Expertise
Asia travel, Europe travel, Packing & Planning
- Atika grew up in Jakarta, Indonesia, and Bangkok, Thailand, sparking a life-long appreciation of urban culture, art, and food.
- She is an expert traveler and packer, comfortable sleeping anywhere, including moving vehicles, airport floors, and waiting room chairs.
- She has traveled extensively in Europe, Asia, and the Middle East.
Experience
Atika has worked as a journalist for more than two decades. She started as a print journalist in Jakarta, Indonesia, writing for publications such as the Washington Post and EFE, a Spanish news agency. In 2000, she joined CNN as a field producer before becoming an on-air reporter. During her award-winning career with CNN, Atika was based in Jakarta, Tokyo, Jerusalem, London and Berlin. Her news reporting has been twice featured in "The Daily Show's" closing segment, Moment of Zen. She is now based in Valencia, Spain where she divides her time between journalism and creative writing. Atika speaks Bahasa Indonesia and is learning Spanish.
Education
Atika has a bachelor's degree in economics from Tufts University.
Islands content is created by a team of veteran writers and editors passionate about travel. Outside experts with deep field knowledge sometimes inform our work with additional context and perspectives by way of exclusive commentary. Our goal is to offer readers well-rounded and diverse articles that inform, entertain, and inspire.
Our editors consistently review and update articles to ensure they're providing current, relevant, and useful information. Complete information on our editorial process is available here.
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Uncover a hidden chapter of American history by visiting this hub of Swedish culture where you can delight in music, dance, and, of course, smörgåsbords.
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Colorado
By Atika Shubert
Walk through an electric alley in the heart of a small Colorado town. The mini Times Square is lit up with vintage neon signs next to delicious craft breweries.
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Nebraska
By Atika Shubert
America's best retirement spot for women is a Midwestern state that combines great senior care with excellent living facilities and good cost of living.
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New Mexico
By Atika Shubert
Discover the national monument in New Mexico that is something like a tribute to human exploration, with centuries of history carved into it.
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Travel Gear
By Atika Shubert
Protect your skin from harmful UV rays while snorkeling with this piece of scuba diving gear that’ll help you continue to enjoy the underwater world.
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California
By Atika Shubert
Immerse yourself in the beating heart of California's Sausalito on this vibrant street with an authentic locals' vibe and plenty of shops and eateries.
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Air Travel
By Atika Shubert
Forget stuffing everything in seat pockets. This essential travel hack that smart flyers swear by could make all the difference in an emergency.
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Rhode Island
By Atika Shubert
This historic town in the United States is home to the oldest annual Fourth of July Celebration, with plenty of fireworks, parades, and patriotic flair.
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If you want a unique camping experience surrounded by Arizona’s breathtaking landscapes, look into staying in one of the National Forest Service’s cabins.
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Pennsylvania
By Atika Shubert
Pittsburgh is an industrial city, but that doesn't mean that there isn't beautiful scenery to enjoy. This trail brings you through some of the highlights.
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If you're tired of breakfast buffet food, long lines, and chaotic mornings on a cruise, look for one of these alternative dining spots for your morning meal.
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California and Hawaii are predictably pricey, but a surprising state joins them in the bottom three, thanks to soaring home prices and healthcare access issues.
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More and more people are retiring to Portugal, and for good reason. If you want a lovely new home with neighbors who are also immigrants, check out this town.
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Climate change is having devastating effects all over the world, including on this iconic American River whose troubled waters are being hit hard.
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Discover this small town in Tuscany that has a long history, fascinating attractions, and a beautiful rustic setting, located between Rome and Florence.
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Air Travel
By Atika Shubert
Turbulence on a flight is never fun and some airports are more turbulent than others. But the most bumpy airports to fly into tend to all have one feature.
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Iceland’s unique volcanic and glacial landscapes offer plenty of adventurous outings, including exploring otherworldly underground blue ice caves.
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Tips and Hacks
By Atika Shubert
Traveling by train is a must during your European vacation, and expert Rick Steves shares his advice for navigating each country’s somewhat confusing system.
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Arizona is an outdoor lover's paradise, and this town, located along the Copper Corridor, is filled with canyon trails, wild waters, and scenic trains.
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Combat the hot Spanish summer by walking along shaded streets covered by colorful canopies made with recycled material by local artists in a coastal city.
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Arts and Culture
By Atika Shubert
If you're looking for a vacation that combines small-town charm with a burgeoning street art scene, this Virginia destination fits the bill.
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Going on a cruise can be a splurge of a lifetime, but you don't have to break the bank to experience crystal blue seas on a Royal Caribbean liner.
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This lesser-known river in Germany is a favorite of travel expert Rick Steves and is home to beautiful, scenic views and plenty of places to history buffs.
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Travel Guides
By Atika Shubert
For one of the oldest towns in Arizona, Florence is a hidden gem brimming with historic features that will astound you. Here's what to see in the quaint town.
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Visit the "silent city" to learn more about its long and fascinating history, try local delicacies, and maybe even spot a famous filming location.
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Virginia
By Atika Shubert
Enjoy soothing, historic hot springs within Virginia’s pristine forest landscape while exploring charming local communities that often fly under the radar.
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Oklahoma
By Atika Shubert
If having thousands of slot machines at your disposal sounds like a good time, you absolutely have to visit this Oklahoman casino.
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