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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.

Why Portuguese Cafés Don’t Take Cards Over €20 (It’s Not Why You Think)

A traveler orders two toasts, four pastéis, and a round of galões. The total hits €23.40. The server points at a small sign by the till: “Cartão até 20 €.” Cash only beyond that. It looks like old-school card-fee paranoia. It isn’t. In 2025 Portugal, the logic behind those signs is quieter: tax regimes, receipt …

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The Valencia Rental That Quietly Includes A Parking Space And Storage

The agent shows a two-bedroom in L’Eixample for a clean price. Before you nod, she adds: plaza de garaje in the same building and a trastero in the basement. Suddenly the math changes. That add-on combo can easily be €110–€160 per month saved versus renting a space and a locker separately across town, and it …

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The German Work Schedule For 30 Days — Productivity Up, Burnout Gone

Day one, Berlin. Laptop shut at 16:30, lights off by 17:00, and nobody looked like a hero for staying late. My inbox went quiet after dinner because people actually stop working. Lunch happened away from the desk, and there was an eleven hour no-work buffer baked into the day. I copied that rhythm for 30 …

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18 Brutally Honest Reasons You Might Skip Visiting Italy

Italy is a country that tops countless travel bucket lists with its world-famous food, romantic cities, and stunning coastlines. From sipping espresso in Rome to exploring the canals of Venice, Italy promises a dream vacation in every travel brochure. However, the reality of visiting Italy isn’t always as picture-perfect as it seems. While Italy offers …

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12 Ways Spain Will Culturally Shock American Travelers

For many Americans, visiting Spain is a dream filled with tapas, flamenco, sunny beaches, and centuries-old cities. But once you arrive, it doesn’t take long to realize that Spanish culture operates on a rhythm—and set of values—that can feel completely different from American life. From mealtimes that stretch into the night to a relaxed view …

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Spanish Late Dinners For 30 Days — Lost Weight While Eating More

Picture an 8:45 p.m. table under warm light, plates clinking, bread basket intact, no one rushing. I ate later, I ate more food by volume, and my jeans got looser. Here is the exact rhythm I copied from Spain, what I cooked, and why the scale still moved down. You hear it all the time: …

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How 50,000 Americans Qualified For Irish Citizenship Without Irish Grandparents

You picture the Dublin airport stamp, then catch yourself: no Irish-born Nana, no passport… right. Not quite. In 2025, thousands of Americans qualify through routes that do not require an Irish-born grandparent at all. The difference is knowing which doors exist and what paperwork proves you belong. At kitchen tables across the U.S., people open …

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The November 1 Schengen Count Reset That Traps 5,000 Americans Yearly

You pack for a winter month in Europe, circle November 1 on your calendar, and breathe easy. “That’s when the clock resets,” your friend says. Except there is no reset. On November 2 the border officer still counts back 180 days. If those boxes add up to more than 90 days in Schengen, your trip …

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The October 31 Banking Rule That Affects Americans With EU Accounts

You get the email in late October: “Provide your U.S. tax details or your account may be restricted.” It feels like a bank got dramatic. It isn’t. Here’s what really happens at the end of October, why Americans with accounts in the EU get chased hardest, and how to fix it in 20 minutes so …

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Is Spain Still Worth Visiting? What Tourists Need to Know This Year

For decades, Spain has ranked among the world’s most beloved travel destinations. Its stunning coastlines, vibrant culture, legendary cuisine, and historic cities have drawn millions of visitors each year. But in 2025, the story of Spain’s tourism is shifting. A growing number of travelers are starting to question whether now is the right time to …

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How to Make Italy’s Most Underrated Comfort Food — Authentic Polenta Taragna

Polenta Taragna is a traditional northern Italian dish known for its rich, rustic, and comforting flavours. Originating in the Lombardy and Valtellina regions, this version of polenta combines cornmeal with buckwheat flour, giving it a distinctive earthy taste and darker colour. Finished with generous amounts of melted butter and local cheeses such as Bitto or …

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The Ex-Partner Rule Europeans Follow That Would End Most American Relationships

And what it reveals about emotional maturity, social trust, and the quiet ways Europeans maintain connection without conflict In many parts of the United States, breakups come with a script. Delete the photos. Block the number. Unfollow on social media. Change your favorite coffee shop. If you’re starting something new, you’re expected to leave the …

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