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Welcome to Shane’s Travel Blog

I setup 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.

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 on to 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

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.

20 Things to Do in Waterford City

This is a list of 20 Things to Do in Waterford City, recently voted the best city in Ireland to live in. The Best of Waterford, Ireland.

Family-Friendly Travel Guide to Israel: Activities, Accommodations

If you need any other backup material, eg: Sheets, different versions of the multitracks or have any questions prior to rehearsals please let me know

Irish Superstitions – Here Are the Funniest Irish Superstitions

The rich culture of Ireland is steeped in superstitions and beliefs that have been passed down through generations. From the significance of falling cutlery to the power of a half-penny, these superstitions offer insight into the Irish way of life and provide a source of intrigue for many.
While some may dismiss them as old wives’ tales, these beliefs remain in Irish culture and remind us of the power of tradition and folklore. Let’s check some of the funniest ones out.

10 Trips You Should Take In Your 20s If You’re a Nursing student

10 Trips You Should Take In Your 20s If You’re a Nursing student. Traveling can provide a greater understanding of different cultures.

Must-Do Experiences for Embracing Spain’s Vibrant Culture

Welcome to the land of sun, siestas, and sangria! Spain is a country known for its vibrant culture – from the lively rhythms of flamenco to the mouth-watering flavors of tapas. It’s no wonder why this country has become one of Europe’s top destinations.
In this article, we’re going to take you on a journey through some must-do experiences that will help you fully embrace Spain’s Vibrant Culture, Spain’s rich cultural heritage. So sit back, relax, and get ready for a taste of España!

Create a Custom Hoodie That Captures Your Travel Experiences

How to Create a Custom Hoodie That Captures Your Travel Experiences. If you want to capture the essence of your travels with a wearable item.

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.

How to travel like a local in Ireland

Ireland is a beautiful country with an incredible culture. Make the most of your time here and get an authentic Irish experience by travelling like a local. Enjoy all the hidden gems without the bustle and rush of tourists. Stay in a local accommodation instead of a...

My Next Adventures with Celebrating Queen

My Adventures with Celebrating Queen, the US based Queen Tribute Band, continues this September and October. There are two more concerts in the coming 5 weeks and I am looking forward to meeting up with the Celebrating Queen band to fulfil these dates. The following...

Top 10 Things to Do in Hong Kong

Top 10 Things to Do in Hong Kong Hong Kong City Guide I love Hong Kong. I have been there 5 times and every time I have learned something new about the city or tried a new experience there. There is a lot to do and see and there are many city guides out there but this...

Loko Waterford – Dog Friendly​ Restaurant Waterford

Loko Waterford, Restaurant Review: Dog-Friendly Restaurant, Waterford Loko Waterford is located on the Dunmore Road about 10 minutes from Waterford city centre in Ireland. The restaurant is located on the same retail park as Ardkeen Quality Food Stores. Loko is quite...

Hotel Review of The Grosvenor Hotel, Victoria, London

The Grosvenor Hotel has excellent staff ad a Chinese Restaurant, the Grand Imperial. So I booked The Grosvenor Hotel and prior to arrival I had a very nice pre-arrival courtesy call which I though was a nice touch. This is my Hotel Review and photo gallery of The Grosvenor Hotel, Victoria, London.

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

Packing for vacation? Getting ready to travel?  Take a look at this travel packing list so you pack the important items for your vacation or holiday. The holiday and vacation packing checklist is all you need, whether this is your first vacation or you’re a seasoned...

360 Cookhouse – Pet Friendly​ Restaurant in Co. Waterford

360 Cookhouse: Dog-Friendly Restaurant Dungarvan, Co. Waterford - Restaurant Review One of the hardest things in Ireland to find is a dog-friendly restaurant. Unlike in the UK, most Irish restaurants will not allow a dog to enter its premises. We are very lucky and...

Dog Friendly Hotels along Englands South Coast

If you own a dog then you will understand that traveling with a dog can have its own challenges. The main one being can I find dog-friendly hotels in that area which is actually a dog friendly hotel and not just dog tolerant hotel (which we had experience of on the...

My Top 3 Pub Hotels in England

These are my Top 3 Pub Hotels in England. If you are traveling around the UK you might consider the many excellent Pub Hotels in England – all with great food and great rooms.

The Hampton’s – Review, Luxury B&B accommodation, Kaikoura, New Zealand

This is a B&B review of the Hampton’s Kaikoura luxury B&B in Kaikoura, New Zealand. Kaikoura was the first stop after visiting the very friendly city of Christchurch. We spotted The Hampton’s Kaikoura on the Booking.com app which is one of my first-calls when booking accommodation online.

La Frontiere, Luxury Accommodation in Gisborne, New Zealand

Staying at La Frontiere Gisborne If you intend visiting Gisborne when in New Zealand then I highly recommend La Frontiere Gisborne, a luxurious modern self-contained studio, set on an avocado orchard and farmland, and is about 5 mins drive to Gisborne...

Bishopstrow House – Hotel Review

Bishopstrow House Hotel has great staff and is a wonderful hotel. We were advised that the nearby town of Salisbury was good to visit and we set off for the afternoon to explore the area. If you are looking for a luxurious stay in the heart of Wiltshire then Bishopstrow House is well worth it.

Hotel Review – Hyatt Regency, Birmingham, UK

Hyatt Regency Birmingham - Hotel Review In October 2012 Joe Bonamassa played Birmingham, UK and we travelled from Ireland to the UK to attend the concert. Having booked the tickets I needed to get some quality accommodation near the NIA venue. I did a quick search and...

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...

Inside Loftus Hall. The Loftus Hall Tour – Visit Irelands Most Haunted House

Do you believe in ghosts? Do you believe that the devil himself visited Loftus Hall? Did you know the Devil exited through the roof of Loftus hall and that hole in the roof cannot be repaired? Loftus Hall - Ireland's Most Haunted House? If not, (or even if you do)...

Top 15 most annoying things about some hotels

I really enjoy checking into hotels and having a good stay. Finding that everything is as you like it is important. It’s your home away from home for a few days, so you want a relaxing time and some time to enjoy the facilities of your chosen hotel. However, from time...

The Blakemore Hotel, Hyde Park, London – Hotel Review

Blakemore Hotel Hyde Park London, Hotel Review One of the hardest things to do it get a decent hotel when you don't know the area. I was searching for a good hotel in London. After looking at the usual hotel chains I found and booked the Blakemore Hotel Hyde Park...

The Oxfordshire Golf Hotel and Spa – Hotel Review

A while back I went to the UK and stayed at the The Oxfordshire Hotel and Spa, which as you guessed is situated in the heart of Oxfordshire (so it's not just a clever name) The Oxfordshire Hotel, Golf Hotel and Spa The Oxfordshire Golf Hotel and Spa is situated in the...

Hotel Review of Elysees Mermoz Hotel, 30 Rue Jean Mermoz, Paris

Hôtel Élysées-Mermoz or Elysees Mermoz Hotel has good Booking.com scores. The Elysees Mermoz Hotel is 5 minutes from the Champs Elysee.

Novotel Christchurch Cathedral Square – Christchurch, New Zealand Hotel Review

Having flown 12 hours from Hong Kong to Sydney in business class with Cathay Pacific, we arrived at Sydney airport for an unavoidable 8 hour layover before flying to Christchurch. Unfortunately our flight was delayed by about 90 minutes and we didn’t arrive in...

Novotel Century Hong Kong – Hotel Review of the Novotel Century Hong Kong

Novotel Century Hong Kong Hotel Review The Novotel Century Hong Kong is a hotel we stayed in back in 2010 en-route to New Zealand. We decided to return in 2014 based on our past stay there and again this year in December 2017 when we visited for a 7-day stay. This...

Premium Economy on Virgin Atlantic – London to Hong Kong Review

Virgin Atlantic Premium Economy Review - London to Hong Kong I have been to Hong Kong on 3 previous occasions. In 2002 I went with British Airways in Economy class. On the next occasion in 2010 I flew Qantas but went in Premium Economy. In 2011 I flew with Cathay...

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 !!