Food & Dining
Ordering at a Viennese sausage stand
Choose a sausage, check the bread and extras, and make a quick meal part of your walk through Vienna.
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 A three-month trip through the Balkans led him to investigate an outdated bus timetable in Bosnia and publish the corrected route information.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
Accommodation
Hotel luggage storage before check-in and after checkout
Ask the exact property about hours, fees, bag size, access and liability before relying on luggage storage on arrival or departure day.
Article reviewed 21 Sep 2026
Visas & Entry
Monaco from France: documents, shopping and return plans
For a short visit from Nice, prepare your documents as part of the wider journey through France. France handles immigration matters for Monaco. Crossing into the principality does not give you a fresh tourist-stay allowance.
Article reviewed 22 Sep 2026
Transport
Brussels Airport by train or bus 12
Compare the train with bus 12, understand the airport supplement and choose a route that reaches the right part of Brussels.
Article reviewed 11 Sep 2026
Transport
Getting from Schiphol Airport to Amsterdam by train
Find the airport station, choose a useful stop and pay for your journey without relying on an old headline fare.
Article reviewed 11 Sep 2026
Budget Strategy
Berlin or Munich for a city break
Compare Berlin and Munich by the days you want to spend there, including museums, neighbourhood walks, transport and accommodation costs.
Article reviewed 11 Sep 2026
Things to Do
A Bastei day trip from Dresden or Prague
Plan the train, ferry and uphill walk together, and give the Prague journey more room than a short outing from Dresden.
Article reviewed 8 Sep 2026
Transport
Rome airport transfers: Fiumicino and Ciampino
Choose the right route from Fiumicino or Ciampino, comparing the full journey to your room as well as the airport fare.
Article reviewed 11 Sep 2026
Things to Do
Monaco or San Marino: which fits your trip?
Choose between Monaco and San Marino by the trip you already want to take. Monaco fits the French Riviera. San Marino fits a journey through Rimini or Bologna. They are not neighbouring options for the same spare afternoon, so an extra long journey can outweigh any difference in admission prices.
Article reviewed 22 Sep 2026
Things to Do
Buying Colosseum and Roman Forum tickets
Choose the areas you want to see before booking, then leave enough time for security and the walk between the entrances.
Article reviewed 11 Sep 2026
Food & Dining
Ordering pasta in Bologna
Choose a pasta dish you want to try, then build a meal around it without feeling obliged to order every course.
Article reviewed 11 Sep 2026
Food & Dining
Choosing a bouchon in Lyon
Use the official label as a starting point, then read the menu for dishes, portions and the price of the meal you want.
Article reviewed 11 Sep 2026