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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 Americans Who Jump the Paris Metro Turnstile Get Spotted and Fined Instantly

And what it reveals about surveillance, cultural expectation, and why one city polices public space with quiet precision In Paris, no one is surprised when a tourist fumbles at a Metro turnstile. The ticket machines confuse visitors. The gates are narrow. And in a hurry, many Americans—convinced the machine is broken or their pass didn’t …

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12 Stunning European Cities Where You Can Live Comfortably for Under $2,500/Month

Our guide on the best places to live in Europe for less than $2500 USD if you plan to move in. Europe offers a wide range of affordable cities that boast a high quality of life, stunning landscapes, rich cultures, and affordable living costs. If you’re looking to relocate or spend a significant amount of …

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11 Genius Packing Tips Frequent Travelers Swear By (But Most People Never Do)

Packing for a trip can be stressful and overwhelming. We all want to make sure we have everything we need without overpacking or forgetting the essentials. How do we strike that perfect balance? In this article, we’ll share some top packing hacks from seasoned travelers. These tips come from years of experience on the road, …

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13 Breathtaking Places in Spain Better Than Barcelona (Locals Hope You Never Find Them)

When most travelers think of Spain, their minds jump straight to Madrid’s grand boulevards or Barcelona’s colorful Gaudí architecture. But Spain is more than just its two most famous cities. Hidden between its rugged coastlines, rolling vineyards, and sleepy mountain villages are destinations that feel untouched by mass tourism yet offer an equally rich cultural …

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The Hair Thickness Secret Roman Women Know That American Salons Charge $500 For

And what it reveals about tradition, routine, and why ancient beauty rituals still outlast high-end treatments In modern Rome, tucked between espresso bars and corner pharmacies, women walk with unapologetic hair—thick, soft, and full of life. It’s not styled within an inch of its life. It isn’t shellacked with product. It moves. It breathes. And …

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10 Worst Destinations for Digital Nomads (And Where to Work Remotely Instead)

The rise of digital nomadism has turned once-sleepy towns and tropical islands into buzzing hubs of remote workers. But not all destinations are created equal—especially when you’re trying to balance productivity with lifestyle. While Instagram might highlight laptop-friendly cafés on the beach and dreamy coworking spaces in the mountains, many so-called “digital nomad hotspots” fall …

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Why Mediterranean Streets Make People Happier—And What American Cities Are Getting Wrong

(It’s Not Just the Sunshine—It’s the Way the Cities Are Built) If you’ve ever walked through the winding alleys of Chania in Crete, strolled a sleepy square in southern Italy, or wandered down a palm-lined promenade in Valencia just before sunset, you’ve probably felt it. That something. The sense that life moves differently here. Slower. …

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Don’t Do This in Puerto Rico: 20 Mistakes Tourists Make That Locals Secretly Hate

Puerto Rico is often seen as a tropical playground—lush jungles, historic towns, and postcard-worthy beaches—all within easy reach for American travelers. But while its U.S. territory status may suggest otherwise, Puerto Rico has a deeply unique culture with unspoken rules, traditions, and local expectations. Tourists who come without doing a bit of homework often stumble …

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The Retirement Age Spanish Choose That Makes Americans Work Until Death

And what it reveals about quality of life, state trust, and why one culture lets go while the other holds on forever In Spain, retirement isn’t treated like a finish line you crawl toward. It’s treated like an expected transition—one that arrives not only with dignity, but with public support, community rhythm, and a clear …

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The Venice Bridge Where Sitting Now Results in Immediate Police Action

And what it reveals about crowd control, civic dignity, and why Venice punishes pause where movement matters most In most cities, a traveler sitting on a bridge step is treated with indifference. They’re resting, maybe watching the water, maybe sipping from a bottle of water before continuing on. But in Venice, this pause has become …

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Why Americans Get Arrested for Walking on This Side of Barcelona Streets

And what it reveals about pedestrian regulation, road culture, and why a tiny misstep can become a legal moment Most American visitors step off the plane in Spain and assume walking is instinctive anywhere—sidewalks optional. But in Barcelona, walking on the wrong side of roadways, texting while crossing, or ignoring traffic signals can trigger immediate …

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Visiting Paris for the First Time? The Honest Itinerary Locals Wish Tourists Would Follow

Paris. The City of Light, romance, cafés, and centuries of culture. For first-time visitors, it can feel like a dream—and a checklist. From the Eiffel Tower to the Louvre, the pressure to “do it all” in just a few days can turn a magical city into a blur of lines, maps, and overpriced meals. But …

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