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.

Thinking of Moving to Portugal? Read This First: Why Most Americans Don’t Last 18 Months in Portugal

cI keep seeing the same pattern. People arrive with bright eyes, pastel tiles, and a spreadsheet that says life will cost half. At month fourteen they are selling furniture on Facebook and arguing with their bank. I might have that 67 percent a little off, but the shape is correct, and if you read expat …

Read More about Thinking of Moving to Portugal? Read This First: Why Most Americans Don’t Last 18 Months in Portugal

The Homemade Chicken Tikka Masala That Tastes Better Than Restaurant Curry

Chicken Tikka Masala is one of the most beloved dishes to ever cross borders. While its origins spark debate some claim it as British-Indian fusion, others argue it has roots in the Indian subcontinent what’s undeniable is its global appeal. With its bold spices, tender marinated chicken, and rich tomato-cream sauce, this dish has earned …

Read More about The Homemade Chicken Tikka Masala That Tastes Better Than Restaurant Curry

9 Items Italians Never Pack That Americans Still Drag Across the Ocean

And What It Reveals About Confidence, Simplicity, and How Italians Travel With Less but Live More There’s a moment in every airport, train station, or hotel lobby when the difference becomes obvious. The Americans: overstuffed duffels, backpacks bursting at the seams, roller bags with zip-on compartments and “just-in-case” gadgets peeking out of every pocket. The …

Read More about 9 Items Italians Never Pack That Americans Still Drag Across the Ocean

The Van Life Trend Is Overrated And What Van Life Actually Feels Like When the Camera Is Off

Van life looks glamorous on Instagram endless road trips, cozy camper setups, and waking up to stunning mountain views. But is it really as carefree and dreamy as influencers make it seem? Scrolling through Instagram, it’s easy to romanticize the #VanLife movement. Curated photos of boho-chic vans parked in front of mountain vistas or oceanside …

Read More about The Van Life Trend Is Overrated And What Van Life Actually Feels Like When the Camera Is Off

The European Country That’s Becoming The Next Portugal Americans Don’t Know It Yet

For years, Portugal was the answer. Warm enough. Pretty enough. Western enough. Cheap enough, or at least cheap enough compared with the American places people were trying to leave. It had the right light, the right food, the right old-city texture, and just enough international familiarity that Americans could imagine themselves living there without feeling …

Read More about The European Country That’s Becoming The Next Portugal Americans Don’t Know It Yet

The Real Reason Europeans Are Thinner Than Americans

Why Bother Looking Beyond Diet? When comparing American and European lifestyles, we often see an obesity gap: on average, more Americans struggle with excess weight, while many Europeans remain slimmer. Conventional wisdom focuses on diet less processed food, smaller portions, more fresh produce. And that’s partially true. But my year living in Europe, plus discussions …

Read More about The Real Reason Europeans Are Thinner Than Americans

Why the Paloma Cocktail Beats the Margarita Cocktail Every Time

When most people think of Mexican cocktails, their minds immediately jump to the classic margarita. But ask anyone in Mexico what they’re sipping on during a sunny afternoon, and the answer is likely to be the Paloma a bright, refreshing blend of tequila, grapefruit soda (or juice), lime, and a salted rim. Light, crisp, and …

Read More about Why the Paloma Cocktail Beats the Margarita Cocktail Every Time

Forget Croissants: Sfogliatella Is the Italian Pastry That Actually Stuns With Recipe

If there’s one pastry that captures the spirit and indulgence of Southern Italy, it’s the Sfogliatella. With its crisp, shell-like layers and aromatic ricotta filling, this Neapolitan treat is both a culinary marvel and a labor of love. Its name, which means “little leaf” in Italian, perfectly describes the paper-thin folds of dough that make …

Read More about Forget Croissants: Sfogliatella Is the Italian Pastry That Actually Stuns With Recipe

California Pays $5.89 a Gallon: I Sold My Car When I Moved To Spain And It Was The Best Decision

The surprising part was not the gas. Yes, California’s average price for regular is sitting around $5.89 a gallon right now, which is the sort of number that would have sounded fake a few years ago and now just passes through the bloodstream like one more insult. But gas was never the whole car story. …

Read More about California Pays $5.89 a Gallon: I Sold My Car When I Moved To Spain And It Was The Best Decision

The Viral 15-Minute Salmon Everyone Is Making Right Now That Tastes Restaurant-Level

Salmon has long been celebrated as a nutrient-rich, flavourful protein choice for quick family dinners or impressive date-night meals. In this recipe guide, you’ll learn how to make garlic butter salmon that’s juicy, flaky, and infused with aromatic herbs and garlic for restaurant-quality results at home. Whether you’re a seasoned home cook or a busy …

Read More about The Viral 15-Minute Salmon Everyone Is Making Right Now That Tastes Restaurant-Level

These 10 Tagliatelle Dishes Make Spaghetti Look Too Easy

Tagliatelle is one of Italy’s most beloved pasta shapes long, flat ribbons of egg pasta that perfectly capture hearty sauces and rich flavors. Hailing from the Emilia-Romagna region, tagliatelle holds a special place in traditional Italian cuisine, often served with robust meat ragùs or delicate cream-based sauces. It’s a pasta that proves how simple ingredients, …

Read More about These 10 Tagliatelle Dishes Make Spaghetti Look Too Easy