Melanie Haiken
The real story of Saint Patrick’s Day; a secret underground Roman temple soon to become a new UNESCO World Heritage Site; the Japanese samurai who helped found the California wine industry; the rise of Jordanian women artisans; where to spot the rarest and most endangered whales in the world. These are among dozens of stories Melanie Haiken has written for Nat Geo, AARP, Smithsonian, The Saturday Evening Post, AFAR, and more. Based in northern California, she has won multiple gold and silver awards from SATW, ASJA, NATJA, and numerous national science and health associations.
On the road as often as she's home, Melanie can be found overlanding in red rock canyon country, following archaeologists through active digs, discovering new cuisines, and tracking wildlife whenever possible. As a specialist in national parks, monuments, and wilderness areas across north America and the world, Melanie aims to help readers go beyond the most famous highlights to experience the natural wonders few others know about. Recent explorations have included tracing ancient footpaths in Greece and Ireland, seeking out desert ghost towns reclaimed as art installations, and studying beluga whales with a marine scientist. The best trip is always the next trip!
