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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.

Poke Isn’t Sushi: How to Make Authentic Hawaiian Poke at Home (And Stop Getting It Wrong)

Poke (pronounced “poh-keh”) is more than just a trendy bowl you see on Instagram. It’s a traditional Hawaiian dish deeply rooted in island culture, combining simplicity, freshness, and bold flavor. While modern “poke bowls” have taken over health food spots worldwide, the true essence of poke is often lost in translation. Real poke isn’t a …

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16 Things Europeans Stubbornly Refuse to Change (That Make Americans Question Everything About Modern Life)

Ever wondered why Europeans seem stuck in their ways? After spending years on both sides of the Atlantic, I’ve discovered it’s not about being stubborn – it’s about having a completely different approach to life. Some of these might seem illogical at first, until you dig deeper… Other Reads: – 17 American Habits That Make …

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The Siesta Hours Americans Ignore Then Wonder Why Everything’s Closed

If metal shutters drop in the middle of your perfect shopping day, you didn’t hit an economic downturn—you ran into a daily rhythm where lunch, family, and heat win for a few hours, and the street wakes up again when the light softens. Stand on a neighborhood block in Valencia or Seville at 1:58 p.m. …

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Stop Doing This Abroad: 7 Habits That Instantly Expose You as an American Tourist

When you’re an American exploring new destinations overseas, you want to be seen as a respectful traveler—one who values local culture and isn’t just ticking boxes on a bucket list. But sometimes, we end up broadcasting that we’re American without even realizing it. From the way we speak to the little things we do at …

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The Happy Hour That Doesn’t Exist in Europe But Americans Keep Seeking

If you’re hunting for half-price margaritas from five to seven, you’ll keep walking past the best deals in Europe—because the continent doesn’t discount like the U.S. It redistributes value: small pours, built-in snacks, after-work “formulas,” and strict rules that make two-for-one signs rare or illegal. Walk any European city at 6:15 p.m. and you’ll see …

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9 Daily European Habits That Americans Don’t Even Know Exist

(And Why These Quiet Rituals Add Up to a Very Different Life) Ask most Americans what they do on an average day and the answers tend to follow a predictable rhythm: rush to work, eat lunch at the desk, maybe hit the gym, scroll a bit too long at night, and collapse into bed. Ask …

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Don’t Do This in Vietnam: 20 Mistakes Tourists Make That Locals Quietly Judge

Vietnam is one of Southeast Asia’s most captivating countries, blending ancient traditions with buzzing cities, unforgettable cuisine, and jaw-dropping landscapes. But for many first-time visitors, cultural missteps are almost inevitable. What seems harmless or even polite in your home country might be seen as rude, invasive, or just strange in Vietnam. From using the wrong …

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The Compliments Americans Give That Europeans Think Are Sarcastic

You say “That’s amazing!” with a big grin; they hear “Sure it is.” The words aren’t the problem—the intensity, speed, and smile are. Calibrate those, and your praise stops sounding like a punch line. Walk into a café in Madrid, a gallery in Berlin, or a dinner party in Paris and you’ll notice something: people …

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7 Totally Normal Things in European Homes That Leave Americans Baffled

Stepping into a European home for the first time can feel like entering an alternate reality—everything looks familiar, yet operates just a little differently. From odd bathroom setups to mysterious switches in the hallway, American travelers often find themselves doing double takes and quietly wondering, “Is this normal?” In Europe, the answer is yes. These …

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13 Travel Mistakes That Will Ruin Your Trip (And How to Avoid Them Like a Pro)

Even the most seasoned travelers aren’t immune to making mistakes. From simple oversights to costly errors, travel mishaps can turn a dream vacation into a logistical nightmare. Whether it’s booking the wrong airport, underestimating cultural norms, or trusting misleading reviews, these common blunders cost more than money—they cost time, comfort, and sometimes your entire trip. …

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Stop Overpaying to Travel: 10 Insider Hacks to Save Big Without Sacrificing Comfort

Travel is often marketed as a luxurious escape, but the truth is, it doesn’t have to drain your savings. Too many people assume that exploring the world requires five-star stays, expensive tours, and nonstop spending. The real secret? Most seasoned travelers don’t spend nearly as much as you think—and they still have unforgettable experiences. It’s …

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How To Make Sarma – The Ultimate Balkan Stuffed Cabbage Rolls Recipe

Sarma is a beloved dish across the Balkans, Eastern Europe, and parts of the Middle East, featuring cabbage leaves stuffed with a savoury mixture of minced meat, rice, and herbs, then slowly simmered until tender and deeply flavourful. This dish is a staple at family gatherings, festive celebrations, and cosy winter meals, representing warmth, tradition, …

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