Ryanair are now considering charging to pee...

Another factor to consider when buying that super cheap Ryanair ticket...

Firstly, there is of course the travel time involved in getting from the airports used by Ryanair, which in the case of Barcelona are an hour and a half bus ride out of Barcelona. Unfortunately we've had more than a few clients extend their stay as they did not realise that the airport was so far away (make sure you confirm the details before you purchase), or pay very nasty taxi fares to make it to the airport on time - up to 250 euros!

It's also important to consider the flight times, which are often leaving the wee hours of the morning or arriving super late at night (combine that with the 1 and a half hour bus journey!!). Then there's the limited luggage allowed to be checked-in. This is fine for weekenders, but not so great for 'backpackers' who use Ryanair as a cheap means of transport, not considering that their backpacks fill up with presents and little reminders of their trip... (We're now considering putting in a scale in the hostel so that clients can weigh their bags before they leave the hostel to save nasty surprises on check-in).

Ryanairs lattest initiatives to cut costs according to an article released today in Yahoo.co.uk are: They are looking at ways to get rid of check-in desks. That means on-line check-in only. And now they are considering charging for using the toilet... It may only be a pound, or 1.43 euros, but still...

Ryanair have done a lot for travel within europe, but ... Will you pay to use the toilet?

Help an aussie...

We have a lot of Australian's pass through our doors, and with a few of the staff being aussies themselves the news of the recent fires and floods in Australia really hit home. So many people have been left without anything.

One story of a particular victim of the fires in Victoria has touched our hearts - Lucky Phil - after loosing everything in the bushfires, including his backyard which was to be the location of his up and coming wedding, Phil is still able to call himself lucky. 'Lucky to be alive', he says.

We just love that aussie attitude and want to help Phil enjoy his wedding despite of everything. For that reason HelloBCN Hostel will be donating the proceeds from the bike hire for the months of January and February. We are also inviting guests to throw in a bob or two. Every little bit helps!

For more information on how you can help out, visit http://blogs.abc.net.au/victoria/melbourne_bushfiresoffer_help/index.html

Monday nights in the Sala Apolo - Nasty Mondays

It seems to be the new place to be on a Monday night... I come in to work on a Tuesday morning to see those expressions on those faces... 'we went out and had a great time last night and we're here working but wishing we were in bed, sleeping'. Oh to be young! It's amazing how much we put our bodies through for fun!

Come and check out Nasty Mondays in the Sala Apolo next Monday! It's just around the corner from the hostel, so you don't have far to stumble home! Reserve now at www.hellobcnhostel.com

COOKING @ HelloBCN

In January we had our first big Spanish dinner at the hostel. We cooked Fideuà (a kind of Paella with pasta instead of rice). Delicious!!! And… good news: as I said that was just the first time… we will cook one day a week for our guests. For only 5 euros you will enjoy a traditional Spanish dish and you will get 1 free drink! Join us!