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.
Laguna Beach, California, has long drawn those who seek a rare balance of dramatic coastline and quiet seclusion. A newly listed oceanfront compound now carries an asking price of $112 million, a figure that could establish fresh benchmarks for both the city and all of Orange County. The property’s scale and position underscore the enduring
Luang Prabang sits at the confluence of the Mekong and Nam Khan rivers in northern Laos, where centuries-old temples rise above wooden houses and the daily rhythm of monastic life unfolds against a backdrop of forested hills. The town’s UNESCO-listed old quarter preserves a rare balance of lived heritage and quiet streets, drawing visitors who
Travel by sea has long offered couples a chance to step away from daily routines and share new horizons together. Among the many styles available, small-ship and expedition cruises stand out for their measured pace and focused itineraries. These voyages typically welcome only a few dozen to a few hundred guests, creating an environment where
Researchers pursuing the largest known mako shark recently came across a substantial female off the California coast. The encounter, part of a broader effort to document the species at its upper limits, suggests that makos may exceed the long-accepted 13-foot threshold. Such a finding draws fresh attention to the depth and variety of marine life
JetBlue’s recent acquisition of additional takeoff and landing rights at LaGuardia Airport has opened the door to a notable shift in its New York operations. The airline is now in discussions to relocate some of its activity from the modern Terminal B to the older Marine Air Terminal, also known as Terminal A. This move
As teenagers begin seeking greater independence on trips abroad, many parents find themselves reassessing destinations with fresh attention to safety, infrastructure, and ease of movement. Iceland has long held the top position on global peace rankings, a fact that underscores why certain European cities continue to earn trust from families who have already traveled extensively
Along the sunlit shores of Seabright State Beach in Santa Cruz, a 16-year-old lifeguard’s quick actions turned an ordinary summer day into a moment of quiet recognition that reached all the way to the White House. President Donald Trump extended an invitation to the teenager, noting plans to present a High Civilian Honor for the
For travelers weighing a domestic getaway this summer, the decision between driving and flying often comes down to more than distance or speed. Rising fuel costs and higher ticket prices have made the math more relevant than ever, especially for those managing household budgets carefully. A single example can illustrate how the balance shifts depending
Glamping has emerged as a thoughtful way to experience America’s most striking natural settings without leaving behind the comforts of a well-appointed stay. Travelers can wake to sweeping desert vistas or the sound of a mountain river while enjoying king-size beds, private baths, and thoughtful touches like wood-burning stoves or plunge pools. Properties range from
Chaco Culture National Historical Park in northwestern New Mexico holds the remains of an intricate ancestral Puebloan society whose great houses and ceremonial structures continue to draw visitors seeking connection with the past. The Bureau of Land Management is examining whether to lift a 2023 mineral withdrawal that has kept new oil and gas leasing
American Express has opened a direct path for Membership Rewards members to access one of the world’s most distinctive collections of independent luxury hotels. Beginning today, eligible cardmembers can transfer points to The Leading Hotels of the World’s Leaders Club program. The move brings more than 425 properties across more than 80 countries into reach
Florida’s sandy roadsides and pine flatwoods often reveal the distinctive shape of an armadillo foraging at dusk. These armored mammals have long been part of the state’s natural landscape, yet recent health findings have prompted experts to remind residents and visitors alike of a simple precaution: observe, but do not handle, the animals. The connection