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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.

Spanish Etiquette 101: What Locals Expect But Never Say

Traveling to Spain? Get ready for delicious food, warm weather, stunning architecture — and one of Europe’s most laid-back, yet deeply traditional, cultures. While Spain may feel relaxed on the surface, there’s an entire layer of unspoken etiquette that locals expect visitors to observe — even if they’ll never tell you directly. Understanding these unwritten …

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Why French People Eat Butter at Room Temperature That Americans Think Breeds Bacteria

And what it reveals about trust, taste, and the cultural gap between flavor and fear To an American home cook, butter belongs in one place: the fridge. It’s kept cold, protected, and safely wrapped — like a delicate product constantly on the edge of turning dangerous. Leave it out too long, and someone in the …

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The Nighttime Kitchen Ritual Spanish People Do That American Pest Control Says Attracts Rats

And what it reveals about routine, comfort, and a very different understanding of what “clean” really means In American households, especially in suburban settings, kitchen cleanliness is treated like a line of defense. Dishes are scrubbed immediately after dinner. Leftovers go into tightly sealed containers. Counters are sanitized with chemical sprays. Trash is taken out …

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The Goodbye Kiss Location Europeans Use That Would Get Americans Fired at Work

And what it reveals about cultural warmth, boundaries, and why a quick kiss isn’t personal — it’s just polite In the United States, workplace greetings are kept formal. A nod. A handshake. Maybe a fist bump in relaxed settings. And when it’s time to say goodbye, especially in a professional space, the moment is kept …

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Where to Travel in 2025? These 5 Bucket List Destinations Are Worth Every Mile

With each new year comes the irresistible urge to plan the next great adventure. The world is brimming with breathtaking places waiting to be explored, but choosing where to go can feel overwhelming. As travel continues to bounce back stronger than ever, 2025 is shaping up to be the perfect year to finally check off …

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10 Romantic Getaways Couples Are Booking Right Now (And Why You Should Too)

Traveling with your partner can deepen your bond in unforgettable ways — shared memories, quiet mornings, and new adventures that leave both of you feeling closer. Whether you’re newly dating, celebrating an anniversary, or just looking for a break from routine, the right destination can turn an ordinary trip into something truly meaningful. But with …

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15 Travel Disasters You Think Won’t Happen to You (Until They Do)

Everyone loves the idea of travel: new places, new foods, unforgettable views. But what most people don’t talk about? The mishaps. The missed flights, wrong train stations, passport panics, and language mix-ups that seem like rare horror stories — until you realize they happen all the time. Even seasoned travelers make mistakes, often the same …

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9 Travel Accessories Europeans Swear By (That Most Americans Don’t Even Know Exist)

And What They Reveal About Practicality, Poise, and a Quietly Elegant Way of Moving Through the World Spend enough time in a Mediterranean airport lounge, a northern European train station, or a boutique hotel lobby in Vienna, and you’ll start to notice something: European travelers move differently. They look unhurried, lightly packed, and somehow effortlessly …

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7 Secrets to Thriving as a Digital Nomad in Lisbon (What No One Tells You)

Lisbon has quickly risen to the top of global digital nomad destinations, and it’s easy to see why. This sun-soaked city on the Atlantic combines historic charm, thriving coffee culture, and a fast-growing tech scene with an affordable lifestyle compared to many Western capitals. From tiled streets lined with pastel houses to stunning viewpoints over …

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Why Spanish People Know Everyone’s Income While Americans Guard It Like Death

And what it reveals about transparency, trust, and the radically different ways money is handled in public life In the United States, asking someone how much money they make is often considered one of the rudest questions possible. Alongside asking a woman her age or a couple why they don’t have kids, it’s a cultural …

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15 Common Travel Mistakes People Make Before Flying — And How to Avoid Every One

Whether you’re heading overseas for the first time or flying domestically for the hundredth, it’s easy to fall into common travel traps before you even reach the airport. From missed documents to forgotten essentials, these missteps can cost you time, money, and peace of mind. Most pre-flight mistakes come down to two things: lack of …

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Why European Kids Speak 3 Languages While American Kids Barely Speak One

And what it reveals about expectations, exposure, and the difference between cultural strategy and linguistic survival Travel through Europe — from tiny Alpine towns to coastal Spanish cities — and you’ll find teenagers switching between English, French, and their mother tongue without hesitation. In restaurants, on trains, or in parks, it’s not unusual to hear …

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