Food & Dining
Finding a simple lunch in Budapest
Look for a kifőzde or étkezde, read the daily offer and check whether the side dish is included.
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 A three-month trip through the Balkans led him to investigate an outdated bus timetable in Bosnia and publish the corrected route information.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
Where to stay in Lisbon for an easier trip
Compare Lisbon areas by hills, transport, noise and the full room price, with practical choices for a short stay or longer city visit.
Article reviewed 11 Sep 2026
Transport
How to read a European station departure board
Find your train by number and departure time, then check the platform before you move your luggage.
Article reviewed 8 Sep 2026
When to Go
Lake Bled and Lake Bohinj through the seasons
Choose summer for a swimming-focused trip or another season for walks, while checking water conditions, local services and mountain access.
Article reviewed 11 Sep 2026
Food & Dining
Reading a Czech beer menu
Understand glass sizes, degree numbers and pouring styles before ordering in a Czech pub.
Article reviewed 8 Sep 2026
Packing & Prep
Charging your devices in Europe
Check the plug shape and the electrical rating separately. An adaptor that fits the wall does not necessarily make an appliance safe to use.
Article reviewed 8 Sep 2026
Transport
Choosing a Vienna transport ticket
The old 48- and 72-hour tickets are no longer sold. Compare singles, a 24-hour ticket and seven days using your actual sightseeing plans.
Article reviewed 11 Sep 2026
When to Go
Choosing when to visit the Algarve
Pick your dates around beach time, walking or a winter stay, and compare the town and transport rather than relying on a quiet-month promise.
Article reviewed 11 Sep 2026
Things to Do
Free cathedral visits in Europe
Notre-Dame in Paris and Rouen offer free cathedral entry. Check towers and special visits separately, and note Cologne's new tourist ticket.
Article reviewed 8 Sep 2026
Accommodation
Are capsule and pod hotels in Europe worth it?
Compare pod size, access, ventilation, noise, shared bathrooms, luggage and the total price with a dorm bed or private room.
Article reviewed 21 Sep 2026
When to Go
How European hotel prices change through the year
Use the month as a starting point, then check the city's events, weekday demand and the actual room conditions before booking.
Article reviewed 8 Sep 2026
When to Go
Planning a winter trip in Central Europe
Separate a Christmas market visit from a January or February city break, and leave enough daylight and indoor time for both.
Article reviewed 8 Sep 2026