Accommodation
Where to stay in Paris without overspending
Find a useful Paris base around Canal Saint-Martin, Bastille, Montparnasse or Batignolles, with advice on transport and room details.
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 A three-month trip through the Balkans led him to investigate an outdated bus timetable in Bosnia and publish the corrected route information.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
Budget Strategy
Marseille daily costs and planning for the Calanques
Plan a Marseille city day and a separate Calanques outing, with clear budget assumptions and current access rules.
Article reviewed 11 Sep 2026
Budget Strategy
Lyon daily costs for a food-focused city break
Plan Lyon spending with a sample daily budget, current local transport costs and room for the meals and museums you care about.
Article reviewed 11 Sep 2026
Budget Strategy
Stockholm on a budget: tickets, meals and a day by the water
Choose the Stockholm journeys and visits you need, compare SL tickets and build a clear spending plan for two people sharing a room.
Article reviewed 12 Sep 2026
Budget Strategy
A London budget you can build around your own trip
Plan room costs, free visits and local transport, with a clear example budget and current TfL fare conditions.
Article reviewed 11 Sep 2026
Transport
Athens Airport to central Athens or Piraeus
Use the airport metro for a useful station, a 24-hour express bus for the right stop, and extra time for your ferry gate.
Article reviewed 11 Sep 2026
Food & Dining
Fondue and raclette in Switzerland on a budget
Check whether the menu price is per person and what comes with the cheese. A planned restaurant meal is easier to budget than several extras.
Article reviewed 11 Sep 2026
Food & Dining
Food markets in Bordeaux and Marseille
Find the right Capucins market, then choose between shopping for food and sitting down for a meal.
Article reviewed 11 Sep 2026
Transport
Using shared minibuses in the South Caucasus
Check the departure point, fare, border eligibility and onward journey for each shared minibus instead of assuming one regional system.
Article reviewed 20 Sep 2026
Visas & Entry
UK ETA: who needs it and how to apply
Check the £20 UK ETA, passport-linked approval and the different rules for Irish citizens, Irish residents and visitors arriving through Ireland.
Article reviewed 11 Sep 2026
Things to Do
St Peter’s Basilica and dome: plan the visit you want
St Peter's Basilica can be a complete visit on its own. Ordinary entry is free, while the dome, guided visits and optional booking or audio services have their own arrangements. Start with the part you want to see, then choose whether a paid extra adds enough to your day.
Article reviewed 14 Sep 2026
Food & Dining
Understanding restaurant charges in Rome
Read the menu for bread, service and per-person charges before ordering. Ask for an itemised bill and separate the meal price from any tip.
Article reviewed 11 Sep 2026