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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 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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Paris Is Overrated? Discover These 7 French Towns That Locals Don’t Want Tourists to Ruin

Paris is iconic, no doubt—but it’s not the only story France has to tell. While millions flock to the City of Light each year, they often overlook the less touristy, more authentic corners of the country that are equally—if not more—captivating. From colorful coastal villages to medieval towns tucked into vineyards, these places offer charm …

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“Don’t Be a Target: How to Outsmart Pickpockets in Europe (Without Looking Paranoid)

Summer in Europe has just started and every major tourist destination is overly packed. And while you are on a vacation mindset, something you need to be reminded of: pickpockets in Europe. They are prevalent in every major tourist destination and like it or not, you’ll have to be aware to make sure you protect …

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The Mother-in-Law Living Arrangement Italians Have That Destroys American Families

You’re savoring a late-afternoon espresso in a sunlit Milan courtyard—vibrant shutters clacking open on cobblestone streets—when your cousin offhandedly mentions that her mother-in-law moved in… permanently. You blink. Isn’t that, you know, a recipe for disaster in the States? Wouldn’t every boundary in an American home shatter under that roof? Welcome to one of those …

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Why Americans Can’t Get Antibiotics in Spain Even While Dying

And what it reveals about prescription laws, medical authority, and why fatal urgency doesn’t override Spanish pharmacy rules Imagine waking with a fever in Madrid. You’re dizzy, your throat is raw, and you remember you left your amoxicillin back home. You stumble into a Spanish pharmacy. There’s no prescription in hand. You explain your symptoms …

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The Bank Account Trick Europeans Use That Would Get Americans Audited and Jailed

You’re strolling through a sidewalk café in Berlin—steam curling off your cappuccino, the chatter of neighbors floating out of open windows—when your friend offhandedly mentions she moved her entire savings into multiple Euro–denominated accounts across different EU member states. Wait—what? You blink. Isn’t that, you know, basically hiding money? Wouldn’t the IRS have a field …

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Looking For Places To Live In Europe? 15 Best European Capitals for You to Live, Travel, Work and Play

Europe’s capitals are more than just standard travel destinations; they are vibrant hubs of culture, innovation, and history that draw millions of visitors each year. But what makes a city trendy? Is it the innovative food scene, the buzzing nightlife, or perhaps the blend of historic charm and modern convenience? In this guide, we dive …

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Pack the Treats, Not the Guilt: 10 Pet-Friendly Destinations Your Dog (or Cat) Will Love as Much as You Do

Traveling with pets used to feel like an impossible dream—kennel fees, airline restrictions, and the endless “no pets allowed” signs made it more stressful than it was worth. But not anymore. With more cities, hotels, and parks embracing furry companions, pet-friendly travel is no longer a fringe idea—it’s a booming trend. From dog-welcoming beach towns …

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Skip Barcelona & Madrid: 7 Magical Spanish Towns Locals Don’t Want Tourists to Discover

Spain has long been defined by the magnetic pull of Barcelona’s beaches and Madrid’s museums. These iconic cities are rightly praised for their art, architecture, and energy—but they barely scratch the surface of what Spain truly offers. Away from the tourist-packed boulevards and sky-high hotel rates are lesser-known destinations that locals escape to and guard …

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The Food Combination Spanish Eat Daily That Would Send Americans Into Anaphylactic Shock

And what it reveals about microbiomes, immune resilience, and why Spain’s kitchen doesn’t fear what America now avoids In Spain, no one makes a big deal out of what they eat. There are no food diaries, no ingredient warnings taped to refrigerators, no panic around cross-contamination. Kids eat at school without allergy tables. Tapas bars …

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The Rome Fountain Photo Angle That Just Became a €5000 Criminal Offense

And what it reveals about sacred spaces, over-tourism, and why Italy now protects beauty with legal teeth In Rome, beauty is everywhere. But some corners of that beauty now come with a fine. As of 2025, certain gestures once considered innocent—like climbing a few inches onto the stone ledge of a historic fountain for a …

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