Budget Strategy
Dubrovnik on a budget, including the city walls
Plan Dubrovnik spending with the current city-pass price, a complete daily example and practical advice for walking up Srđ.
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 A three-month trip through the Balkans led him to investigate an outdated bus timetable in Bosnia and publish the corrected route information.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
Transport
Using OVpay on Dutch public transport
Pay for Dutch train, tram, metro and bus journeys with a supported card, and know what to do if a check-in or check-out goes wrong.
Article reviewed 11 Sep 2026
Budget Strategy
Using cash outside the euro area
Check which currency your destination uses, carry an appropriate cash backup and compare payment fees without relying on outdated euro-area lists.
Article reviewed 8 Sep 2026
Budget Strategy
Eurail or individual train tickets?
Compare a European rail pass with the actual journeys on your route, including current reservation fees, eligibility and Swiss transport alternatives.
Article reviewed 8 Sep 2026
Transport
Taking long-distance buses in Türkiye
Check the exact otogar, seat layout, luggage and arrival transfer before booking a long coach journey.
Article reviewed 20 Sep 2026
Visas & Entry
Shopping in Andorra: what you can bring back
Check allowances before buying, keep the receipts and remember that limits apply to travellers, not just to the car boot.
Article reviewed 11 Sep 2026
Visas & Entry
Switzerland is in Schengen, but outside the EU
Your travel days and your shopping follow different rules. Check both when crossing from France, Italy, Germany or Austria.
Article reviewed 8 Sep 2026
Packing & Prep
Packing liquids for European airport security
Check every airport on your route. Some now allow larger containers, while others still apply the 100ml rule, including on your return trip.
Article reviewed 8 Sep 2026
Budget Strategy
Kraków or Warsaw: which city fits your trip?
Compare Kraków and Warsaw by pace, museums, transport and evenings. Choose one for a short break or connect them with a well-planned rail journey.
Article reviewed 12 Sep 2026
Things to Do
Free visits to parliaments in Brussels, Strasbourg and Berlin
Choose the visitor programme you want, then follow that building's booking and identification rules before you arrive.
Article reviewed 8 Sep 2026
Budget Strategy
Planning a trip to Europe's pricier destinations
Budget for Switzerland and Northern Europe by identifying expensive travel and activity days, rather than assuming a country ranking predicts your holiday cost.
Article reviewed 8 Sep 2026
Accommodation
Where to stay in Split on a budget
Compare Varoš, Bačvice and Radunica for a Split stay, including steps, beach access, ferries and the route to your accommodation.
Article reviewed 11 Sep 2026