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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This sun‑kissed coastal community in Florida offers white‑sand beaches, scenic gulf‑shore sunsets, lush golf courses, and a quiet small‑town vibe.
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If you're planning a trip to Hawaii in 2026, be aware of a few big changes affecting everything from your accommodations to your frequent flier miles.
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Air Travel
By Ben M Stower
Many travelers endure tight conditions on crowded economy flights, but one little‑known seat feature can quietly expand your elbow room and ease cramped legs.
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The United States' snowiest city northern transforms each winter into a powder‑covered wonderland with ice‑encrusted streets, seasonal charm, and winter sports.
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North Carolina
By Ben M Stower
A serene getaway nestled high in North Carolina's Blue Ridge Mountains offers crystal waters, forested trails, waterfall hikes, and cozy small‑town charm.
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If you forget to pack your comfortable pillow while camping, don't worry — there's a quick fix using something that's already in your backpack.
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Air Travel
By Ben M Stower
According to a 2025 study, these five mega-sized airports are North America's worst hubs when it comes to customer satisfaction and experience.
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Family Friendly
By Ben M Stower
Winter transforms the Blue Ridge into a wonderland of quaint shops, parades, skiing, and old-fashioned holiday charm perfect for a storybook Christmas escape.
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Pennsylvania
By Ben M Stower
This compact Pennsylvania borough near Philadelphia offers charming storefronts, cozy pubs, a retro cinema, and one of the most walkable suburban cores.
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This Arizona destination was named the state's cleanest city based on pollution, resident satisfaction, and other factors, though it has faced some issues.
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Burning Man draws crowds of thousands of people across the world, but Arizona’s regional burn offers a more intimate gathering for creatives to enjoy.
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An iconic national park is facing a critical moment, with surging crowds, melting ice, and stressed ecosystems placing it on a "take‑a‑break" list for 2026.
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Minnesota
By Ben M Stower
The winter holiday season can be expensive, but you can save by visiting this free display of Christmas lights, the largest event of its kind in the U.S.
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This Midwest winter wonderland glows with over 500,000 lights, complete with oversized ornaments, festive shows, and Santa-themed fun for all ages.
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California
By Ben M Stower
If you're an animal lover visiting Southern California, consider spending a couple of hours at this wildlife sanctuary nestled in the mountains.
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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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