Ben Olsen is an experienced lifestyle journalist specialising in travel, food, design and culture, having previously held senior editorial roles at Monocle, GQ, Evening Standard and ELLE Decoration. Time spent living and working in Colombia, Australia and Spain – as well as a 1,966km walk through Argentina, Uruguay to Brazil for the 2014 World Cup – have increased his passion for sharing stories of great food, music, art and design from all corners of the world, as well as his native Westcountry. Find him on Instagram at @benolsen12

What does a journey mean to you?
Immersion into worlds different to your own, providing a privileged opportunity to learn more about yourself and the lives of others. 

Which country or location most inspires you?
Europe’s rugged western coast, from the Norwegian fjords in the north, via the dramatic, Atlantic-lashed cliffs, stunning sunsets and Celtic connections of Scotland, Ireland, Cornwall and Brittany, to Galicia – including the stunning Islas de Cies – and Portugal in the south. 

Where would you go back to and why?
Colombia. Living there in 2004 gave just a glimpse of its diverse landscapes, incredible people and compulsive music scene.

What journey would you most like to go on?
Having never been to Japan, I dream of a slow-travel journey throughout its regions, via bike, rail and on foot.

View Ben’s portfolio here

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