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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.

7 Lisbon Tourist Traps That Could Ruin Your Trip (And How to Dodge Them)

Lisbon has quickly become one of Europe’s most popular travel destinations, drawing visitors from around the world with its sun-soaked streets, historic trams, breathtaking viewpoints, and world-class food scene. But with its growing popularity comes a downside: tourist traps. These overpriced, overhyped, and often underwhelming experiences can leave travelers feeling like they’ve missed the real …

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Why You Might Regret Visiting Spain—Unless These 5 Reasons Win You Over

Spain is celebrated for its diverse culture, historical landmarks, and picturesque landscapes. However, there are several reasons why it might not be the ideal destination for every traveler. This comprehensive guide outlines various factors that could influence your decision to visit Spain. While Spain offers a wealth of attractions and experiences, potential drawbacks include overcrowded …

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Why Europeans Catch Strokes Earlier Than Americans: The Warning Sign You Need to Know

And what it reveals about bodily awareness, early intervention, and why one culture treats slurred speech as urgent while the other tries to walk it off In the United States, strokes often appear to come out of nowhere. One moment, a person feels fine. The next, they’re paralyzed on one side, unable to speak, with …

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Better Than the Bar: How to Make the Perfect Homemade Margarita Cocktail (No Fancy Tools Needed)

The Margarita is more than just a summer cocktail—it’s a timeless classic that instantly brings a sense of sunshine, salt, and celebration. Whether you’re lounging on a beach, hosting friends, or simply unwinding after a long day, a well-made Margarita delivers crisp citrus flavor balanced by smooth tequila and a hint of sweetness. Best of …

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14 Things Tourists Should Never Do in Portugal (If They Want to Blend In)

Portugal is known for its stunning coastlines, warm hospitality, and relaxed way of life—but it also has its own set of unspoken cultural rules that visitors often overlook. To truly experience the country like a local, it helps to understand the little things that matter in Portuguese social life and daily rhythm. Portugal’s culture is …

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8 Unwritten Drinking Rules That Shock Americans in Europe (And Vice Versa)

Drinking is more than just a social activity — it’s a reflection of cultural values, traditions, and even unspoken social codes. In both Europe and the United States, having a drink with friends or family is a common pastime, but the way people approach drinking on either side of the Atlantic can feel surprisingly different. …

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Why Italian Panzerotti Might Be Better Than Pizza (And How to Make Them at Home)

When it comes to Italian comfort food, pizza often steals the spotlight. But in southern Italy, especially in Puglia, there is another dish locals adore just as much: panzerotti. These golden, crispy pockets of dough are stuffed with melty mozzarella and rich tomato sauce, creating a handheld treat that combines the best parts of pizza …

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Why Europeans Stay Fit Without Dieting (And What We Can Learn)

Introduction: “Diet? What Diet?” In many European countries, the word “diet” is rarely used in the same restrictive sense it is in the United States. Instead of chasing the newest fad or counting every calorie, Europeans often embrace a holistic approach to food—one that focuses on taste, tradition, quality, and overall well-being. This approach doesn’t …

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Claiming Hotel Nights When Flights Melt Down, The Rule Most Travelers Skip

A departures board clicks from green to red. The gate agent’s smile fades. Somewhere between a thunderstorm over Frankfurt and a broken pump in Madrid, your last flight of the day vanishes. Families coil around wall sockets. Trolleys become pillows. A security guard points at chairs. Then a small, plain thing happens at Desk B …

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The Body Smell That Hardly Bothers Spaniards but Horrifies Americans

And what it reveals about presence, proximity, and the cultural limits of personal scent management Step onto a packed metro car in Madrid on a summer afternoon, or walk into a small village café just after the midday lunch rush, and your nose might catch something many Americans would be horrified to notice — real, …

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The Pantry That Makes Mediterranean Dinners In 12 Minutes, Shopping List And Two Base Sauces

Open the door, drop your bag, and put a pot on. The kitchen does not need a grand plan when the pantry is stacked correctly. A jar clicks, a knife hits the board, and olive oil pools in a pan that already smells like dinner. By the time a song ends, water is boiling. By …

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Skip the Paella: 5 Spanish Dishes That Locals Love (But Tourists Rarely Try)

When most people think of Spanish cuisine, paella instantly comes to mind — and while it’s a beloved national icon, it’s not the everyday dish Spaniards crave most. In fact, if you’re traveling through Spain and only ordering paella, you’re missing out on a whole universe of rich, regional dishes that fly under the tourist …

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