Accommodation
Double or twin hotel room: what to check
Avoid bed surprises by confirming mattress size, separate beds, bedding and whether your chosen room arrangement is guaranteed.
Article reviewed 8 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 A three-month trip through the Balkans led him to investigate an outdated bus timetable in Bosnia and publish the corrected route information.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
Where to stay in Barcelona on a budget
Compare Eixample, Gràcia and Poblenou, with practical advice on metro access, beach plans, noise and the full accommodation price.
Article reviewed 11 Sep 2026
Budget Strategy
Are European city cards worth buying?
Compare a city card with the admissions and transport you will actually use, including a current Dubrovnik example and common booking restrictions.
Article reviewed 11 Sep 2026
Visas & Entry
EES border checks: what to expect on arrival
Europe's Entry/Exit System is operating. Allow time for registration and keep your travel documents within reach.
Article reviewed 8 Sep 2026
Things to Do
Bordeaux or Toulouse for a short break?
Choose between wine-focused visits and aviation or space museums, then leave time for the river and the city itself.
Article reviewed 11 Sep 2026
Things to Do
Bologna or Milan for a two-day visit?
Pick Bologna for a compact centre and long meals, or Milan for the art, design and big-city visits you want to book.
Article reviewed 11 Sep 2026
Things to Do
Brussels or Bruges for your Belgian stay?
Pick Brussels for museums and neighbourhood visits, or Bruges for a compact historic centre that rewards an unhurried evening.
Article reviewed 11 Sep 2026
Accommodation
Where to stay in Lyon on a budget
Compare the Presqu’île, Croix-Rousse and Part-Dieu for walking, station access and evenings out, with advice on Lyon’s hills.
Article reviewed 11 Sep 2026
Travel Safety
Choosing a taxi without an unpleasant surprise
Use the local licensed service, check the fare basis and save the booking or receipt. The rules differ from one city to another.
Article reviewed 8 Sep 2026
Accommodation
Tourist taxes: add them before comparing hotel prices
Check whether the booking includes the local tax, who must pay it and how many nights are charged. The rules vary by city.
Article reviewed 8 Sep 2026
When to Go
Planning for the weather in northern Spain
Expect a different trip on the Atlantic coast than inland, and keep beaches, city visits and mountain walks flexible.
Article reviewed 11 Sep 2026
Food & Dining
Putting together a simple supermarket picnic
Choose a small lunch you can finish, compare the checkout total and keep chilled food cool until you eat.
Article reviewed 8 Sep 2026