Travel writer and destination journalist
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.
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 A three-month trip through the Balkans led him to investigate an outdated bus timetable in Bosnia and publish the corrected route information.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.
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.
Things to Do
Plan a Kraków day around Planty, the Vistula and neighbourhood walks. Keep paid interiors optional and choose a hill only when the weather and your legs suit it.
Transport
Plan the overnight journey to Kiruna with the current Boden change, sleeping-place choices, station transfer and a flexible arrival day.
Things to Do
Compare municipal pools, Blue Lagoon, Secret Lagoon and Earth Lagoon by location, facilities and the complete cost of getting there.
Transport
Choose Chania or Heraklion around your main interests, then plan the return journey before adding beaches, ruins or Samaria Gorge.
Transport
Confirm the terminal, departure and fare before using Albania's buses and shared minibuses between towns.
Budget Strategy
Choose between Sarandë, Ksamil, Himarë and Dhërmi, with practical advice on beaches, summer prices and getting around without a car.
Things to Do
Choose Ghent for its compact historic centre or Antwerp for a wider mix of riverfront, museums and neighbourhoods.
Things to Do
Book the right admission category, choose a short list of things to see and leave enough time for security, walking and a break.
Packing & Prep
Look for comfort, useful pockets and closures you will actually use, rather than treating an anti-theft label as a guarantee.
Budget Strategy
Compare Prague's historic walks with Budapest's baths and Danube districts, including the transport and admissions that can change the cost.
Things to Do
Choose a manageable stretch in Porto, Paris or Lucerne, and check the return route before settling in to watch the light change.
Food & Dining
Read a Polish milk bar menu, build a complete meal and check ingredients. A real Warsaw example shows why sides and drinks matter to the final bill.
