When to Go
Are May and October good months for Europe?
They can be useful dates for city breaks, but check the weather, transport and activities that your particular trip needs.
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 A three-month trip through the Balkans led him to investigate an outdated bus timetable in Bosnia and publish the corrected route information.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
How to choose a hostel you will enjoy staying in
Check the dorm, lockers, bathrooms and kitchen before booking, then use recent reviews to find a hostel that suits your trip.
Article reviewed 8 Sep 2026
Budget Strategy
Luggage storage in European cities
Choose between hotel storage, station lockers and luggage-storage services, with practical checks on opening hours, bag sizes and protection terms.
Article reviewed 8 Sep 2026
Things to Do
Architecture walks in Barcelona and Prague
Look closely at façades in the Eixample and Vinohrady, with routes that leave time for details instead of a long list of interiors.
Article reviewed 11 Sep 2026
Accommodation
Where to stay in Vienna beyond the Ringstraße
Compare Neubau, Leopoldstadt and the main station area, with practical advice on transport, room prices and choosing a Vienna base.
Article reviewed 11 Sep 2026