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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.

Airlines and Hotels Hope You Never Learn These 15 Travel Tricks

Travel is sold as simple: search, book, pack, go. But anyone who travels often knows the real cost of a trip is rarely just the advertised flight or hotel rate. Baggage fees, seat selection, resort charges, airport transfers, currency conversion, cancellation rules, and dynamic pricing can quietly add hundreds before the trip even begins. That …

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Why French Travelers Ask This at Check-In And Americans Usually Don’t: The French Hotel Request That Can Get You a Better Room for Free

So here is the simple thing that keeps working in France. You do not beg for an upgrade. You do not wave a loyalty number from a different galaxy. You ask for a calmer room at the same rate and you make it absurdly easy for the receptionist to say yes. Nine times out of …

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The Rotisserie Chickens of French Markets: Why Sunday Morning Smells Like Poulet Rôti

There is a smell that means Sunday in France, and once you have known it you never forget it. It drifts across the market square from a battered truck with a rack of golden birds turning slowly over a low flame, their fat and juices raining down onto a bed of potatoes below, and it …

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Once You Make Empanadas From Scratch, Store-Bought Feels Pointless: How to Make Authentic Argentinian Empanadas at Home

Few foods in Argentina stir as much passion as the humble empanada. These golden, hand-held pastries are more than just a snack they’re a national obsession. Whether filled with spiced beef, gooey cheese, or savory vegetables, Argentinian empanadas are a flavorful symbol of comfort, tradition, and regional pride. Unlike the factory-made versions you might find …

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The 11 Japan Culture Shocks Nobody Warns Americans About

Japan is a fascinating country that seamlessly blends ancient traditions with modernity. While the experience of visiting Japan can be incredible, Americans may encounter some culture shocks due to the country’s distinct customs, etiquette, and social norms. To help you navigate your visit smoothly, here are some common culture shocks Americans might face in Japan …

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How to Make Homemade Spanish Flan That Tastes Like Abuela Made It

Spanish flan is one of the most beloved desserts in Spain and Latin America, known for its silky smooth texture and rich caramel flavour. This classic custard dessert is simple yet elegant, made from just a handful of ingredients – eggs, milk, sugar, and vanilla – that transform into a creamy treat topped with golden …

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Want Better Service in Europe? Stop Asking and Learn This Signal: The Restaurant Signal Europeans Use That Gets Them Better Service

And What It Reveals About Body Language, Confidence, and the Art of Reading the Room Sit down at a café in Madrid, a trattoria in Rome, or a wine terrace in Provence, and you’ll notice something before the menu even arrives. There are two kinds of diners. Some are waving, calling out, repeating “excuse me” …

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Why Italians Cook at 3 AM? What Italians Do in the Kitchen at 3 A.M. That Americans Would Never Expect

And what it reveals about hospitality, family, and the uniquely Italian way of treating midnight as another moment to live fully In much of the United States, the hours between 1 and 5 AM are reserved for sleep, emergencies, or very quiet scrolling on a dimmed screen. The kitchen is closed. The dishwasher hums. Lights …

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The EU Put a Warning Label on These Food Dyes Years Ago: We Cut Them for 30 Days and the Kids’ Teacher Noticed First

Walk down the cereal aisle in an American supermarket and the colors are almost violent: electric reds, fluorescent yellows, blues that do not occur anywhere in nature. Walk down the same aisle in Europe and the equivalent products are noticeably softer and duller in color, tinted with beet juice or turmeric or paprika extract, or …

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How Italians Turn Tomatoes, Mozzarella, and Basil Into the Perfect Summer Pasta

There is a moment in high summer when the tomatoes are finally at their peak, heavy and fragrant and sweet, the basil is overflowing, and the last thing anyone wants is to stand over a hot stove for an hour. This is exactly the moment caprese pasta was made for, a dish that takes the …

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My Husband’s Grandmother Cooked Oxtail This Way for 60 Years And Never Changed the Recipe

Four hours, one pot, and a cut that turns silky if you stop rushing it. Full recipe, exact shopping list, and a leftover plan that makes it worth the effort. The first time my husband’s grandmother made oxtail for me, I thought it was going to be “nice.” I did not understand what was coming. …

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Why Mediterranean People Never Wash Their Hair This Way And Americans Do It All the Time

(And How It Affects Hair Health More Than You Think) Hair washing seems like one of the most basic parts of a beauty routine, but the way people approach it can vary dramatically from one culture to another. In the United States, daily or near-daily washing is common, especially among people who exercise often, use …

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