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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 Italians Never Wash Pasta Pots and Americans Doing It Ruins Everything

The creamy cling of a Roman carbonara or a Ligurian pesto does not come from cream. It comes from pasta water, the cloudy, salty liquid Italians treat like an ingredient. As of September 2025, every serious Italian cookbook and chef says the same thing: save it, use it, and your sauce will emulsify and taste …

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The Portuguese Winter Produce Diet – Energy Increased 40% in 3 Weeks

Portuguese grandmothers are curing seasonal depression with cabbage soup and turnip greens while Americans spend $200 monthly on energy supplements that don’t work. Every Portuguese winter table features the same five vegetables that grow in their climate, prepared simply, eaten daily, and somehow delivering more sustained energy than any superfood powder ever could. My 72-year-old …

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Why 2025 Is the Last Easy Year for EU Residency

The EU is slamming residency doors shut in 2026 with new regulations that will make today’s requirements look like a joke, but right now you can still get Portuguese residency with a €200k investment or Dutch residency by starting a dropshipping business. Every European parliament is drafting restrictions while Americans debate whether Europe is “worth …

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30 Days of French Women’s Wine Schedule – Belly Fat Down 3 Inches

French women are drinking wine literally every single day while maintaining 20-inch waists, and it’s not genetics – it’s the timing, type, and ritual around wine that Americans completely botched in our all-or-nothing drinking culture. My Parisian neighbor drinks more wine weekly than I did monthly, weighs 115 pounds at 52 years old, and just …

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French Winter Cheese Course – The Probiotic Americans Pay $80 For

French families are getting more probiotics from their nightly cheese course than Americans get from their $80 monthly supplements, and they’re doing it with wine while Americans choke down pills with kombucha. Every French household creates elaborate cheese plates after dinner that deliver billions of beneficial bacteria through raw-milk aged cheeses while Americans buy freeze-dried …

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8 Underrated Spanish Towns That Are Even Better Than the Big Cities

Spain is one of the most visited countries in the world, celebrated for its vibrant culture, golden beaches, and world-famous cities. But beyond the well-trodden streets of Barcelona, Madrid, and Seville lies a collection of destinations that remain surprisingly under the radar. These hidden gems offer an authentic taste of Spanish life without the tourist …

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10 USA Bucket List Destinations That Are So Epic, They Should Be Illegal (But Here’s the Catch)

Creating a bucket list for traveling across the USA can be an exciting endeavor because the country offers a vast range of landscapes, cultures, and experiences. Here’s a guide to some of the top bucket list destinations in the USA, each offering its own unique appeal. From coast to coast, the United States is packed …

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12 Everyday European Habits That Leave Americans Totally Baffled

Traveling to Europe from the United States can feel like stepping into an alternate version of daily life. While the cultures are deeply connected in many ways, the small, everyday habits of Europeans can come as a surprise—or even a shock—to many Americans visiting for the first time. The habits and customs that Europeans practice …

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12 Dangerous Destinations: Countries Travelers Regret Visiting (And What You Should Know Before You Go)

Travel is often seen as the ultimate escape—a way to unwind, discover, and explore new cultures. But while most destinations welcome tourists with open arms, some parts of the world carry risks that go far beyond pickpocketing or delayed flights. In fact, a few countries have reputations for instability, high crime rates, or political unrest …

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The 13 Most Overrated Cities in Europe—According to Travelers

Europe is a dream destination for millions of travelers every year, with its postcard-perfect cities, rich history, and iconic landmarks. But not every city lives up to the fantasy. While some destinations are famous worldwide, that doesn’t always mean they’re worth your time—or your travel budget. Behind the glossy travel brochures and Instagram filters lie …

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How to Not Look Like a Tourist in Spain (Locals Can Spot You Instantly—Here’s How to Blend In)

Spain is one of the most visited countries in the world, but if you think a guidebook and a few Spanish phrases will help you blend in, think again. Locals in cities like Madrid, Seville, or Barcelona have a radar for tourists—and it’s not just about the camera slung over your shoulder. From your outfit …

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Why Locals Pay Half What Tourists Do In These European Cities – And How You Can Too

Why This MattersEver wonder why your local European friend in Paris or Rome never seems to pay the tourist markup you do? They might snag cheaper museum entries, avoid overpriced restaurants, or even pay less rent than short-term visitors. Here are 9 strategies Europeans deploy to cut costs in top tourist cities, showing that day-to-day …

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