I was in Canada last week. On one evening in Ottawa, the rain started to tumble in fat generous drops, what some Irish people might call 'wet rain', instantly soaking umbrellas and jeans and shoes. I walked along Bank Street, its rainbow flags and cannabis shops blending softly in the reflection of the wet pavement, … Continue reading Finding an Authentic Voice
This blog is changing shape
It is time to admit it to myself. This blog has to change shape! For a while there, I was trying to write up each travel experience as well as documenting it on the Planet Patrick YouTube channel AND on Instagram. Or maybe it's more accurate to say FEELING GUILTY about not doing it enough. … Continue reading This blog is changing shape
A short ode to an Irish summer (an Insta hit!)
The vagaries of social media sometimes pass me by despite my love of all things tech and gear. Years after 'stories' became a thing, I've finally worked out that they are fun to use and was astonished when someone on Facebook commented on an Instagram post. I hadn't paid enough attention to see that my … Continue reading A short ode to an Irish summer (an Insta hit!)
Iceland Day 2021: a joyful brass band, noodles & a reflective harbour
I happened to be in Reykjavík on the 17th of June this year, and thinking about what would be a fun way to spend my day. I had managed not to have to be quarantined thanks to PCR testing, as I am fully vaccinated, but at that time did not have a QR code vaccination … Continue reading Iceland Day 2021: a joyful brass band, noodles & a reflective harbour
Caledonian Sleeper – Luxury Hotel Train – Classic Room FULL Review! London to Glasgow
Who doesn't want to stay in luxury? On a train? Falling asleep to the clickety-clackety sound as you speed through darkened countryside, awaking to a rich breakfast served by liveried staff members on silver trays... HOLD ON - that's the Orient Express. The Caledonian Sleeper is a different kind of luxury: practical comfort. Let me … Continue reading Caledonian Sleeper – Luxury Hotel Train – Classic Room FULL Review! London to Glasgow
Near & Far: Planning Travel, Warrenpoint & the French Road Trip 2021 [Podcast Script 004]
This is the script from Episode 004 of the Planet Patrick Podcast published today. Subscribe to the podcast on Spotify or Apple, or most good podcast sites. It is also available on YouTube. The show details can be found by clicking here. Today I’m thinking about local and global, near and far and the question … Continue reading Near & Far: Planning Travel, Warrenpoint & the French Road Trip 2021 [Podcast Script 004]
🇮🇸 €105 Reykjavik Hotel – a bargain or a bust? Center Hotels Plaza Review on Ingólfur Square
Last time I came to Iceland, I stayed at the Fosshotel in Reykjavik and it was a 10/10! Fosshotel has accommodation in some of the most spectacular locations around the country and are known for their Nordic design and great food. BUT... it's now the quarantine hotel in Reykjavik, so that option was gone (unless … Continue reading 🇮🇸 €105 Reykjavik Hotel – a bargain or a bust? Center Hotels Plaza Review on Ingólfur Square
Getting from Keflavik Airport to downtown Reykjavik – 5 options & costs
You're a bit stuck when you get to Keflavik Airport and you need to head downtown Reykjavik. I'd love to tell you that there is a great value tram or train running every 5 minutes but that would be a lie. A LIE, I tells ya. Facts is FactsIt's 50km (I know!) from the international … Continue reading Getting from Keflavik Airport to downtown Reykjavik – 5 options & costs
Why this lounge was a let-down! The Plaza Premium Lounge at London Heathrow Terminal 2 – LHR T2
The only lounge open at Terminal 2 in early summer was the Plaza Premium offering and access was available to Priority Pass users or those paying dirty cash (from £27). **Note: video report is linked at the bottom of this post** I was flying in business class with Icelandair and was sorry not to experience … Continue reading Why this lounge was a let-down! The Plaza Premium Lounge at London Heathrow Terminal 2 – LHR T2
Back to Belfast Hotels – Ibis Queens Quarter – a homely hotel at a humble price!
You may wonder why I'm showing you a picture of my (dusty) VW Golf. Indeed and you'd be right. This is just opposite my office at Queen's University in Belfast. I've gotten sick of paying WAY over the odds for a car parking space at Belfast City Airport. When you're away for a couple of … Continue reading Back to Belfast Hotels – Ibis Queens Quarter – a homely hotel at a humble price!
