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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 Watched Spanish Families Have Dinner for a Week and Can’t Believe What I Saw

Why Bother Noticing This? If you’ve ever traveled to Spain—or simply read about its famously relaxed daily rhythm you know there’s one cultural trait that perplexes outsiders: the late-night dinner routine. Spaniards are notorious for eating their final meal at an hour many Americans consider bedtime. But it’s not just the timing that stands out …

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The Global Food Fight That Finally Needs an Answer: Dumplings or Empanadas With Recipes

Belgian cuisine often flies under the radar, overshadowed by its French and Dutch neighbors. Yet tucked within its rich culinary traditions is a savory gem that deserves far more attention: Flamiche aux Poireaux, or Belgian Leek Tart. This rustic tart combines a buttery pastry base with sweet, tender leeks cooked in cream a simple yet …

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Forget Croissants: Bougatsa Is the Greek Pastry That Makes Breakfast Look Different

Greek cuisine is best known for its savory dishes like moussaka and souvlaki, but the country’s rich tradition of breakfast pastries is often overlooked. Bougatsa is a shining example—a warm, crispy, custard-filled pastry wrapped in delicate layers of phyllo dough and topped with powdered sugar and cinnamon. With roots in the Byzantine Empire and popularity …

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Why This Classic Spanish Dessert Habit Still Sounds Wild to Most Americans

How Spain’s pastry tradition survives in 2026 thanks to pasteurization, hot sugar, and rules most visitors never see Stand at the counter of a Madrid pastelería at 5 p.m. and watch the trays move. Glossy lemon mousse. Cloud-light meringues towering over custard. Little golden domes called yemas yolk sweets the size of a walnut, dusted …

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Why Cheese on Seafood Pasta Feels Like a Culinary Crime in Italy

It’s not a felony. It’s just the fastest way to signal you don’t trust the dish, and Italians take that personally in the quietest possible way. It usually happens mid-plate. You’re in Italy, you ordered something beautiful, maybe spaghetti alle vongole or linguine with mixed seafood. The sauce is glossy, the clams taste like the …

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15 European Breakfast Rules That Confuse Every American Tourist

Traveling through Europe is an eye-opening experience, especially when it comes to food. But for many American tourists, the biggest shock doesn’t come at dinner it happens first thing in the morning. Breakfast in Europe is often lighter, slower, and far more minimalist than what most Americans expect, leading to confusion, frustration, or even disappointment …

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The Spanish Omelette Debate That Divides a Whole Country: With Onion or Without?

Few dishes in Spain ignite as much passion and heated debate as the humble Tortilla Española, also known as the Spanish omelette. Made with simple ingredients like potatoes, eggs, and olive oil, this classic dish is a staple of Spanish cuisine and can be found everywhere from home kitchens to tapas bars. But there’s one …

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The Rustic Icelandic Soup That Makes Fancy Stews Feel Overcomplicated: How to Make Kjotsupa Lamb Soup

If there’s one dish that captures the heart of Iceland, it’s Kjötsúpa, the traditional lamb soup that locals have relied on for centuries to fight off long winters and chilly winds. Made with tender lamb, root vegetables, and simple herbs, it’s rustic, nourishing, and deeply comforting a meal that tastes like tradition in every spoonful. …

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These 12 European Cities Still Let You Live for Less Than $1,500 a Month

Living in Europe is a dream for many, but the cost of big-name cities like Paris, London, or Zurich can quickly turn that dream into a financial challenge. The good news is that not every European city comes with sky-high rent and daily expenses. In fact, there are plenty of vibrant, culturally rich destinations where …

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15 Unspoken Rules of Italian Life That Tourists Never Understand

Italy is famous for its food, art, and history, but beyond the postcard beauty lies a culture shaped by unspoken rules that tourists rarely notice. These rules guide everything from how Italians drink coffee to the way they greet one another, and ignoring them can make visitors stand out instantly. For Italians, these customs are …

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7 Reasons Why You Should Not Visit Morocco And 7 Reasons To Visit

While Morocco is a beautiful country with rich history, vibrant culture, and stunning landscapes, it might not be the ideal destination for every traveler. Here are some reasons why you might reconsider visiting Morocco, especially if these factors significantly impact your travel experience. While Morocco offers a wealth of cultural and historical experiences, it also …

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European Shoulder Season Explained

A lot of travel advice about Europe sounds tidy because tidy advice sells. Go in shoulder season. Fewer crowds. Better prices. Lovely weather. More authentic. Everyone suddenly behaves as if they discovered a hidden door that tourists somehow missed. That is not how it works. European shoulder season is real, and it is often excellent, …

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