Budget Strategy
How to visit Switzerland on a budget
Keep Swiss travel costs manageable by choosing fewer bases, comparing rail products properly and using the guest benefits your accommodation includes.
Article reviewed 11 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 A three-month trip through the Balkans led him to investigate an outdated bus timetable in Bosnia and publish the corrected route information.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
ETIAS has not started: what travellers should know
The live EU website is not accepting ETIAS applications. Check the official notice before paying anyone to arrange one.
Article reviewed 8 Sep 2026
Budget Strategy
How to find cheaper European trips
Choose affordable European destinations by comparing a complete trip, with practical shortlists and a method that avoids misleading country rankings.
Article reviewed 8 Sep 2026
Things to Do
A relaxed weekend in Prizren
Give Prizren’s old centre time, visit working religious sites respectfully and plan the fortress climb around current access and daylight.
Article reviewed 20 Sep 2026
Transport
Taking the Soko train from Belgrade towards Novi Sad
Book the exact train, include the Petrovaradin shuttle, and check the current fare and return before planning a Novi Sad day trip.
Article reviewed 20 Sep 2026
Things to Do
Bologna to San Marino: planning a train-and-bus day trip
A San Marino day trip from Bologna is possible, but give it the whole day. The route uses a train to Rimini and a separately booked bus uphill. Keeping your main bag in Bologna makes the transfer and town walk much easier.
Article reviewed 14 Sep 2026
Food & Dining
Planning a borda meal in Andorra
Read the menu, check the location and leave time for a traditional Andorran meal without assuming every borda is a bargain.
Article reviewed 13 Sep 2026
Food & Dining
How to choose a Spanish menú del día
Read the courses and inclusions before ordering a set lunch, and check whether the offer applies that day.
Article reviewed 11 Sep 2026
Transport
Using Istanbul public transport with an Istanbulkart
Choose the route before loading your card. Ordinary metro fares, airport journeys, ferries and transfer benefits do not all follow the same rules.
Article reviewed 20 Sep 2026
Transport
Getting to Gozo by ferry
Compare Gozo Channel from Cirkewwa with Gozo Highspeed from Valletta, Sliema or Bugibba, including the onward journey to Victoria.
Article reviewed 13 Sep 2026
Budget Strategy
A practical budget for Belgrade
Use Belgrade’s free city transport accurately, price airport and intercity travel separately, and choose nightlife rather than letting it choose the budget.
Article reviewed 20 Sep 2026
Transport
Exploring the Bay of Kotor without a car
Choose a base with useful bus links, then plan a few bay stops without turning every day into a long transfer.
Article reviewed 19 Sep 2026