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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 Your U.S. Credit Card Might Betray You Overseas (and How to Outsmart It)

Don’t get stranded at the checkout—here’s how to pay like a local, anywhere in the world. You’ve booked the flights, packed your bags, and landed in a dream destination—only to have your U.S. credit card declined at a restaurant or train station. For many American travelers, this isn’t just an inconvenience—it’s a trip-disrupting nightmare that …

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The Apartment Application Packet Europe Expects and Why U.S. Renters Get Rejected

You show up to a Saturday open viewing in Barcelona. Ten other people are already in the stairwell—folders in hand, questions ready. The agent smiles, asks for your “dossier,” and moves on to the next couple when you say you’ll email it later. In the U.S., you tour first and apply later. In Europe, you …

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10 Countries Foodies Should Avoid (and the Delicious Alternatives to Visit Instead)

Not every trip is a culinary dream, and sometimes, the harsh truth is that certain destinations can leave your taste buds underwhelmed. While travel blogs often paint every country as a foodie paradise, the reality is that some places simply don’t deliver when it comes to flavor, freshness, or variety. From bland menus heavy on …

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Why Italian Grandmothers Wake at 3 AM to Make This Bread Americans Pay $15 For

And what it reveals about memory, time, and why a loaf shaped by hand still outlasts the machine In quiet villages across southern Italy, before the sun touches the cobblestone streets, the kitchen lights flicker on. Grandmothers tie aprons over nightgowns, open wooden cabinets, and begin the same process they’ve done for decades. No alarms, …

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The Daily Ritual Italian Grandmothers Do That Prevents Every Disease Killing Americans

And what it reveals about rhythm, immunity, and why health in Italy is still cooked—not prescribed They don’t wear lab coats. They don’t have fitness trackers. They don’t know the name of the latest gut supplement trending in the U.S. But Italian grandmothers, many in their 70s, 80s, and even 90s, are still standing at …

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The Text Message Check Italian Wives Do That Would Make American Husbands Divorce

You’re settling in for the evening in Rome—soft light spilling across terracotta walls, children’s laughter drifting down the stairwell—when your wife asks for your phone. Not to show you a photo, but to scroll through your messages backward. Your heart skips. Isn’t that a total breach of privacy? In the U.S., handing over your unlocked …

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10 Secret Barcelona Viewpoints That Locals Don’t Want Flooded With Tourists (Yet)

Barcelona is a city built for views—from Gaudí’s fairytale architecture to sun-drenched beaches and dramatic hillsides. But while tourists flock to Park Güell and Montjuïc for that perfect panoramic shot, locals know there are dozens of hidden spots where the views are better, the crowds are thinner, and the experience is far more magical. These …

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40 Mexican Dishes That Will Ruin Taco Bell for You Forever (The Real Flavors of Mexico)

We will write about Mexican food with the best 40 Mexican dishes and traditional food in Mexico to try. Mexico is one of the best cuisine on the world! Mexican cuisine is a delicious mix of indigenous and Spanish flavors. Mexican traditional food has a reputation for being spicy, but it does have a wide variety of flavors, although …

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Why Saying “Have a Nice Day” Makes French People Think Americans Are Psychopaths

You’re bidding farewell to a new acquaintance in Lyon—bags in hand, rain drifting off the Rhône—when you cheerfully chirp, “Have a nice day!” They freeze, blink, then force a polite “Merci… à vous aussi.” What felt like a warm send-off reads, to many French ears, as eerily over-familiar, insincere, or even borderline psychopathic. In France—where …

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These 10 Countries Dominate the UNESCO List—But Is It Really About Heritage or Politics?

When it comes to cultural prestige, few honors are more powerful than a UNESCO World Heritage designation. From ancient temples to natural wonders, being listed means global recognition, preservation priority, and often, a big boost in tourism. But have you ever wondered which countries top the list—and why? As of the most recent count, the …

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Why Some Spanish ER Visits End Up Labeled “Experimental Treatment” by Blue Cross

And what it reveals about expectations, medical language, and why U.S. insurers reject what Europe treats as urgent care When an American lands in a Spanish emergency room, confusion often follows. Not just for language, but for procedure and insurance. A U.S. insurer—such as Blue Cross—might later label the care “experimental” or “not medically necessary”, …

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Why American Express Travel Insurance Claims Often Fail in European Hospitals

And what it reveals about policy confusion, care expectations, and the quiet friction between American coverage and European systems For many Americans, travel insurance feels like the safety net that guarantees peace of mind abroad. It’s often bundled with their credit cards, mentioned in sleek brochures, and tied to brands that suggest luxury, reliability, and …

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