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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.

10 Most Beautiful Towns in Spain That You Never Heard About

When most travelers think of Spain, places like Barcelona, Madrid, or Seville come to mind. But what if the true beauty of Spain lies far from the crowds, tucked away in ancient cobblestoned towns you’ve never heard of? From whitewashed villages perched on cliffs to medieval towns frozen in time, Spain is home to countless …

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12 Culture Shocks Americans Experience When Visiting Portugal

Portugal has rapidly become one of Europe’s most beloved destinations—for good reason. With its postcard-worthy beaches, charming historic towns, affordable cost of living, and welcoming locals, it’s no wonder travelers from around the world are booking flights to Lisbon, Porto, and beyond. But as dreamy as the Portuguese lifestyle may seem, first-time visitors often find …

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Don’t Do This in Switzerland: 20 Mistakes Tourists Make (And How to Avoid Them)

Switzerland may be known for its breathtaking landscapes, precision watches, and rich chocolate, but it’s also a country with deeply ingrained cultural norms and social expectations. For first-time visitors, the country’s strict adherence to rules, punctuality, and understated lifestyle can come as a surprise — and sometimes lead to awkward mistakes. What might be considered …

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Forget Iceland: 10 Underrated Scandinavian Destinations That Are Just As Epic (And Way Less Crowded)

For years, Iceland has captured the imaginations of travelers with its waterfalls, lava fields, black sand beaches, and northern lights. But with rising tourist numbers, surging prices, and Instagram-fueled crowds, Iceland’s once-untouched magic is becoming increasingly difficult to enjoy authentically. What many don’t realize is that Scandinavia holds countless other destinations that rival — and …

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The Lisbon Rental Law Change That Protects Americans Starting October

If you are moving to Lisbon in the fall, the rules of the game shift in your favor right as the leaves turn. Walk across any Lisbon neighborhood and you notice two forces tugging at the same streets. On one side are families who want long leases, predictable rent, and a school routine. On the …

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10 Strange Truths About Portuguese Food That Leave Tourists Totally Confused

Portuguese cuisine is rich, diverse, and deeply rooted in tradition—but to many foreigners, it’s full of surprises. From the seemingly endless variations of bacalhau (salted codfish) to the obsession with egg-based desserts, the culinary culture in Portugal can feel confusing or unexpected to outsiders. At first glance, it may seem simple, but once you sit …

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20 Shocking Facts About Italy That Tourists Don’t Learn in Guidebooks

Italy might be known for its pasta, picturesque coastlines, and Renaissance art, but beyond the postcards lies a country full of surprising facts most people never hear about. Whether you’re a first-time traveler or a die-hard Italophile, there’s a good chance you’re missing the quirks, contradictions, and unexpected truths that shape everyday life in Italy. …

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Don’t Do This in Iceland: 20 Tourist Mistakes That Instantly Mark You as Rude

Iceland’s raw, untouched landscapes and otherworldly beauty have made it one of the most coveted travel destinations in the world. From volcanic hot springs to glacial hikes, every corner feels like nature’s masterpiece. But while Iceland welcomes travelers with open arms, there are unspoken rules that many tourists unknowingly break—earning disapproving glances from locals or, …

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Why Tipping 20 Percent in Germany Makes Locals Think You’re Showing Off or Naive

You reach for the card machine in Munich, the screen flashes suggested tips, and you press twenty because that is what you do at home. The server smiles politely, the table looks puzzled, and you walk out wondering why the room felt awkward. In Germany, a big American tip does not say generous. It often …

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Why Changing Jobs Every 2 Years Makes Europeans Think You’re Unstable

You sit down for a coffee in Madrid or Munich and slide your résumé across the table. Four roles in eight years. In the United States it reads as ambition and market savvy. In much of Europe it can read as risk. Same document, different code. Hiring managers in Paris, Berlin, Milan, and Barcelona are …

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Why Italian Coworkers Kiss Hello Every Morning While Americans Report to HR

If you imagine a line of colleagues doing lip smacks at the office door, you have the wrong picture. What you are seeing in Italy is a light, social cheek touch between people who already know each other well, and it happens when the context makes it natural, not as a rule for every workplace. …

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