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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.

9 Hygiene Habits Italians Consider Essential That Americans Skip Completely

If you spend time in Italy in summer, the first thing you notice is not a landmark. It’s the baseline. People look put-together at 8 p.m. in 33°C heat, and they do not smell like a gym bag. Living in Spain, it’s easy to spot the Mediterranean hygiene pattern because it shows up everywhere: cafés, …

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Most Travelers Make These 10 Airport Mistakes Without Realizing It

Travel days are stressful even for experienced flyers, and the smallest misstep can turn a smooth journey into a frustrating ordeal. From overlooked documents to timing mistakes and misunderstood airline policies, most travel disasters stem from simple errors that could have been avoided with better preparation. As airports grow busier and flight schedules become more …

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What Tourists Get Wrong About Paying in Portugal

A traveler orders two toasts, four pastéis, and a round of galões. The total hits €23.40. The server points at a small sign by the till: “Cartão até 20 €.” Cash only beyond that. It looks like old-school card-fee paranoia. It isn’t. In 2026 Portugal, the logic behind those signs is quieter: tax regimes, receipt …

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Where Italians Go Instead of Rome and Venice

Italy is known for its iconic cities Rome, Venice, Florence but the real magic of the country is often found in the small towns that remain off most travelers’ radars. These places, tucked between mountains, coastlines, and rolling vineyards, capture the authentic beauty and slower rhythms of Italian life that big cities can’t always offer. …

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Why Mediterranean Children Eat This Food Americans Don’t Allow

(And What That Says About Trust, Culture, and Childhood Itself) In American parenting circles, there’s a long list of foods that spark panic. Sugar. Salt. Soft cheese. Shellfish. Caffeine. And right up there near the top? Wine. Not a sip. Not even a taste. In many American homes, alcohol is strictly adults-only until the age …

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Why New York and Chicago Will Never Agree on Pizza

Pizza, a beloved dish across the globe, takes on a special significance in the United States, where two major cities claim to make the best version: New York and Chicago. Ready to compare the famous New York Pizza vs Chicago Deep pizza? New York-style pizza is famous for its thin, crispy crust which allows the …

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The Taxi Scam Hitting Americans in Lisbon Right Now

Arrivals at Lisbon Airport has a particular smell: jet fuel, espresso, and panic. You are tired, you are carrying a suitcase with one bad wheel, and you are standing under fluorescent lights trying to remember the name of your hotel. That is the moment someone steps into your path and makes the offer sound like …

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How to Master Singapore’s Famous Chili Crab at Home

Chili crab is one of Southeast Asia’s most iconic dishes, known for its bold flavors, rich sauce, and unforgettable aroma. Traditionally enjoyed in bustling seafood restaurants and hawker centers, it is often seen as a special-occasion meal rather than something to cook at home. Many people assume it is too complicated or messy to attempt …

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9 European Age Laws That Would Completely Shock Americans

(And What They Reveal About Growing Up, Growing Old, and Everything In Between) In the U.S., age often comes with strict expectations. By 18, you should move out. By 21, you can drink. By 30, you better have a career, a spouse, and a mortgage—or prepare to be side-eyed at dinner parties. There’s an invisible …

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Why Your Crème Brûlée Isn’t Creamy Enough And How to Fix It

Crème brûlée looks deceptively simple. A silky custard base topped with a thin layer of crackling caramelized sugar seems easy enough to master. Yet for many home cooks, the result is often disappointing: grainy texture, watery centers, or a custard that lacks the rich creaminess found in restaurants. If you have ever followed a recipe …

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The Tourist Trap Towns That Look Perfect Online But Aren’t

They photograph like a dream and live like a theme park. If you’re trying to test Europe for real, the “perfect town” is often the fastest way to feel lonely, overcharged, and weirdly stressed. The first time I watched an American couple melt down in a postcard town, it wasn’t over money. It was over …

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