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.
Many travelers today are rethinking what constitutes a meaningful break. Rather than committing to week-long vacations, they are turning to compact American cities where two well-paced days can deliver culture, cuisine, and a genuine sense of renewal. These destinations reward focused exploration without the fatigue of constant movement or the sense that something essential has
Communities along the northern Gulf Coast are taking measured steps to prepare for Tropical Storm Bertha, which is expected to make landfall in a lightly populated stretch of southeastern Louisiana on Wednesday night. The storm’s primary concerns center on coastal flooding and strong winds rather than widespread destruction. Travelers planning time along the Florida Panhandle,
Singapore Airlines has introduced a minimum balance requirement for members using the KrisFlyer program to search award availability. Accounts must now hold at least 1,000 miles before the search function becomes accessible. The adjustment affects a tool many travelers have long used to explore options across the Star Alliance network without first transferring or earning
Travelers with Gulf Coast itineraries this week are watching Tropical Storm Bertha closely as its track shifts. The system is now expected to move directly toward Louisiana before reaching Texas on Thursday. In Southeast Texas, an Extreme Heat Warning remains in place alongside the storm outlook, adding another layer to trip planning. Tracking the Storm’s
Southern California beaches draw families and ocean enthusiasts year after year, drawn by reliable sunshine and accessible surf. A recent drone video captured a 10-foot great white gliding through the water near children playing in the waves, offering a rare window into the marine life that shares these popular stretches of coast. The footage, recorded
Few destinations preserve the raw character of the natural world as completely as the Galápagos Archipelago. Here, marine iguanas bask on black basalt rock while giant tortoises move slowly across ancient volcanic slopes. Travel to these islands offers more than observation. It provides direct contact with an ecosystem that has remained largely intact for centuries.
Discussions in Congress about locking daylight saving time in place year-round have drawn fresh attention to how the change would reshape mornings across the country. The proposal would eliminate the twice-yearly clock adjustments that have defined American life for decades. In Los Angeles, the latest sunrise of the year would land at 8 a.m., shifting
Puerto Rico’s northern coast holds a quiet chapter in aviation history that has now reached its conclusion. In April 1952, the Pan Am Clipper Endeavor lifted off from San Juan bound for New York with 64 passengers and five crew members. Minutes later the Douglas DC-4 came down in the Atlantic, claiming 52 lives and
For many travelers, the challenge of resting during overnight long-haul journeys often centers on maintaining head and neck support in a seated position. Emirates has developed a solution to this practical concern through a new headrest design intended for its economy cabins. The carrier will begin rolling out the feature across select aircraft, with broader
Aeroplan has introduced the ability to redeem points for Emirates premium economy awards, a development that expands options for members seeking elevated comfort on long-haul routes. At the same time, the program now limits first class redemptions to those holding Aeroplan 35K status or higher. This adjustment reflects ongoing refinements in how loyalty programs manage
The Florida Keys have long drawn travelers seeking turquoise waters and relaxed rhythms. Yet one property stands out for offering a complete all-inclusive experience without the need for a passport or lengthy flight. Bungalows Key Largo provides exactly that, set on a stretch of shoreline just an hour from Miami. A short weekend there can
Portugal introduced significant updates to its nationality law in May 2026 that directly affect the timeline for obtaining citizenship. The changes lengthen the period of legal residency required before most applicants can apply, while leaving the country’s residency-by-investment program intact. For individuals considering the Portugal Golden Visa, the distinction between securing residency and achieving citizenship
