Meet Ricardo, your Layla Travel Advisor

Personalised journeys, thoughtful planning, and a decade of experience in the travel industry.

Ask me about

Honeymoons
Family trips
Multi-country trips
Spain
Latin America
Japan
Thailand

My travel story

I'm Ricardo Portillo, a Layla Travel Advisor based in Barcelona, Spain. After more than a decade working in the airline industry with TACA Airlines, Avianca Airlines and VECA Airlines, I developed a deep understanding of the travel experience and discovered how much I enjoy helping people turn their travel ideas into memorable journeys.

Today, I work with travellers from around the world to create personalised itineraries that reflect their interests, travel style and aspirations. For me, great travel planning is about more than choosing destinations. It's about getting the details right, making the journey feel seamless and helping you travel with confidence.

My passion for travel began long before I became a Travel Advisor. Working in the airline industry gave me valuable insight into travel and the different things that can make a journey a great experience.

Having explored destinations including Colombia, Costa Rica, Peru and Spain, I've learned that every trip has its own story. I enjoy helping travellers discover what makes their journey special, whether they're planning a romantic honeymoon, a family holiday or an adventure across several countries.

What travellers say

Helping travellers move from uncertainty to confidence is one of the most rewarding parts of my role. Neil's experience reflects what I aim to offer every traveller: personal guidance, careful planning and support that makes the entire process feel easier.

MMelissa, UKPlanned with Aleks · Trustpilot

[Aleks] gave us great advice about experiences, restaurants and stuff like buses from the sites into towns. A very good experience all round with the AI and especially the nice human!!

GGraham, UKPlanned with Aleks · Trustpilot

Not only did they find us the exact requirements we asked for they provided us with multiple options to select from. We arranged a quick call to confirm our selection and we honestly had the best day.

NNeil, United StatesPlanned with Ricardo · Trustpilot

What I liked most about Layla.ai is that I was able to build a wonderful trip without having a clear idea about where I wanted to go or what I wanted to do. I posed several concepts based on my interests, and Layla.ai created multiple itineraries for me to choose from. I'm glad to report my trust was rewarded. Beyond describing my interests and having a call, I didn't have to do much and everything about my trip worked perfectly.

JJaime, AustraliaPlanned with Aleks · Message after her trip

The trip has been amazing!

RRoderick, United StatesPlanned with Carla · September 2026

Carla was amazing. I would use her for any future booking. She was always available to take my calls.

LLayla travellerPlanned with Carla · Message after their trip

I would also like to take this opportunity to thank you personally. Thank you for the straightforward, fast, and personal support. It was a lot of fun, and I really like your approach. You can feel the interest, readiness, and commitment at every step of the way from the initial idea to the booking. Top!

Where I can help you travel

Based in Barcelona, I bring my travel industry experience and personal travel knowledge to helping travellers plan journeys around the world.

I've explored Colombia, Costa Rica, Peru and Spain, and have experience planning trips ranging from European multi-country adventures to tailor-made journeys across Asia. Whether you're dreaming of a cultural trip through Japan, a honeymoon in Thailand or a European itinerary with several stops, I can help you explore your options and shape a trip around what matters most to you.

My specialities

Honeymoons and romantic getaways. Every couple has a different idea of their perfect trip. I enjoy helping couples turn their vision into a personalised journey, balancing memorable experiences, the right destinations and time to relax together.

Family holidays. A great family trip should reflect the needs and interests of everyone travelling. I help bring the different pieces together to create an itinerary that suits your family, your travel style and your plans.

Multi-country and tailor-made journeys. From exploring several European destinations to planning a journey across Asia, I enjoy bringing complex itineraries together. I focus on the details that help each part of the trip flow smoothly, while making sure the overall experience reflects what you want from your travels.

My goal is to be your trusted Travel Advisor throughout the planning process, helping you compare options, make informed decisions and feel confident about your trip.

Trips I've curated

A 40-day European adventure

A retired couple from Mexico who wanted to explore Europe and discover destinations they had never visited before.

London, Berlin, Prague, Vienna, Florence, Rome, Naples, Barcelona, Madrid, Córdoba, Granada and Málaga.

I researched each destination in depth, building a route that balanced iconic landmarks with authentic local experiences.

Speaking Spanish helped me build trust with the couple and understand what they wanted from their adventure.

Cape Town: a family trip combined with an academic adventure

A mother and son from San Francisco whose journey combined a family holiday with a long-term academic programme in South Africa.

Cape Town, with premium-cabin flights for the long-haul journey and activities coordinated around the mother's stay.

Her son dreamed of attending a rugby match in South Africa. Working with the wider Layla team, we helped make that dream a reality.

A journey that brought together family time, educational opportunities and a once-in-a-lifetime sporting experience.

A romantic honeymoon in Japan

A newlywed couple from Cyprus visiting Japan for the first time.

Tokyo, Kyoto and Osaka, with TeamLab exhibitions, Mount Fuji, a samurai cultural experience and Universal Studios Japan.

Every part of the journey reflects their interests and the significance of their honeymoon, rather than simply ticking off the usual attractions.

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