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Welcome to Shane’s Travel Blog

I set up Shane’s Travel Blog because I really enjoy traveling. The Shane’s Travel Blog section exists because I used to have a website called “Shane’s Travels” for about 4 years but it wasn’t really working for me as I didn’t travel enough to warrant new blog posts and content. So I took the decision to merge the content with the current content on my personal site, linked under the travel section.

In this Travel Blog, I have many stories and reviews of Hotels, Restaurants, Attractions, Trips, and much more from around the world. Originally I had many of these on my other site, shanestravelreviews.com but I decided to take the travel blog back onto my main website. There are a few places I would like to visit in the coming years, including Iceland, Scandinavia, Japan, and Thailand and perhaps a return to New Zealand again.

I’ll be posting some new Travel blog posts in the coming months; hotel and restaurant reviews, pictures, hopefully, a few videos, travel tips, and more from my travels in Ireland and abroad.

 

My Travel Blog Posts

My first ever United Airlines Flight – A Review

I recently took my first ever United Airlines Flight from Dublin to Las Vegas via Washington and this is my review.

5 unexpected destinations for adventure lovers

The world is full of amazing places that can inspire adventurous travellers. From the icy expanse of Norway, or the splendour of New Zealand.

Traveling in search of gambling souls: 10 places for risk-takers

These destinations will provide vivid emotions, thrills & the opportunity to try your luck. What risk lovers locations will you choose?

Could Bingo be a Great Way to Boost Ireland’s Tourism Industry?

With tourism being such a vital contributor to Ireland’s economy, the country should always be seeking ways to boost it. It may therefore be wise to tap into the growing popularity of bingo and turn some areas of Ireland into more viable long-haul holiday destinations.

Why You Must Visit County Kildare

Kildare is one of Ireland’s 32 counties. With a natural beauty of its own, it is famous for its horse racing history. read why you must visit County Kildare.

My Stay at the Royal Marine Hotel Dún Laoghaire

I recently stayed over 3 different weekends at the historic 4-star Royal Marine Hotel in Dún Laoghaire just outside Dublin city. This is my review.

5 Sports Stadiums to Visit in the USA

If you’re traveling to the USA sometime in the future check out the sports stadiums there, because everything in the USA everything is bigger

Tipping in Ireland – Is it Done? Will it become the Norm?

Tipping in Ireland is becoming more and more done as a practice. Will it become the Norm & will tipping in Ireland reach US / Canada levels?

Inchydoney Island Lodge & Spa Hotel Review

This is my review of Inchydoney Island Lodge & Spa. The Inchydoney Island Lodge & Spa Hotel is a fantastic hotel in a beautiful area of Co. Cork.

12 Essential Tips to Be Safe on a Group Trekking Adventure

Group trekking is the most adventurous which also comes with difficulties. Keep reading to bypass all risks and make it happen!

My stay at the Excalibur Hotel and Casino, Las Vegas

My stay at the Excalibur Hotel and Casino, Las Vegas. My Hotel review of the Excalibur Hotel and Casino Las Vegas.

Discovering the Charms of Somerset: Things to do in Somerset

Discovering the Charms of Somerset: Some of the top Things to do in Somerset from Hiking in Cheddar to New Age Glastonbury.

Cheddar Gorge Traffic; Road Closure to Traffic Once a Month?

Cheddar Gorge is one of the most scenic parts of the UK.  Cheddar Gorge is one of the most spectacular natural landmarks in the UK, but did you know that it is also a Site of Special Scientific Interest. The Gorge is set within the Mendip Hills area of Somerset and...

Travel Solo with a Plan – 5 Things to Keep in Mind 

Travel Solo with a Plan – 5 Things to Keep in Mind for Your Trip. To master the art of solo trips, pay attention to the following tips.

A Day in London – Travel Guide

I recently spent a day in London doing things in this amazing city. See what I ate, see where I went in my London City Guide.

The Luxor Las Vegas – My favorite Hotel in Las Vegas (so far)

The Luxor Las Vegas is a hotel and casino located on the Las Vegas Strip and is operated and run by MGM Resorts. The Hotel is 20 stories high and is named after the Egyptian city of Luxor.

Travel Packing Checklist | What To Pack for Holiday & Vacation – Pack like a Pro

Packing for vacation? This vacation/holiday and travel packing checklist list helps you pack important items for your vacation or family holiday.

List of Things to Do in Lanzarote

Lanzarote is the best of all the Canary Islands, having been to Gran Canaria and Tenerife previously. Here are recommendations for Lanzarote.

Neko Carlow

I recently visited Neko Carlow, an Asian restaurant the like of which I have rarely visited in Ireland. I would recommend making a reservation if you wish to visit Neko Asian Restaurant in Carlow. You will not be disappointed.

5 reasons why you should plan a trip to Crete next time you visit Greece

Crete, with its untold stories and unspoiled landscapes, emerged as a revelation. This narrative unravels why Crete deserves a prime spot on your Greek adventure itinerary.

PopUp Hotel Glastonbury – Luxury Glamping at Glastonbury Festival

Glastonbury Festival Glamping Accommodation The Pop-Up Hotel, Glastonbury Festival We went to the Glastonbury Festival 2013 but went with one thing in mind … we were not slumming it, we had luxury glamping in mind. We found the Pop-up Hotel online and saw that this...

Free things to do in Barcelona

Free things to do in Barcelona.Barcelona is a beauty to behold. This article focuses on the free things you can do and still enjoy Barcelona.

Best Things to do in Prague

Best things to do in Prague. The Czech Republic’s capital is a great place to visit and there are some wonderful things to do in Prague.

Bellinter House Hotel & Spa – Hotel Review

Bellinter House Hotel and Spa is located approximately 30 minutes from Dublin City and 40 minutes from Dublin Airport.

Loko Waterford – Dog Friendly​ Restaurant Waterford

Loko Waterford is a Dog Friendly Restaurant located on the Dunmore Road in Waterford City. It has a varied menu and great service also.

Protecting Your Travel Itinerary: Privacy Concerns and Tips

Protecting Your Travel Itinerary: Privacy Concerns and Tips

A Musical Look Back at My 2022 with Celebrating Queen – Part 3, Festival Gigs

Musical Retrospective with Celebrating Queen Part 3, playing the Queen Tribute at a Festival in Dallas Texas and Miami Florida.

Exploring Dublin: Travel Tips and the Best Time to Visit for an Unforgettable Experience

Dublin, the capital city of Ireland, is a vibrant destination. Exploring Dublin brings a blend of rich culture, history & Irish hospitality.

A Musical Look Back at My 2022 with Celebrating Queen – Part 2, Liberty Missouri

A Musical Look Back at My 2022 with the Celebrating Queen. Part 2 is Celebrating Queen Tribute in Liberty Missouri on June 10th 2022.

A Musical Look Back at My 2022 with Celebrating Queen – Part 1, St. George Utah

A Musical Look Back at My 2022 with the Celebrating Queen. Part 1 is Celebrating Queen Tribute in St. George Utah on March 17th 2022.

Travel Blog Timeline

2010 New Zealand

2011 New Zealand

2012 Canada

2013 Glastonbury & UK

2014 New Zealand

2015 Glastonbury & UK

2016 Glastonbury & UK, Sweden

2017 UK, Bulgaria, Hong Kong

2018 UK (June-August 2018)

2019 UK (June-August 2019)

2020 Prague (Feb 2020) , UK (Cancelled due to Covid-19)

2022 USA & UK 

2023 USA & UK

 

About My Travel Blog Reviews

You might notice that my reviews are fairly positive, basically because I am not going to post reviews of places I didn’t like. All the reviews here are of places which I have personally been and they are my honest opinions based on the time spent at these locations. I take into consideration the welcome, the property, it’s amenities, the facilities, cleanliness, the location, the food (if applicable) and the service / value for money. All of these are key when travelling. So these reviews are important to me to be honest, fair and detailed so other travelers can read and be thus informed.

These are my honest opinions of places I have visited. I have not been compensated for reviews, and my opinions remain my own. I really enjoy sharing my travels and experiences but none of my travels are sponsored – therefore it is 100% independent. If I’m not happy with somewhere I have visited it just won’t end up here … this blog has the best of the best travel and vacation locations only. Enjoy!

I hope you enjoy my travel blog.

Follow me on Twitter @mrshanemcdonald !!