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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.

Dreaming of Paradise? 9 Tropical Places Perfect for Long-Term Living

For many people, the idea of living in a tropical paradise feels like a dream—sunny days year-round, turquoise waters, and palm-fringed beaches just steps away from your front door. But beyond the fantasy lies a growing reality: more and more expats, digital nomads, and retirees are choosing tropical destinations as their permanent or long-term homes. …

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This French Pharmacy Routine Replaced My $300 Monthly Skincare

The secret is not a miracle serum. It is a short roster of derm tested basics, bought at the chemist, used every day, and swapped by season. Here is the exact routine, the order, and the budget so you can stop paying luxury prices for results you can actually feel. You do not need a …

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The Apartment Rental Red Flags American Tourists Keep Missing in Barcelona

Barcelona is easy to love and surprisingly easy to get burned by. If you have ever chased a too-good-to-be-true listing, paid a “tax” in cash, or arrived to find a lockbox on a building with angry neighbors, this is the playbook you need. These are the exact red flags locals know and visitors overlook, plus …

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What Happened When I Followed Spain’s Siesta Routine for 60 Days

I did not move to Spain. I moved my clock. For two months I copied a modern Spanish day: earlier light, a real lunch, a short early-afternoon nap, and a late but light dinner. My evenings got steadier, my 3 p.m. crash vanished, and my mornings stopped feeling like a rescue mission. I had the …

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How Spanish Families Behave at Beaches vs American Family Boundaries

And what it reveals about freedom, proximity, and the radically different ways families define “togetherness” Spend a summer day at a beach in Spain — whether it’s a packed city stretch in Valencia, a quiet cove in Asturias, or the golden shores of Cádiz — and you’ll quickly notice that Spanish families take up space. …

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12 Tropical Paradises You Can Visit Without Emptying Your Wallet

When people think of tropical getaways, images of luxury resorts, private islands, and sky-high prices often come to mind. But the truth is, you don’t need a millionaire’s budget to enjoy white-sand beaches, turquoise waters, and swaying palm trees. All around the world, there are stunning tropical destinations that deliver paradise without draining your savings. …

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Caprese Salad Perfected: The Italian Classic That’s Simpler Than You Think

Caprese salad is a classic Italian dish that beautifully showcases the simplicity and freshness of Mediterranean cuisine. Made with just a handful of high-quality ingredients, this salad is vibrant, refreshing, and full of flavour. In this recipe guide, you’ll learn how to make an authentic Caprese salad that is perfect for any occasion, whether as …

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Why Spanish Restaurants Won’t Serve You Dinner at 7 PM Even If You’re Starving

If you land hungry in Madrid or Seville at 6:45 p.m., stroll into a pretty dining room, and ask for a table, the host may smile and say the kitchen opens at 8:30. You are not being punished. You have walked into a country where the clock is part of the cuisine and the dining …

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The Bread Charge in Rome That Americans Think Is a Scam—but Is 500 Years Old

Walk into a Roman trattoria, order cacio e pepe, and when the conto lands you spot a small line for pane (bread) or servizio. Cue the table-wide eyebrow raise: “They scammed us.” They didn’t. You just met a centuries-old Italian custom wearing its Roman-era outfit. What looks like a sneaky add-on is the local descendant …

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Why Ordering Wine With Coca-Cola in Spain Is Actually More Offensive Than Nudity

If you want to understand Spain fast, do not start with museum hours or train tickets. Start with the unspoken rules around food and drink. They carry more social voltage than you think, and sometimes more than bare skin on a beach. I am not telling you that a bartender will gasp if you ask …

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Why Poolside Nudity in Europe Isn’t a Big Deal—But Americans Think It Is

And what it reveals about body comfort, cultural expectation, and how public exposure is interpreted differently on either side of the Atlantic Traveling Americans often assume that public pools abroad will look, feel, and function like the ones they grew up with: chlorine, lifeguards, modesty rules, and layers of unspoken behavioral guidelines. But then they …

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The Truth About Cruise Travel: Why It’s the Most Overrated Vacation Ever

Cruise vacations are often marketed as the ultimate stress-free getaway – unlimited food, endless entertainment, and waking up in a new destination each morning. From glossy brochures to glowing social media reels, the cruise industry promises a luxurious escape from reality where everything is taken care of for you. But behind the flashy deals and …

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