When to Go
Choosing the right season for Prague
Balance daylight, weather and busy event dates, then build a city break with enough indoor time for the season.
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 A three-month trip through the Balkans led him to investigate an outdated bus timetable in Bosnia and publish the corrected route information.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
Things to Do
Free things to do in Vienna on foot
Enjoy the Ringstrasse, public gardens and selected outdoor events, while keeping palace interiors and transport separate from free admission.
Article reviewed 11 Sep 2026
Food & Dining
Where to expect tapas with a drink in Spain
Granada has a strong included-tapa tradition, but ask about the bar's offer rather than expecting free food everywhere.
Article reviewed 11 Sep 2026
Budget Strategy
How to compare Central European train fares
Check the operators on your route and compare identical trains, passengers and ticket conditions before choosing a Central European rail fare.
Article reviewed 8 Sep 2026
Visas & Entry
Paris to London by Eurostar: tickets, documents and arrival
Prepare for a Paris–London Eurostar journey, including Gare du Nord, UK entry permission, luggage and the separate London onward trip.
Article reviewed 11 Sep 2026
Accommodation
Bruges or Ghent as a base for your trip?
Choose the city where you want to spend your evenings, then check the station journey and the outings you plan to make.
Article reviewed 11 Sep 2026
Food & Dining
Buying breakfast at a German bakery
Choose a roll or pastry, check the coffee and seating price, and keep breakfast simple before a day of sightseeing.
Article reviewed 11 Sep 2026
Budget Strategy
Comparing budget flights without missing the extras
Compare the complete trip price, including the bag you will carry and the airport journey. A cheap headline fare may still be the right choice.
Article reviewed 8 Sep 2026
Visas & Entry
Do visits to Europe's microstates count as Schengen days?
Check the rules for each microstate before building a long itinerary. A souvenir stamp is not proof of a fresh travel allowance.
Article reviewed 8 Sep 2026
Transport
Circumvesuviana or Campania Express?
Choose a Naples–Pompeii–Sorrento train with the right station and comfort level, and check the October 2026 suspension.
Article reviewed 11 Sep 2026
When to Go
Walking in the Cinque Terre in spring or autumn
Check the exact trail before buying a card, and keep trains and village visits as alternatives when weather closes a route.
Article reviewed 11 Sep 2026
Budget Strategy
Paris daily costs and a budget you can adapt
Plan a Paris day with current transport and Louvre prices, clear room-sharing assumptions and space for the meals you want.
Article reviewed 11 Sep 2026