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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.

15 Things That Surprise Americans the Most in Costa Rica

Costa Rica has become a favorite destination for American travelers and expats seeking sunshine, nature, and the laid-back charm of “Pura Vida.” But while the tropical beaches and rainforest adventures deliver on expectations, many Americans experience unexpected cultural shifts upon arrival. From time management to personal space, and from road etiquette to dining customs, Costa …

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60 Things You Need to Know Before Visiting Mexico (First-Time Travelers Read This)

We will tell you about Mexico travel tips and all the cool facts about Mexico and things to know before visiting Mexico for first-timers. This post will be your go-to guide to get to know more of Mexico and what awaits you from amazing beaches, beautiful landscapes and Natural Parks, Festivals to delicious food to try …

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Why Midwesterners Have the Hardest Time in French Restaurants and The Politeness That Backfires

A certain kind of American politeness works almost everywhere in the U.S. It’s warm, eager, accommodating, and built to smooth friction before it starts. In a French restaurant, that same politeness can land as pushy, needy, or oddly performative. Not because French diners are cruel. Because the system is calibrated differently. Midwesterners get singled out …

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I Stopped Wearing Sneakers Like Americans Do And My Back Pain Vanished

I live in Spain, walk to everything, and still managed to ruin my back by dressing like a tourist on speed. Sneakers to the café, sneakers to meetings, sneakers to dinner. The soft, bouncy kind that feel like you are walking on cake. Two months ago I stopped. I built a rotation, changed how I …

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Why Arepas Are the Next Big Food Obsession

Forget everything you know about bread, pancakes, or sandwiches arepas are in a category of their own. These golden, cornmeal-based rounds have been a staple in Venezuelan and Colombian kitchens for generations, but they’re finally starting to gain traction globally as a versatile, gluten-free comfort food. Whether grilled, baked, or fried, arepas are both crispy …

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What Makes Irish Stew So Much Better Than You Expect

Few dishes capture the heart of Irish comfort food like a traditional Irish stew. Rooted in generations of rustic home cooking, this hearty dish is a flavorful blend of lamb or beef, potatoes, carrots, onions, and herbs slow-cooked to perfection. More than just a meal, Irish stew is a warm embrace on a cold day, …

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The Peanut Butter Cookies People Beg You to Make Again

There’s something timeless and comforting about a warm peanut butter cookie crispy at the edges, soft in the center, and packed with rich, nutty flavor. Whether it’s childhood nostalgia or just a late-night craving, this classic cookie hits the sweet spot every single time. Homemade peanut butter cookies are shockingly easy to make. With just …

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Portugal’s Golden Visa Is Gone: Portugal’s New Visa Option That Costs Less and Moves Faster

Picture landing in Lisbon with a folder of bank letters and a number in your head: five hundred thousand. That used to be the floor for Portugal’s famous residency by investment. Then the rules shifted, the real estate path closed, and the queues stretched. What replaced the old play is quieter and, for most people …

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Brunch Starts and Ends With This Eggs Benedict

Eggs Benedict is a brunch dish that feels luxurious yet comforting, combining velvety poached eggs, savory Canadian bacon, crisp toasted English muffins, and silky smooth hollandaise sauce. First served in the late 19th century at New York’s famous Waldorf Hotel, this elegant breakfast classic has remained a beloved staple across cafes and kitchens worldwide. It’s …

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The Compliment Americans Think Is Polite (But Spaniards Absolutely Hate)

And why praise about appearance hits differently in a culture where intimacy and personal boundaries are carefully navigated Imagine you’re at a dinner party in Valencia, surrounded by new acquaintances, vibrant conversation, and plates of steaming paella. As you mingle, you decide to compliment your Spanish host. “Wow, you look great,” you say enthusiastically, meaning …

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10 “Mexican” Foods That Mexicans Never Eat: Here’s What Locals Actually Cook

When you think “Mexican food,” do you picture massive burritos, hard-shell tacos overflowing with lettuce and cheese, or maybe endless nachos smothered in queso? You’re not alone. But ask most people in Mexico, and they’ll tell you those dishes are more Tex-Mex inventions than staples in their kitchens. Here are the top offenders tourists assume …

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Why Floridians Get Scammed in Europe More Than Any Other Americans: The 3 Assumptions That Cost Them

If you are from Florida, you are not naïve. You are experienced. You live in a place where tourism is constant, service is fast, strangers talk to you, and “help” shows up uninvited all day long. You learn to be friendly, you learn to keep moving, and you learn that most of the time, people …

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