Meet The Barcelona-Based Illustrator Raquel Villanueva

We asked Barcelona-based illustrator Raquel Villanueva to take part in our ‘Meet The…’ series to find out more about the creator of these ethereal drawings. You can see more of Raquel’s work on her Tumblr, Facebook page or Instagram. And if you’re anything like us, you’ll love the fact that she even has her very own series of GIFs to choose from!

What is the most unusual request you’ve had”

I made a commission for someone who wanted to get back someone special. They were living in different countries, and one of them contacted me to do some works for him to make a series of surprises to the other person. I loved to participate in that, it was a challenge for me, I had to give my best to make it up. I never knew what happened next.
What advice would you give to someone who was trying to break into the business”

Believe in yourself and do it, nobody will start it for you. Take your time to think and plan what you want to do, and go for it.

It’s very important to be constant and to BE PATIENT. To see the results of a new project will take some time. Keep working everyday, be loyal to yourself and keep in mind your goals.

What is your dream project?

The one that I have in mind now is to use my travel diaries to make an illustration book.

If you could only bring three things to a desert island, what would they be”

A computer full of TV series, a notebook and beer.

How would you describe your work in 80 characters”

I talk about feelings and personal stories, mixing illustration and photography.
Hummus or guacamole? Hummus.

Apple or android’ Apple.

Picasso or Miró? Picasso.

Coffee or tea? Tea.

Fame or money? Money.

Train or plane? Plane.
By Tara Jessop

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.