latest on the blog

8 TRIPS YOU SHOULD TAKE IN YOUR TWENTIES.

Thursday, 30 October 2025

When I look back on my 20s, I can proudly say that I did a good job with exploring the world as much as I could. I did a semester in Orlando Florida, worked as an au pair in Australia, worked in London for a year and even travelled to India for 3 weeks with 29 other travel writers. That being said, now that I’m in my 30s there are certain trips (or ways of travelling) that I wouldn’t do again. Even though I wouldn’t sleep in a hostel or take a 8 hour overnight coach, I’m still glad I experienced it at the time as it made for some good stories! If you’re here looking for some inspiration for your next holiday, here are 8 types of trips you should experience in your 20s.

I also want to say that even though these trips are all suggested for your 20s, they are types of trips you should keep up even in your 30s and 40s.


1. A Solo Trip


As daunting as it might seem, going somewhere on your own can feel quite liberating. Not only can you explore a place on your own schedule and don’t have to make compromises, but the planning process will be a lot smoother as you won’t be waiting on payments from friends/family or have to miss out on activities you want to do. If you’ve never travelled solo before, I recommend starting small and flying somewhere like Rome or Madrid and see how you get on.

2. Cruise


You’re probably thinking, isn’t this a trip I should save for when I’m retired or have kids? I thought the same, having only been on one cruise when I was 16. Then a couple of years ago I went on one with my family and found it such a fun experience as an adult. The cocktails are great, there’s adults-only game shows on and lots of entertainment on during the night and day. More so, Virgin Voyages offer adults-only cruises and are also tailored to young adults. They host a lot of themed parties and also give you access to all of their restaurants in your cruise fare. A great choice if you’re a foodie! If you're not sure which cruise is for you, check out my beginners guide to picking a cruise line


3. Girls trip


This is one that most of you might have already crossed off your list, but if you have friends who also enjoy seeing the world, make it a point to plan things together. When people get in relationships the default for many is to take every trip with their significant other, but it’s important to still keep up those trips with your friends! The memories you make will last a lifetime, and you’ll find yourself laughing at things that happened on your trip 10 years later. Having said that, getting the trip to leave the group chat is sometimes the hardest part!

4. Family trip


As we get older a lot of us tend to prefer travelling with our partner or friends, but try not to forget about your family either. As an example, every year my mum, sister and I make a point to take a long weekend trip somewhere. Usually to explore one of Europe’s Christmas markets. If you no longer live with your parents or don’t see your siblings very often, this can be a great way to reconnect and make memories together.

5. Backpacking


Now with this, you can go as hardcore as you want with it. Some people choose to interrail through Europe with a 60L backpack and book their hostels along the way, but I was way too Type A for that and always planned my itineraries and booked things in advance. The great thing about staying in hostels in your 20s, is that they’re a great way to meet people and they usually host tons of events. Bar crawls, pool parties and also excursions. If sharing a room with strangers isn’t for you, don’t fret as many hostels offer private rooms too.

6. Volunteering


If you want to do something rewarding whilst also exploring a new country, there are plenty of opportunities you can find online for volunteering abroad. Often referred to as a homestay, you can live with a local family and won’t have to pay for food and lodging in exchange for some volunteer work. This could be anything from helping at a school in Cambodia, teaching English in Vietnam or helping at an eco farm in Colombia. A popular site to find opportunities like this is Workaway.

7. Study abroad


If you’re currently enrolled in university, then definitely try and find out if your university offers a student exchange programme. When I studied at Bournemouth University, there was an opportunity to do a semester abroad at the University of Central Florida and I enjoyed every minute of it. I made such great friends and it was also interesting to get a taste of how different ‘college’ life was there. What’s best is that there usually aren’t any extra fees to pay, as you will pay your university tuition fee back home as normal.

8. Living abroad


If you can afford to and don’t have any baggage stopping you, I highly recommend living abroad even if it’s just for 3-6 months. Not only will you grow as a person and expose yourself to different ways of living and thinking, but you’ll get a big sense of freedom. We are such a small community in Gibraltar which is great but also there is a bigger world to see out there. I did a working-holiday year in Australia and I loved it, had it not been for Covid and the visa length I
could have easily stayed a couple more years. That being said, coming back to Gibraltar I realised that in comparison to all these countries, we have it easy here and a good work/life balance. We sometimes take it for granted how easy it is to grab a drink with a friend after work, or how we can get to a beach in 20 minutes.

I hope this article has inspired you to travel more, whatever your age is! 


If you're looking to book your next trip, take a look all the hotels booking.com has on offer with free cancellation, so you can lock in ahead of time. Note I will receive a small commission if you use my booking.com affiliate link, at no extra cost to you! 

GUEST POST - HOW GOVERNMENT STAFFING SERVICES SIMPLIFY THE HIRING PROCESS FOR FEDERAL AGENCIES

Thursday, 16 October 2025

 Hiring in the public sector can feel like navigating a maze.

Government Staffing Services offer a shortcut, helping federal agencies find top talent quickly and compliantly.


Photo Source


For years, I worked as a project lead on a federal contract that required rapid staffing of healthcare professionals across multiple states.
Each time a new need arose, the red tape would slow us down until we tapped into specialized staffing support.
That move alone shaved weeks off our onboarding process.

Let’s break down how these services streamline hiring, reduce costs, and take the pressure off internal HR teams.

What Are Government Staffing Services, Exactly?

Think of them as matchmakers—but for federal agencies and vetted professionals.

They handle everything from sourcing candidates and screening credentials to managing compliance with federal hiring protocols.
Unlike private-sector hiring, the government must follow strict rules under guidelines like the FAR (Federal Acquisition Regulation) and EEOC.
Staffing partners know how to work within these frameworks without slowing down the process.

Instead of juggling job boards, background checks, and union requirements internally, agencies can hand those tasks off.
This frees up bandwidth and ensures the hires are not only fast but fully qualified and cleared.

Government Staffing services also bridge the gap when there are budget constraints or temporary hiring freezes.
For example, during a past contract in the Department of Veterans Affairs, our internal HR team was under a hiring freeze.
We still needed urgent clinical staff—licensed therapists, nurses, and social workers.
The solution came through temporary-to-permanent placements handled entirely by a staffing partner.
They were onboarded within days, not weeks.

The Secret Sauce: Speed + Compliance

If you've ever tried to bring someone into a government role, you know the paperwork alone can delay things by months.

Staffing partners come prepped with systems in place:
They handle drug screenings, e-Verify, security clearances, and labor law compliance.
One federal health project I was involved with needed 35 caseworkers in under 20 days.
We hit that goal without compromising one ounce of regulatory integrity.

These partners already have candidate pipelines filled with professionals who’ve been background-checked and cleared for federal work.
That means no scrambling for certifications at the last minute.
No disqualifications after weeks of interviews.

Real People, Real Outcomes

I remember one placement vividly: a data analyst we urgently needed for a national census project.
The role had been open for 3 months.
We tried internal postings, online platforms, and even tapping into LinkedIn.

When we looped in a staffing provider, we had a candidate in 72 hours.
Fully vetted, experienced in public sector systems, and ready to go.
That person ended up building the reporting infrastructure that fed data to Congress.
No exaggeration—the right hire made everything possible.

Temporary, Permanent, and Project-Based Solutions

Not every government need is long-term.
Staffing services understand this and offer flexible placement options:

Temporary or Contract Roles

Perfect for seasonal demands or project surges.
For example, disaster response teams often rely on short-term staffing to boost their workforce after a crisis.

Temp-to-Perm

This model is a win-win.
The agency can evaluate performance before making a long-term commitment.
The employee gets a chance to learn the ropes without being locked into a position they don’t enjoy.

Direct Hire

Sometimes agencies need someone permanent, but can’t afford a long, drawn-out recruitment process.
Staffing partners handle everything from sourcing to salary negotiation, often presenting a shortlist of final candidates within days.

Solving Challenges Unique to Federal Hiring

Government agencies face hurdles that private companies simply don’t.
Things like security clearance, equal opportunity compliance, union regulations, and Schedule A hiring.
It’s not just about finding someone who’s qualified—it’s about finding someone who fits within the system.

A trusted staffing partner already knows how to play by these rules.
That saves everyone time, money, and frustration.

I recall a case where a partner flagged a candidate’s clearance delay before onboarding.
Without their due diligence, we’d have wasted weeks.
Instead, they swapped in another qualified candidate with an active clearance, and the project stayed on track.

The Cost-Effective Advantage

Some believe that using staffing services costs more, but that’s a myth.

Factor in the hours HR teams spend posting jobs, vetting resumes, scheduling interviews, and checking references.
Now add in the risk of a bad hire or compliance penalties.

With staffing services, you pay for results.
No overhead. No sunk costs on failed recruitments.
Just qualified, ready-to-work talent that fits the mission.

Final Thoughts: Why Government Staffing Is a Smart Move

Whether you’re trying to fill a niche role in cyber defense or need a dozen clerks for a year-end tax project, staffing services deliver.

They eliminate guesswork.
They reduce red tape.
They put the right people in the right roles—fast.

In my own experience across multiple federal contracts, partnering with staffing experts saved our teams from burnout and helped deliver results on time, every time.

That’s not just efficient.
That’s mission-critical.

GUEST POST - HOW HOSPICE AGENCIES IN LOS ANGELES SUPPORT CAREGIVERS AND FAMILIES.

Navigating the final stages of life is never easy — but hospice agencies in Los Angeles are making that journey more compassionate for families and caregivers alike.


These agencies provide not just medical support, but emotional strength, spiritual guidance, and genuine companionship when families need it most.
If you've ever found yourself caring for a loved one with a terminal illness, you know just how overwhelming it can be.

A Daughter’s Story: When Home Isn’t Enough

My aunt, Mira, lived with late-stage ovarian cancer.
In the beginning, our family believed we could handle everything at home — pain management, bathing, feeding, even her medications.
But we quickly realized how emotionally and physically draining it was becoming.
I remember watching my mom cry silently after lifting Mira from the bed for the fifth time that day.
That’s when we knew we needed help — not just for Mira, but for ourselves.

The Role of Hospice in Family-Centered Care

That’s the thing about hospice: it doesn’t just treat the patient — it treats the whole family.
Caregivers are often burned out, juggling jobs, emotions, and the fear of losing someone they love.
Hospice steps in with a team approach: nurses, social workers, chaplains, counselors, and volunteers.
They offer regular visits, round-the-clock phone support, and even grief counseling.

You can explore more about hospice agencies in Los Angeles and how they bring this wraparound care model to families across the city.

Medical Help That Feels Personal

Many assume hospice care is cold, clinical, or impersonal — but that couldn’t be further from the truth.
When Mira entered hospice care, her nurse didn’t just check vitals and adjust medications.
She brought music, warm blankets, and a gentle sense of humor that lit up the room.
They don’t focus on curing the disease — they focus on comfort, dignity, and quality of life.
Pain management, symptom control, and emotional peace are prioritized over aggressive treatments.

Empowering Caregivers Through Education

One of the most underrated benefits of hospice services is how they educate caregivers.
When Mira would twitch or moan, we used to panic.
But after a hospice nurse explained the natural signs of the body slowing down, it helped us remain calm and present.
We learned how to reposition her without causing pain.
We understood when it was okay to say “no” to extra interventions.
That knowledge made us better caregivers — and gave Mira a peaceful goodbye.

Support Systems for Grief and Beyond

Even after a loved one passes, hospice doesn’t just walk away.
Bereavement programs continue for 13 months or more.
You get phone calls, group sessions, and even letters that help you process your emotions at your own pace.
When Mira passed, my mom received a handwritten card from the hospice team — with specific memories they shared about her.
It felt personal, real, and healing.

Why Los Angeles Families Are Turning to Hospice

Los Angeles is a city of diversity — culturally, spiritually, and medically.
That’s why local hospice providers adapt to different traditions and preferences.
Whether it’s preparing vegetarian meals, offering multilingual support, or honoring religious customs during end-of-life rites — they show up for families in ways that feel authentic.

In a city known for its hustle, hospice offers a pocket of peace.
It’s not just about dying; it’s about how someone lives in their final days.
The services offered here go beyond what insurance policies outline — it’s the human touch that makes all the difference.

Real-Life Relief in Real Time

Let’s be real: not every family has the luxury to stop working and care for a loved one 24/7.
That’s where hospice provides a critical safety net.
My cousin Neha couldn’t take more time off work, but hospice ensured someone was there during the day to assist her father.
From helping him bathe to coordinating with doctors — everything was handled without her having to leave her job.
This gave her peace of mind, knowing she wasn’t choosing between work and family.

The Emotional Payoff

There’s a deep kind of peace in knowing your loved one is not in pain.
There’s closure in knowing you did all you could — and that professionals were by your side.
Hospice brings that peace.
For many, it also restores a sense of control during what feels like the most uncontrollable moment in life.
You’re not just letting go — you’re guiding your loved one through a beautiful, meaningful goodbye.

Is It Time to Consider Hospice?

Here’s a truth that’s hard to say out loud: sometimes, continuing treatment can do more harm than good.
When doctors say there’s “nothing more they can do,” hospice says, “There’s still a lot we can do.”
If your loved one is struggling with a life-limiting illness, frequent hospitalizations, or uncontrolled pain, it may be time to talk about comfort care.
Choosing hospice doesn’t mean giving up — it means shifting your focus from quantity to quality.

Wrapping Up With Heart

In a city as big and fast-paced as Los Angeles, it’s comforting to know there are people who slow down and show up when it matters most.
Hospice teams are made of real people with real compassion.
They become extended family — the kind that brings relief, clarity, and the space to breathe during the toughest days.
Whether you’re planning ahead or navigating the final chapter of someone’s life, hospice is not a last resort.
It’s a lifeline.

GUEST POST - WHAT MAKES MCCOMB ORTHODONTICS THE TRUSTED CHOICE FOR BRACES FOR ADULT CULVER CITY

 

Why Adults Are Choosing Braces Today

Braces for adults in Culver City have become more than just a cosmetic choice.
They’re part of a bigger movement where adults finally feel empowered to invest in their smiles.
I remember a close friend who postponed orthodontic care in her teens because her family couldn’t afford it.
By the time she hit her thirties, she decided it was finally her turn.
The transformation in her confidence after treatment was nothing short of life-changing.

Adults today are not only correcting alignment for appearance but also addressing real health concerns.
Issues like jaw pain, difficulty chewing, or even gum problems often trace back to misaligned teeth.
That’s why choosing treatment as an adult isn’t just about vanity—it’s about well-being.

If you’re considering your own options, here’s a detailed guide to what makes orthodontic care in Culver City especially unique.
You can also explore more about foods to avoid while wearing braces for adult Culver City.

The Stigma Around Adult Braces Is Gone

Not long ago, braces were considered something “only kids” went through.
Many adults felt embarrassed at the thought of walking into work with brackets and wires.
But times have changed.

Celebrities, entrepreneurs, and professionals across industries have openly embraced their orthodontic journeys.
Social media has only fueled this acceptance—sharing progress updates, posting side-by-sides, and normalizing the process.
Now, instead of being self-conscious, many adults feel proud to be prioritizing their dental health.

And with modern treatment options being far more discreet, people hardly notice anymore.
Clear braces and aligners blend into your smile, making the process much less intimidating.

Real-Life Stories From Adults in Culver City

When I first spoke to a Culver City resident named Mark, he admitted that getting braces in his late forties felt daunting.
He worried about sitting in board meetings with braces on.
But after six months, his perspective shifted completely.
He told me he felt more confident speaking in public because he knew he was actively working on his smile.

Another story came from Julia, a mom of three, who finally put herself on the priority list after years of focusing on her kids.
She said braces didn’t just straighten her teeth—they gave her a sense of self she hadn’t felt in years.

These stories aren’t rare.
Adults here are discovering that orthodontic treatment isn’t an inconvenience but an investment in their future selves.

The Health Benefits That Go Beyond Aesthetics

Straight teeth aren’t only about looks.
They play a vital role in oral health and overall wellness.

Crowded teeth can create tiny spaces that are hard to clean, leading to plaque buildup and gum disease.
Misalignment often causes uneven wear, making teeth more prone to chipping or breaking.
Even headaches and jaw pain can stem from untreated orthodontic issues.

Adults who take action now avoid more invasive treatments later in life.
Think of braces not just as a cosmetic fix but as preventive care.

Treatment Options That Fit Busy Lifestyles

Modern orthodontics has evolved to meet the needs of adults juggling careers, families, and social commitments.

Clear Aligners

These nearly invisible trays are removable, which means no food restrictions and easier oral hygiene.
They’re ideal for professionals who don’t want visible brackets during presentations or social events.

Ceramic Braces

Ceramic brackets blend in with natural tooth color.
They work faster than aligners in many cases while remaining subtle enough for everyday confidence.

Lingual Braces

Placed behind the teeth, lingual braces are completely hidden from view.
Though they take some getting used to, they’re popular among adults who prioritize discretion.

The flexibility in treatment options means adults can find something that aligns with their lifestyle without feeling restricted.

Overcoming Common Concerns Adults Have

Most adults hesitate because of three main worries: time, cost, and comfort.

Time Commitment

While treatment does take commitment, most adult cases fall between 12–24 months.
That’s a relatively short period considering the lifelong benefits.
And with digital monitoring tools, many appointments are shorter and more efficient than in the past.

Financial Investment

Yes, braces are an investment.
But flexible financing options, insurance contributions, and payment plans have made treatment more accessible than ever.
When compared to the long-term costs of dental repairs, orthodontic treatment is often the smarter financial choice.

Discomfort

Modern braces and aligners are far more comfortable than the bulky versions from decades ago.
Most patients describe minor pressure during adjustments, but nothing that interferes with daily life.

How Adult Orthodontics Impacts Confidence

There’s something powerful about looking in the mirror and genuinely loving your smile.
Adults often underestimate just how much confidence orthodontic treatment can unlock.

A colleague once told me that before braces, she avoided smiling in photos.
After treatment, she found herself laughing openly and even pursuing career opportunities that required public speaking.
Confidence radiates, and it changes how others perceive you.

That’s why adult orthodontics is less about vanity and more about self-expression.
It allows you to live without holding back.

Why Culver City Stands Out for Orthodontic Care

Culver City has become a hub for advanced orthodontic treatment.
Many practices here use state-of-the-art technology like 3D imaging, digital scanning, and accelerated treatment systems.
This tech-driven approach ensures accuracy, efficiency, and better patient experiences.

The city also attracts professionals who understand the lifestyle demands of busy adults.
That means flexible scheduling, weekend appointments, and personalized care plans.
Patients don’t just feel like a number—they feel seen, heard, and supported.

Taking the First Step Toward Your Smile Goals

The hardest part is often making the first call.
Once you sit down for a consultation, you’ll likely realize how approachable and manageable the process is.
Orthodontists in Culver City are used to working with adults who share the same hesitations you may have.

From discussing treatment goals to reviewing payment plans, the process is designed to make you feel comfortable.
Every step is tailored to your unique needs, lifestyle, and smile goals.

Final Thoughts

Investing in adult orthodontic care isn’t just about straightening teeth.
It’s about reclaiming confidence, improving health, and investing in yourself.
Braces or aligners may seem like a small decision now, but their impact will last a lifetime.

If you’ve been thinking about making the change, there’s no better time than now.
Because at the end of the day, a smile you’re proud of is worth every step of the journey.
© TEA WITH GI. Design by FCD.