Where you stay and where you roam in Bangkok will shape your experience. Sukhumvit is polished and cosmopolitan, a hub of five-star hotels, high-end shopping, and world-class dining. Silom balances business by day with revelry by night, while the riverside offers a slower, more scenic side of the city, with historic hotels and temple views. On the other end of the spectrum, Khaosan Road encourages the backpacker cliché to the fullest—gritty, chaotic, and unapologetically wild.

(Image copyright: Dusit Thani, Bangkok)

Stepping into an unfamiliar place forces you to be present. It rewires your perspective and slows down time. You share a meal with someone whose daily life is nothing like yours, and suddenly, their world doesn’t seem so far away. You get lost in a city where you don’t speak the language, and in finding your way, you find something else—an appreciation for the small, ordinary moments that make a place feel like home. And your perspective widens.

Bangkok isn’t anyone’s little secret—it’s a metropolis that has seduced travelers for centuries. From backpackers to billionaires, everyone passes through, but far fewer connect with it on a deeper level. The city can be overwhelming, even for seasoned travelers, which is why solid recommendations matter.

Today, we focus on @podnar -- just off Convent Road, you turn into a tiny alley that’s easy to miss. Stroll through as if you’re passing through backyards, and you’ll find yourself at a roastery—literally inside someone’s house—so shoes off before entering. In addition to some of the world’s best beans, they roast local varieties, which are a must-try. Brewing and serving here feels more like a ceremony, so this isn’t the place to come if you’re in a hurry.

@hotelalmabcn was recently featured in The UR Welcome, our magazine for members, which had me scrolling through old photos and memories. The hotel occupies a meticulously restored early 20th-century building, seamlessly combining classic architecture with contemporary design. Now, I live just down the street from this fabulousness, but before that, I had the chance to experience its impeccable five-star hospitality firsthand. Upon Return highly recommends considering Hotel Alma for your next Barcelona adventure!

A hidden masterpiece in the heart of Rome, this privately owned palazzo (@galleriadoriapamphilj) holds one of the city’s most astonishing art collections—think Velázquez’s iconic Pope Innocent X, Caravaggio’s raw intensity, and Raphael’s elegance, all set in gilded Baroque splendor. Still home to the Doria Pamphilj family, it’s a quiet escape from the chaos of Via del Corso, where history, power, and art collide. Most people walk right past it. Don’t be one of them. ✨ #HiddenInPlainSight #DoriaPamphilj #RomeLikeALocal #ArtLoversRome #VelazquezMasterpiece #CaravaggioDrama #BaroqueBeauty #SecretRome #TimelessTreasures #PalazzoPerfection

Art on a Plate 🎨🍽️

Who says all art in Rome has to be in a museum? Some of the city’s most exciting masterpieces are edible. At @53.untitled.restaurant—founded and run by women—Roman tradition meets modern creativity in dishes that are as stunning as they are delicious. We had the absolute pleasure of dining here and found every bite a revelation. Refreshing, bold, and beautifully plated, this is Rome’s culinary scene at its most inspired. The service was so friendly, and the sommelier was so knowledgeable that we wanted to stay for breakfast.

All images copyrighted to 53 Untitled.

#EdibleArt
#53Untitled
#RomeEats
#WomenInFood
#ModernRomanCuisine
#FoodIsArt
#MichelinMagic
#DiningInRome
#TasteOfItaly
#SupportWomenOwned

Caravaggio for a Coin 🎨💡 Tucked inside an unassuming church on Piazza del Popolo, two of Caravaggio’s greatest masterpieces sit in near darkness—until you drop a €1 coin into the lightbox. Suddenly, The Conversion of Saint Paul and The Crucifixion of Saint Peter blaze to life, their shadows and drama more intense than any museum spotlight could manage. Somehow, no one is ever here. No lines, no crowds—just you, Caravaggio, and the weight of history. If you know, you know. ✨ #RomeSecrets #Caravaggio #HiddenMasterpieces #SantaMariaDelPopolo #BaroqueDrama #RomeOffTheBeatenPath #LightItUp #ArtInTheDark #TimelessTreasures #SeeItForYourself

KOKS may be in hibernation for the winter, but it’s never too early to plan for one of the world’s most extraordinary dining experiences. Spring and summer bookings open soon—because food this thoughtful deserves forethought. It`s a short hop from Copenhagen, Reykjavik, and Edinburgh.

#FaroeIslands
#KOKS
#DestinationDining
#FineDiningExperience
#NordicCuisine
#CulinaryTravel
#FoodieAdventure
#MichelinStar
#TravelGoals
#HiddenGem

New to Upon Return!

If you’re serious about carnitas, @carnitasramireznyc is where you need to be. From tender, perfectly seasoned pork to homemade tortillas that make every bite better, this place is all about getting it right. Pair it with their fresh salsas and a side of chicharrón for a simple, authentic, and unforgettable meal. Go for lunch.

#CarnitasRamirez
#NYCFoodie
#AuthenticMexican
#TacosNYC
#FoodDestination
#NYCEats
#PorkLoversParadise
#MexicanStreetFood
#NYCRestaurants
#CarnitasDoneRight