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 who venture beyond the familiar highways often find themselves in places where daily rhythms still carry the imprint of generations. In the quiet hollows of Appalachia and the layered neighborhoods of East Los Angeles, distinct ways of making music, food, and art continue to shape community life. These regions offer windows into American identity
Travelers who value comfort often discover that the most memorable flights unfold in cabins few passengers ever see. These spaces combine thoughtful design, attentive service, and genuine privacy, turning long journeys into something closer to a private retreat. The good news is that many of these experiences remain reachable through airline award programs when travelers
Singapore – Travelers returning to Orchard Road this year encounter a St. Regis Singapore that has completed its late-2025 renovation. The property now presents updated accommodations, a standout breakfast offering, and consistent service that reflects the brand’s long-standing approach to hospitality. The changes position the hotel as a refreshed base for guests exploring the city’s
QR codes have become a familiar sight for travelers, appearing on tables at sidewalk cafés, near parking spots in historic districts, and at ticket kiosks in bustling transit hubs. Their convenience is undeniable, yet a small number of these codes have been altered to redirect users toward fraudulent sites. Awareness of this possibility allows travelers
Aspen has long drawn visitors seeking cooler summer air and dramatic mountain scenery. In recent years the town has added another layer of appeal through a carefully scaled art fair and an active museum program that together create space for thoughtful encounters with contemporary work. The result is a summer setting where the landscape itself
Livingston, Mont. – Trout require consistently cool water to thrive, yet record summer temperatures have pushed many Western rivers beyond safe limits for the fish. Wildlife managers have responded with timed fishing restrictions across Montana, Colorado, and Yellowstone National Park. The measures protect stressed populations while preserving the long-term health of rivers that draw anglers
On August 12, the moon will pass directly between the sun and Earth, casting its shadow across parts of the northern Atlantic and into Europe. For mainland Spain, this marks the first total solar eclipse in more than a century. The event also reaches Greenland and Iceland, offering a rare alignment visible under clear skies
Amsterdam draws visitors with its canals and historic streets, yet many leave with a deeper connection formed through its everyday food traditions. A warm stroopwafel offers one such entry point, turning a simple bite into a reminder of how local craft shapes daily life. Travelers who pause to seek out the freshly made version often
Jackson Hole, Wyoming – The only commercial airport inside a U.S. national park sits just seven miles from the heart of this mountain town, offering arrivals an immediate view of the jagged Teton range. That proximity shapes every aspect of a visit, from the short drive into town to the ease of reaching two of
Cerne Abbas sits quietly among the rolling hills of Dorset, its narrow lanes and stone cottages forming one of England’s most photographed villages. Within this setting stands Cerne Abbey, a medieval site that continues to surprise visitors who arrive expecting only the famous chalk figure on the hillside. The abbey’s surviving fragments offer a direct
Ljubljana serves as an ideal gateway for travelers discovering Slovenia, a nation whose modest size belies an impressive variety of landscapes. Visitors often arrive expecting a quick transit point between larger neighbors and instead find themselves drawn into extended stays amid forests, clear waters, and historic settlements. The country’s geography allows easy movement from one
United Airlines is expanding access to its newest long-haul aircraft from its Houston hub this fall. The carrier will place Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners configured with its latest interior on several international routes beginning in late October. Travelers on these flights will encounter refreshed cabins that place greater emphasis on premium seating options. The Aircraft Configuration