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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.

Two Ingredients Americans Consider Normal Are Treated Very Differently in France

Walk a French supermarket at noon and you can read the policy in the aisles. At the charcuterie counter, hams list curing methods and additive codes you can pronounce. In the sweets aisle, packages get whiter by cream and sugar, not by a brightening chemical on the ingredient line. The rules reached the shelf. If …

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Europe Changes at the Beach Without the Towel Dance: The Changing Cultures Americans Can’t Believe

Every American who has ever been to the beach knows the towel dance. You have just finished your swim, you are wet and cold and shivering slightly, and you need to get out of a soaked suit and into dry clothes, so you wrap a towel around yourself, tuck one corner precariously under an arm, …

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Why Japanese Breakfast Looks More Like Dinner to Americans: How to Make a Traditional Japanese Breakfast at Home

If you think breakfast means cereal, toast, or sugary pastries, think again. In Japan, the first meal of the day looks more like a balanced dinner than a sugary morning indulgence. A traditional Japanese breakfast is a nourishing, savory spread of miso soup, grilled fish, pickled vegetables, steamed rice, and a soft-cooked egg. It’s not …

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You Could Be Walking Past Free Airport Lounge Access Every Time You Fly: How to Get Airport Lounge Access Before Your Next Flight

The airport lounge fantasy usually gets sold as a rich-person add-on. In real life, a lot of travelers are already carrying some version of it in their wallet, buried inside a card benefit, attached to a premium ticket, or sitting unactivated in an app they never opened. A lot of Americans still think airport lounges …

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15 Best Food Countries in the World Every Food Lover Should Visit

Food is one of the most powerful ways to experience culture. Every country has dishes that tell stories of history, geography, and tradition all brought to life through flavor. From the spice-filled kitchens of India to the rustic simplicity of Italian cooking, recipes offer more than nourishment; they’re invitations into the heart of a community. …

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Stop Making These Italy Travel Mistakes: 8 Top Tourist Mistakes in Italy And How to Avoid Them

So you’re planning your first trip to Italy and looking for the top tourist mistakes in Italy to avoid them effectively. Friend, we’ve got you covered. Italy is a fantastic country to visit, and it’s filled with art, culture, and delicious food. However, missing out on some of the best experiences can be easy if …

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How Spaniards Make Sangria Without Turning It Into Fruit Punch

Sangria is arguably one of Spain’s most iconic drinks, instantly evoking images of sun-drenched terraces, tapas spreads, and late-night gatherings with friends. This refreshing cocktail combines dry red wine with fresh fruit, a hint of brandy, and a touch of sweetness to create a vibrant drink perfect for sharing. While Sangria has become a staple …

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Spain Doesn’t Stand in Line: The Invisible Queue That Runs on One Question

You walk into a Spanish bakery, or a pharmacy, or the deli counter at the market, and it can look at first like pure chaos. There is no line, no rope, no orderly single file, just a loose scatter of people standing around, leaning on the wall, browsing the shelves, chatting to one another. To …

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This Italian Lemon Cake Is Light, Moist, and Ridiculously Easy

Italian Lemon Cake, known as Torta al Limone, is a classic dessert that embodies the bright, refreshing flavors of Southern Italy, particularly the Amalfi Coast where lemons are prized for their intense aroma and sweetness. This cake is light, moist, and bursting with zesty lemon flavor, often topped with a simple glaze or dusting of …

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Why Month Nine Is When Americans Abroad Want to Go Home: The Pattern in Every Story We’ve Covered

After enough of these stories, you start to notice the same shadow falling at the same point. We have profiled a lot of Americans who moved to Europe, the widowed nurse who chose the rainy Portuguese north, the woman who landed in Lisbon divorced at fifty-three, the couple carefully stretching two thousand dollars a month, …

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Cheap Houses in Rural Spain Look Incredible Until the Repair Bills Arrive: The Truth About Buying a €19,000 House in Spain

On Idealista, Spain’s biggest property site, a stone house in a Teruel village can be had for €8,000, about $8,600. It will be a ruin. For €19,000, roughly $20,500, you can find one with walls that still stand true and a roof that has not entirely given up. Either way you are buying into one …

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The Simple Mediterranean Habit Doctors Recommend That Americans Think Is Unhealthy

(And Why It Might Be the Key to Better Digestion, Energy, and Mood) If you were raised in the U.S., you’ve probably heard this your whole life: “Don’t lie down after eating.” In American health culture, the rule is practically sacred. Lying down or worse, napping after a meal is considered a recipe for weight …

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