Transport
London airport transfers: choose the right train or coach
Compare Heathrow, Gatwick, Stansted and Luton arrivals, including current contactless rules and the separate DART connection.
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 A three-month trip through the Balkans led him to investigate an outdated bus timetable in Bosnia and publish the corrected route information.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
Transport
Booking a high-speed train in Türkiye
Choose the exact station and departure before buying a YHT ticket. Istanbul stations are far enough apart to change the whole journey plan.
Article reviewed 20 Sep 2026
Transport
Romania by train: tickets, operators and realistic journey times
Plan Romanian rail journeys with the right operator, station and ticket. Compare useful routes, allow for slow sections and book the right overnight accommodation.
Article reviewed 12 Sep 2026
Food & Dining
Choosing street food in Sicily
Try a few local snacks where you are staying, and check the filling and portion before treating them as a full meal.
Article reviewed 11 Sep 2026
Food & Dining
Vegetarian and vegan meals in Central Europe
Find useful places to eat, then check stocks, sauces and toppings instead of relying only on the translated dish name.
Article reviewed 8 Sep 2026
When to Go
Choosing the right season for a European trip
Plan by region and activity, then check local transport and opening dates instead of relying on one best month for the whole continent.
Article reviewed 8 Sep 2026
Budget Strategy
Armenia on a budget
Plan a Yerevan stay and a Lake Sevan visit with current city fares, clear daily spending assumptions and realistic transport costs.
Article reviewed 20 Sep 2026
Budget Strategy
Santorini on a budget: choose the room before the extras
Compare Fira and beach bases, use the right bus fare and build a daily plan that includes your accommodation and chosen visits.
Article reviewed 11 Sep 2026
Budget Strategy
Cash and ATMs in Albania: lek, fees and DCC
Use lek confidently, compare ATM fees and currency conversion, and plan enough cash for transport and guesthouses without relying on a fee-free bank list.
Article reviewed 21 Sep 2026
When to Go
When to visit Andorra for skiing, walking or a town break
Match the travel date to the actual lift, activity and valley, with different plans for winter, summer and the weeks between.
Article reviewed 13 Sep 2026
Things to Do
Vianden Castle Day Trip: Transport, Tickets & Timing
Plan a Vianden Castle outing through Ettelbruck, with adult admission, the uphill approach, return transport and a realistic choice of what to add.
Article reviewed 13 Sep 2026
Things to Do
Amsterdam's free ferries to Noord and NDSM
Use the free IJ ferries for a simple trip across the water, and choose the right landing for a walk in Noord or a visit to NDSM.
Article reviewed 11 Sep 2026