Packing & Prep
Using packing cubes on a two-week trip
Use a few cubes to organise clothes and make short stays easier, without filling every spare corner of your bag.
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 A three-month trip through the Balkans led him to investigate an outdated bus timetable in Bosnia and publish the corrected route information.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
Budget Strategy
Chișinău or Bucharest: compare the stay and the journey
Choose between a Bucharest city break and a Chișinău visit, or join them by overnight train or coach with realistic time and budget assumptions.
Article reviewed 20 Sep 2026
Things to Do
Two days in Skopje with time for Matka
Walk Skopje’s centre and Old Bazaar on the first day, then visit Matka only after checking the line 60 return and activity details.
Article reviewed 20 Sep 2026
Things to Do
Planning a manageable visit to Pompeii
Pick the right entrance and ticket, then build a route around a few places you want to see rather than covering the whole site.
Article reviewed 11 Sep 2026
Accommodation
Where to Stay in Luxembourg City: Ville Haute or Gare?
Compare Ville Haute and Gare by arrival route, evening plans, hills and the full room price, with practical advice for short stays and day trips.
Article reviewed 13 Sep 2026
Budget Strategy
Florence daily costs and Tuscany day-trip extras
Build a Florence budget with current bus and Uffizi prices, then add rail journeys and local transfers for days elsewhere in Tuscany.
Article reviewed 11 Sep 2026
Transport
Using Germany's Deutschlandticket as a visitor
The €63 ticket can suit a trip with several local journeys, but it is a monthly subscription. Check the cancellation date before buying.
Article reviewed 11 Sep 2026
Things to Do
Free walks and viewpoints in Barcelona
Explore the waterfront or a neighbourhood on foot, and treat hilltop viewpoints as planned walks with opening hours and an uphill approach.
Article reviewed 11 Sep 2026
When to Go
Mostar as a day trip or an overnight stay?
Choose by the time you can give the journey, and leave room for the old town beyond a quick stop at the bridge.
Article reviewed 11 Sep 2026
Visas & Entry
Croatia uses the euro and belongs to Schengen
Older advice about kuna and separate Croatian visa days can mislead you. Plan Croatia as part of your wider Schengen trip.
Article reviewed 11 Sep 2026
Things to Do
Shopping in Andorra: check the saving before you buy
Compare the exact product, warranty, return terms and customs rules before making an Andorra purchase.
Article reviewed 13 Sep 2026
Transport
Getting to Milan from its three airports
Choose the right transfer from Malpensa, Linate or Bergamo, with current train and metro prices and advice on the final journey to your room.
Article reviewed 11 Sep 2026