Riccardo Barana

Although I was born and raised in Italy, I have chosen Lisbon as my home base, embracing a passion for travel and exploring diverse cultures. Following my graduation in Energy Engineering, my curiosity led me into the realm of the digital landscape, where I have accumulated experience in various startups, ranging from Marketplaces to SaaS. In 2023, I joined TourScanner, where I work as a Data Analyst. Apart from being proficient in my native language, I am also well-versed in Portuguese, Spanish, and English. In my free time, you'll likely find me immersed in outdoor activities such as surfing, freediving, hiking, or skiing.

My love for travel started as a child, exploring different places with my family. My dad's passion for scuba diving inspired most of our vacations involving boats or islands. In college, I discovered the joy of traveling by train, satisfying my adventurous side and fitting my spontaneous travel style. Nowadays, I take advantage of remote work to stay in one place for a while and soak up the local culture. I enjoy reading and gathering information about the places I visit. My dream? Experiencing the Trans-Siberian train journey in winter.

If I had to choose one travel experience that stands out, it would be the week I took off during my extensive travels in Mexico in 2022, when I went exploring and freediving in the cenotes around Tulum. One fortunate afternoon, I found myself alone with my freediving instructor at the Angelita cenotes. The combination of crystal-clear waters, surrounding forest, and gentle tropical rain created what I consider the best three hours of my life.