Skip to Content

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 European Divorces Cost €2,000 While American Divorces Cost Everything

(What “cheap” really means in Europe, why U.S. bills explode, and how to keep your own costs sane in 2025) Spend five minutes comparing divorce bills and you see two different worlds. In much of Europe, a simple mutual-consent split is a routine administrative matter with modest, published fees. In the United States, the same …

Read More about Why European Divorces Cost €2,000 While American Divorces Cost Everything

Ditch the Tourist Traps: 14 Insider Tricks to Living Like a Local in Europe’s Most Underrated Cities

Tired of jostling crowds in Europe’s tourist capitals? Some of the continent’s best experiences await in mid-sized or off-the-radar cities—where authenticity thrives, prices are lower, and locals are happy to show off what makes their home unique. Here are 14 secrets to help you blend in, savor local culture, and avoid the tourist traps in …

Read More about Ditch the Tourist Traps: 14 Insider Tricks to Living Like a Local in Europe’s Most Underrated Cities

Why European Men Never Split the Bill (And 8 Other Dating Shocks That Surprise Americans)

Why Bother Reading?Americans heading to Europe—especially for romance—often stumble upon norms that differ from the quick “Dutch pay” or “everyone’s independent” mindset. From Southern Europe’s tradition of men paying for dinner to Northern Europe’s direct approach about finances, there’s a spectrum that can leave U.S. daters scratching their heads. Below are 8 major shocks that …

Read More about Why European Men Never Split the Bill (And 8 Other Dating Shocks That Surprise Americans)

12 Worst Travel Experiences Abroad (And How to Avoid Them)

Traveling abroad often conjures images of beautiful landscapes, rich cultures, and unforgettable adventures. But anyone who has spent enough time on the road knows that not every trip is picture-perfect. From missed flights to cultural misunderstandings, there are travel experiences that can quickly turn excitement into frustration. These moments, while unpleasant at the time, often …

Read More about 12 Worst Travel Experiences Abroad (And How to Avoid Them)

Airbnb vs. Hotels: 8 Insider Hacks to Spend Less and Sleep Better Anywhere

When it comes to travel accommodations, the debate between Airbnb and hotels is hotter than ever. Airbnb often promises unique stays, local experiences, and lower prices—while hotels counter with professional service, predictable standards, and amenities travelers can trust. But choosing between them isn’t always straightforward. The truth is, both Airbnb and hotels come with hidden …

Read More about Airbnb vs. Hotels: 8 Insider Hacks to Spend Less and Sleep Better Anywhere

8 British Cities That Aren’t London—And Why They Might Be Even Better

For many visitors, “the UK” automatically translates to “London”—land of Big Ben, the Tower, and West End shows. But your friends are right: if you only see the capital, you’re missing out on Britain’s full personality. From buzzing northern hubs to peaceful coastal escapes, here are 8 British cities that prove there’s far more to …

Read More about 8 British Cities That Aren’t London—And Why They Might Be Even Better

12 Overhyped European Diet Secrets That Don’t Work for Real Locals (And What They Actually Eat)

There’s a certain magic associated with European diets—be it French women who “never get fat,” the seemingly effortless Mediterranean approach to seafood and olive oil, or the universally assumed “low-carb” German bread culture (spoiler: that’s not a thing). Over the years, these purported “secrets” have morphed into global diet trends, fueling entire industries of cookbooks, …

Read More about 12 Overhyped European Diet Secrets That Don’t Work for Real Locals (And What They Actually Eat)

Why Traveling Europe in August Will Ruin Your Trip (And What No Influencer Tells You)

Why Single Out August? You’ve probably seen gorgeous Instagram posts featuring sun-soaked beaches on the Italian coast, or influencer reels capturing Greek island sunsets in August—making it seem like the perfect time to visit Europe. And yes, visually, it can be stunning. But behind those curated shots lies a harsh reality many travelers only discover …

Read More about Why Traveling Europe in August Will Ruin Your Trip (And What No Influencer Tells You)

The Lunch Break in France That’s Legally Protected From American Meetings

(Why noon in France is for eating—not Zoom—and what that means for your calendar in 2025) Walk into a French office around 12:30 and the building exhales. Laptops close, elevators fill, and streets tilt toward bistros, canteens, or the nearest park bench. Try dropping a meeting invite across that window and you’ll meet polite confusion …

Read More about The Lunch Break in France That’s Legally Protected From American Meetings

These Fluffy Japanese Pancakes Have a Secret Filling—Here’s How to Make Dorayaki at Home

Dorayaki may look like a simple pancake sandwich at first glance, but it’s one of Japan’s most beloved traditional sweets—soft, golden castella-style pancakes filled with sweet red bean paste (anko). Light, airy, and subtly sweet, it’s a snack that strikes the perfect balance between comfort food and cultural delicacy. Making dorayaki at home is surprisingly …

Read More about These Fluffy Japanese Pancakes Have a Secret Filling—Here’s How to Make Dorayaki at Home