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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Escape the bustle of Philadelphia in this charming nearby suburb, known for its equestrian events, friendly residents, and local shops and eateries.
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Pennsylvania
By Ben M Stower
A sprawling winter tubing resort transforms Pocono‑mountain slopes into a snow‑filled playground with groomed lanes, light shows, and cozy après‑snow spots.
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This underrated state park features peaceful lakes for fishing and boating, trails for hiking and winter sports, and lakefront campsites where you can unwind.
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Wisconsin
By Ben M Stower
An inland lake in Wisconsin offers deep‑water scuba adventures, shimmering turquoise waters for swimming and kayaking, and scenic shore trails with camping.
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Travel Gear
By Ben M Stower
This sleek fold-in-half camping bench is the ultimate fireside essential, with the portable, compact, and sturdy item able to seat up to three adults.
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This thrilling foothills highway in Ohio delivers blind hills, twisting curves, and scenic countryside that have made it a favorite among riders.
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Buffalo's revamped lakefront park is a breezy outdoor retreat with sunset skyline views, new walking trails, sand-side lounging, and a lively beer garden.
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Pennsylvania
By Ben M Stower
A small, affordable borough in Pennsylvania's Pocono Mountains offers lakeside camping, kayaking, and stunning views, promising a peaceful outdoor retreat.
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Travel Gear
By Ben M Stower
If you plan to work remotely while on the road, this high-quality, foldable desk from Costco is perfect for RVs, campervans, and other tight spaces.
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A lakeside Midwest city is defying national housing trends with rising home prices, rapid sales, and strong buyer demand, making it a standout market.
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A hip Austin winter market promises artisan makers, live music, quirky gifts and a festive crowd, offering a creative alternative to mass shopping.
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Massachusetts
By Ben M Stower
This Thanksgiving Parade is America's most historic, from the specific Massachusetts location to the theme of the floats and the ensuing weeklong festival.
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With a massive drive-through light display and holiday activities like breakfast with Santa and elf scavenger hunts, this Missouri lodge is a Christmas delight.
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Every Saturday, California's capital transforms into a lively celebration of fresh food, local art, and community spirit at the state's best farmers market.
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North Carolina
By Ben M Stower
A high-elevation viewpoint near Hendersonville delivers four-state mountain scenery, interesting history, and tranquil walking paths perfect for a quick escape.
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This mountain road in Colorado is both stunning and perilous, offering alpine views and sharp turns that make it one of America's most unforgettable drives.
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This sparkling Missouri lake near Branson is a scenic escape where travelers can enjoy boating, fishing, and peaceful views surrounded by Ozark beauty.
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This antique shopping destination in southern Indiana is a treasure hunter's paradise, filled with hundreds of vendor booths offering timeless finds.
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This Oklahoma lake, a destination for boaters and anglers, is losing its reputation for trophy fish as it gains a name as one of America's dirtiest lakes.
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Explore the longest river in Florida with camping, kayaking, fishing, and fresh seafood along its scenic lakes, springs, and waterfront towns.
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Travel Guides
By Ben M Stower
This southern gas station chain has become a roadside legend for spotless bathrooms, brisket sandwiches, and a plethora of pumps and snacks worth stopping for.
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Denver, Colorado
By Ben M Stower
Colorado is home to a historic zoo that has evolved into one of the nation's most sustainable attractions that blends innovation, animal care, and conservation.
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Adventure through Montana’s rugged mountain landscapes at an under-the-radar range that boasts incredible views, amazing treks, and quaint Western towns.
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Tennessee
By Ben M Stower
This open-air mall in Tennessee at the doorstep to Great Smoky Mountains National Park delivers old Scots-Irish aura, charming shops, and delicious food.
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Not since the Concord have passengers been able to fly on a supersonic jet. But now, flying from New York to California may be possible. Here's why.
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Hidden in northern Michigan, this lakeside state park offers tranquil camping, forest trails, and a rare cobblestone beach framed by striking rock formations.
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Air Travel
By Ben M Stower
Following one airplane rule can make all the difference for your safety, your comfort, and how crew members perceive you as a passenger on your next flight.
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