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.
Altamonte Springs, Fla. – A planned celebration took an unexpected turn when the groom was injured in a head-on collision while driving to the wedding venue. Kapri DeRamus was traveling near Hermits Trail and State Road 436 when the crash occurred, leading to his transport to a local hospital. His bride-to-be, Tyasia Thomas, followed the
The Atlantic hurricane season has unfolded in an unexpectedly subdued manner this year. A powerful El Niño pattern has suppressed storm development across the basin, resulting in no hurricanes through mid-September and only five brief, weak tropical storms overall. Activity stands at roughly 7 percent of the long-term average for this point in the season.
New York City – The rebuilt World Trade Center site draws millions of visitors each year who come to honor lives lost, witness symbols of renewal, and take in sweeping views from one of the city’s most prominent towers. The 9/11 Memorial and Museum, together with One World Trade Center, form a place where quiet
When planning a journey through the American Southwest, the label on a digital map shapes more than navigation. It signals the distinct character of a place that has long stood apart from its southern neighbor. Recent discussions around how major mapping services display New Mexico’s name highlight the practical stakes for anyone relying on those
Many travelers carry a quiet tension as they board a flight, even when they know the journey ahead is routine. A commercial pilot named Hanna has spent years listening to those concerns and has found that the usual reassurances often fall short once nerves take hold. Her approach, shared recently with Newsweek, centers on supporting
Texas families and visitors planning a fall trip now have one more reason to mark their calendars. After attendance dipped at the 2025 edition, organizers of the State Fair of Texas have announced lower prices for admission and parking this year. The move stands out against a backdrop of rising costs nationwide and offers a
In the Bay Area, diesel prices have reached a point where some station displays can no longer show the full amount, topping out at $9.999 per gallon at three locations. This situation arrives at a time when many travelers are mapping out fall journeys across California, particularly those driving diesel-powered vehicles on longer routes. Road
The window to purchase Epic Passes for the 2026-27 ski season is now open, giving skiers and snowboarders an opportunity to secure access across dozens of North American resorts at rates that remain lower than many single-day lift tickets. Vail Resorts has introduced a dedicated pricing category for teens and young adults on several pass
Nashville stands at the center of a notable development in American travel infrastructure. The Metropolitan Nashville Airport Authority has taken the first formal step toward renaming Nashville International Airport in honor of Dolly Parton. The unanimous 6-0 vote marks a rare tribute that links a major gateway with one of the region’s most enduring cultural
Diesel prices across the United States have reached a new national average of $6.05 per gallon, marking a significant increase from $3.71 a year earlier. This development stems from disruptions in global shipping routes through the Red Sea. For travelers who rely on diesel-powered vehicles for longer journeys, the change calls for thoughtful adjustments to
Laguna Beach, California – City officials moved quickly on September 11, 2026, to declare a local emergency after powerful swells tied to Hurricane Marie stripped away large volumes of sand and stressed coastal infrastructure. The action also anticipates a strong El Niño pattern expected later this year. Travelers who know the area for its dramatic
New York City stands as a living testament to resilience, its skyline forever altered yet its spirit undiminished. On this 25th anniversary of the September 11, 2001 attacks, many travelers are turning to the physical sites of remembrance as a way to connect with history in a personal, grounded manner. These places offer space for