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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 November 1 Banking Rule That Freezes 12,000 American Accounts

He taps his card for coffee and the terminal chirps red. The app will not refresh. A banner says “restricted.” It is November 1 and his rent clears tomorrow. He is an American in Europe with an ordinary account. No crypto, no sanctions list, no drama. What he hit is not a secret rule. It …

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How to Cook Thai Fried Rice Like a Local (Khao Pad Recipe)

Khao Pad, or Thai fried rice, is one of Thailand’s most popular and comforting dishes, loved for its simplicity and balanced flavours. Made with fragrant jasmine rice, eggs, vegetables, and your choice of protein, all stir-fried with light seasonings like soy sauce and fish sauce, Khao Pad delivers a savoury and satisfying meal in minutes. …

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11 Asian Breakfasts That Put Cereal to Shame: The Morning Dishes You Need to Try

Traditional Breakfast In Asia – 11 Asian Breakfast To Try – Looking at discovering traditional Asian breakfast deeper? Let’s dive into this post. The vast continent of Asia is home to a diverse array of cultures, traditions, and flavors. Breakfast, the first meal of the day, is no different. A traditional breakfast in Asia isn’t …

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15 Unspoken Rules of French Life That Tourists Always Miss

France remains one of the most iconic travel destinations in the world, famous for its food, fashion, art, and effortless charm. But beyond the postcards and wine glasses lies a complex culture governed by subtle customs and unspoken rules—especially in everyday life. Tourists who come to France expecting only baguettes and berets often find themselves …

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Chase Laughed When I Asked About Interest Rates In Porto

Imagine walking into a bright Lisbon branch on a Tuesday. A clerk slides a one-page sheet across the counter: 2.00 percent for 60 days on new money, 1.00–1.25 percent for a plain 12-month deposit. No shenanigans, no “tiers if you join our platinum club.” The next day you call your U.S. mega-bank and ask, dead …

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How To Make Danish Smørrebrød – Scandinavia’s Famous Open Sandwiches

Smørrebrød, Denmark’s iconic open-faced sandwiches, are a staple of Scandinavian cuisine that beautifully combine simplicity with elegance. Built on dense, nutty rye bread and topped with ingredients such as smoked salmon, pickled herring, roast beef, eggs, or creamy spreads, smørrebrød are as visually stunning as they are delicious. In this recipe guide, you’ll learn how …

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Why Separate Vacations Make European Couples Stronger (While Americans Panic)

And what it reveals about independence, trust, and the difference between possession and partnership In many American relationships, vacations are seen as sacred couple time. Whether it’s a beach resort, a weekend road trip, or a few days off work, the assumption is that romantic partners travel together — always. The idea of one person …

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Argentina’s Sweetest Secret: How to Make Authentic Dulce de Leche (And Why It’s More Than Just Caramel)

In Argentina, dulce de leche isn’t just a dessert topping—it’s practically a national treasure. Found in everything from breakfast toast to wedding cakes, this rich, creamy confection made from slow-cooked milk and sugar is an everyday indulgence with deep cultural roots. While tourists may mistake it for caramel, Argentinians will quickly correct you: this is …

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Dutch People Split Bills To The Cent And Nobody’s Embarrassed

Dinner in Utrecht ends the way it always does: someone pays the check, a quiet flurry of taps begins, and within sixty seconds everyone’s share—to the cent—lands in the payer’s account. No drama, no fake reach for the wallet, no “I’ll get you next time.” Just IBANs, instant transfers, and a Tikkie link in the …

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Europe Isn’t Cheap Anymore—Are Americans Over It? Why Some Travelers Are Skipping Europe Entirely This Year (And Where They’re Going Instead)

For decades, Europe has been the crown jewel of American travel dreams—summer in Paris, island-hopping in Greece, pasta in Rome, pub crawls in Dublin. With its blend of history, culture, food, and style, it’s long been considered the ultimate bucket-list experience. But in 2025 and beyond, something is shifting. As flights surge, hotel prices climb, …

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American Express Doesn’t Work Here And My Life Is Better

My first week in Europe, I tried to buy cherries at a market with an Amex and got a smile that said: adorable mistake. The stall took cash. The café took Visa debit. The bakery preferred tap from a local bank, and the plumber wanted a bank transfer with a line that looked like an …

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