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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.

How To Make Jerk Chicken That’s Hot, Smoky, Sweet, And Impossible To Stop Eating

Jerk chicken is one of the most iconic dishes of Caribbean cuisine, celebrated for its bold, smoky, and spicy flavours. Originating from Jamaica, this dish uses a marinade or dry rub packed with fiery Scotch bonnet peppers, fragrant allspice, garlic, ginger, and fresh herbs to create its signature taste. In this recipe guide, you’ll learn …

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We Retired to the Canary Islands With $175,000 at 56: Retiring to the Canary Islands Sounded Cheap Here’s Our Balance at 63

The Canary Islands are exactly the kind of place that makes a middle-aged American couple say something dangerous: “We could live here for less.” And they might be right, at first. The weather is easy to fall for. The pace feels human. Daily life can be cheaper than many U.S. metros. Las Palmas and parts …

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Americans Think This Bathroom Habit Is Revolting And Spaniards Consider It Normal: 9 Bathroom Habits in Spain That Shock American Tourists

And why it has nothing to do with dirt, and everything to do with design, water, and cultural priorities Walk into an average bathroom in Spain whether it’s in a friend’s home, a café in Madrid, or a roadside rest stop and you might see something that instantly unsettles American visitors. It’s not the tile. …

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Forget Pad Thai: 10 Thai Dishes Locals Eat That Tourists Never Order

Pad Thai is often the gateway dish for anyone trying Thai cuisine. It’s sweet, tangy, and incredibly satisfying but it’s also not the whole story. In fact, many Thais don’t consider Pad Thai a staple, and it’s often regarded more as street food tailored to tourists. If you’re ready to explore the real flavors of …

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The Best Time to Buy Plane Tickets Is Earlier Than Most People Think

We’ve all been there refreshing flight pages, watching prices jump in minutes, wondering if airlines are secretly watching us click. Booking plane tickets can feel like gambling with your vacation budget. But behind the chaos, there are patterns, and yes, there is a best time to buy. The truth? Getting a cheap flight isn’t luck …

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The Bread on Your Spanish Bill Wasn’t Free: Pan y Cubierto, the Charge That Confuses Every Tourist

You sit down at a restaurant in Spain, and before you have even ordered, a basket of bread appears on the table. You did not ask for it, but you eat a slice or two while you look at the menu, as anyone would, and think nothing of it, because where you come from bread …

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Why European Hotels Hold Money on Your Card and Charge Nothing: The Pre-Authorization, Explained

You check into a hotel in Paris or Rome, hand over your card at the desk, and a little later that evening your phone buzzes with an alert: a chunk of money, sometimes a few hundred euros, has vanished from your available balance. You have not bought anything at all. You have not even paid …

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Stop Making Boring Sandwiches: How to Make Authentic Portuguese Bifanas at Home

Bifanas are one of Portugal’s most iconic street foods, featuring thin slices of pork marinated in garlic, white wine, and spices, then cooked until tender and served in a fresh crusty roll. This simple yet flavourful sandwich is deeply rooted in Portuguese culinary tradition, often enjoyed at local festivals, football matches, or as a quick …

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10 Most Popular Whisky Cocktails Everyone Should Try at Least Once

Our guide on the most popular Whisky cocktails to try in the world. Whisky (or whiskey) is a versatile spirit that can be enjoyed neat, on the rocks, or as the base for many classic and modern cocktails. Whether you prefer the smoky, peaty flavors of Scotch, the smoothness of bourbon, or the robust character …

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I Counted My Steps on a European Vacation vs My American Week: The 22,000-Step Gap Nobody Mentions

Like a lot of people, I wear a watch that quietly counts my steps all day, a number I have always mostly ignored. But on a recent trip to Europe I happened to glance at it one evening and did a genuine double take, because the figure was one I had genuinely never come close …

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9 Grocery Store Habits Europeans Have That Confuse American Shoppers

Buying groceries is such a basic, automatic task that you never think about how you do it, until you try to do it somewhere else. Step into a European supermarket for the first time and a series of small, unexpected obstacles appears between you and your dinner, from a shopping cart that simply will not …

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How to Make Homemade Falafel That’s Crispy Outside and Fluffy Inside

Falafel is more than just a street food favorite it’s a cultural icon of Middle Eastern cuisine, beloved for its crispy exterior, fluffy interior, and bold flavors of herbs and spices. Whether stuffed in a pita, served on a platter, or eaten as a snack, falafel delivers a satisfying bite that’s both hearty and naturally …

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