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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.

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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The Two EU Additives Americans Eat Daily That France Limits — with RECIPE swaps inside

Walk a French supermarket at noon and you can read the policy in the aisles. At the charcuterie counter, hams list curing methods and additive codes you can pronounce. In the sweets aisle, packages get whiter by cream and sugar, not by a brightening chemical on the ingredient line. The rules reached the shelf. If …

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The Residency Route Americans Skip That Takes 60 Days, Not 6 Months

Morning light hits white stone and sea glass water. Cafés pull chairs to the curb, and laptops open beside small cups that actually cool. Ferries slide past as if they belong to the bus schedule. The ritual looks like a postcard until you read the paperwork. There is a legal route into this life that …

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This Filipino Lechon Recipe Might Be the Best Roast Pig You’ll Ever Try

Lechon, or Filipino roast pig, is one of the most iconic and celebrated dishes in the Philippines. Known for its incredibly crispy, golden-brown skin and juicy, flavourful meat, lechon is a dish often reserved for the most special occasions, such as fiestas, weddings, birthdays, and holiday feasts. It represents abundance, celebration, and Filipino hospitality at …

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13 Clues Your ‘Authentic’ European Restaurant Is Actually a Tourist Trap

When travelling through Europe, it’s easy to be drawn in by restaurants boldly advertising “authentic Italian pizza” or “traditional French pastries.” Tourists often flock to these places, trusting the signs without realising that locals spot red flags immediately. Europeans have a keen eye for restaurants that cut corners, overcharge, or dilute their cultural recipes for …

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Escape the Crowds: 10 European Destinations So Beautiful You’ll Want to Stay Forever

Summer in Europe offers an extraordinary tapestry of cultural experiences, breathtaking landscapes, and vibrant city life for you to explore. Whether you’re a world-weary traveler looking for a peaceful escape or an adventurous soul eager to navigate the continent’s diverse offerings, Europe’s top summer destinations cater to every inclination. From the sparkling Mediterranean coastlines to …

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20 Canadian Customs Tourists Break Without Realizing It

Canada often earns its reputation as one of the friendliest countries in the world — a place where politeness, natural beauty, and multicultural charm define everyday life. But beneath the smiles and laid-back atmosphere lies a set of unspoken social rules that every Canadian seems to understand instinctively. For tourists, missing these cultural cues can …

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The French Brunch Staple Americans Get All Wrong: Make Real Quiche Lorraine at Home

Few dishes say “French comfort food” quite like a classic Quiche Lorraine. Born in the Lorraine region of northeastern France, this savory tart has become a globally recognized brunch item. But in its homeland, it’s much more than a brunch cliché—it’s a symbol of rustic elegance and centuries-old culinary tradition. Rich, custardy, and packed with …

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Why Tagliatelle al Tartufo Is Italy’s Ultimate Luxury Pasta (And How to Make It at Home)

When it comes to Italian cuisine, few ingredients are as luxurious and intoxicating as truffles. Their earthy, musky aroma transforms even the simplest dishes into something unforgettable. One of the most iconic ways Italians enjoy this prized delicacy is in Tagliatelle al Tartufo, a silky pasta dish tossed with butter, Parmigiano-Reggiano, and freshly shaved truffle, …

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Why These 7 Everyday Japanese Habits Confuse So Many Americans

If you’ve ever visited Japan, you probably noticed something immediately: life just flows differently. From train platforms to dinner tables, there’s an invisible structure to social interactions—subtle rules that are never announced, yet always followed. For Americans used to casual greetings and spontaneous small talk, Japanese society can feel incredibly polite—but also puzzling. While Japanese …

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The “Slower” European Pace That Lets Us Retire at 60, Not 70

In a small European city, the day moves like a tide instead of a timer. Bakeries open early, trams glide on a steady clock, and lunch is an hour that belongs to human beings. People walk to errands in shoes that look used. Supermarket lines are short because dinner is bought for tonight, not for …

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This Italian Dish Literally Means ‘Jump in Your Mouth’—How to Make Authentic Saltimbocca alla Romana at Home

Saltimbocca alla Romana is the kind of dish that proves Italian cuisine doesn’t need complexity to be extraordinary. With just a handful of ingredients—veal cutlets, prosciutto, sage, and white wine—this Roman classic delivers flavor that lives up to its name: “Saltimbocca” literally translates to “jumps in the mouth.” Originally from Rome, Saltimbocca is a dish …

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