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.

I Stopped Drinking Water With Meals Like Greeks for 30 Days: Here’s What Happened

I didn’t “fix my gut” with a miracle trick. I removed one habit that made every meal feel heavier than it needed to, and the ripple effects were bigger than I expected. I used to drink water the American way. Big glass. Refill. Another refill. Sometimes sparkling because it felt fancy. I’d eat fast, drink …

Read More about I Stopped Drinking Water With Meals Like Greeks for 30 Days: Here’s What Happened

Why Most People Ruin Pesto Pasta (And How Italians Do It Right)

Tagliatelle al Pesto is a classic Italian dish that proves simplicity is often the key to unforgettable flavor. Hailing from the Liguria region, this dish brings together fresh basil pesto with ribbons of tender tagliatelle pasta, creating a vibrant, herbaceous meal that tastes like a summer garden on a plate. It’s the kind of dish …

Read More about Why Most People Ruin Pesto Pasta (And How Italians Do It Right)

The 5 Japan Mistakes First-Time American Visitors Make

Japan is not confusing. It’s precise. First-time Americans struggle when they show up with “we’ll figure it out later” energy in a country that sells the best moments on a clock and charges a premium for improvisation. Japan Feels Hard When You Treat Specific Rules Like Optional Most Americans do not fail Japan because they …

Read More about The 5 Japan Mistakes First-Time American Visitors Make

The Complaining Method French Use That Gets Results While Americans Get Ignored

And what it reveals about tone, expectation, and the art of making dissatisfaction sound dignified In the United States, customer service culture is built on the idea that “the customer is always right.” But that principle only works if you’re polite. Smile, explain your problem calmly, and express your frustration with a tone that doesn’t …

Read More about The Complaining Method French Use That Gets Results While Americans Get Ignored

Why Vietnamese Food Is the Best in Asia (5 Dishes to Prove It)

Vietnamese cuisine has quietly become one of the most beloved food traditions in the world. While countries like China, Japan, and Thailand often dominate international food conversations, Vietnam continues to win hearts through balance, freshness, and simplicity. Its dishes manage to feel both comforting and exciting at the same time. What sets Vietnamese food apart …

Read More about Why Vietnamese Food Is the Best in Asia (5 Dishes to Prove It)

Why Spaniards Use Pig Fat in Desserts That American Vegans Can’t Detect

And what it reveals about tradition, labeling, and how sweetness and ancestry still live on the same plate in Spain For travelers with dietary restrictions, ingredient lists are a sacred guide. In the United States, packaged goods and restaurant menus reflect this reality. Labels are detailed. Dishes are often flagged “vegan,” “vegetarian,” “dairy-free,” or “gluten-free.” …

Read More about Why Spaniards Use Pig Fat in Desserts That American Vegans Can’t Detect

Mediterranean Doctors Eat This Every Day And Americans Think It’s Unhealthy

(And Why It’s the Cornerstone of a Diet Americans Still Misunderstand) In the United States, the word “fat” is still treated like a warning sign. Grocery store labels scream “low-fat,” “fat-free,” or “reduced fat.” And many well-meaning diets still encourage people to cut out oils, butter, and full-fat ingredients in the name of heart health …

Read More about Mediterranean Doctors Eat This Every Day And Americans Think It’s Unhealthy

This Simple Italian Dip Beats Salsa and Hummus: Italy’s Most Addictive Dip You’ve Probably Never Tried

Bagna Cauda, literally meaning “hot bath” in Italian, is one of Piedmont’s most treasured culinary traditions. This warm, savory dip made from garlic, anchovies, olive oil, and sometimes butter is a rustic, bold, and deeply flavorful dish that brings people together quite literally around the table. Traditionally served in a communal pot, everyone dips their …

Read More about This Simple Italian Dip Beats Salsa and Hummus: Italy’s Most Addictive Dip You’ve Probably Never Tried

These 6 European Cities Let Retirees Live Better Than at Home

Why Europe for Retirement? Even in 2026, Europe remains a top destination for American retirees seeking an affordable yet high-quality lifestyle. While the cost of living has risen in some areas, there are still cities where your Social Security check can go a long way. Europe offers excellent healthcare, pedestrian-friendly towns, and rich cultural experiences …

Read More about These 6 European Cities Let Retirees Live Better Than at Home

Why Italian Couples Leave the Door Open And Why Americans Are Shocked

And what it reveals about intimacy, cultural norms, and a completely different idea of personal space Spend time in an Italian home especially during a long lunch, a weekend visit, or a casual evening with friends and you may stumble across a moment that leaves most American guests wide-eyed and silently horrified. It’s not the …

Read More about Why Italian Couples Leave the Door Open And Why Americans Are Shocked

Authentic Swiss Rösti: What You’ve Been Doing Wrong

Rösti is one of Switzerland’s most beloved culinary staples, originating from the Alpine farms of Bern and Zurich. This simple yet satisfying dish is essentially a crispy potato pancake, traditionally made with grated potatoes pan-fried in butter or oil until golden brown and deliciously crunchy on the outside while remaining tender inside. Originally eaten as …

Read More about Authentic Swiss Rösti: What You’ve Been Doing Wrong

The Truth About Cruise Travel: Why Cruise Vacations Aren’t as Great as Everyone Claims

Cruise vacations are often marketed as the ultimate stress-free getaway unlimited food, endless entertainment, and waking up in a new destination each morning. From glossy brochures to glowing social media reels, the cruise industry promises a luxurious escape from reality where everything is taken care of for you. But behind the flashy deals and curated …

Read More about The Truth About Cruise Travel: Why Cruise Vacations Aren’t as Great as Everyone Claims