We're a team of passionate travelers who turned our love of exploring the world into a way to help others do the same. We know the destinations because we've been there. We recommend the hotels because we've stayed in them.
First Row Travel started the way the best things do — from genuine passion. After years of planning our own trips, helping friends and family navigate the overwhelming world of travel options, and collecting more flight miles and hotel points than we knew what to do with, we realized: this is what we were meant to do.
We're based in Portugal but our expertise spans the globe — from the cobblestone streets of Europe to the beaches of the Caribbean, the bustling cities of Asia, and the diverse landscapes of the Americas. We've been there. We know the hotels, the restaurants, the hidden gems that don't show up in Google searches.
This isn't a side hustle. It's a passion project we've dedicated ourselves to — because we believe everyone deserves a vacation that just works, without the stress of planning it alone.
The people behind First Row Travel. We're always just a message away — on WhatsApp, email, or phone. When you book with us, you're working directly with us, not a call center.
With a background as a Product and Technology Executive, Ricardo brings analytical precision, a love for exceptional experiences, and a drive to "optimize value for money." He has traveled to 50+ countries and holds top-tier status with all major airline alliances (Star Alliance, oneworld, SkyTeam) and three hotel chains—the result of way too many nights on the road. He is here to help you plan an unforgettable journey, maximize your points, or find the perfect hotel.
With a background in design, Joana brings a sharp eye for the details that make a trip memorable... from the room with the best view to the restaurant with the perfect atmosphere. A passionate cruiser, she approaches every itinerary as a curated experience, ensuring every touchpoint feels intentional and special. You can count on her to help you sail the world or plan an effortlessly "very chic" city escape.
Our extended team of travel specialists is always ready to help. You'll have a dedicated point of contact who knows your preferences and is just a WhatsApp message away.
I've been fortunate that my parents gave me the biggest gift of all: the ability to travel from a very early age. That privilege shaped my vision of the world—and to a large extent, my own life.
Throughout my years, I have always prioritized travel. It has been my passion, the place where I spend that extra money I probably should have saved. It significantly reshaped my understanding of the world around me. It's never really been just about stamps in a passport.
There are few ways to explain the unique feeling of being an 18-year-old boarding a United 777 to San Francisco, hitting the streets of a major US city, and just wandering. It's the thrill of eating that new thing when you don't even know what it is. It's the peace of staring out at the infinite ocean in the Maldives. It's walking the narrow streets of Jakarta, surrounded by kids who have never seen such a pale guy, and learning from them in whatever common language we could find. And there are no words to describe the magic (and the butterflies) I feel while driving past the iconic skyline of "my" lovely Singapore.
First, you travel for the monuments, the history, and the surprise factor. Then, as you travel more, or differently, you start traveling for the people—the smiles, or that unique scent or taste that takes you on a trip of your own, regardless of where you actually are. Finally, you travel to grow. You see how different we are, how our culture, upbringing, and environment shape our reality, and how diverse that reality turns out to be.
Of course, sometimes travel is unmemorable, too. Just another sight, dish, or train ride. I've been traveling for business for years now, so I know a thing or two about that. But here—especially here—is where you appreciate the true magic of hospitality. It doesn't always correlate with the star rating. It is that extra-plump pillow, the genuine warmth of the receptionist, the anticipation of needs, and the feeling that yes, you can be in a "home away from home."
It doesn't matter if I'm traveling for leisure to discover something completely new, or for business to revisit the same city for the 30th time (spotting the tiny differences in that familiar street). It doesn't matter if you are a little boy in the back of a car headed to Benidorm for summer vacation, or an executive in the back of a Blacklane heading to a 5-star hotel where they know you by name.
There is something transformative about travel. Something that changes you. Something that can be magic.
Travel unlocked passion, career opportunities, a different vision of the world, ambition, and wonder for me. I want your next trip to unlock something for you, too.
Ricardo Sousa
Co-Founder, First Row Travel
We're not a faceless booking engine. We're travelers who happen to be really good at planning travel for others.
WhatsApp, email, phone — however you prefer to communicate. We respond within hours, not days. Your trip is personal, and so is our service.
We don't just research destinations — we've been there. Our recommendations come from firsthand experience, not brochures.
Our hotel and cruise booking services are free to you. We're compensated by our partners, so you get expert service at no extra cost.
Complimentary upgrades, resort credits, free breakfast, early check-in — benefits you wouldn't get booking on your own.
From boutique hotels to bucket-list resorts, we plan great trips across all budgets. High-end service isn't reserved for high-end prices.
This isn't corporate. It's personal. We genuinely care about making your trip special because we remember how it felt when someone did that for us.
Whether you have a specific trip in mind or just a vague idea of where you'd like to go, we'd love to hear from you. No commitment required — just a conversation about what's possible.