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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.

Why French Women Age Gracefully—And What Americans Are Getting Totally Wrong About Anti-Aging

And What It Reveals About Acceptance, Subtlety, and the Long Game of Beauty Spend a few days in Paris or Lyon, and you’ll notice something quietly striking. The women in their fifties, sixties, and seventies look… comfortable.Elegant without trying. Minimal makeup. Lined faces that aren’t hidden. Grey hair worn like an accessory, not an apology. …

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Why Locals Pay Half What Tourists Do In These European Cities – And How You Can Too

Why This MattersEver wonder why your local European friend in Paris or Rome never seems to pay the tourist markup you do? They might snag cheaper museum entries, avoid overpriced restaurants, or even pay less rent than short-term visitors. Here are 9 strategies Europeans deploy to cut costs in top tourist cities, showing that day-to-day …

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Why European Banks Are Courting American Deposits Before Year End

European banks are desperately sliding into American DMs with deposit offers that would’ve been illegal three years ago – 4.5% on savings, 5.2% on CDs, plus signup bonuses that make Chase look like a lemonade stand. German banks that wouldn’t return your emails in 2019 are now advertising in English on Facebook, offering higher rates …

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Why European Phone Bills Are €20 While Americans Pay $150—and How to Switch

If you’ve ever glanced at a friend’s bill in Spain or Italy, you know the whiplash: they’re paying €10–€20 for fat data and unlimited minutes, while a lot of Americans are handing over $100–$150 once taxes, device payments, and add-ons settle in. It’s not a fairy tale; it’s how the two markets are built. The …

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The Seafood Pasta That Italians Make at Home—But Tourists Rarely Try

There’s something undeniably indulgent about seafood pasta. It’s the kind of dish that feels like a celebration, even if you’re just making it for a cozy dinner at home. With its briny sweetness, rich olive oil base, and a perfectly al dente twirl of spaghetti or linguine, seafood pasta brings together land and sea in …

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Why Europeans Vacation 6 Weeks on American Weekend Budgets

Europeans are taking six-week summer vacations for what Americans spend on a long weekend in Miami. While Americans drop $3,000 for four nights in an overpriced beach resort, Europeans are slow-traveling through multiple countries for the same money, staying longer, eating better, and actually relaxing instead of cramming seventeen activities into 72 hours. My Spanish …

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8 Morning Habits That Give Away You’re American the Second You Wake Up in Europe

Think you’re blending in with the locals during your European vacation? Your morning routine might be giving you away faster than your white sneakers and baseball cap. From your breakfast choices to your coffee orders, here’s how Europeans spot an American tourist before they even say “good morning.” Mornings in Europe have their own rhythm, …

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Italian Pumpkin Risotto – The Comfort Food That Actually Comforts Your Gut

Northern Italian grandmothers have been healing digestive issues with pumpkin risotto for centuries while Americans pop antacids and buy $60 probiotic supplements. Every autumn, Milanese families make risotto di zucca that actually soothes inflammation, feeds beneficial bacteria, and repairs gut lining – not because they studied microbiomes but because nonna noticed everyone felt better after …

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The 7 European Cities Locals Are Abandoning (And the Stunning Places They’re Choosing Instead)

When you think of Europe’s greatest hits—Paris, Barcelona, Venice—the mind conjures romantic boulevards, iconic landmarks, and bustling squares. Yet behind the postcard scenes, many locals are packing up and moving away. Rising rents, tourist crowds, and shifting job opportunities lead a growing number of Europeans to seek calmer, cheaper, or more community-focused alternatives. Below, we …

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The Chow Mein You’ve Never Really Tried — How to Make Authentic Chow Mein at Home

Chow Mein is one of the most recognized Chinese dishes worldwide, often found on takeout menus and buffet tables. But what many don’t realize is that the authentic version of this iconic stir-fried noodle dish is quite different from the oily, sauce-heavy versions served abroad. True Chow Mein is all about balance — crisp vegetables, …

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10 Best Things to Do in Chiang Mai (That Every Traveler Should Know)

We really loved the city and there are things to do in Chiang Mai. We spent a week visiting Chiang Mai in the middle of our one-month Thailand trip. Chiang Mai is the largest city in Northern Thailand and the capital of the Province of Chiang Mai. From meeting people, nightlife, local food, day trips …

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The 3-Bite Dessert Rule French Dietitians Teach That Americans Ignore

Paris after dinner: cafés glow, spoons clink, and plates arrive with immaculate tarts cut to humble sizes. No one flips a cheesecake on its head or asks for “a second fork.” The ritual is simpler—and far more strategic. Many French dietitians coach clients with a tiny guideline that travels fast because it works: three mindful …

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