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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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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One of the most underrated destinations in Portugal is this tiny island that offers plenty of water adventures and fascinating sites. Here's how to get there.
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If you are planning a trip to Malaysia, make sure to stop by this wildly underrated city that is full of old world architecture, great cafes, and amazing food.
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Escape Ibiza’s party-filled atmosphere at a secluded beach with glistening turquoise water and a pristine sandy beach hidden amongst the rocks.
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Bali is one of the most popular destinations in Indonesia but you don't have to brave the crowds if you don't want to. Try this underrated island instead.
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Within the peaceful desert landscape of Arizona’s southeastern region, you’ll find one of the state's largest wineries and gorgeous mountain views.
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There's one unique place in Europe that has served as a stand-in for the Wild West in movies and TV shows, and it makes for an excellent outdoorsy vacation.
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While a city filed with rocks might not sound exciting, the rock formations at this location are incredible to behold -- and there's even more to see.
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Relax in the bubbling beauty of Mother Nature at this secret Tuscany countryside retreat that boasts soothing therapeutic waters and mineral-rich mud
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Arizona has a few lakes that are worth a visit, but you might reconsider your next swim once you learn about the species that slither in those lakes.
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Theme Parks
By Atika Shubert
Not all theme parks are created equal. While this one has been popular for decades, nearly half of its reviewers have found fault with it for a big reason.
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Air Travel
By Atika Shubert
The majority of airports abroad have one convenient feature that airports in America simply don't. Here's what it is and why most U.S. airports don't offer it.
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The popular European country where solo female travelers are most likely to be catcalled on the street is also considered among the safer places for women.
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For a Greek island getaway with hint of Italian flair, add this hidden gem to your bucket list where quiet beaches and rich history await.
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While travelers tend to visit this Dutch island for its famously amazing tulip blooms, it's also home to some marvelous bird and wildlife viewing.
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