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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Michigan
By Atika Shubert
Thinking of retiring in Michigan to enjoy those gorgeous Great Lakes views and a laid-back lifestyle? Here are its four best and most affordable destinations.
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Before you set sail on your next cruise adventure, dive into your travel insurance agreements to uncover this crucial hidden clause.
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United States
By Atika Shubert
Before you leave for your road trip, make sure you aren't doing this with your luggage. Or else, you risk getting pulled over and ruining your vacation.
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Get ready to be amazed by this hidden gem in Tucson’s suburbia, offering an incredible casino complex, miles of hiking trails, and stunning desert parks.
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Park visitors are often oblivious to the warning signs that wildlife has become stressed or threatened by their presence, and when it's time to give them space.
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Michigan
By Atika Shubert
These spots along Lake Superior offer stellar stargazing and the potential to spot the elusive aurora thanks to their dark skies and open views across the lake.
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North Carolina
By Atika Shubert
This abandoned mill village with its own vibrant history gives visitors a chance to step into the world of "The Hunger Games." Here's what you can expect.
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Massachusetts
By Atika Shubert
While there are many candidates for the title, this one harbor city has been said to have the most accessible public transit in the United States.
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Tips and Hacks
By Atika Shubert
Travel expert Rick Steves will bravely travel just about anywhere — but he said one destination is just too dangerous to recommend to his viewers.
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For a great place to enjoy Southwestern art, head to this mall near Tucson that holds an open-air arts festival set against an impressive mountain backdrop.
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Arts and Culture
By Atika Shubert
Jazz music has soared across the globe, and these cities are the ultimate spots to experience just how diverse this incredible genre has become.
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This coastal Oregon city features biannual kite festivals, where attendees can enjoy shapes and animals sailing through the sky and fighting kite competitions.
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Outdoor Adventure
By Atika Shubert
Take your e-bike with you on your vacation thanks to this new Australian camper that comes with everything you need to enjoy an outdoor adventure.
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Air Travel
By Atika Shubert
When it comes to airports, you're more likely to hear complaints than praise. But one unexpected "mega" airport with millions of passengers gets rave reviews.
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South Carolina
By Atika Shubert
After picnicking in this state park in South Carolina, explore what the Algonquins called a "swamp on a hill," where you'll find carnivorous plants and gators.
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Australia
By Atika Shubert
Queensland is the most biologically diverse territory in Australia, home to over 50% of its reptile species. Here are its most snake-infested lakes and rivers.
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Air Travel
By Atika Shubert
Travelers are testing a viral strategy to land better airline seats without shelling out extra. But does this risky check-in hack really work?
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This famous casino in Europe has been featured in more than one James Bond film, showcasing opulence and luxury with its 19th-century gaming rooms.
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Connecticut
By Atika Shubert
This small Connecticut town has often found itself on the fringes of historic events, before encountering moments of profound national attention.
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South Carolina
By Atika Shubert
When visiting South Carolina’s gorgeous Hilton Head Island, you might want to reconsider frolicking in the waves at this beach that is frequented by sharks.
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A rip current is a fast-moving channel of water that pulls out to sea. They can be deadly, but here's what you should do if you're caught in one while swimming.
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The Maine Distillery trail runs up the coastline of the gorgeous, rocky state, perfect for any lovers of local craft — and people who love coastal Maine.
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South Carolina
By Atika Shubert
Many cities and towns have laid claim to the "peach capital" title, but this small town in South Carolina claims to be the top in the world — for good reason.
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Travel Gear
By Atika Shubert
This budget-friendly product is said to repel horse flies and deer flies. The clip-on mimics the look of their predators, sparing you from being swarmed.
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California
By Atika Shubert
While strolling California’s streets, be on the lookout for this predator. Although it may look cuddly, it’s important to know what to do when you see one.
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Pennsylvania
By Atika Shubert
For travelers who are interested in foraging or simply growing food from the land, a visit to Pennsylvania's historic "food forest" near Philly is a must.
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Travel Gear
By Atika Shubert
Many medicines require refrigeration to remain effective, so travelers need to plan in advance to travel safely without affecting their treatment.
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