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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.

What Happened When I Followed Spain’s Siesta Routine for 60 Days

I did not move to Spain. I moved my clock. For two months I copied a modern Spanish day: earlier light, a real lunch, a short early-afternoon nap, and a late but light dinner. My evenings got steadier, my 3 p.m. crash vanished, and my mornings stopped feeling like a rescue mission. I had the …

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How Spanish Families Behave at Beaches vs American Family Boundaries

And what it reveals about freedom, proximity, and the radically different ways families define “togetherness” Spend a summer day at a beach in Spain — whether it’s a packed city stretch in Valencia, a quiet cove in Asturias, or the golden shores of Cádiz — and you’ll quickly notice that Spanish families take up space. …

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12 Tropical Paradises You Can Visit Without Emptying Your Wallet

When people think of tropical getaways, images of luxury resorts, private islands, and sky-high prices often come to mind. But the truth is, you don’t need a millionaire’s budget to enjoy white-sand beaches, turquoise waters, and swaying palm trees. All around the world, there are stunning tropical destinations that deliver paradise without draining your savings. …

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Why Real Caprese Salad Needs Only 5 Ingredients (And Nothing More)

Caprese salad is a classic Italian dish that beautifully showcases the simplicity and freshness of Mediterranean cuisine. Made with just a handful of high-quality ingredients, this salad is vibrant, refreshing, and full of flavour. In this recipe guide, you’ll learn how to make an authentic Caprese salad that is perfect for any occasion, whether as …

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Why Spanish Restaurants Won’t Serve You Dinner at 7 PM Even If You’re Starving

If you land hungry in Madrid or Seville at 6:45 p.m., stroll into a pretty dining room, and ask for a table, the host may smile and say the kitchen opens at 8:30. You are not being punished. You have walked into a country where the clock is part of the cuisine and the dining …

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The Bread Charge in Rome That Americans Think Is a Scam—but Is 500 Years Old

Walk into a Roman trattoria, order cacio e pepe, and when the conto lands you spot a small line for pane (bread) or servizio. Cue the table-wide eyebrow raise: “They scammed us.” They didn’t. You just met a centuries-old Italian custom wearing its Roman-era outfit. What looks like a sneaky add-on is the local descendant …

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Why Ordering Wine With Coca-Cola in Spain Is Actually More Offensive Than Nudity

If you want to understand Spain fast, do not start with museum hours or train tickets. Start with the unspoken rules around food and drink. They carry more social voltage than you think, and sometimes more than bare skin on a beach. I am not telling you that a bartender will gasp if you ask …

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How the Spanish Schedule Cured This American Anxiety in 3 Months

Imagine waking up and knowing the day will open slowly, crest late, and close with neighbors in the street rather than fluorescent light at a big box store. That rhythm, more than any hack, changed the temperature of my mind. I arrived with a calendar that ran like a treadmill. Early emails, fast coffee, quick …

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12 Worst Travel Experiences Every Traveler Should Be Prepared For

Travel promises adventure, relaxation, and unforgettable memories—but not every journey goes as planned. From delayed flights to lost luggage and scams in unfamiliar cities, even the most seasoned travelers have horror stories. These moments can quickly turn a dream trip into a stressful experience. The good news is that most of these travel nightmares can …

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21 Everyday Moroccan Habits Tourists Rarely Understand

Morocco is a country that captivates travelers with its colorful souks, fragrant spices, winding medinas, and sweeping desert landscapes. Yet beneath the beauty lies a culture guided by traditions and unspoken rules that can be confusing for first-time visitors. What feels natural to Moroccans can surprise or even puzzle outsiders who are unfamiliar with local …

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Why Spaniards Shower This Way to Save Money—But U.S. Dermatologists Warn Against It

And what it reveals about energy use, comfort, and a cultural divide between necessity and self-care Spend time in a Spanish home — especially in winter, especially outside major cities — and you’ll begin to notice a very specific kind of shower behavior. It’s fast. It’s cold. And it often looks like something between military …

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