Budget Strategy
EU roaming: check your plan before travelling
The rules cover eligible plans and networks, not every SIM used in Europe. Boats, border areas and fair-use limits need extra attention.
Article reviewed 8 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 A three-month trip through the Balkans led him to investigate an outdated bus timetable in Bosnia and publish the corrected route information.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
Visas & Entry
Azerbaijan on a budget: check the route before the room
Air entry, the limited Georgia rail exception and ordinary land-border rules are different. Confirm eligibility and the actual service before building the budget.
Article reviewed 22 Sep 2026
Budget Strategy
Buying Groceries in Iceland: Plan Food Around the Road
Use Bónus, Krónan and local shops around your route, choose meals for the kitchen you have and avoid buying food you cannot store.
Article reviewed 14 Sep 2026
Visas & Entry
Travelling between Romania and Bulgaria: borders, documents and stay limits
Understand Romania and Bulgaria’s Schengen membership, the shared short-stay allowance and what changes when your journey includes Moldova.
Article reviewed 12 Sep 2026
Transport
Taking the train between France and Italy
Choose between the Paris–Milan route and the Riviera crossing, with a September 2026 works notice to check first.
Article reviewed 11 Sep 2026
When to Go
When to visit the Netherlands for flowers or city walks
Choose spring if flowers are the priority, or another season for museums and canals, with realistic expectations about weather and busy dates.
Article reviewed 11 Sep 2026
When to Go
When to visit France by region and activity
Choose dates for the part of France you will actually visit, with separate plans for cities, coasts and mountains.
Article reviewed 11 Sep 2026
Things to Do
A Lake Como day around Varenna
Combine a village walk and Villa Monastero, then add one ferry trip only if it leaves enough time for a comfortable return.
Article reviewed 11 Sep 2026
Things to Do
Visiting the Uffizi without rushing
Book a suitable time, choose a few paintings you care about and compare the afternoon ticket with the time left before closing.
Article reviewed 11 Sep 2026
Food & Dining
Eating in Paris on a small budget
Mix bakery lunches, a simple sit-down meal and a few groceries. Check complete menu prices before deciding what is good value.
Article reviewed 11 Sep 2026
Accommodation
Where to stay in Venice or Mestre on a budget
Compare an island stay with Mestre, including transport, bridges, station access and the value of returning easily to your room.
Article reviewed 11 Sep 2026
Budget Strategy
Brussels daily costs and train trips around Belgium
Plan a Brussels city day, then add the actual rail costs for Bruges, Ghent or Antwerp without confusing city transport with a national pass.
Article reviewed 11 Sep 2026