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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.

I Compared American Bills to My Spanish Bills Side by Side and the Difference Is Obscene

Not because Spain is “cheap.” Because the U.S. bill stack is built around two monthly monsters that don’t exist the same way here, and everything else becomes background noise. The first time you do this properly, it feels like cheating. You take the bills you pay in Spain, line by line, and put them next …

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Why Everyone Is Cooking These 5 Air Fryer Recipes

The air fryer has gone from a trendy kitchen gadget to an essential appliance in just a few short years. Its promise of crispy, flavorful food with less oil has made it a favorite among home cooks worldwide. But beyond reheating leftovers or making French fries, the air fryer shines when used for creative, full-fledged …

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Why Everyone Is Talking About This Sweet-and-Savory Chicken

Chicken Marbella might just be one of the most unexpected flavor combinations you’ll ever fall in love with. Originally made famous in the 1980s by the iconic Silver Palate Cookbook, this dish blends Mediterranean and Spanish flavors into something truly unforgettable. Imagine juicy chicken marinated in a sweet-and-savory mix of prunes, olives, garlic, capers, and …

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Why You Can Drink Beer in Germany Without the “Beer Belly”

It is not the hops or the label. It is the alcohol, the calories, and the way people drink that decide what shows up around your waist. Walk into a beer hall in Munich and order a Helles. It tastes crisp, it sits around five percent alcohol, and it goes down easily with a plate …

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They Moved to the South of France With $200,000 and Almost Ran Out in 18 Months

On the Riviera, $200,000 is not “set for years” money. It’s “one bad housing decision plus a few normal life habits” money, and it disappears faster than people expect. They arrived with the kind of confidence Americans only get from seeing six digits in a bank account. Two suitcases each. A few boxes shipped ahead. …

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Why Brasato al Barolo Is Italy’s Most Luxurious Beef Stew (And How to Make It at Home)

When it comes to hearty Italian comfort food, few dishes are as rich and elegant as Brasato al Barolo. This iconic Piedmontese specialty features beef braised slowly in Barolo wine, one of Italy’s finest reds, along with vegetables, herbs, and spices. The result is a melt-in-your-mouth tender roast enveloped in a deep, velvety sauce that …

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The New Spanish Residency Rule That Changes Everything for Expats

You land in Madrid thinking you have ninety days. Then you learn there is a clean, legal path that turns those ninety into a year, then three, without playing stamp games or hopping borders. Spain just rewrote the playbook that controls who gets to live there and on what terms. The new regulation reorganizes visas …

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Move Over Focaccia: Why Schiacciata Might Be Italy’s Best-Kept Bread Secret (And How to Make It at Home)

If you’ve ever strolled through the markets of Florence or Tuscany, chances are you’ve caught a whiff of schiacciata—a golden, crispy, olive oil-rich flatbread that locals devour like pizza never existed. While it may look similar to focaccia, schiacciata has its own bold identity, rooted in Tuscan tradition and rustic simplicity. The name “schiacciata” means …

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France’s Most Famous Café Sandwiches: Which One Wins?

When it comes to iconic French café fare, few dishes are as beloved—or as delightfully indulgent—as the croque monsieur and its equally tempting sibling, the croque madame. These toasted, cheese-smothered sandwiches are a staple in Parisian bistros and brasseries, offering a perfect blend of comfort and culinary elegance. But for many people outside of France, …

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The European Habit That Confuses (and Impresses) American Women

(And Why It Has Nothing to Do with Vanity) If you spend any time in Europe—at a café in Paris, in a market in Florence, or walking the leafy boulevards of Madrid—you may notice something subtle but striking: European women seem effortlessly put-together, even when they’re just grabbing bread or running errands. We’re not talking …

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6 Must-Make Fall Recipes That Never Fail

As the crisp air rolls in and leaves begin to turn, fall invites us back into the kitchen. It’s the season of warm spices, slow-cooked comfort, and nostalgic aromas that wrap you in familiarity. From savory stews to cozy baked goods, fall recipes are more than meals—they’re a mood. These six popular fall recipes have …

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8 European Cities Where $1,500 a Month Gets You a Comfortable Life

Comfortable is not luxury. It is a private place, predictable bills, food that is not panic-food, and enough breathing room that one surprise expense does not wreck your month. If you want the honest version, $1,500 a month in Europe is not a magic spell. It is a rent problem disguised as a lifestyle dream. …

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