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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Tips and Hacks
By Ben M Stower
To prep for your tropical summer vacation, you should expose yourself to hotter temperatures through “heat training” before heading to a steamy destination.
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California
By Ben M Stower
Dubbed "California's Oldest Little City" and "The New York of the Pacific," this Gold Rush city has a historic Chinatown, unique festival, and vintage shopping.
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Wisconsin
By Ben M Stower
Troll sculptures all around? Scandinavian heritage? A cave full of stalactites and stalagmites? You can find all of this and more at this quirky Wisconsin town.
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South Carolina
By Ben M Stower
For a cute and intimate downtown full of shops and restaurants to explore along with year-round outdoor adventures, head to this quaint city in South Carolina.
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For a getaway into the mountains of Idaho, head to this lively city with unique summer festivals and Rocky Mountain views located in Wood River Valley.
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Wisconsin
By Ben M Stower
Wisconsin is an amazing destination in summer, and if you are looking for a town with trails, beauty, and charm, head to this city beloved for its waterfalls.
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Florida offers some spectacular underwater landscapes, but one infamous sinkhole has proven deadly for many divers, with signs warning adventurers not to enter.
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Fresh peaches, delicious local wine, and stunning mesa landscapes define this adorable agricultural Colorado town nestled in the heart of the Grand Valley.
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For a taste of Southern charm, cowboy culture, equestrian-friendly parks, and absolutely stunning sunsets, head to this underrated "Cowboy Town" in Florida.
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Wisconsin
By Ben M Stower
For an epic Saint Patrick's Day celebration, head to this riverside Wisconsin city, which also boasts plenty of forested trails, great eats, and quaint vibes.
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Tennessee
By Ben M Stower
Once a 19th-century utopian project, this Tennessee village has British roots, preserved Victorian architecture, and festivals you won't find anywhere else.
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This unassuming Georgia town is home to incredible barbecue and seafood as well as a truly gorgeous lakeside forest that's perfect for getting away from it all.
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This underrated Alabama city is has historic bridges from the 1930s, two golf courses, a delectable Italian restaurant, and beautiful hikes with great views.
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Named after an Italian city, this New York destination in the Adirondacks boasts a riverfront downtown, hiking trails, parks galore, and quaint attractions.
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Mississippi
By Ben M Stower
Do you love delicious Southern food and the King of Rock and Roll? Then this underrated Mississippi city with its small-town charms belongs on your bucket list.
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Hosting a bluegrass, sunflower, and space festival, this Kansas charmer city makes for a fun getaway that mixes culture, art, history, and so much more.
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With Route 66 access and vibes, this Missouri city in the Ozarks is home to many antique malls and stores, an adventure park beach in a quarry, and much more.
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Learn about the days of the Wild West and pioneer history, explore a cute downtown, or hop into the nearby crystal-clear Bear Lake at this charming Idaho city.
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This beautiful spot provides stunning views and an escape from the city; you can even get married here if you want a celebration straight from a fairy tale.
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Enjoy a relaxing fly-fishing vacation in this picturesque New York hamlet in the Catskills, surrounded by stunning hikes and ethereal natural beauty.
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Wisconsin
By Ben M Stower
If you love theater, the arts, charming streets, and farmers markets, this vibrant Wisconsin waterside city is worth visiting for a quaint getaway.
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Pennsylvania
By Ben M Stower
With 58 historic buildings, Gothic Revival architecture, and a lake primed for boating, fishing, and outdoor fun, this Pennsylvania borough is a must-visit.
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New York has 180 state parks, and this one on Lake Erie is Buffalo's first. Visit for plenty of water sport adventures, hiking, cycling, and lakefront dining.
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Portugal is known as a warm-weather destination, but did you know that you can experience some incredible snorkeling and other outdoor adventures there?
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South Carolina
By Ben M Stower
Charleston is a bucket list destination for many travelers, but those who want to escape the hustle and bustle of the city will appreciate this nearby island.
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This village is inspired by Native American culture and offers a relaxing oasis in the middle of nature where you can unwind and find your inner peace.
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One of few remaining Tuscan secrets, this Italian peninsula hides dreamy port towns, wild beaches, and romantic cliffside stays favoured by celebs and locals.
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