Ben Groundwater

Travel writer

Ben Groundwater is a Sydney-based travel writer, columnist, broadcaster, author and occasional tour guide with more than 25 years’ experience in media, and a lifetime of experience traversing the globe. He specialises in food and wine – writing about it, as well as consuming it – and at any given moment in time Ben is probably thinking about either ramen in Tokyo, pintxos in San Sebastian, or carbonara in Rome. Follow him on Instagram @bengroundwaterConnect via email.

Pork katsu curry at KARE, West Melbourne.

Food and wine

Japan’s version of curry came from India, but not Indians

Served one of four ways, the dish containing rich gravy is mild in spice but heavy on umami.

Ben Groundwater

A Contiki coach passes the Colosseum in Rome in the late ’90s. Wouldn’t it be fun to do it all again?

Opinion
Travel tips

Relive your youth: Debauched European tours for the middle-aged

We love to see legacy musical acts to help us relive our youth. So why can’t we indulge in a boozy European bus tour for the ultimate nostalgic holiday?

Ben Groundwater

Ful medames… a Middle-Eastern breakast staple.

Food and wine

Forget bacon and eggs - this breakfast dish of millions is truly great

You haven’t lived until you’ve started your day with a heaving bowl of slow-cooked beans, a rich stew carrying aromas of cumin, olive oil, garlic and lemon.

Ben Groundwater

Getting the best value for money in Argentina depends on how you pay, or how you exchange your currency.

Opinion
South America

The country with the world’s most confusing currency

Spend some time trying to get your head around the exchange rates here and you’ll likely find yourself longing for the days of traveller’s cheques.

Ben Groundwater

When it comes to travel, why is it OK to discriminate against children?

Opinion
Family holidays

A ban on adults-only hotels and resorts? I couldn’t agree more

It’s appalling you’re allowed to ban an entire section of society because it’s become acceptable to say you dislike them. One country is doing something about it.

Ben Groundwater

Even if you know nothing about US natural wonders, you know this one

Towering granite cliffs, impressive waterfalls, giant sequoia trees – here are seven must-see highlights of one of the world’s most famous national parks.