Member News

BATW members got together, last month, for their first-ever regional happy hour. Eighteen travel journalists met for nibbles and sips at Oakland’s 5 Spiced Kitchen in the hills of Montclair. They were also each treated to the restaurant’s famed Mai Tai, which did much to spur conversation and networking. More regional happy hours are planned throughout the year so look for your invitation soon.

Elaine Lee is pleased to announce that on 4/6/24 she published her new paperback book, “Go Girl 2: The Black Women’s Book of Travel and Adventure” and on 4/26/24 the kindle version was made available on Amazon.com

Andrea Granahan is releasing her sixth book at Occidental Center for the Arts on Sunday, May 19, at 3 p.m. The book, Spitting on Great Missouri’s Grave, is a true story set in the Deep South. It is a story about the enduring power of love to heal and transform, even in the face of unimaginable adversity. Through the characters’ struggles and growth, it delivers profound messages about forgiveness, redemption, and the unbreakable bonds of family.

Candy B. Harrington and Charles Pannell recently released the second edition of their popular national park access guide, Barrier-Free Travel; Glacier, Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks for Wheelchair-Users and Slow Walkers. Be it a three-day getaway to a single park, or a two-week adventure to all three national parks, this handy resource includes the detailed information and authoritative resources needed to help slow walkers and wheelchair-users plan the perfect visit. For more information visit (https://emerginghorizons.com/barrier-free-travel-glacier-yellowstone-and-grand-teton-national-parks-for-wheelchair-users-and-slow-walkers/).

Melanie Haiken has won a Gold Award in the latest NATJA competition. Her article,
“Kanaye Nagasawa: The Samurai who Forever Changed California” appeared in the travel section of BBC.com and won the award in the historical travel category.

Shelly Rivoli’s guidebook Hiking with Kids Southern California: 45 Great Hikes for Families (Falcon Guides) received the Bronze for Travel Books in the North American Travel Journalists Association Awards. The guide, filled with multiple color photos (by the author), detailed descriptions, tips, and a map for each hike, includes easy to strenuous hikes throughout the Southern Sierra, California Deserts, Central Coast, Lost Angeles, and San Diego areas. A review of the book is included in the current issue of Westways magazine.

Shelly also recently published “How to Travel with a Car Seat (without Losing Your Mind),” a comprehensive, sanity-saving roundup that includes more than 15 years’ worth of her observations, wisdom, tips, and writings on the topic as the Travels with Baby guidebook author, blogger, and guru.

Kimerly Lovato has just published her children’s book PISA LOVES BELLA. Splashed with colorful art and tongue-twisty Italian words, PISA LOVES BELLA celebrates travel as well as kindness toward others, and yourself. Find out more here.

Natasha Bourlin delves into the proposed new development at one of Hawaii’s most treasured beach parks. Read her article here.