Travel writer and destination journalist
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.
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 A three-month trip through the Balkans led him to investigate an outdated bus timetable in Bosnia and publish the corrected route information.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.
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.
Things to Do
The easiest Monaco saving is often keeping the room you already have. If you are based in Nice, compare a return train and one chosen attraction with the cost of changing hotels. A Monaco overnight stay should buy something you want, such as an evening event or time at the hotel, rather than just another map pin.
Transport
A guide to continental Eurostar journeys, including stations, boarding and the checks that differ from London routes.
Things to Do
Choose Paris for the sights you have been waiting to see, or Lyon for a shorter walking itinerary with room for food and neighbourhood visits.
Budget Strategy
Count hotel nights, separate shared rooms from personal spending, and replace the example allowances with your actual bookings.
Budget Strategy
Plan a Venice budget with current waterbus prices, clear room assumptions and the latest position on the city’s access fee.
Budget Strategy
Compare the pace, transport and activities you want, then price both cities for the same dates.
Things to Do
Enjoy the Danube and Castle District, while checking which terraces, exhibitions and hilltop areas require a ticket.
Accommodation
Berlin's neighbourhoods cover a lot of ground. Choose a useful station and a room that suits your evenings before comparing the nightly price.
Things to Do
Choose a short ride on the western greenway or prepare for the full lake circuit, which includes hills and some shared roads.
Things to Do
Give the Vatican Museums enough time to be a museum visit, rather than a fast walk to the Sistine Chapel. Choose a few collections you particularly want, reserve the appropriate entry and leave the next appointment well clear. The route, crowds and time spent looking can all make the visit longer than a map suggests.
Transport
Compare airport trains and buses by the stop you need, the right ticket and the full journey to your room.
When to Go
Price the whole trip for two sets of dates, then decide whether the lower cost is worth the change in weather or services.
