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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.

The Italian Aperitivo Habit That Changes How Much You Eat at Dinner

You do not need capsules or calorie math to stop the 7 p.m. raid of the fridge. You need a bitter drink, a small salty plate, and twenty quiet minutes the Italian way. It starts before dinner, not at the table. In Milan or Turin, friends meet at a bar, take something bitter and bubbly, …

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Forget Boring Chicken: 5 Chicken Recipes That Make Weeknight Dinner Feel Exciting Again

Chicken may be one of the most universal proteins in the world, but how it’s prepared varies dramatically across cultures and not all recipes are created equal. From the smoky depth of Indian butter chicken to the bold heat of Nashville hot chicken, this humble bird has taken on a thousand flavors. The problem? Most …

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Spain Taxes Your Worldwide Income the Day You Become Resident: The Part Every Retirement Dream Article Skips

The glossy articles about retiring to Spain sell a beautiful and, to be fair, largely true picture: the endless sunshine, the cheap and wonderful food, the walkable towns, the cost of living that stretches an American pension further than it ever went at home, and the sense of a gentler, slower life within easy reach. …

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We Spent 30 Days in Portugal: Here’s What Nobody Prepared Us For

Portugal is the kind of place Americans fall for before they understand it. It looks like the soft version of Europe: sun, tile, ocean air, inexpensive dinners, friendly locals, and a pace that feels like it was designed to lower blood pressure. It looks like the retirement plan that fixes everything the U.S. broke. Then …

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Hearing Aids Cost Thousands in America and a Fraction in Europe. Same Devices, Different Math

A good pair of prescription hearing aids in the United States today can cost as much as a decent used car, four, five, even seven thousand dollars, and the program most older Americans rely on, Medicare, does not pay a cent toward them. So a great many Americans who need hearing aids simply go without, …

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Forget Ordinary Roast Pork, Italian Porchetta Is on Another Level: How to Make Authentic Italian Porchetta With Crispy Skin

Italian cuisine is known worldwide for its rich flavours, comforting dishes, and traditional cooking techniques that have been passed down for generations. Among the country’s most iconic dishes is porchetta, a savoury, herb-infused roasted pork that’s crispy on the outside and incredibly tender on the inside. In this recipe guide, you will learn how to …

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7 European Countries Where Your Money Goes Further Than in Spain

Why Look Beyond Spain? Spain has been a top expat magnet sunny climate, laid-back lifestyle, relatively low costs (compared to Western Europe). But by 2026, rising rents in major Spanish cities, tightened visa rules, and a surge in English-speaking enclaves have nudged some expats to lesser-known nations. If you crave a European adventure without Barcelona’s …

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€35,000 Sounds Cheap in Southern Italy Until You See What It Actually Buys

Here’s a number Americans love because it sounds clean: €35,000 a year. It feels like a line in the sand. Not rich. Not broke. Just… doable. Especially if you’re coming from a U.S. cost structure where “doable” often starts with a 6. In Southern Italy, €35,000 can absolutely buy a good life. Not influencer-good. Real-good. …

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Forget Focaccia, Tuscany’s Schiacciata Might Be Even Better

If you’ve ever strolled through the markets of Florence or Tuscany, chances are you’ve caught a whiff of schiacciata a golden, crispy, olive oil-rich flatbread that locals devour like pizza never existed. While it may look similar to focaccia, schiacciata has its own bold identity, rooted in Tuscan tradition and rustic simplicity. The name “schiacciata” …

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10 Retirement Destinations Where $2,000 a Month Still Goes a Long Way

Are you considering retirement destinations that combines affordability with a rich cultural tapestry? Imagine living well for under $2,000 a month in cities that offer vibrant culture, excellent healthcare, and a welcoming community. Whether you’re drawn to the serene beaches of Penang, the historic streets of Zagreb, or the bustling markets of Chiang Mai, each …

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Americans Think Toilet Paper Is Enough: Italians Strongly Disagree With The Bidet Habit Italians Swear By And Why Americans Still Refuse It

There are many cultural habits that divide Europe and the United States: eating dinner at 10 p.m., taking a month-long vacation in August, or treating wine as a daily table drink instead of a special occasion indulgence. But perhaps no daily habit sparks as much confusion and fascination among travelers as the bidet. In Italy, …

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10 Vietnamese Dinners That Belong on Every Food Lover’s Bucket List

Vietnamese cuisine is a perfect balance of bold flavors, fresh ingredients, and vibrant textures and nowhere is this more evident than in its dinner dishes. From steaming bowls of aromatic pho to sizzling plates of lemongrass chicken, Vietnamese dinners capture the heart of a culinary tradition that’s both comforting and bursting with life. Every meal …

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