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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Minnesota
By Ben M Stower 17 hours ago
Spend a laid-back weekend in this under-the-radar Minnesota city, where vintage finds, lakeside downtime, fishing opportunities, and local flavor abound.
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News
By Ben M Stower 2 days ago
A low-cost airline is earning attention for its frequent flyer program in 2026, with flexible rewards and perks that could make domestic travel more affordable.
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Washington
By Ben M Stower 2 days ago
America's cleanest lake is a Washington escape that offers pristine waters, inviting beaches, abundant fish, and endless opportunities for boating and swimming.
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Tennessee
By Ben M Stower 3 days ago
Memphis, Tennessee's historic Beale Street has been home to some of the greats of music and thrives today — but this iconic area was nearly lost to history.
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Oklahoma
By Ben M Stower 3 days ago
Enjoy a camping vacation along the shores of a beautiful lake in Oklahoma, where you can cast a line, paddle around the waters, and take a dip.
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Air Travel
By Ben M Stower 4 days ago
For many, coffee is a staple they simply can't go without. That's even truer when catching a flight. But the best airport for coffee may surprise you.
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Australia
By Ben M Stower 4 days ago
Despite being home to more than 500 national parks, Australia is busy creating more to protect its natural heritage. Here's what makes this addition unique.
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California
By Ben M Stower 5 days ago
Set to host the surfing competition during the LA28 Olympic Games, this legendary beach attracts ocean athletes and visitors seeking a unique adventure.
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New Jersey
By Ben M Stower 4 days ago
This leafy state forest in New Jersey is just minutes from the ocean and provides the perfect place for lake swims, paddling, and fishing opportunities.
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Massachusetts
By Ben M Stower 6 days ago
This coastal New England community offers sandy beaches, harbor walks, historic character, and comparatively attainable housing in Massachusetts.
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News
By Ben M Stower 7 days ago
Named one of the nation's best rodeos for 2027, this California rodeo features goat dressing, wild drag racing, dance competitions, and pool parties.
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California
By Ben M Stower 7 days ago
To experience California’s delicious wines on a more local level, check out an underrated county in the Sierra Nevada foothills that is rising in the ranks.
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News
By Ben M Stower 9 days ago
With top-rated infrastructure, access to nature, and a safe environment, this U.S. destination was named the country's most efficiently operated city.
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Europe
By Ben M Stower 9 days ago
Surrounded by gorgeous moorlands, this delightful spot between two of England's biggest cities might be the quintessential British market town.
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News
By Ben M Stower 13 days ago
Before slathering up for a day at the beach, heed the research from Consumer Reports, which has determined the worst sunscreen lotion on the market.
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Georgia
By Ben M Stower 13 days ago
This centuries-old riverside stronghold in Georgia invites visitors to explore brick battlements, military history, dramatic demonstrations, and water views.
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Oklahoma
By Ben M Stower 13 days ago
This small Oklahoma city along Route 66 is bursting with history and small-town charm, from its many museums to its antique shops and downtown area.
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Indiana
By Ben M Stower 15 days ago
For years, this part of Indiana has been considered one of the top places in the state for retirees thanks to its entertainment options and other perks.
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Canada
By Ben M Stower 15 days ago
A peaceful Saskatchewan getaway combines lakefront scenery with historic churches, hilltop views, local art, and a glimpse into the region's past.
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Europe
By Ben M Stower 16 days ago
There's plenty of fun to be had on the water in the United States, but you can head this UK lake for swimming and boating as well. You can even learn to race.
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Kentucky
By Ben M Stower 16 days ago
Visitors to this tucked-away town in Western Kentucky will discover top-rated restaurants, historic street scenes, and a calm lake framed by trees.
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Massachusetts
By Ben M Stower 21 days ago
Perched at the edge of a river, this scenic city is known for its rich history and artistic flair, exemplified by its architecture, galleries, and museums.
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Washington
By Ben M Stower 23 days ago
The park has a long history of wowing visitors with its clear swimming lake, perfect for fishing or paddling, and a relaxing shoreline area for picnicking.
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Illinois
By Ben M Stower 23 days ago
This peaceful Illinois recreation area offers a sprawling human-made reservoir, abundant wildlife, boating, fishing, and camping among lovely scenery.
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Mississippi
By Ben M Stower 24 days ago
This county in eastern Mississippi offers retirees arts and entertainment in Meridian, plus trails and outdoor recreation at Bonita Lakes and nearby parks.
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Florida
By Ben M Stower 25 days ago
A surprising freshwater oasis in the Florida Keys offers peaceful nature walks and close encounters with alligators, Key deer, turtles, and colorful birds.
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Texas
By Ben M Stower 27 days ago
Get a taste of laid-back Gulf Coast life in this underrated city with great year-round weather, an eclectic restaurant scene, and dolphin watching.
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