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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 European Banks Are Courting American Deposits Before Year End

European banks are desperately sliding into American DMs with deposit offers that would’ve been illegal three years ago – 4.5% on savings, 5.2% on CDs, plus signup bonuses that make Chase look like a lemonade stand. German banks that wouldn’t return your emails in 2019 are now advertising in English on Facebook, offering higher rates …

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Why European Phone Bills Are €20 While Americans Pay $150—and How to Switch

If you’ve ever glanced at a friend’s bill in Spain or Italy, you know the whiplash: they’re paying €10–€20 for fat data and unlimited minutes, while a lot of Americans are handing over $100–$150 once taxes, device payments, and add-ons settle in. It’s not a fairy tale; it’s how the two markets are built. The …

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Why Europeans Vacation 6 Weeks on American Weekend Budgets

Europeans are taking six-week summer vacations for what Americans spend on a long weekend in Miami. While Americans drop $3,000 for four nights in an overpriced beach resort, Europeans are slow-traveling through multiple countries for the same money, staying longer, eating better, and actually relaxing instead of cramming seventeen activities into 72 hours. My Spanish …

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8 Morning Habits That Give Away You’re American the Second You Wake Up in Europe

Think you’re blending in with the locals during your European vacation? Your morning routine might be giving you away faster than your white sneakers and baseball cap. From your breakfast choices to your coffee orders, here’s how Europeans spot an American tourist before they even say “good morning.” Mornings in Europe have their own rhythm, …

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The 7 European Cities Locals Are Abandoning (And the Stunning Places They’re Choosing Instead)

When you think of Europe’s greatest hits—Paris, Barcelona, Venice—the mind conjures romantic boulevards, iconic landmarks, and bustling squares. Yet behind the postcard scenes, many locals are packing up and moving away. Rising rents, tourist crowds, and shifting job opportunities lead a growing number of Europeans to seek calmer, cheaper, or more community-focused alternatives. Below, we …

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10 Best Things to Do in Chiang Mai (That Every Traveler Should Know)

We really loved the city and there are things to do in Chiang Mai. We spent a week visiting Chiang Mai in the middle of our one-month Thailand trip. Chiang Mai is the largest city in Northern Thailand and the capital of the Province of Chiang Mai. From meeting people, nightlife, local food, day trips …

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The French Restaurant Mistake That Gets American Credit Cards Confiscated

And what it reveals about trust, payment etiquette, and why France expects you to follow the unspoken rules There are few better ways to enjoy France than to sit at a sun-drenched terrace café in Lyon or a tiny bistro in Marseille, order something effortlessly delicious, and watch the world unfold at a slower rhythm. …

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The Spanish Siesta Science – Why Afternoon Rest Prevents Heart Disease

Spanish people live to 83 on average while Americans die at 76, and everyone wants to credit olive oil and wine. Nobody talks about the fact that they shut down the entire country for three hours every afternoon to eat and sleep. My Spanish neighbor had a heart attack at 71. His doctor’s main advice? …

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The Spanish Healthcare Reality Instagram Influencers Hide

Instagram shows Spanish digital nomads living their best lives with “free” healthcare, but the reality is messier than Valencia sunset posts suggest. While Spanish healthcare is genuinely excellent and affordable, the system influencers promote as perfect paradise has quirks, gaps, and frustrations they never mention because it doesn’t match their aesthetic. The truth sits between …

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The Indian Street Food That Outsells Pizza: Why Pav Bhaji Might Be the Most Underrated Comfort Food in the World

If you’ve ever walked through the bustling streets of Mumbai, the unmistakable scent of butter-sizzled bread and spicy mashed vegetables will stop you in your tracks. That’s Pav Bhaji India’s most beloved street food, and arguably one of its most crave-worthy comfort dishes. Despite its humble roots, Pav Bhaji has become a national obsession, and …

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This Laksa Recipe Will Transport You to Southeast Asia—But Only If You Make It the Right Way

WLaksa isn’t just a noodle soup—it’s an explosion of flavor, culture, and history in a single bowl. Found across Malaysia, Singapore, and parts of Indonesia, this creamy, spicy, tangy dish blends Chinese and Malay influences into something that’s both deeply comforting and wildly exciting. The dish typically features rice noodles or vermicelli swimming in a …

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The Filipino Stir-Fry Noodles That Put Chow Mein to Shame—Here’s How to Make Pancit Canton

Filipino cuisine is known for its bold flavors, creative use of ingredients, and dishes that bring people together—and Pancit Canton is no exception. Often the centerpiece of birthdays, celebrations, and everyday family meals, this beloved noodle dish is the Filipino take on Chinese stir-fried noodles, adapted to local taste and pantry staples. Think springy noodles …

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