Ben Groundwater

Ben Groundwater

Traveller's globetrotting backpacker, Ben Groundwater, finds the good, the bad and the ugly in the world’s best destinations. Ben is a columnist, blogger, feature writer, and host of Traveller's podcast Flight of Fancy, who has visited more than 80 countries during his 12 years in the industry. Ben was named travel writer of the year by the Australian Society of Travel Writers in 2014 and 2015.

Yes it's charming to be on the beach in Spain – but not with everyone else.

Sorry, but your Euro summer holiday pics look like Sydney in winter

Jealous of your friends in Europe? You shouldn't be.

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Italy's 10 best pasta dishes (and where to get them)

Italy's best pasta dishes (and where to get them)

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The world's funniest places to visit

Finding funny is an antidote to our times and here are the best spots in the world to get a laugh.

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No entry: The nine tourist attractions you'll never get into

If you hope to see any of the following on your next holiday, you'll be out of luck…

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Berry Bros. & Rudd, perched quietly on the corner of Pall Mall and St James's Street, is one of the UK's most ...

A priceless tour of Mayfair's upscale shops and hotels

To soak up the stories and the history of Mayfair is priceless – it's also essentially free.

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This is what travel is all about: people. Endlessly fascinating, strange, thoughtful, quirky people.

The chance encounter that could make (or break) your holiday

The guy I will soon come to know smiles. "Hey man, what's up?" He's got far too many shiny white teeth; a healthy tan; an American accent. No wonder he's friendly.

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Shiroi Koibito Park: A factory and theme park designed by Hokkaido chocolatiers Ishiya.

The nine things you must do in Sapporo, Japan

Sapporo: things to see and do

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Avoid expensive hotel accommodation and use apps such as Airbnb to rent apartments.

Travel cheap: 50 ways to beat the falling Aussie dollar

There's not much you can do about the exchange rate, so get smart on how to save bucks with these tips.

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Are you the kind of traveller that follows the tried and tested path?

Copycat travellers: It's time to stop blindly following recommendations. Here's why

Why are we all doing the same thing?

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Guell Park features plenty of Antoni Gaudi's signature playful modernism, and is an idyllic place for a stroll.

The nine things you must do in Barcelona, Spain

What to see and do (and eat) in Barcelona.

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A couple drift down Nam Song River in a tube surrounded by karst scenery in Vang Vieng, Laos.

Ten great things about travel that have disappeared forever

These are the things I miss most about the travel experience. And they're never coming back.

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Europe offers many great hikes for travellers: Lago di Carezza in Dolomites.

Podcast: World's best places for hikes

From walking Camino de Santiago to trekking the Inca Trail, here are the best hikes to takes.

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They drink, they smoke, they live longer than everyone else. Here's their secret

This isn't some sort of utopia. You realise that when you sit down at a terrace and some guy right next to you lights up a cigarette and starts blowing smoke in your face. What the hell?