections between
Mexico City continues to draw travelers seeking a blend of contemporary design and deep cultural roots, and the Polanco neighborhood stands at the center of that appeal. The announcement that the Park Hyatt Mexico City Polanco is now accepting reservations for stays beginning April 1, 2027, marks a notable addition to the area’s hospitality offerings.
As summer winds down, the cooler air and thinner crowds create an ideal window for thoughtful escapes into nature. Under Canvas provides a way to experience some of the country’s most remarkable landscapes without sacrificing everyday comforts, and a limited-time offer now makes those stays more accessible for many travelers. The promotion runs through the
Tropical Storm Dolly took shape in the central Atlantic on the morning of August 27, 2026, becoming the fourth named system of an already active season. Positioned roughly 1,555 miles east of the Leeward Islands and moving steadily westward, the storm carries sustained winds near 40 miles per hour. Its appearance coincides, by pure chance,
Edinburgh held us for four years, long enough for the city’s own fortress to become a familiar neighbor rather than a headline attraction. During that time the surrounding Highlands and islands revealed their own strongholds, some still lived in, others reduced to walls and sky. One in particular lingers in memory for the simple reason
Carnival Cruise Line has opened Celebration Key, a new private beach destination along the southern coast of Grand Bahama Island. The $100 million pier expansion now allows up to four ships to dock simultaneously, so guests step directly onto the sand without tenders. This development gives travelers a convenient way to enjoy a full day