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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.

Traveling To Madrid Soon? What Not to Do in Madrid: 7 Tourist Traps Locals Wish Visitors Would Stop Falling For

Madrid is one of Europe’s most dynamic capitals, filled with grand boulevards, royal palaces, historic plazas, and vibrant tapas bars. It’s a city that offers endless cultural experiences, from wandering the Prado Museum to enjoying churros con chocolate at a traditional café. However, like many popular destinations, Madrid has its share of tourist traps that …

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Ask For Tap Water in Spain And Locals May Know You’re a Tourist Immediately: How to Order Water in Spain Without Looking Like a Tourist

It’s not that Spaniards hate tap water. It’s that the way Americans ask for it instantly signals “I don’t know how bars work here,” and staff adjust accordingly. You can spot the moment a person gets clocked in Spain. It’s not the sandals. It’s not the backpack. It’s not even the volume. It’s the pause …

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6 Traditional Spanish Soups Every Food Lover Should Try

Our guide on the most 6 Popular Soups in Spain for you to try at home. Spain has a rich culinary tradition, and its soups are an integral part of its gastronomic heritage. From cold, refreshing options like gazpacho to hearty stews like fabada asturiana, Spanish soups reflect the diversity of the country’s regional ingredients …

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The $30 Pot That Outbrews the $700 Machine: Why Every Italian Kitchen Keeps a Moka

Walk into almost any Italian home, from a grand apartment in Rome to a tiny mountain kitchen in the Alps, and you will find the same small, faceted aluminum pot sitting on the stove. It is the moka, a humble three-piece coffee maker that has quietly powered Italian mornings for the better part of a …

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The Muffin Recipe That Makes Starbucks Feel Overpriced

There’s something magical about pulling warm muffins from the oven the golden tops, the soft crumb, the aroma that makes your kitchen smell like a cozy bakery. But once you’ve had a truly great homemade muffin, store-bought just doesn’t cut it anymore. Too dry, too sweet, too artificial mass-produced muffins can’t compete with the fresh, …

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The Salt Cod Rule Spanish Cooks Never Ignore: How to Make Spanish Bacalao Like They Do in Spain

In the world of Spanish cuisine, bacalao (salt cod) is a dish steeped in both tradition and flavor. What was once a practical solution for preserving fish has evolved into a culinary art form, passed down through generations across Spain from the Basque Country to Andalusia. Its strong flavor, firm texture, and salt-forward punch make …

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We Retired to Asturias Spain With $230K: At 64, We Had More Left Than Anyone Expected

A couple from Pittsburgh moved to Oviedo in March 2019. They were 57 and 55. They had $230,000 in combined retirement assets. They had paid off their Pittsburgh house and converted it to a rental. They had ten years to wait before either spouse reached full Social Security retirement age. Their financial advisor told them …

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My Watch Counted the Same Life in Spain and in Ohio: Six Thousand Steps Apart

Eleven thousand, four hundred. That was the number on the watch after an ordinary Tuesday in Getafe, a day with no exercise in it, no gym, no jog, nothing anyone would call a workout. I bought bread, took my kid partway to school, met a friend for coffee, went to the market, came home, went …

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Stop Making Sandwiches on Sliced Bread: The Homemade Italian Flatbread That Makes Ordinary Sandwiches Taste Boring

Italy is famous for its pasta, pizza, and gelato but tucked away in the Emilia-Romagna region is a lesser-known culinary gem: the Piadina Romagnola. This traditional flatbread, soft yet slightly crisp when grilled, has been a staple of Italian street food and home kitchens for centuries. Filled with simple yet flavorful ingredients like prosciutto, fresh …

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The Best Homemade Guacamole Recipes for Every Kind of Taco Night

Guacamole isn’t just a side dish—it’s a cultural icon. What started as a simple avocado mash in ancient Mesoamerican kitchens has evolved into a global obsession, with endless variations and heated debates over what belongs in a “real” guac. From minimalist purist styles to fruit-infused modern takes, guacamole is far more versatile than many give …

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I Stopped Eating Like an American for 6 Months And I Ate Like a European for 6 Months: My Cholesterol Didn’t Behave Like I Expected

A six-month food experiment is not a substitute for prescribed cholesterol treatment when someone is genuinely high-risk. Current major guidelines still recommend statins and other lipid-lowering drugs for many people based on LDL level, cardiovascular risk, and existing disease, while also emphasizing that lifestyle changes still matter. The 2025 AHA/ACC cholesterol guideline and current NHS …

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The Best Expat Cities Where $1,500 a Month Still Goes a Long Way

Dreaming of a new life abroad but worried your budget won’t stretch far? The good news is that you don’t need a six-figure income to live well as an expat. Around the world, there are vibrant, safe, and culturally rich cities where you can cover rent, food, healthcare, and even travel all for under $1,500 …

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