Things to Do
Nice or Cannes for a Riviera holiday?
Choose Nice for a varied city base or Cannes for a trip centred on sandy beaches. Compare accommodation on the same dates before deciding.
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 A three-month trip through the Balkans led him to investigate an outdated bus timetable in Bosnia and publish the corrected route information.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
When to Go
Swiss hiking seasons depend on the route
Use the trail grade, current conditions and transport dates together. A summer visit does not make every high route a summer walk.
Article reviewed 11 Sep 2026
When to Go
A comfortable winter city break in Paris
Build the trip around museums and short neighbourhood walks, with realistic expectations about prices, daylight and closures.
Article reviewed 11 Sep 2026
When to Go
When to visit Belgium for the trip you want
Choose between longer walking days, festivals and winter lights, with a practical indoor plan whatever month you visit.
Article reviewed 11 Sep 2026
Accommodation
Where to stay in Rome on a budget
Compare Monti, Trastevere and Termini, including walking distances, station access, evening noise and arrival arrangements.
Article reviewed 11 Sep 2026
Budget Strategy
Can you keep a Monaco day trip within €30?
A €30 limit can be a useful way to plan a simple Monaco day, but start with the return train fare. Whatever is left must cover food, local buses and extras. Your existing Riviera accommodation is outside that day-out limit.
Article reviewed 22 Sep 2026
Budget Strategy
Bordeaux daily costs, including a wine-country day
Plan Bordeaux spending with a clear city-day example, current airport tram information and a separate budget for Saint-Émilion.
Article reviewed 11 Sep 2026
Transport
Portugal train tickets and connection checks
Book Portuguese trains with clear advice on Promo fares, urban tickets, changed station connections and checking the disruption that affects your route.
Article reviewed 11 Sep 2026
Accommodation
How to book a monastery stay in Spain or Italy
Understand the difference between a retreat guesthouse and a hotel beside a monastery, with real examples and questions to ask before booking.
Article reviewed 8 Sep 2026
Accommodation
Where to stay in Kraków: Old Town or Kazimierz?
Choose a Kraków base by your arrival, evening plans and room needs. Compare the Old Town, Kazimierz and the details that a map pin cannot show.
Article reviewed 12 Sep 2026
Transport
Choosing a Swiss rail pass or ordinary tickets
Price your planned journeys before buying a pass. Compare the Swiss Half Fare Card, Saver Day Passes and individual tickets with mountain trips included.
Article reviewed 11 Sep 2026
Things to Do
Walking uphill in Sintra: trails, timing and tickets
Plan the Sintra climb as part of the outing, with marked trails, clear Pena ticket choices and enough time beyond the park entrance.
Article reviewed 11 Sep 2026