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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.

Why 77% of Americans Who Get Italian Citizenship Never Actually Move

Late 2025. The Italian passport solves a paperwork problem, not a life problem. I keep meeting Americans who spend two years chasing jure sanguinis, burst into a consulate selfie with a tricolore, then quietly stay in Phoenix, Chicago, or Austin. No one failed Italy. They mistook a document for a decision. The patterns are predictable, …

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Why Europeans Don’t Get Alzheimer’s at the Rate Americans Do (It’s This Daily Habit)

And what it reveals about food, conversation, and the unassuming rituals that quietly protect the brain In the United States, Alzheimer’s disease is a public health crisis. As of 2025, over six million Americans are living with Alzheimer’s, and that number is expected to double in the coming decades. Families spend years navigating care plans, …

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The Canary Islands Loophole That Lets Americans Live in Spain Without the Spain Price Tag

I am going to say the quiet part first. If you want Spain’s lifestyle without Spain’s mainland rent and winter bills, you move your Spanish dream 1,000 kilometers southwest to the Canary Islands and stop apologizing for knowing how to do math. You still get Spanish healthcare, Spanish paperwork, Spanish food, Spanish calendars, and a …

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Why Tom Yum Is Thailand’s Most Addictive Soup

If there is one dish that encapsulates the vibrant, bold flavors of Thai cuisine, it is Tom Yum soup. This aromatic, spicy, and sour soup is beloved across Thailand, combining fresh lemongrass, kaffir lime leaves, galangal, and chili with juicy shrimp or chicken to create a broth that is bright, cleansing, and deeply satisfying. Each …

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60 Thailand Travel Tips Every First-Timer Wishes They Knew Before Landing

We will write about Thailand travel tips and all the cool facts about Thailand and things to know before visiting Thailand for first timers. This post will be your go-to guide to get to know more of Thailand and what awaits you from amazing nature, beaches, great people to delicious food to try in Thailand. Traveling …

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Stop Doing This in Costa Rica: 7 Tourist Mistakes That Can Ruin Your Trip

Costa Rica, a gem nestled in the heart of Central America, is renowned for its lush rainforests, stunning beaches, and a vast array of biodiversity that attracts nature lovers and adventure seekers alike. Each year, thousands flock to experience its volcanic landscapes and the laid-back rhythm of ‘Pura Vida’ — the pure life. Ready to …

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Wake Up the European Way: Morning Habits That Shock Every American Visitor

Morning routines in Europe can vary significantly from what Americans are accustomed to. From the way Europeans start their day to their breakfast preferences, these habits might surprise—or even shock—most Americans. Here’s a look at some distinct European morning practices. If you’ve ever traveled to Europe and found yourself puzzled by how mornings start, you’re …

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The 6 European Food Labels That Reveal What American Labels Legally Hide

If you want to know what you are actually eating, stop reading marketing and start reading labels. European labels are not perfect, but they tell you things upfront that American packaging often buries in umbrella terms, QR codes, or “proprietary” blends. This is a practical guide to the six European label features that change how …

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Forget Sangria: This Everyday Spanish Drink Is What Locals Really Love

You can order sangria and no one will stop you. But if you want to drink like a Spaniard, skip the tourist jug and ask for the simple things locals actually buy: a chilled tinto de verano, a Sunday vermut, or a small glass of vino joven that often costs about the price of a …

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Why 81% of Chicago Families Can’t Survive Dutch Winters

If you think a Chicago winter prepares you for the Netherlands, you are using the wrong metric. Chicago is colder on paper, the Netherlands is colder in real life. Wet cold plus wind plus bicycles at 07:45 with two tired kids will beat your North Face and your Midwestern pride by the second week of …

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I Ate Bread Like an Italian for 30 Days, Lost Weight for the First Time in 5 Years

I changed the bread, not my personality. For 30 days I ate like the nonnas taught the neighborhood: bread with real meals, never as entertainment, fermented dough with flavor, portions that look small until you chew them, and leftovers turned into tomorrow’s lunch. I did not start running. I did not count anything. I kept …

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Single Mom Moved to Valencia With $35,000, Her Honest 1-Year Cost Breakdown

As of late 2025. She arrived with a single suitcase, a nine-year-old, and $35,000 in cash after closing out an American apartment and selling a car. No inheritance, no secret trust, no influencer deals. Valencia was the choice because rent seemed human, the climate was gentle, and the school calendar looked like something a working …

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