Budget Strategy
Montenegro on a budget
Choose a coastal or mountain base in Montenegro, then budget for the journeys, beach access and activities that shape the trip.
Article reviewed 19 Sep 2026
Travel writer and destination journalist
William Bernard
William Bernard writes about European destinations, rail and overland routes, and the costs and connections involved in planning an independent trip. He is based in Lisbon, Portugal.
- Based in
- Lisbon, Portugal
- Languages
- English, Portuguese, Spanish
Background
Before becoming a travel writer, William spent six years in logistics and supply-chain analysis in Manchester. A three-month trip through the Balkans led him to investigate an outdated bus timetable in Bosnia and publish the corrected route information.
Over the following decade, he travelled through Europe and Southeast Asia, often returning to the same regions in different seasons. His destination research includes Portugal, Spain, Italy and the Balkans.
What he covers
- European rail and overland travel
- Trip budgets
- Destination planning
- Transport logistics
- Slow travel
How he approaches a guide
William looks at how the whole trip fits together: stations, connections, booking choices, daily costs and seasonal changes. His guides favour time in fewer places and routes that avoid unnecessary backtracking. Prices and schedules can change, so readers should check the sources and review dates beside the relevant information.
Guides by William Bernard
Transport
Taking the train from Sarajevo to Mostar
Plan the Sarajevo to Mostar train with the current ŽFBH timetable, realistic ticket arrangements and enough time for the return.
Article reviewed 20 Sep 2026
Things to Do
Lucerne or Interlaken for a Swiss base?
Choose Lucerne for a city, lake and mountain mix, or Interlaken for access to the valleys and excursions of the Bernese Oberland.
Article reviewed 11 Sep 2026
Things to Do
How to choose a Caldea ticket
Compare Classic, Plus and Premium access, children’s arrangements and visit time before booking your Andorra spa day.
Article reviewed 13 Sep 2026
Accommodation
Where to stay in Andorra: the capital, Ordino or Canillo
Choose an Andorra base around your coach, hotel entrance and main outing, with practical differences between the valleys.
Article reviewed 13 Sep 2026
Budget Strategy
Milan daily costs and where the budget goes
Plan a Milan visit with current transport prices, clear room-sharing assumptions and separate budgets for major attractions.
Article reviewed 11 Sep 2026
Transport
Using public transport in Budapest
Choose tickets for city journeys and airport transfers, with simple advice on BudapestGO and the difference between buses 100E and 200E.
Article reviewed 11 Sep 2026
Food & Dining
What a beer really costs in Central Europe
Compare serving sizes and actual menus before building a trip budget around claims of €2 pints.
Article reviewed 8 Sep 2026
Budget Strategy
A Baltic trip budget: what €40 a day would need to cover
Build a Tallinn, Riga and Vilnius budget from real room quotes, then add coach tickets, local travel and the visits you want to make.
Article reviewed 13 Sep 2026
Transport
Buying train tickets in Britain without costly mistakes
Compare Advance fares, flexible tickets, Railcards and split tickets, with the right London stations and clear Scottish fare rules.
Article reviewed 11 Sep 2026
Things to Do
Peleș, Bran and Corvin castles: choose a visit that fits your route
Compare castle tickets, access and travel time around Transylvania. Plan Sinaia and Bran sensibly, and allow a separate journey for Corvin Castle.
Article reviewed 12 Sep 2026
When to Go
The French Riviera in May or September
Compare walking conditions, sea time and event dates, without expecting either month to be quiet or inexpensive everywhere.
Article reviewed 11 Sep 2026