School
St Brendan's College, Queensland University of Technology
Expertise
Europe travel, Coastal destinations, City breaks
- Ben Stower is a Europe-obsessed travel writer who has penned stories for Flight Centre, Kayak, HotelsCombined, Booking.com, and numerous small prints.
- He was one of the editors and contributing authors of the magazine 'Travel Ideas', which won 'Best Overall Edition — Print' at the Content Marketing Institute awards in 2016.
- Some of his favorite travel-related experiences include interviewing a Holland America crew, snowboarding at Falls Creek, pretending to be Gandalf at Hobbiton, and taking a sunset camel ride around Uluru while on assignment for various travel publications.
Experience
Ben Stower began his travel writing career in 2012 as a freelancer living in Southern USA. In 2014, he joined Flight Centre Australia's in-house writing team, where he soon became a valued writer and editor, working on an award-winning publication. Since 2016, Ben has been a freelance writer (with a short stint in a media agency that he'd rather not dwell on) telling stories for global travel brands and publications, like Islands, all while exploring Australia in a van, learning French in Paris, taking rental scooters to their limits in Thailand, acquiring a taste for tea in London, and visiting over 20 countries in Europe.
Education
Ben Stower earned his bachelor's degree in fine arts, specializing in creative and professional writing. This degree gave him the tools to build a career as a travel writer.
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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California
By Ben M Stower
Nestled within Northern California's redwoods, this century-old wildlife haven invites visitors to stroll above the forest floor on a breathtaking skywalk.
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With soft sands, beach monitors, and everything from beach volleyball to paddleboards rentals, this city beach is the perfect spot to escape the summer heat.
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California
By Ben M Stower
Within California’s awe-inspiring Sequoia National Park, you can take a challenging hike to an under-the-radar lake to enjoy the natural scenery without crowds.
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California
By Ben M Stower
Winding along California's Pacific coast, Amtrak's oceanfront Pacific Surfliner offers breathtaking views of beaches, cliffs, and surf towns.
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A short hike through Oregon's Cascade Mountains leads to a quiet lake with a curious name, scenic forest views, and plenty of trout for fishing.
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Just outside Ottawa, Illinois, this hidden state park offers sweeping views, rocky bluff trails, and the rare chance to spot grazing bison up close.
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Tips and Hacks
By Ben M Stower
Secure your hotel booking by using a credit card for the reservation. In addition to being a safer, this payment method could also score you some benefits.
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Tips and Hacks
By Ben M Stower
Having two passports is a privilege while traveling internationally. However, there are rules to note so you don’t get caught at customs entering a new country.
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A mountain getaway in Washington offers serene waters and scenic hikes, yet it's also home to some quiet creatures that may slither your way.
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Family Friendly
By Ben M Stower
Enjoy apple picking in North Carolina's Blue Ridge Mountains, with hayrides, apple cannons, cider doughnuts, and family fun from July to October.
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South Carolina
By Ben M Stower
Named after a romantic legend, this lesser-known waterfall in South Carolina is located in a picturesque landscape filled with trails and sights.
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Iconic California shores may not look the same in decades to come, as erosion, storms, and rising seas transform how tourists enjoy the coastline
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Wisconsin
By Ben M Stower
Take a break from Milwaukee’s downtown city vibes. With gorgeous views of Lake Michigan, a short trail walks you over charming bridges in a forested area.
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Oklahoma hides a range of stunning sparkling mesas where hiking trails lead to panoramic views and shimmering rock formations unlike anywhere else.
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Michigan's sandy beaches are second to none in the Midwest, and this dream-like stretch of shoreline on Lake Huron is all you need to see why.
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Washington
By Ben M Stower
Every September and October, you have the chance to see salmon leaping up waterfalls to reach their spawning grounds at Washington's Olympic National Park.
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If you're visiting Grand Teton National Park in Wyoming, you must check out this clear, calm, shallow lake that's perfect for swimming, canoeing, and much more.
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This versatile piece of cooking equipment available at Costco promises to take your campfire cooking to the next level without breaking the bank.
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California
By Ben M Stower
California is so often associated with the glitz and glamour of Hollywood that people forget about the wide array of nature that is on display in the state.
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Air Travel
By Ben M Stower
Customs all around the world, from the U.S. to Australia to the European Union, have very particular rules regarding this fresh snack. Here's the lowdown.
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Beneath Arizona's blazing skies hides an unlikely threat where dry earth and sudden storms collide, unleashing a natural force that few travelers expect.
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Visit one of the Dolomites' most iconic landmarks, where striking rock towers pierce the sky but face an uncertain future from climate change.
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Water Sports
By Ben M Stower
Beneath calm river waters lie hidden traps called "drowning machines," responsible for numerous accidents across America’s most popular waterways.
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With a 4,600-acre lake, comfy amenities, and beautiful Colorado nature, this state park and designated International Dark Sky Park is a must-visit near Denver.
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In popular states, hotels are moving away from miniature toiletries and embracing sustainable changes that will change what guests find in their bathrooms.
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Just over the Nevada line near South Lake Tahoe, this casino hotel offers luxurious rooms, a spacious gambling floor, award-winning restaurants, and more.
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Travel Gear
By Ben M Stower
If overweight baggage fees are the bane of your existence, consider trying this carry-on suitcase, which will help prevent you from overpacking.
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