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.
-
Arkansas
By Atika Shubert
This pristine Arkansas wilderness area with bluffs and seasonal waterfalls has hiking trails, primitive camping, and more than 100 bolted rock climbing routes.
Read More
-
This fun little Texas town isn't too far from Austin or San Antonio, and it's perfect for grabbing a plate of barbecue or visiting a museum.
Read More
-
Air Travel
By Atika Shubert
Airplanes are expensive to operate, so companies fill them as much as they can. Repositioning flights cost them thousands, and you might be able to cash in.
Read More
-
Air Travel
By Atika Shubert
Airline meals look basic at first glance, but their pricing is apparently dictated by far more than ingredients. Here's what determines the real cost.
Read More
-
Chicago, Illinois
By Atika Shubert
According to a survey among residents, these Chicago neighborhoods are the cleanest in the city, most of which are wealthy communities up north.
Read More
-
United States
By Atika Shubert
For Americans, things we see as part of everyday life can be seen by visitors as wildly iconic symbols of the U.S., including this surprisingly common vehicle.
Read More
-
Tips and Hacks
By Atika Shubert
This luggage hack, approved by flight attendants and savvy travelers wherever available, speeds up the process of checking in for certain carriers and airports.
Read More
-
Tips and Hacks
By Atika Shubert
Traveling overseas soon? Understand how exchange booths make money off supposed "commission-free" deals and what to do instead to keep more of your cash.
Read More
-
Outdoor Adventure
By Atika Shubert
Mount Everest is 29,032 feet tall, and every year, hundreds attempt to climb it. Its fatality rate is 1%. Here are five mountains that are far more dangerous.
Read More
-
Air Travel
By Atika Shubert
It's great to be comfortable when you're flying, and it's nice to look stylish if you can, but take it from the experts (flight staff) and avoid this outfit.
Read More
-
Virginia
By Atika Shubert
This cozy spot in the American South offers up history, good food, outdoor adventure, and even some treasure hunting, making it fun for the whole family.
Read More
-
Michigan
By Atika Shubert
Sturgeon is better known for being the fish responsible for caviar, but this sleepy Michigan town is a safe haven for the ancient fish species.
Read More
-
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.
Read More
-
Before you set sail on your next cruise adventure, dive into your travel insurance agreements to uncover this crucial hidden clause.
Read More
-
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.
Read More
-
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.
Read More
-
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.
Read More
-
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.
Read More
-
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.
Read More
-
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.
Read More
-
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.
Read More
-
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.
Read More
-
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.
Read More
-
This coastal Oregon city features biannual kite festivals, where attendees can enjoy shapes and animals sailing through the sky and fighting kite competitions.
Read More
-
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.
Read More
-
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.
Read More
-
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.
Read More