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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.

The French Restaurant Mistake That Gets American Credit Cards Confiscated

And what it reveals about trust, payment etiquette, and why France expects you to follow the unspoken rules There are few better ways to enjoy France than to sit at a sun-drenched terrace café in Lyon or a tiny bistro in Marseille, order something effortlessly delicious, and watch the world unfold at a slower rhythm. …

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You’ve Been Making Pizza Wrong: How to Make Perfect Pizza from Scratch Like an Italian Nonna

Pizza is known for its simple and fresh ingredients: a basic dough, raw tomatoes, fresh mozzarella cheese, you can combine the ingredients as you wish from Neapolitan Pizza to Carbonara and many more. There’s something incredibly satisfying about making pizza from scratch. From kneading the dough to layering on your favourite toppings and enjoying the …

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The Spanish Siesta Science – Why Afternoon Rest Prevents Heart Disease

Spanish people live to 83 on average while Americans die at 76, and everyone wants to credit olive oil and wine. Nobody talks about the fact that they shut down the entire country for three hours every afternoon to eat and sleep. My Spanish neighbor had a heart attack at 71. His doctor’s main advice? …

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The Spanish Healthcare Reality Instagram Influencers Hide

Instagram shows Spanish digital nomads living their best lives with “free” healthcare, but the reality is messier than Valencia sunset posts suggest. While Spanish healthcare is genuinely excellent and affordable, the system influencers promote as perfect paradise has quirks, gaps, and frustrations they never mention because it doesn’t match their aesthetic. The truth sits between …

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Crispy, Juicy, Zesty: The Lemon Chicken Thigh Recipe That Breaks All the Rules (And Tastes Better for It)

When you think of chicken thighs, your mind might not immediately jump to gourmet, but lemon chicken thighs prove that humble ingredients can lead to bold, unforgettable flavor. This dish is the perfect fusion of crispy skin, juicy meat, and tangy citrus brightness — and it’s a staple in kitchens that prioritize both flavor and …

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The Hotel Registration Law in Spain That Terrifies American Tourists

And what it reveals about European attitudes toward security, state presence, and the fading illusion of anonymous travel American tourists arriving in Spain in 2025 often come prepared: currency converted, train tickets booked, tapas list in hand. They might be expecting cultural differences around dinner time, beach nudity, or tipping etiquette. What they’re not expecting …

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The Body Check Europeans Do Daily That American Doctors Never Mention

And what it reveals about self-awareness, routine observation, and a radically different trust in the human body If you live in the United States, chances are your approach to health is guided by a professional. Preventive screenings, insurance-covered checkups, digital reminders, and apps that log your steps and blood pressure. You rely on systems — …

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The Indian Street Food That Outsells Pizza: How to Make Authentic Pav Bhaji at Home

If you’ve ever walked through the bustling streets of Mumbai, the unmistakable scent of butter-sizzled bread and spicy mashed vegetables will stop you in your tracks. That’s Pav Bhaji—India’s most beloved street food, and arguably one of its most crave-worthy comfort dishes. Despite its humble roots, Pav Bhaji has become a national obsession, and for …

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This Laksa Recipe Will Transport You to Southeast Asia—But Only If You Make It the Right Way

WLaksa isn’t just a noodle soup—it’s an explosion of flavor, culture, and history in a single bowl. Found across Malaysia, Singapore, and parts of Indonesia, this creamy, spicy, tangy dish blends Chinese and Malay influences into something that’s both deeply comforting and wildly exciting. The dish typically features rice noodles or vermicelli swimming in a …

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The Belgian Soul Cake Tradition – Teaching Kids Death Without Sugar Overdose

Belgian grandmothers are baking their way through grief with children while Americans buy therapy workbooks and avoid the subject entirely. Every November 2nd, Belgian families make “soul cakes” – simple spiced breads that teach kids about death better than any counselor could. These aren’t Pinterest-perfect cookies but deliberately plain breads that force focus on memory, …

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Italian Villages Offering Americans 5-Year Tax Breaks

Italy is so desperate to save dying villages they’re offering Americans 90% tax breaks for five years plus renovation grants up to €30,000. Not the tourist-packed Tuscan hills everyone fights over – the forgotten mountain towns and southern villages where you can buy a house for €1 and pay almost nothing in taxes while rebuilding …

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The Filipino Stir-Fry Noodles That Put Chow Mein to Shame—Here’s How to Make Pancit Canton

Filipino cuisine is known for its bold flavors, creative use of ingredients, and dishes that bring people together—and Pancit Canton is no exception. Often the centerpiece of birthdays, celebrations, and everyday family meals, this beloved noodle dish is the Filipino take on Chinese stir-fried noodles, adapted to local taste and pantry staples. Think springy noodles …

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