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.
-
This Kentucky city charms visitors with its historic streets, museums, fascinating stories, local boutiques, inviting cafés, and beloved eateries.
Read More
-
This town isn't far from Boise and offers fabulous surroundings and an up-and-coming downtown area, all with community and outdoor activities.
Read More
-
North Carolina
By Ben M Stower
This North Carolina getaway near Raleigh offers antique shopping, public art, local cafes and historic streets that make for an easy day trip.
Read More
-
Just outside Chicago lies a peaceful lakeside escape where scenic trails, quiet coves, wildlife encounters, and calm waters offer a refreshing break.
Read More
-
Canada's Prince Edward Island is home to a small-town escape where hiking trails, coastal beauty, and a slower pace of life create the perfect retreat.
Read More
-
Orlando, Florida
By Ben M Stower
Florida is home to a once-beloved shopping destination where echoes of crowds, retro architecture, and memories now create a fascinating glimpse into the past.
Read More
-
Nature buffs ready to sleep within the Canadian wilderness must check out this idyllic park, featuring rustic camping and lakeside adventures.
Read More
-
Hidden deep within Alabama's lush wilderness, this dreamy waterfall rewards adventurous travelers with emerald waters and towering forest scenery.
Read More
-
Louisiana
By Ben M Stower
This wildlife refuge sits on a sensitive section of the Gulf Coast and is home to thousands of birds and over 100 miles of canals to explore by boat.
Read More
-
City officials at this Florida beach are strict about its no-swimming policy, resulting in an immediate $500 fine for anyone who enters the water.
Read More
-
Anyone who's spent a summer in Texas has heard of this outdoor haven for cooling off and having fun in the summer. Here's why it's such a popular spot.
Read More
-
Hidden in Wyoming's Grand Teton National Park, this scenic mountain lake offers peaceful paddling, secluded beaches, and unforgettable wilderness views.
Read More
-
The iconic falls might get all the attention, but Ontario is full of charming little cities just a stone's throw away. This one is worth your while.
Read More
-
A luxury cruise line is rebranding to promote its travel-forward values, and seafaring publications are commenting on this shift.
Read More
-
New Hampshire
By Ben M Stower
This scenic New Hampshire town offers calm lakes, mountain views, small-town living, and outdoor adventures that make it an appealing retirement alternative.
Read More
-
This Arkansas wildlife refuge offers forested wetlands, quiet river channels, migratory birds, peaceful fishing spots, and rugged outdoor adventures.
Read More
-
Massachusetts
By Ben M Stower
Not all military installations have the same impact on a country's history. But this Boston fort's role in the U.S. Civil War is the stuff of legends.
Read More
-
You can expect Lake Superior views, pebble beaches and rugged hiking trails in this historic Ontario railway community on Canada's north shore near Thunder Bay.
Read More
-
This new cruise ship, launching in December 2026, will offer sailers a family-friendly theme park on its deck, along with other innovative attractions.
Read More
-
New Jersey
By Ben M Stower
This New Jersey suburb offers waterfront parks, neighborhood eateries, scenic river views, and a welcoming small-town atmosphere with family-friendly appeal.
Read More
-
This small Texas coastal destination near Corpus Christi is known for bay fishing, seafood, scenic waterfront views, and laid-back Gulf Coast charm.
Read More
-
In Ontario, this peaceful Canadian town offers forested river scenery, snowy trail adventures, quiet parks, and a welcoming atmosphere with affordable living.
Read More
-
Air Travel
By Ben M Stower
These three U.S. airlines stand out for their senior discounts and other services for older fliers, such as early boarding and electric cart rides.
Read More
-
This western Michigan city features a walkable downtown with local museums, a heritage railway excursion, seasonal community events, and laid-back restaurants.
Read More
-
This lesser-known Alabama destination offers peaceful hiking trails, rich wildlife, and year-round birdwatching across surprisingly varied landscapes.
Read More
-
This historic Toronto hotel offers vintage architecture, contemporary art, and standout dining in a lively West Queen West location near top attractions.
Read More
-
This Ohio nature reservation features lakes for fishing, easy lakeside loop trails through forests and wetlands, migratory bird habitat, and quiet picnic areas.
Read More