Clunk Paisley Hoose Co LPA Announce Hiring
Clunk, Paisley, Hoose Co., L.P.A Announce Hiring Attorney Foreclosure legal mortgage servicing 2017-03-07 Staff Writer Ethan J. Clunk, Esq., a recent graduate from Ohio State University with his (B.S. 2012) and his law degree from Ohio State University Moritz College of Law (J.D. 2016) was recently hired by Clunk, Paisley, Hoose Co., L.P.A. (CPH) based out of Ohio & Kentucky. Clunk has been licensed in Ohio State Courts since 2016.Clunk, Paisley, Hoose Co., L.P.A. has over 125 years’ combined experience in the legal field and has represented clients in both Ohio and Kentucky. CPH prides itself on its excellent service and customer satisfaction. The firm is fully equipped to handle foreclosure needs from litigation, evictions, bankruptcy, and home retention. CPH also strives for outstanding results without unnecessary litigation. CPH is a member of the Legal League 100, a professional association for law firms that is committed to supporting the mortgage servicing industry through education, communication, relationship development, and advisory services.Clunk can be reached at 330.474.5782 or by email at eclunk@cphlpa.com. March 7, 2017 566 Views 
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The New Age of Servicing Servicers counting the ripples in the wake of a new administration, rising interest rates, regulatory changes, technological advancements, and a new generation of borrowers can certainly find themselves in a sink-or-swim situation. The industry is evolving before our eyes, and the cumulative effect of undergoing such a tide turn is that we’ve entered a new age of servicing. To not only survive but also succeed as a next-generation servicer, the status quo must fall by the wayside. Servicers need to stay a step ahead in their practices to build their businesses and their relationships now and into the near—if still unfolding—future. Navigating the Here and NowThe Federal Reserve recently raised the target for the federal funds rate to a range of 0.75–1 percent, effectively pushing up mortgage rates—they’ve increased roughly 25–30 basis points since late last year—and putting the industry on notice that the Fed is encouraged by the economy’s performance and plans more increases this year.Although many mortgage originators are now grumbling about the impact rising rates will have on the market, it is important to keep some historical perspective in mind. Mortgage rates are still incredibly low, and those in the business with gray hair can remember the days when mortgage rates hovered in the 7-9 percent range after more than a decade of rates that were typically above 10 percent.However, that’s not to say that rising rates won’t impact mortgage bankers—in ways both positive and negative. Originators that have focused much of their business in the refinance space will find it challenging to switch gears and build their purchase business, while smart lenders have already begun that process and will find it easier to navigate the market shift. On a macro level, rising rates should be taken as a welcome sign that our economy is healthy and ready for some strong growth. Within the mortgage space, the market should begin to find a more stable “normal” purchase-oriented balance. Private money will also begin to return to the market, which will help spur some desperately needed innovation in non-QM lending. Mortgage bankers and servicers also face a new administration in Washington, D.C., that is promising radical change. While it’s early in his term, it appears that President Trump intends to make good on his promise to ease the regulatory burdens that have made it difficult for businesses to thrive and the economy to grow. The industry should be particularly encouraged that he has appointed to office men and women who have run successful businesses themselves. When it comes to the top regulator, the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB), significant change may be on the horizon there as well. Pending litigation (PHH Corporation vs. CFPB) could alter the very structure of the agency and could give the president more direct control over the director, who currently can only be removed “for cause.” Policy and politics aside, servicers must be ready to embrace change in the market. Rising rates mean consumers will be more likely to hold on to their loans and build equity. Instead of reading about “strategic defaults,” homeowners will watch their homes increase in value while paying down their loans. In fact, this scenario is already happening. ATTOM Data Solutions recently reported that foreclosure activity is at a 10-year low. Rising rates also mean servicers have a great opportunity to build lasting relationships with their customers. In particular, servicers can begin to really leverage technology and social media not only to service a loan but to truly connect with their customers as well. In addition to having borrowers who are loyal, today’s technology can help streamline operations and mitigate the high cost of servicing in the era of the Dodd-Frank Act and the CFPB.The Millennial ImpactBy now, every mortgage industry professional has read or heard about the millennial generation. Virtually every mortgage conference and seminar for at least the past five years has emphasized the impact millennials would soon have on the housing market. Here are a few key statistics about the generation that will carry the housing market for several decades:By 2020, Brookings estimates that one in three Americans will be a millennial, and by 2025, millennials will constitute a whopping 75 percent of the workforce. According to Zillow, more millennials (65 percent) consider homeownership an essential part of the American dream than any other generation.While they are still “on their way,” millennials are, in significant ways, already “here.” LendingTree recently reported that more than one-third (36.1 percent) of all mortgage requests through its site are from borrowers age 35 and younger. Zillow estimates that up to 42 percent of all homebuyers last year were millennials.All millennials aren’t stereotypical internet-start-up urbanites. Almost half of all millennial homebuyers live in suburban neighborhoods, and another 20 percent live in rural locations.Further, researchers at NerdWallet estimate that two-thirds of millennials haven’t even reached the average homebuying age of 31, and 22 percent are still under 25 years old.Millennials have just begun to arrive, and connecting with them isn’t just the job of the mortgage originator; servicers, too, must act now to create a culture within their companies that values building long-term relationships with their borrowers.Geared for Interactive TechnologyBeyond millennials’ raw numbers and purchasing power (Forbes estimates it’s at least $200 billion), understanding how to connect with them—as well as Generation X—is crucial. First, company websites and social touch points that aren’t mobile friendly may as well be selling Atari systems or vinyl records. Research indicates that 90 percent of millennials use smartphones, 93 percent access the internet on mobile devices, and more than half (53 percent) own a tablet. In between charges, millennials are spending an enormous amount of time on social media—more than six hours per week on average. This is a huge opportunity to speak to potential customers no matter where they are and actively engage with them in a meaningful way. Today’s consumer won’t buy a product just because they see a TV ad. No longer passive consumers, they want to actually interact with brands. In many ways, millennials and other internet-savvy generations are becoming more and more immune to traditional forms of advertising. Children who can’t yet talk or walk already understand how to skip an ad to get to the content or game they want. A consumer with that mindset will only respond to content that provides them value. That’s why interactions with them cannot be superficial. Companies must work harder to truly connect with them.Active Engagement Earns AllegianceExamine how pop culture icons like Kanye West, politicians like President Trump, and companies like Seamless have maximized their social media platforms by doing more than just posting occasional messages. They engage with their audiences and do so frequently, generating intense brand loyalty. While mortgage servicers may not have a new album, policy, or menu item to promote, this is where they can turn what is frequently a weakness into a strength. Consider this: What is the most common complaint consumers have about their mortgage servicers? Too often, it is customer service, as the industry hasn’t done enough to effectively communicate with borrowers. Legacy processes and procedures are geared to satisfy statutory and regulatory rules, and that often means mail, phone, and email communication. However, social networks provide a great opportunity for improving customer service, and successful servicers will soon have dedicated staff scanning social media sites and resolving issues by communicating through Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn, Snapchat, and more. Many servicers already have such social media staff in place and are encouraged to see customers proactively reach out to them on social media channels. Online crowdsourced review sites like Yelp provide businesses a chance to monitor consumer sentiment and potential issues in real time. Clearly, with a more responsive, customer-focused approach, servicers can address issues before they see complaints publicly displayed in a government database.This approach will also provide new business opportunities. Forbes research reveals that 62 percent of millennials say that a brand that actively engages with them on social networks is more likely to earn their loyalty. This 35-and-younger crowd has mostly grown up in a connected world, and just like marketers in the past used catalogs, radio, and television, social media is where today’s consumer can be found. Additionally, utilizing the mountain of available data and targeted content can increase the effectiveness of messaging. The right message at the right time to the right customer is only possible when marketers know who they are and what they need. Technology’s Many RolesNew technology isn’t limited to just social media, however. The ability to increasingly automate and streamline servicing operations is crucial to reducing overhead and compliance costs, which have skyrocketed over the past decade.In addition to fueling growth strategies, new technology will help the industry defend and protect both customers and companies. Considering the threats out there, cyber security is a critical component of any business plan. Intrusions into systems threaten customer personal information and data, and it is incumbent on servicers to take that seriously and invest resources in defensive measures. These efforts should also include hosting high-level executive discussions about what do to in the event of an attack as well as creating and maintaining updated disaster recovery plans.Although it promises much, technology should not be seen as a silver bullet. While gaining efficiencies and mitigating rising costs are important, losing touch with consumers would be a fatal mistake. The key is to find balance between the need to utilize technology and the necessity of maintaining a human touch with borrowers. This is where social media can be a powerful tool; it’s an effective way to reach borrowers with a personal touch that goes beyond simple auto-generated letters and oft-ignored robocalls.Today’s mortgage servicer should already begin to think of itself as “tomorrow’smortgage servicer.” New technologies need to be adopted and adapted to existing systems and personnel, not only to streamline operations but to take advantage of rising rates to build relationships with customers, as well. If rates do continue to climb, many of them will be customers for a long period of time, and servicers need to think not in terms of loans, but loyalty. If companies’ leaders build that kind of culture, they will find that rate fluctuations won’t matter as much. Customers will trust their servicer and, in turn, provide a host of new business opportunities. That’s the future of servicing. in Daily Dose, News, Servicing Share
May 10, 2017 687 Views Regulation Servicing 2017-05-10 Seth Welborn
Previous Ginnie Mae President to Join PennyMac Board PennyMac Financial Services, Inc., a specialty financial services firm, announced Thursday that August 1, 2017 former President of the Government National Mortgage Association (Ginnie Mae), Theodore W. Tozer, will join its Board of Directors.Tozer served as President of Ginnie Mae for seven years and managed $1.8 trillion in guarantees of mortgage-backed securities. Ginnie Mae, as a part of the Department of Housing and Urban Development, creates a secondary market to buy and sell residential mortgages.Prior to Ginnie Mae, Tozer served as SVP of Capital Markets at National City Mortgage Company, a member of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac’s National Lender Advisory Boards, and at the Mortgage Bankers Association of America as Chairman of the Capital Markets Committee. He received a B.S. degree in Accounting and Finance from Indiana University and is a Certified Management Accountant. Overall, Tozer has spent more than 30 years in the financial services industry.“I am thrilled that Ted Tozer has been elected to our Board of Directors,” said PFSI Executive Chairman Stanford L. Kurland. “Ted is a veteran of the mortgage banking industry who brings a wealth of experience and a deep understanding of all aspects of housing finance in America. On behalf of my fellow directors, I enthusiastically welcome his arrival.For more information on Tozer, click here. PennyMac Financial Services 2017-07-20 Brianna Gilpin Share
in Government, Headlines, News July 20, 2017 617 Views 
En-gender-ing Change Share September 4, 2017 571 Views Women in Housing 2017-09-04 Brianna Gilpin
The disparity between men and women in leadership positions and compensation is one of the most pressing issues facing the financial services sector today.Despite broad recognition of the importance of tapping into the talents and perspectives of female executives, gender imbalance continues to plague the financial services industry, according to “Women in Financial Services 2016,” a global study sponsored by Marsh & McLennan Companies. The research cites the challenges faced by companies seeking the “right recipe” to create more opportunities for women’s advancement.Contributors to the study agree that improving workforce gender diversity is not just a “nice thing to do” but a commercial imperative as well.Ocwen, a leading mortgage servicing company, is going beyond talk to meet the challenge head-on. One of only a handful of companies in the mortgage banking world with a female board chair, Ocwen committed time and resources to its diversity and inclusion strategy by launching its first company-wide affinity group, the Ocwen Global Women’s Network (OGWN), in January.“We are fully committed to improving opportunities for women across our global workforce and ensuring balanced gender perspectives are well-represented at all levels of the company,” commented Ron Faris, Ocwen’s CEO. “We launched OGWN as a combination sounding board for business insights, learning platform, and networking forum to support our corporate focus on diversity, inclusion, and talent development.”OGWN provides members with an environment that promotes mentoring, professional development, workplace flexibility, and representation of women at all levels. The group is a platform for sharing information and ideas and accelerating employee skills and knowledge through networking.“One of our most critical success factors is the active commitment of our senior leaders, starting with Ocwen’s Board Chair Phyllis Caldwell and Chief Executive Officer Ron Faris,” said Toni Harrigan, Ocwen’s Chief Market and Credit Risk Officer and one of the executive co-leaders of OGWN.“Both Phyllis Caldwell and Ron Faris have spoken at our group meetings, but more importantly, they have spent time listening to the concerns of our team members,” Harrigan added. “Their participation fosters a constructive dialogue through which we can help our employees confront real issues they encounter in our workplace.”The group is open to all Ocwen employees worldwide. Already, OGWN’s registered membership, including men and women, is more than 10 percent of the company’s global full-time workforce.“Having this forum in place and available to all creates a platform for team members at every level and in every location to collaborate and contribute to making our company better,” commented Lola Oyewole, Ocwen’s Director of Human Resources and a founding member of the groupOGWN is organized at the regional level. Educational and networking activities are planned and carried out in each corporate location at least once a quarter. The programs range from informal coffee sessions to panel discussions with Ocwen executives and external speakers, including internationally recognized experts like Dr. Lois P. Frankel, a bestselling author and executive coach in women’s leadership development.“For a company like Ocwen, with employees located around the world, OGWN serves an important role in bridging cultural barriers and helping executives appreciate the unique needs of our female team members located in places like India and the Philippines,” said Diksha Dutt, VP Customer Care Center, who heads up the international arm of OGWN. “The more our senior executives understand how culture influences workplace behavior, the more receptive they will be to our locally generated ideas.”In observance of International Women’s Day in March, OGWN organized events across the globe, including panels of women entrepreneurs and industry stalwarts sharing their journeys to success and their approaches to breaking gender stereotypes. Ocwen board members Phyllis Caldwell and Jacques Busquet were part of the conversation.Barbara Holmes, Director of Ocwen’s Internal Review Group and OGWN co-leader, is already starting to see the benefits of OGWN participation come through in the day-to-day lives of employees. Since January, 50 percent of the leadership promotions at director and above level have been females in the U.S., while 25 percent of the employees hired into leadership positions at director and above were females in the U.S. Additionally, 50 percent of hires into senior manager roles in Asia Pacific have been females.“We are confident that this initiative will empower our female co-workers to take on more responsibility and build out their skills and expertise with greater confidence,” Holmes said. “At the same time, the participation of senior executives will contribute to a culture of greater understanding of the unique needs and challenges of our female employees, especially in overseas offices.” in Daily Dose, Data, Featured, News
HouseCanary HouseCanary Appraiser 2017-09-14 Krista Franks Brock HouseCanary Secures $31M in Funding Share in Headlines, News, Technology
HouseCanary, a San Francisco based real estate data analytics and valuation platform, announced today a commitment of $31 million in funding from investors, bringing the company’s total funding to $64 million since it was founded in 2014.Among the investors were Alpha Edison and PSP Growth, a division of PSP Capital, which was founded by former Commerce Secretary Penny Pritzker. HouseCanary also received additional investment from existing investors in its Series B funding.“Our vision continues to be validated by both the technology and real estate industries, and is further underscored by the support from PSP Growth and Penny Pritzker, one of America’s most prominent entrepreneurs and business builders,” said Jeremy Sicklick, CEO of HouseCanary.Pritzker chose to invest in HouseCanary because of the “tremendous potential of HouseCanary’s technology” and the company’s “strong management team.”“We are excited at the opportunity to work with the HouseCanary team as this dynamic company grows,” Pritzker said.Mike Oleshansky, Managing Director and head of PSP Growth, said, “HousingCanary is quickly modernizing one of the biggest industries in the United States. Its robust technology enables users, from mortgage lenders to private investors to bond traders to Realtors, to make truly data-driven decisions.”HouseCanary plans to use its $31 million in new investments to “further innovate on predictive analytics, technology, and go-to-market,” according to the company.Users of HouseCanary’s platform can evaluate 100 million properties with a median error of 2.5 percent, according to HouseCanary. The company uses machine learning models and 40 years of past and present home sales data to value properties.“HouseCanary’s unique technology represents and industry revolution, bringing access to transparent and actionable data to all segments of the largest asset class in the world,” Sicklick said.Currently, HouseCanary has 250 enterprise clients, including Invitation Homes, LendingHome, and Roofstock. The company also has several distribution partners, including Google Cloud, RE/MAX, and First American. September 14, 2017 882 Views 
LUX* Resort South Ari Atoll recently held its first ever Underwater Festival, a celebration of the region’s unique marine life, local conservation efforts and some rather special locals: whale sharks.The Festival is a fantastic line up of snorkelling, diving, marine encounters, workshops, seminars, taking place in of one of the Maldives’ most luxurious resorts.Celebrating the Underwater WorldWe’re joined at the event by the global heads of PADI, the world’s largest scuba diving training organisation, technology start-up iBubble, inventors of a cutting-edge new underwater drone, and dive-specialist media from France, the UK and Australia.With over 25 million PADI-qualified divers around the world, PADI is now changing its focus from developing safe and responsible divers, to nurturing an army of ocean advocates; “champions of the water planet” according to President and CEO, Dr Drew Richardson.PADI’s Richard Somerset, Matt Wenger, Dr Drew Richardson and Mark Spiers.We’re treated to a presentation of Richardson’s vision at the opening event and on our first day in the field (so to speak), he joins us in our first exploration of South Ari Atoll’s very special marine environment.Our first dive is a large coral bommie with enormous sea fans around the base, abundant soft corals decorating the overhangs and a dip in the middle that plays host about a billion blue stripe snapper – a photographer’s dream come true.Abundant marine life in South Ari Atoll’s marine reserve.Back at the resort, a local artist is celebrating the underwater world in a rather unique way, painting canvas (in oils) underwater. The painting, purchased by PADI, will be auctioned at DEMA, with proceeds going to Project Aware.Underwater artist Hussain Ihfal with the finished work.Underwater toys for big boys (and girls)On our next underwater excursion, we get to play with some serious toys. First up, iBubble, an innovative new underwater drone. Using cutting-edge technology, this bright yellow drone can follow hand-signal instructions to shoot whatever you want it to – or simply follow you around and film your dive, leaving you to simply enjoy it.iBubble the world’s first autonomous underwater drone.We’re also given an opportunity to dive with an underwater scooter, with PADI on hand to take us through a Diver Propulsion Vehicle specialty certification.The author trying out an underwater scooter.Whale sharksLUX* South Ari Atoll is located in a rather special part of the Maldives. Its back reef, which drops off a few hundred metres out from a row of over-water bungalows, plays permanent residence to a large population of whale sharks.The Maldives Whale Shark Research Program (MWSRP), located on nearby Dhigurah Island has identified 388 individuals, so chances of a whale shark encounter here are fairly high.Our first encounter is on snorkel. After patrolling the reef wall for a while, a whale shark is spotted and we all go crazy, grabbing masks, fins, cameras, before jumping in to join the melee.As soon as my head’s underwater I spot him. Somehow, I’m lucky enough to land in the water right beside him. And he’s moving very slowly. It’s not too hard to swim alongside and watch this gorgeous giant as he glides through the water.<span data-mce-type=”bookmark” style=”display: inline-block; width: 0px; overflow: hidden; line-height: 0;” class=”mce_SELRES_start”></span>My next encounter is on scuba. As we swim along the reef wall, he glides gracefully by, slowly enough for us to swim alongside and take a few photos before he disappears into the blue.In the evening, we’re treated to a presentation by the MWSRP Infield Coordinator; Abdul Basith Mohamed, who shares some insights into what little we know about whale sharks. It has been established that this site is a secondary nursery, and the statistics gathered here highlight the site’s importance as a tourism attraction and help convince government to maintain its protection.Anyone can contribute to the MWSRP research by sharing photos with the team via their mobile App. The whale shark you encounter will be identified, and if they can’t find a match – you get to name it!Turtles…From one endangered species to another, the next day we find out about the Maldives’ sea turtles, and specifically, the plight of the Olive Ridley, from turtle vet Claire Petros. Claire manages the Maldives’ Marine Turtle Rescue Centre in Coco Palm Dhuni Kolhu Resort in Baa Atoll, part of the Olive Ridley Project (ORP).Sea turtle vet Dr Claire Petros explains the plight of Olive Ridley turtles.Being opportunistic feeders, Olive Ridley turtles are the most susceptible to ghost net entanglement. Between 2011 and 2018 the ORP recorded 528 entangled Olive Ridley turtles, 87.9% of all entangled turtles reported.The Centre provides veterinary care and rehabilitation to injured sea turtles rescued across the Maldives. Other programs managed by ORP include the removal of ghost gear from the ocean, education and outreach programs, sea turtle monitoring, they’re even looking at ways to re-use or re-purpose ghost nets.Trans Maldivian Airways have agreed to airlift injured sea turtles to the hospital and sanctuary run by Dr Petros.The project has enlisted the help of Trans Maldivian Airways, to help transport injured turtles to the sanctuary, and aims sometime soon to have a turtle biologist on every atoll.We join Claire for a dive after this presentation and are joined along the way by three turtles, two green turtles and a little hawksbill who ignores us completely as he nibbles at sponges on the reef.That’s a wrap.It’s been an inspiring week, celebrating the underwater world in so many different ways, from underwater painting to marine conservation and new technology. I’ve learnt more about whale sharks in a week than I knew in my lifetime beforehand and come face to face with two of these gorgeous gentle giants in as many days.Our week ends with a beach-side BBQ, watching images and video of our underwater adventures projected on a giant outdoor screen. We all emerge invigorated and inspired. Invigorated by incredible marine encounters, and inspired by the presentations given each day by passionate ocean advocates.The author with Dr Drew Richardson, CEO and President of PADI Worldwide and Founder of Project AWARE.We dived with: Euro Divers Maldives.Where: LUX* South Ari Atoll, Maldives.Contact Diveplanit about dive/stay holiday packages at LUX* South Ari Atoll.
Emirates has launched competitive fares on Business and Economy Class flights* to destinations across the UK, Europe, Dubai and the Americas, when booked by 22 March 2019.Economy Class passengers can enjoy fares starting from $1,179 to Dubai, $1,299 to Dublin, $1,309 to Porto, $1,329 to Athens, $1,339 to Rome and $1,369 to Edinburgh.While Business Class passengers can enjoy fares starting from $6,849 to Dubai, $7,249 to Dublin, $7,139 to Porto, $7,349 to Athens, $7,399 to Rome and $7,669 to Edinburgh.From 2 July 2019, Australians can travel to the newest destination in Emirates’ global route network, Porto, Portugal’s second largest city. Emirates will operate four weekly flights between Dubai and Porto.*T&Cs apply airlinesEmirates
One key member of the Cardinals coaching staff who could help Floyd achieve his fitness goals is strength and conditioning coach Jon Lott. “I’ve seen him here on the visit. He’s an energetic guy and that’s what I really liked,” Floyd said. “But I heard that he can get a little tough and that’s what I need.” Floyd seems ready and willing to do the work necessary to take his game to the next level. The young wideout recognizes the competition in the NFL is fierce and if he wants to compete with the best, he’ll have to practice that much harder.“You’re in the NFL now. You know everyone is good,” Floyd said. “Week in and week out, in the future you’re playing against some of the best in the world. I just got to make sure that I am up on my game and I am doing everything I can to be the best player I can be.”Floyd also cites the speed and quickness in the league as an area he’ll need to improve upon in order to be able to go toe-to-toe with the game’s elite.“It’s a lot faster now,” Floyd stated. “You got to pick up on things a lot quicker or you get left behind. So right now I am just going to make sure I go in the film room, see what I did wrong, see what I did right and just make corrections.” Top Stories “I am really excited and I am glad to be here. Blessed that I get this opportunity to play for the Arizona Cardinals and I am just working every single day,” Floyd told members of the media after practice. “The first practice went well for me, little tweaks here and there, but I watched them in the film room and I am making adjustments off of that.”Some of those adjustments might adhere to the Cardinals’ playbook and familiarizing himself with playing a different scheme. Still, Floyd isn’t a stranger to the offense the Cardinals run, which made the first practice less daunting.“It’s not bad,” Floyd stated. “It’s kind of similar to my first two seasons at Notre Dame, a coach [Charlie Weis] offense. It’s very similar in some aspects but some a little different, but I am adjusting to it. I am good to go.”Floyd did express a desire to get into better playing shape before the season starts.“I feel pretty good but I can, for sure, cut weight and I think that’ll be an adjustment for me that I need to do to make sure I’ll be able to keep my stamina and my endurance up,” Floyd said. Cardinals expect improving Murphy to contribute right away D-backs president Derrick Hall: Franchise ‘still focused on Arizona’ The Arizona Cardinals got their initial look at highly-touted first-round draft pick Michael Floyd at the inaugural rookie minicamp Friday.The Cardinals drafted the Notre Dame wideout 13th overall at April’s NFL draft and his selection garnered praise from franchise receiver Larry Fitzgerald, among other members of the team. This is the first rookies only minicamp held under Cardinals head coach Ken Whisenhunt, and the team’s newest wide receiver took center stage.
Comments Share But don’t expect any nerves on the field from Floyd during rookie camp, who feels at ease playing among his equals.“A lot of the guys out there are new,” Floyd explained. “I think the butterflies possibly will come when the [veterans] get here and I feel like they’ll be pushing you a lot harder than where I am now but that’s how I’d like it to be so I can be the best player I can be.” Nevada officials reach out to D-backs on potential relocation What an MLB source said about the D-backs’ trade haul for Greinke
Whisenhunt and the Cardinals most certainly did, and nothing the coach did was able to turn things around or solve the team’s problems at quarterback. Kevin Kolb, who like Skelton is still under contract for next season, provided some stability early in the season, but went down in Week Six and the team never recovered.Then again, there were times during what ended up being a nine-game losing streak that the Cardinals appeared capable of getting a win. Skelton points to what happened in Atlanta — where he was pulled from the game with a 13-0 lead — as something that still irks him to this day. “That one hurts,” Skelton said. “Getting the pull that early, that kind of sucks. “I haven’t forgotten; I don’t think I’ll forget it anytime soon.”Skelton appeared to be not fond of the decision-making by his head coach, and even though the QB struggled this year, it’s easy to see why. Being in and out of the lineup would not be easy for anyone to handle, and Skelton admitted this season has led to some resentment.“There’s some animosity, I think, sometimes it’s just the way the business is,” he said. “You can’t always have it your way, you can’t always have a good time, so you’ve got to take the good with the bad and just roll with it.” TEMPE — John Skelton began the 2012 season as the starting quarterback for the Arizona Cardinals.A third-year pro, the former Fordham star appeared to be on a career path that was trending upward, with a chance to establish himself not only as a solid QB in the NFL, but as the Cardinals’ quarterback of the present and future.Skelton finished the 2012 season as a healthy scratch, inactive for the team’s final two games as passers Ryan Lindley and Brian Hoyer shared the reps. Former Cardinals kicker Phil Dawson retires “It was disappointing,” Skelton said Monday as he and his teammates cleared out their lockers. “To start as high as I did to be named the starter and then that first week to go down (with an ankle injury), then it kind of just up and down from there.“These last few weeks have kind of just been a nosedive, I guess.”Skelton finished the season completing just 109 of 201 passes for 1,132 yards and two touchdowns. He was picked off nine times and compiled a quarterback rating of 55.4.His numbers were not good — they were not even mediocre — which could lead one to wonder how a young player could get worse from one season to the next.Yet, that’s what happened, and Skelton said the great thing about the NFL is that he’ll likely get another opportunity to prove himself.“Next year and this offseason is a chance at redemption.”Redemption may not come in Arizona.Skelton admitted there were times he felt he “got the short end of the stick” with regards to how head coach Ken Whisenhunt handled things, but figured it’s just part of the business. “When you’re losing eight or nine in a row, everyone’s going to be grasping for straws,” Skelton said. “And I think there’s times that we did that here in Arizona.” Grace expects Greinke trade to have emotional impact Comments Share 
Derrick Hall satisfied with D-backs’ buying and selling The 5: Takeaways from the Coyotes’ introduction of Alex Meruelo Skelton, who said he would welcome some kind of change at this point, knows that very well could lead to him being with a different team next season. It may have to.“I think it’s going to be hard to continue if things stay the same here, with me getting the short end of the stick,” he said. “But we’ll see what happens. It’s a long offseason, there will be a lot of changes.” – / 22 Top Stories 
Former head coach and NFL cornerback Herm Edwards joined Doug and Wolf on Arizona Sports 98.7 FM Tuesday and said the Cardinals must do their best to support Williams.“You got to put him in a position to have some success, and at times you’re going to have to help him so he can make some plays, because the one thing about playing that position — when you’re out on that island, it’s lonely, and you have to have selective memory,” Edwards said.Especially with the Cardinals’ defensive scheme, there is pressure on cornerbacks, who are expected to play one-on-one coverage as the front-seven brings heat against the opposing quarterback. But to help out a young player, they may have to bring safety coverage in support.With arguably the best corner in the league opposite Williams, the rookie has to get used to the opposing offense throwing his way multiple times during a game. The key is recovering from a bad play and not letting it become a series of mistakes, Edwards said.“One thing you don’t want, you don’t want that quarterback to come to the line of scrimmage and you see single-safety high, and all of a sudden he says, blue-21 blue-21, check, 22, 22; that means man, they’re coming over there to you,” Edwards said. “Two things are going to happen. Either you’re going to stop it or they’re going to run you out of the league.” LISTEN: Herm Edwards, ESPN NFL analyst The only thing left for to do is to step up and make plays, because as much as the Cardinals may try to help him, there will be situations where he’s all alone, Edwards said. It isn’t all on the 24-year-old from Houston, however.The coaches are in the same boat as Williams. When he does poorly, it reflects on the coaching staff, Edwards said.Adjustments have to be made or the other team may just have their way with Williams.Adjustments have to be made or the other team may just have their way with Williams.“After that happens one time and you realize what they’re doing to you, you as a coordinator, defensively, you gotta go, ‘hey look, we gotta help this guy,’ ” Edwards said. “Let’s don’t sit here and think this is going away. We got to solve the problem, and that’s the whole key, the coaching.”The Cardinals are confident in Williams’ skills, and they believe he can be another third-round pick. He is still learning how to play the position and the growing pains — like the blown-coverage play — are going to happen.But it’s also on Arizona to help its rookie. – / 55 Former Cardinals kicker Phil Dawson retires 0 Comments Share Grace expects Greinke trade to have emotional impact During the Cardinals’ Sunday night loss to the New England Patriots, an obvious weakness for the Cardinals was not only exposed but dragged to the forefront of the game: The secondary.Brandon Williams, the rookie out of Texas A&M who started off his college as a running back, was the team’s starting cornerback opposite Patrick Peterson going into Week 1. Well, he looked like a rookie.Patriots backup quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo targeted Williams eight times and connected on four catches for 74 yards, including a broken-coverage play that led to a 37-yard touchdown.
The 5: Takeaways from the Coyotes’ introduction of Alex Meruelo Your browser does not support the audio element. Derrick Hall satisfied with D-backs’ buying and selling Top Stories Cardinals cornerback Brandon Williams lines up against Michael Floyd during a training camp practice Aug. 22. (Photo by Adam Green/Arizona Sports)
The Cardinals return to University of Phoenix Stadium to host the Los Angeles Rams (2-1) Sunday afternoon. – / 22 “We’ll stay aggressive with that mindset. So we’ll bring nine players in (Tuesday) and if any of these guys can help us in any way, we’ll churn this roster.”Certainly, one can speculate there may be an emphasis on special teams contributors in the players Keim brings in for workouts. Punter Drew Butler aggravated an ankle injury he suffered in the season opener Sunday and was unable to punt for the majority of the game. Kicker Chandler Catanzaro, who hadn’t punted in a real game since high school, was forced into action and averaged only 33 yards on two punts.Long snapper Kameron Canaday, playing in just his third NFL game Sunday, uncorked a wild snap on a short field goal attempt that Buffalo returned for a touchdown in what was a disastrous 10-point swing in the third quarter. He’s been a story line twice in three games, and for a long snapper, that isn’t good.Keim acknowledged Canaday did take a big hit earlier in the game that required attention from the medical staff, but that position is all about results.“It’s not about excuses. Bottom line is, he’s got to get it done and he certainly hasn’t on at least two occasions,” Keim said. 0 Comments Share Job security and the NFL don’t go hand-in-hand.The league is a fickle business and when expectations aren’t met, you can go from the penthouse to the outhouse in a very short period of time.That could be the case for some members of the Arizona Cardinals’ 53-man roster after a lackluster 33-18 loss to the Buffalo Bills at New Era Field Sunday. The defeat drops the Cardinals, picked by many to win the Super Bowl this year, at a head-scratching 1-2 and trying to figure out just what is going wrong. Arizona Cardinals president Michael Bidwill, right, talks with general manager Steve Keim during practice at the NFL football team’s training camp Tuesday, Aug. 9, 2016, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin) The 5: Takeaways from the Coyotes’ introduction of Alex Meruelo Your browser does not support the audio element. Grace expects Greinke trade to have emotional impact LISTEN: Steve Keim, Cardinals general manager The architect of the team, general manager Steve Keim, is tasked with addressing the problem from a personnel standpoint. Keim is always proactive when it comes to roster construction, but the early struggles of this season have created a little more urgency.Keim called Sunday’s loss maybe the worst three-phase performance in the tenure of himself and head coach Bruce Arians, which is now in its fourth season, comparing it to last January’s 49-15 blowout loss to the Carolina Panthers in the NFC Championship Game.“In all three phases, we didn’t see a lot of consistency or a lot of rhythm, but at the same time, your Pro Bowlers, your top players, the guys you’re relying on didn’t play as well either, in my opinion,” Keim told Doug and Wolf Monday morning on Arizona Sports 98.7 FM.Keim is actively looking for solutions without being swayed by the emotion of losing.“You have to continue to fight that, but at the same time, you have to do what’s best for the organization and you have to keep that in mind,” he said. “Coach and I have had a simple philosophy that we have expectations and if you don’t meet our expectations, we’ll try to find somebody who can. Derrick Hall satisfied with D-backs’ buying and selling Former Cardinals kicker Phil Dawson retires Top Stories 
Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald (11) is tackled by San Francisco 49ers linebacker Michael Wilhoite, left, and strong safety Craig Dahl during the first half of an NFL football game in Santa Clara, Calif., Sunday, Dec. 28, 2014. (AP Photo/Marcio Jose Sanchez) Top Stories The 5: Takeaways from the Coyotes’ introduction of Alex Meruelo Former Cardinals kicker Phil Dawson retires “He’s big on, like, don’t hit him low, hit him high,” Quin said Tuesday, according to ESPN’s Michael Rothstein. “He’ll tell you on the field like, ‘Hey bro, I’ll pay your fine for you. Like, don’t him me in the legs.’ He’ll rather you hit him up high. Don’t take his legs, because obviously you need your legs to run.”That’s easier said than done now that the NFL has altered its rules to prevent head injuries. It’s led to defensive backs aiming to tackle opponents below the waist, perhaps increasing the chance of causing leg injuries.Fitzgerald apparently felt that Quin’s tackle back in 2014 was at the knees, but Quin said he thought he’d hit the Cardinals receiver in the hip.“He’ll say it all the time,” Quin said. “You can ask anybody. I’m pretty sure I’m not the only DB. You ask anybody he’ll tell you like, ‘Hey man, don’t take my knees out like that.’”Whether it’s genetics, luck or the conversations he has with opposing defensive backs, Fitzgerald’s reliability has kept him quite healthy throughout his career entering its 14th season.The longtime Cardinal receiver has missed only six games in his 13-year career: three in 2006, one in 2007 and two in 2014. 6 Comments Share Derrick Hall satisfied with D-backs’ buying and selling Grace expects Greinke trade to have emotional impact Cardinals wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald isn’t known as a trash talker. But he does talk.According to one opponent on the Detroit Lions, who Arizona plays to open the 2017 season, Fitzgerald requests that his opponents to hit him high rather than go low and risk injuring his legs.Detroit Lions safety Glover Quin said Fitzgerald has made such requests to him, though Quin has a special place in Fitzgerald’s memory. The defensive back made a tackle in 2014 that led to Fitzgerald missing two games because of a sprained knee.
Keim should know more than most. Entering his sixth season as Arizona’s general manager, he’s efforting to find the Cardinals’ next franchise quarterback for the second time.The first time around, things worked out pretty well. In the spring of 2013, Keim engineered a trade with the Oakland Raiders, nabbing veteran Carson Palmer for late-round draft picks. Palmer played very well in Arizona, guiding the Cardinals to a 38-21-1 record while throwing for 105 touchdowns and 57 interceptions and helping his team to the playoffs in back-to-back seasons. Palmer retired in January.Now, it’s up to Keim and his staff to find the next signal caller.“If you don’t have (a franchise quarterback), and can’t find one, a head coach’s and general manager’s stay is usually not very long,” Keim said. “As simplistic as that philosophy sounds, it’s extremely tough because there are 32 teams and 32 guys don’t exist that are considered franchise quarterbacks.”The latest episode “Cardinals Flight Plan” focuses on the work of the scouting department during the annual Reese’s Senior Bowl in Mobile, Alabama, which was held in January. This year’s crop of draft-eligible passers was well represented at the showcase with Oklahoma’s Baker Mayfield and Wyoming’s Josh Allen heading the list. Derrick Hall satisfied with D-backs’ buying and selling 1 Comments Share Grace expects Greinke trade to have emotional impact During the second episode of “Cardinals Flight Plan,” general manager Steve Keim was asked if finding a franchise quarterback is the Holy Grail for any GM.Keim took it a step further.“I think it’s the Holy Grail for an organization,” Keim said. “I think everyone in this organization, for the most part, the success of their career in some way is attached to their franchise quarterback.” “I think every position, in itself, is unique, but quarterback is obviously extremely important because they handle the ball on every play and they make decisions,” Cardinals Eastern Region scout Luke Palko says. The episode also gives a little bit of the players’ perspective. Virginia’s Kurt Benkert describes the hectic interview process, where players jump from table to table to have brief conversations with franchises.“It’s basically like speed dating,” he said.The next episode of “Cardinals Flight Plan” premieres on Facebook Watch March 14 and will look at Steve Wilks’ coaching staff and the NFL Combine process. The 5: Takeaways from the Coyotes’ introduction of Alex Meruelo Former Cardinals kicker Phil Dawson retires Top Stories 
Go back to the e-newsletterAnantara Hotels, Resorts & Spas invites guests to embrace health and wellness as an integral element of their luxury holiday with its 2016 Balance series of resort-based events and activities in the Maldives. Balance, Anantara’s innovative wellness concept, offers total flexibility with a variety of health, wellbeing and healing elements, along with the freedom to relax and indulge to suit each guest’s personal preferences and time, complemented by Anantara Spa’s award-winning expertise.Inviting guests to put themselves on a path of wellness whilst being a world away from home, Anantara Resorts in the Maldives promote health and holistic wellbeing with a collection of resort events and activities. Under the Healthy New You 2016 resolution, Balance by Anantara enables you to start the year with a wellness boost that transforms into long-term lifestyle changes. Throughout the year, guests will be able to book private consultations and treatments with visiting practitioners, take healthy cooking classes and incorporate juicing into their diet, as well as leaving no excuse for idleness with Anantara’s complimentary gym kit service.Go back to the e-newsletter
Go back to the e-newsletterHualapai River Runners and Grand Canyon West, subsidiaries of the Grand Canyon Resort Corporation, have unveiled a unique new tourism experience for 2016: A guided two-day weekend tour of the Grand Canyon’s West Rim. The new tour lets adventurers whitewater raft the Colorado River, camp out overnight in Spencer Canyon and take a helicopter tour above the West Rim.“This is the only two-day rafting trip in the Grand Canyon. It’s unique and it lets people experience the treasure of the Grand Canyon,” said Earlene Havatone, the General Manager for Hualapai River Runners. “This trip is also compact, with all the experiences of the longer trips but the convenience of two days.”Located just two hours from Las Vegas and four hours from Phoenix, Grand Canyon West offers visitors a variety of outdoor and cultural experiences, including the Skywalk, Colorado River raft tours helmed by Hualapai River Runners certified guides, helicopter tours, and horseback riding. Lodging opportunities include the Hualapai Lodge, located on historic Route 66. Grand Canyon West also offers the Hualapai Ranch, with its rustic, western-themed cabins overlooking the Canyon Rim. All the Grand Canyon West tourism experiences pay homage to the culture and history of the Hualapai Tribe, which owns and operates the Grand Canyon Resort Corporation for the benefit of tribal members and the surrounding economy.Go back to the e-newsletter
Go back to the e-newsletterNew Zealand Prime Minister, The Right Honourable John Key, officially opened the new Sofitel Wellington hotel last night – the first luxury hotel to open in the capital in over 15 years.Mr Key joined local owners and developers C.P. Group; Chief Operating Officer AccorHotels Pacific, Simon McGrath; AccorHotels Senior Vice President New Zealand, Fiji and French Polynesia, Chris Sedgwick and over 70 invited guests from the travel and tourism industry to mark the occasion.In a toast to Sofitel’s French heritage, the hotel was officially opened by a ceremonial ‘Sabrage’ ritual whereby a bottle of champagne was opened with a single, elegant swipe of a sabre – a tradition made famous by Napoleon and his Hussars following the French Revolution.Mr McGrath said: “Sofitel Wellington is a strategic addition to our New Zealand hotel network and will play a key role in further elevating Wellington’s international profile and attractiveness as a key leisure and business destination.“We are confident that Sofitel’s strong branding in the luxury market will appeal and cater to a range of domestic and international travellers seeking personalised and high-end hospitality in the capital. It’s been over a decade since a hotel of this quality and status has opened in Wellington and we are delighted that the Prime Minister could lend his time to officially launch the hotel.”The $51 million-dollar Sofitel Wellington is set to become the capital’s must-stay destination for business and leisure nestled between Wellington’s iconic landmarks ‘The Beehive’ and the Botanical Gardens.Sofitel Wellington boasts 129 rooms and suites in botanical-inspired décor featuring vintage gold and bronze tones with rain showers, complimentary Wi-Fi for multiple devices and Smart TVs with Bluetooth. The hotel also houses The Green Room lounge and bar, Jardin Grill restaurant, al fresco courtyard with fire pit, a So Fit gymnasium and state-of-the-art technology across three meeting and event venues.Sofitel Wellington is the third Sofitel hotel in New Zealand, joining its award-winning sister hotels Sofitel Auckland Viaduct Harbour and Sofitel Queenstown Hotel & Spa.Go back to the e-newsletter
The Frames is a new experience in ultra-luxury accommodation on Australia’s River Murray. Offering three opulent and private residences – Montage, Collage and Pastiche – each is tailored to help couples rejuvenate and relax – and quite possibly fall in love all over again.Each residence is spacious, open, offers total privacy both inside and outdoors, and has its own unique style and outlook. Montage and Pastiche are designed for one couple, while Collage can accommodate two. Villas also include:A king-size bed with electric function and massage optionJacuzzi, infra-red sauna and heated poolSmart TVs in lounge room and bedroom; free Wi-FiOne-touch gas log fire and electric blindsNespresso coffee machineKitchen with appliancesSignature ‘Frames’ deck with outdoor kitchen, barbecue and bar fridgeDouble-headed rain shower with spa jetsOriginal artwork by Garry Duncan, specially commissioned for each retreatIn-ground parkingThe ‘frames’ refer to signature decks which shape the guest’s view of the famous Murray River. Maverick architect Paul Pruszinki designed this property at the river crossing of Paringa in South Australia.Fridges are stocked with beers and wines, a welcome platter of delicious goodies and provisions for a daily gourmet breakfast. You can also have the six-star kitchen provisioned with locally produced food that has made the Riverland so famous.At sunset, guests are invited to take The Frames Gondola for a closer look a the wildlife, backwaters and the nearby River Port of Renmark – Australian sparkling wine provided. The gondola itself is a 1890’s restored boat. Riding back to the accommodation at night, when everything the lights of The Frames are shining underneath the starry sky, is an experience to remember.Located just a comfortable three-hour drive from Adelaide or a 90-minute drive from Mildura, The Frames also offers transfers from Adelaide and Mildura airports, taking scenic routes and making stops along the way.Story behind The FramesThe Frames is the creation of Rick and Cathy Edmonds, owners of the Riverland citrus farm, a grape growing business and portfolio of award-winning visitor accommodation in South Australia, Victoria and New South Wales.“We’re incredibly busy running our different operations,” says Cathy, “so when we seek out an escape, we’re looking for somewhere that offers absolute luxury so we can totally recharge and reconnect.”“We’ve experienced some beautiful places around Australia but we’ve never quite found what we really want. So, in the end there was only one option – to build it for ourselves!”“The Frames is a place to leave the world behind and disappear into a truly gorgeous setting. It’s the chance to get together and celebrate the best things in life.”
Go back to the enewsletter Go back to the enewsletter For the Thai capital, Bangkok, it was the 10th consecutive year of being voted onto ‘The Top 10 Cities in Asia’ list and as such it was honoured with a place in the WBA Hall of Fame.Ko Lanta earned itself 9th place in ‘The 15 Best Islands in the World’ and 5th place in ‘The Top 10 Islands in Asia’ followed by Koh Samui in 8th place.In ‘The Top 100 Hotels in the World’, 14th place went to Six Senses Yao Noi, 47th place went to Anantara Hua Hin Resort, Anantara Golden Triangle Elephant Camp & Resort was placed 52nd and Six Senses Samui was placed 71st.Lebua at State Tower also featured on the list of ‘The 10 Best City Hotels in Asia’, where it was voted into 5th spot.In ‘The Top 15 Resort Hotels in Asia’, Six Senses Yao Noi was named in 4th place, Anantara Hua Hin Resort in 9th place and Anantara Golden Triangle Elephant Camp & Resort in 11th place.The World’s Best Awards are based on an annual readers’ survey, in which Travel + Leisure readers vote in airline, airport, destination, hotel, cruise and other categories. Want to be in the luxury travel know? Subscribe to our free eNewsletter here to keep up to date with everything in the luxury travel industry. Six Senses Yao Noi Four Season Resort Chiang Mai The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) has announced impressive performances across the country’s destinations, hotels and resorts in Travel + Leisure magazine’s The World’s Best Awards 2019, with numerous spots on multiple Top 10 and Top 15 lists.Most notable was Thailand’s domination of the ‘Top 15 Southeast Asia Resort Hotels’ category, with 10 places going to Thai properties. These were Six Senses Yao Noi in Phang Nga Bay ranked 2nd, Anantara Hua Hin Resort in 3rd place, Chiang Rai’s Anantara Golden Triangle Elephant Camp & Resort ranked 4th, Six Senses Samui as 5th, Four Seasons Resort Chiang Mai in 8th place, Anantara Chiang Mai Resort as 9th, Four Seasons Resort Koh Samui ranked 10th, Anantara Mai Khao Phuket Villas in 13th place, Anantara Phuket Layan Resort & Spa as 14th and JW Marriott Phuket Resort & Spa ranked 15th.In ‘The Top 15 Cities in the World’ category, Chiang Mai was named in 3rd place and Bangkok in 15th, while in ‘The Top 10 Cities in Asia’ Chiang Mai took 2nd place and Bangkok 7th.
Cheap, fun and social – hostels are amazing places to stay while you travel. They are a great way to meet fellow travellers and explore the world at a low cost and these days hostels are more and more determined to receive your approval via online reviews by providing great services and amenities. However, some places still may not live up to expectations and there will always be little irritations that arise from communal living. So, from bad roommates to mouldy showers we reveal the most common hostel horrors and how to handle them!1. The unexpected locationSo you arrive at your destination, feeling happy that you’ve got a bed pre-booked in a hostel with good reviews at a budget price. But wait – how many tube stops away from the train station is it? Where on the map is that street? Let’s face it, a hostel that isn’t slap bang in the centre of town might exaggerate a little about its proximity to the biggest attractions. It’s something we all fall foul to at some point in our travels. It can put a bit of a damper on the start of a trip, knowing that you will be sacrificing time and money to visit the main attractions. Top tips: There isn’t really anything you can do about it (unless you want to lose your deposit and search for a new hostel). The best thing you can do is see the positives. You may have ended up further off the beaten track than you were hoping for, but it means you can see a side to a city that no one else will. Try out the local cafes or bars, mingle with the locals and get some authentic (and usually much cheaper) food from the surrounding restaurants. RelatedThe ‘luxury hostel’ revolution: are hostels the new hotels?We speak to the author of new e-book Luxury Hostels of Europe, Kash Bhattacharya about the hostel revolution.How to survive a flight with the hangover from hellDealing with a hangover is never fun, but adding a long flight into the mix is a recipe for disaster. Our prescription? Skyscanner’s ultimate guide to surviving a flight the morning after the night before…10 best backpacking tips and tricksTen essential backpacking tips; from how to pack, to how to save cash on the road. 2. The too small/ overcrowded dorm roomYou check in and get shown to your eight-bed dorm-room only to discover that the eight beds have been crammed into a shoebox of a room. You knew you were having to share space but you weren’t expecting to be THAT close to a stranger within five minutes of meeting. Top tips: Turn your bed into a blanket fort. It’s horribly claustrophobic but a welcome alternative to constantly bumping shoulders with people. Use your pillows and rucksack to make walls and hang up clothes over your bed for privacy. If anything, a shambolic room is a good excuse to get out and about as much as possible.3. The noisy roommatesAren’t they the worst? The people who seem to have no concept of manners, let alone noise levels. They pick inappropriate times of day to stomp around, having loud discussions and treat the room like it’s their own. Top tips: Earplugs or music. The two items that will get you through many an aggravating situation. It’s a heck of a lot easier than getting into an argument with someone. They also work a treat if you end up in a party hostel or a room that looks out onto a main street in the centre of town. 4. Friendly roommates (bear with us on this one)As nice as people you are sharing with may seem, you have to remember that they are still strangers. As nice as it is to believe in a sort of traveller’s code of conduct while backpacking, it can be easy to fall into a false sense of security and put your trust in people you know nothing about. Top tips: Always use lockers when they are available and keep a padlock on you as many hostels don’t provide them. Try to avoid taking valuables with you but if there isn’t a secure place to store important items then carry them with you rather than leaving them under your pillow! No matter how cosy a situation may feel, always keep your wits about you and exercise extra caution when staying in shared rooms. A little bit of paranoia is better than a stolen laptop. 5. The food thiefThose lovely cherries you bought at the market, labelled in the fridge one minute, in another traveller’s backpack the next. Beware the communal fridge thief!Top tips: Sometimes taking someone else’s food can be a genuine mistake – so if you have to store food in a shared kitchen, label it as clearly as possible and store it at the back of the fridge/cupboard. However if you want to make sure you are never left foodless, buy food and cook/eat it as you go. 6. The filthy bathroomThe inexperienced backpacker’s nightmare, an inevitability for the seasoned traveller. Even in the most looked after hostels, you never know what mess another backpacker has made before you. And in some hostels it is simply just bad housekeeping. Top tips: Have a soap bag with some essentials – flip flops, wet wipes, hand sanitizer and a foot towel. This may not seem like much but can make the experience of a mouldy shower a (tad) more bearable. 7. The constant farewellsYou meet a fellow traveller, you hit it off and then you have to say adios. It’s a sad reality of being constantly on the go.Top tips: We live in the 21st century. Keeping in touch is easier than ever before and although you may not be pen pals for life, having some point of contact with someone you meet means you’ll have a local tour guide if you ever decide to visit the country they are from. These chance encounters with fellow adventurers make all the irritations of being in a hostel incredibly worthwhile! More: Holiday helpline: 10 common travel problems and how to deal with them5 places you’ve got to go to before you’re 25Looking for hostels? Check out Skyscanner Hotels for some great deals!ReturnOne wayMulti-cityFromAdd nearby airports ToAdd nearby airportsDepart14/08/2019Return21/08/2019Cabin Class & Travellers1 adult, EconomyDirect flights onlySearch flights Map
6. Camel EstuarySpringing from Bodmin Moor and flowing out to the Celtic Sea, the River Camel stretches for about 30 miles. On the banks of the estuary lies the famous fishing port of Padstow, and on its west side acheologists have uncovered evidence that people have lived on this little patch of England since the Bronze Age. Just as famous for Rick Stein’s flagship Seafood Restaurant, you can also get a posh takeaway for under a tenner at Stein’s Fish and Chips in Padstow, best enjoyed out in the fresh breeze by the harbour. Image: Reading Tom, CC BY 2.0.4. PorthcurnoSet in a small valley that slides towards a beautiful white beach – one that wouldn’t look out of place in the South Pacific – Porthcurno is two and a half miles from Land’s End. This pocket-sized point played a big part in World War Two; it’s submarine communications cable station was a major hub, used to pass on important intelligence. Tunnels were built to protect the cable station from attack, and today you can visit them to see the exhibits on display in the Porthcurno Telegraph Museum. At £8.50 for adults and £5 for children, it’s a good bet should you be looking for things to do when the Great British summer starts. RelatedFive of the UK’s most scenic train journeysLife is a journey, not a destination. Perhaps that’s why trains evoke the magic of travel better than any other mode of getting from A to B. And then there’s the views. The 9.23 from Crewe might not have the glamour of the Orient Express, but the scenery out of…Where to see the Northern Lights in the UK in 2016-17If seeing the Northern Lights is at the top of your bucket list, you might be surprised to learn that with a little luck, it’s possible to see them here in the UK. Find out where and when to see the mighty Aurora Borealis without leaving home, plus get tips…20 of the best beaches in Europe that the locals don’t want you to know aboutPlanning a beach holiday and looking for a quiet spot where you won’t have to battle for an umbrella? Beat the miserable British summer by planning your escape to one of these secret beaches across Europe that you’ve probably never heard of… 1. Botallack MineA former tin mining area between St. Just in Penwith and Pendeen village, these abandoned mines hark back to the county’s industrial past and are now even more of a star Cornwall attraction, since featuring in 2015’s TV hit [Poldark] as the setting for the hero’s home, Nampara. Even better, it doesn’t cost a penny to take a 1.6km stroll through the Cornish Mining World Heritage Site to see the stone engine houses crumbling precariously near the surf, or explore Bottallack Count House, where the workers and mine captains once lived. 2. St. LoyHead to the south west coast, and the valleys and boulder strewn sands of St. Loy, for a Cornwall beach holiday to top all others. The best way to see what the gorgeous Cornish coves here have to offer is by taking a hike. Follow the 9km section of the South West Coast Path starting and finishing near the Lamorna Cove Hotel through pretty woodlands, passing historical monuments and enjoying panoramic views from Logan Rock headland over Lizard Point, the UK’s most southerly tip. 12. MarazionOn the theme of arts and crafts, Marazion is arguably Cornwall’s creative centre, with plenty of resident artists who make and sell their works in the town’s galleries. It might have something to do with the dramatic sight of St. Michael’s Mount rising out of the sea half-a-mile offshore. Make the journey to the National Trust island on foot at low tide, or jump on a short boat ride to visit the castle, which has been the St. Aubyn family home since around 1650. Check the website for the most up-to-date tide times. Search car hire deals in our app ReturnOne wayMulti-cityFromAdd nearby airports ToAdd nearby airportsDepart14/08/2019Return21/08/2019Cabin Class & Travellers1 adult, EconomyDirect flights onlySearch flights Map Image: Tim Green, CC BY 2.03. Cawsand and KingsandThese two super-cute villages on the Rame Peninsula were once favourite spots for smugglers. Though only around 45 minutes drive from Plymouth, they’re often referred to as ‘the forgotten corner of Cornwall’ so if you’re looking for places off the beaten coastal path, these might be your bag. You’ll also find plenty of fishermen here who supply local restaurants with the freshest daily catch. The gastronomic delights of France meet the Cornish coast at The Devonport Inn in Kingsand, which serves classic dishes using only fresh locally sourced produce like Rame crab (£7.50, starter) and Looe scallops (£15, main). For more chocolate box villages, check out your reader’s tips on more delightful villages around the UK. 9. FoweyIt’s a right royal affair in Fowey, home to the Royal Regatta for one week every August. But this popular event isn’t just about spruced up sailboats. Watch the Red Arrows put on a spectacular show right above your head in the harbour, join the party during the carnival parade or enjoy the fireworks display. Fower Harbour is as pretty as a picture whenever you visit, and it’s worth the 15 minute walk up to St. Catherine’s Castle from Readymoney Cove for windswept views of the estuary from the battlements. Discover more of our favourite ruins in this guide to the finest castles in the UK. Image: sage_solar, CC BY 2.0.8. Lands EndIt’s the final destination, or first port of call depending on your direction, on the UK’s longest road trip from John O’Groats to Land’s End – over 1,407km from start to finish. Affectionately known as The First and Last, Land’s End has enough natural beauty to postpone your epic journey for at least a few days. Walk along the clifftops to Sennen Cove for blooming carpets of heather and sea campion in the summer, stunning views across Britain’s most southwesterly point and prime bird-watching – look out for gannets, fulmars, shags and razorbills to name a few. Sunset walks can be finished up with a meal at the Land’s End Hotel next to the viewpoint. Try a steaming bowl of Cornish mussels from the bar menu to sample the best of the local waters. Search flight deals to Cornwall in our app Image: Loz Pycock, CC BY-SA 2.0.14. NewquayConsidered the surf capital of the UK, Newquay attracts plenty of people looking to hang ten, or just hang out on one of the pretty patches of sand that dot the Cornish coast. Crantock Beach is just outside the city centre and a perfect place to get some sea air if you’re flying in and out of town on a tight schedule. Great Western Beach is popular with families and has plenty of cafés for a quick ice cream cone, while the Headland Hotel overlooking Fistral Beach is certainly the most stylish place to stay; its red brick Victorian frontage can be spied for miles around. Whether you’re a surfer or a sunbather, we’ve got more beautiful beaches around the UK to share. Image: Darren Shilson, CC BY 2.0.11. St. IvesHave a jolly holiday in the quintessential British seaside town of St. Ives. From striped deck chairs lined up on Porthminster Beach, to traditional tearooms like Olive’s Cafe serving up delicious Cornish cream teas, St. Ives is a great place to come for some good old fashioned family fun. Culture fans can also add a dash of art to their holiday at Tate St. Ives: the little town with the big views has inspired a host of modernist painters and sculptors, including Barbara Hepworth and you can visit an entire gallery dedicated to her work here. Who needs London? If you’re more about art collections than cocktails on holiday, take a look at our top 5 cultural destinations. 13. Bedruthan StepsBetween Padstow and Newquay lies the Bedruthan Steps, stone stacks which have been separated from the mainland by sea erosion over hundreds of years; legend has it that a giant named Bedruthan used them as stepping stones to make a short cut across the bay. The south west coast path passes through these parts as well – take the short hour and a half walk from Carnewas car park and stop off at the handy Carnewas Tearoom on your return for the best angle on the Steps (over a big slice of cake, of course). Image: Jim Champion, CC BY 2.0.5. Wheal Coates, St. AgnesThis former tin mine still stands proud atop the cliffs between Porthtowan and St. Agnes on Cornwall’s north coast, protected by the National Trust as a site of historical significance. The surviving building dates from the 1870s and is rumoured to be haunted by the ghosts of the old mine workers. You can venture inside the mine shaft at low tide via a cave on Chapel Porth Beach, just one of the many beautiful beaches around St. Agnes. Stay in the centre at St. Agnes Hotel for easy bus connections to Truro, or opt for one of the romantic self-catering cottages strewn near beaches like Trevaunance, if you’ve got your own wheels. Image: Reading Tom, CC BY 2.0.10. Trevose HeadAnother of the many Cornwall place names beginning with ‘Tre’ (meaning ‘homestead’), you can take in amazing panoramic views all the way up the north coast of Cornwall and in to neighbouring county Devon from Trevose Head. Staring out to sea between Newquay and Padstow, Trevose Head Lighthouse has been safely guiding seafarers to shore since 1847 and remains a working lighthouse whose beams you can see up to 37km away. You can even stay in the former keeper’s cottages there, for early morning access to beautiful Constantine Bay a few miles down the coast. Image: Ed Webster, CC BY 2.0.7. Rough TorA tor is a rocky outcrop that juts out from the top of a hill, very characteristic of this south-western part of England. Rough Tor is stacked with enigmatic stone formations and is one of Cornwall’s twin peaks, sitting not far from the highest point in the county, Brown Willy. An 8km walk from the car park at Poldue Downs encompasses both sites and allows you to lose yourself in the epic horizons of the north Cornish moorlands, dotted with neolithic monuments and Bronze Age stone circles. Avoid getting lost by always checking the weather for mist warnings before heading out. Ramble over Britain’s best countryside with this rundown of the best hiking routes around the UK. Image: Jim Baldwin, CC BY-SA 2.0.Read more about places to visit in beautiful Britain:10 UK destinations to spark the imaginationYou’ll be spellbound by these pictures of Britain’s most mystical spots.The UK’s prettiest gardens to visit this springIt’s time to pack away the winter warmers and celebrate the start of (hopefully) some sunnier weather.10 beautiful coastal spots in Wales – in picturesMany of Britain’s most beautiful beaches are showcased along the stunning Welsh shoreline, and we’ve got the pictures to prove it!Alternative places to party in the UKNew Year’s Eve always the same old anti-climax? Not this year. Arm yourself with our guide to the best alternative places to see in the new year.Skyscanner is the world’s travel search engine, helping your money go further on flights, hotels and car hire. 15. PolzeathAnother great spot to catch some waves, Polzeath is a coastal town near Wadebridge with plenty of other charms as well as surfing. Tracks and trails made for keen cyclists wend their way through the countryside, like the 17 mile Camel Trail along a disused railway line from Bodmin all the way to Padstow (start in Wadebridge for a shorter section in either direction). For something less strenuous, walk the coastal path from family favourite Greenaway Beach to Daymer Bay, where the waves are smaller, making it ideal for swimmers and windsurfers. Check out more great cycling routes around Europe with our best bike rides. ReturnOne wayMulti-cityFromAdd nearby airports ToAdd nearby airportsDepartReturnCabin Class & Travellers1 adult, EconomyDirect flights onlySearch flights Map