Helen Hatzis Profile Overview

Helen Hatzis

Helen Hatzis

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.
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Bay Area Coast: Sneaker Waves and Fog Ahead

San Francisco Bay Area – A Beach Hazard Statement remains in effect along the Pacific coast through Monday, coinciding with a cold front that brings patchy clouds, fog, mist, and drizzle to the region on Saturday. Travelers heading to Northern California beaches this weekend can still appreciate the dramatic shoreline and crisp autumn air when

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Embracing Alaska’s Shifting Conditions on a Cruise Through the 49th State

Alaska’s coastal waters and forested shorelines present a landscape where temperatures can drop sharply near tidewater glaciers yet rise comfortably in sheltered port towns on the same day. This variability, shaped by elevation, proximity to ice, and the region’s maritime influence, rewards travelers who prepare thoughtfully rather than rigidly. The experience invites a deeper appreciation

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Make Your Carved Pumpkin Last Through Halloween

Carving a pumpkin marks one of the simplest pleasures of the fall season, yet the results often fade faster than expected. A few deliberate choices in timing, cleaning, and storage can help the design hold its shape until the big night arrives. The guidance draws from university extension services that have tested these methods in

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Kimpton to Open in Rome as New Resorts and Thailand Properties Expand Traveler Choices

Recent announcements point to fresh lodging options taking shape across Italy, Mexico, Costa Rica, and Thailand. These developments reflect steady growth in the hotel sector, offering travelers additional places to stay that blend local character with thoughtful amenities. The news comes from a weekly roundup of industry updates. ([1]) Rome Prepares for Its First Kimpton

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Inflatable Dinosaurs Marry at San Francisco City Hall

A couple chose one of the city’s most photographed civic landmarks for their wedding and brought a playful spirit to the occasion. They arrived dressed as inflatable dinosaurs, turning the ceremony into a lighthearted celebration that still honored the grandeur of the setting. One of the dinosaurs wore a flowing white bridal veil and carried

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Gulf Coast After Isaias: What Travelers Need to Know

Northwest Florida’s Panhandle and Alabama’s Gulf Coast felt the effects of Hurricane Isaias as it made landfall near Destin on Friday evening as a Category 2 storm before weakening into a post-tropical cyclone over southern Alabama. ([1]) The system brought heavy rain, strong winds, and power outages to the region, yet the distinctive barrier islands,

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Tropical Storm Rachel's Unusual Path Toward San Diego: What Travelers Should Know This Weekend

Southern California faces an uncommon weather development this weekend as Tropical Storm Rachel moves toward the coast. Forecasters anticipate landfall in northern Baja California or San Diego County as early as Saturday night, a track that stands out for the region. The situation calls for measured attention to coastal conditions and any adjustments to travel

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Isaias Makes Landfall Near Destin: Guidance for Panhandle Visitors

Florida’s northern Gulf Coast often moves at a measured pace, with quiet stretches of shoreline and small communities that draw visitors seeking both relaxation and connection to the water. That rhythm shifted when Isaias made landfall as a hurricane on the northern Gulf Coast near Destin, Florida, on Friday night. Hundreds of thousands of people

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Empty-Nest Couples Eye Adults-Only Cruises

Charles and his partner began their travels together in 2003 as a pair with backpacks and open schedules. Over the following years they visited more than 40 countries, started a travel business, and raised two children while exploring the world as a family. Now, with one child in college and the other close behind, the

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You Can Earn Air Canada Aeroplan Points Without Ever Flying

Many travelers assume that collecting points in Air Canada’s Aeroplan program requires boarding a flight, yet the loyalty currency can be built through everyday spending and thoughtful transfers. This flexibility matters for anyone planning meaningful trips across Canada or on Star Alliance partners, where award availability often rewards those who accumulate points steadily rather than

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The Hotel Shower Cap's Quiet Role in Smart Travel

Many travelers overlook the small plastic cap left by the hotel sink, yet it offers practical help during trips when used thoughtfully. This simple item supports organized packing and reduces the need for extra single-use plastics on the road. Its elastic edge and lightweight material make it adaptable for several everyday situations that seasoned travelers