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Ruben Arribas

About the Author: Ruben, co-founder of Gamintraveler.com since 2014, is a seasoned traveler from Spain who has explored over 100 countries since 2009. Known for his extensive travel adventures across South America, Europe, the US, Australia, New Zealand, Asia, and Africa, Ruben combines his passion for adventurous yet sustainable living with his love for cycling, highlighted by his remarkable 5-month bicycle journey from Spain to Norway. He currently resides in Spain, where he continues sharing his travel experiences with his partner, Rachel, and their son, Han.

Spain’s Most Satisfying Meal Isn’t Paella: Why Cachopo Might Beat Schnitzel and Milanesa

When you think of Spanish food, dishes like paella or tapas probably come to mind. But in northern Spain, particularly in Asturias, there’s one indulgent dish that locals can’t get enough of: Cachopo. Imagine two large beef fillets sandwiched around cured ham and melted cheese, then breaded and fried until golden perfection. It’s a meal …

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Why Americans Always Order Coffee Wrong in Italy

And what it reveals about time, taste, and why Italians take their daily rituals very seriously There are many ways to blend in while traveling through Italy. Learn a few key phrases. Don’t expect restaurants to open at 5:30. Never touch the produce at the market. Dress like you meant to leave the house. But …

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Italy Retirement: The Part No One Talks About Why Many American Retirees Choose Italy Then Return Within Two Years

The postcard version of Italy is effortless. Espresso, church bells, olive trees, a doctor who actually answers, and a monthly budget that feels like cheating. Then real life shows up with its little clipboard. The lease needs to be registered. The appointment is only on Tuesdays. The office closes at 12:30. Your “temporary” rental turns …

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The European Shower Habits That Shock Americans: Europe’s Shower Culture ExplainedAnd Why It Actually Works

And what it reveals about hygiene culture, immune logic, and why one continent prioritizes routine while the other over-sanitizes by default To most Europeans, showering is a functional task. It’s brief. It’s flexible. It’s often done without a daily rule. For many, the goal isn’t to be scrubbed raw or to leave the bathroom smelling …

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The Next Big Food Trend Might Be Filipino: Why These 5 Filipino Dishes Could Be the Next Global Food Trend

Filipino cuisine is having a long-overdue moment in the global spotlight and for good reason. Known for its bold flavors, rich history, and comforting dishes, Filipino food offers a unique blend of Spanish, Chinese, American, and indigenous influences. It’s a cuisine defined by contrast: sweet meets savory, tangy meets rich, and simple ingredients are turned …

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Do You Actually Need Travel Insurance? The Honest Breakdown

For many travelers, buying travel insurance feels like an optional add-on something you might check off at the end of a booking process without really knowing what you’re getting. It’s easy to assume that nothing will go wrong, especially on short trips or when you’re feeling confident in your planning. But as seasoned travelers and …

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15 Travel Booking Traps And How to Beat Them

Booking a trip should be an exciting start to your next adventure, but it’s surprisingly easy to make mistakes that can cost you time, money, and peace of mind. Whether it’s rushing through flight selections, misunderstanding cancellation policies, or falling for too-good-to-be-true deals, travel booking blunders happen to beginners and seasoned travelers alike. These small …

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Before You Visit Portugal, Read These 23 Things To Know Before Visiting Portugal (Travel Tips You’ll Love)

You will learn Portugal travel tips and all the things to know before visiting Portugal as you read this post. Let us show you how and why Portugal’s tourism is booming year by year and how to truly enjoy Portugal more! Recently awarded as the World’s Best Destination by World Travel Awards, Portugal offers a …

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The Expat Facebook Groups Are Toxic: Join Them Anyway

You join an expat Facebook group for one reason: you need information. You stay for one reason: you’re hoping for community. Those are two different needs, and these groups are built to satisfy only one of them. They’re messy, dramatic, repetitive, and occasionally useful in a way that feels unfair. They will also hand you …

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Returns Don’t Exist in Europe the Way Americans Expect

Americans arrive in Europe with a quiet assumption: if something doesn’t work out, you return it. Not because you’re flaky, but because the US trained you. Retail has been competing on convenience for so long that “try it and send it back” feels like a basic consumer right. Then you hit Europe and discover the …

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The Air Fryer Chicken Guide That Saves Your Weeknights

The air fryer has taken modern kitchens by storm and for good reason. This compact appliance promises crispy, delicious meals with a fraction of the oil used in traditional frying. When it comes to chicken, the air fryer delivers unbeatable results: golden on the outside, juicy on the inside, and packed with flavor. No wonder …

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European Washing Machines Take 3 Hours: Americans Lose Their Minds.

Nothing makes an American feel personally attacked like a European washing machine calmly announcing it will be finished in 2 hours and 58 minutes. You can be a fully grown adult with a residency card and a pension plan and still get into a petty emotional war with a Bosch. Because Americans aren’t just reacting …

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