About Us

Our Story, Our Values

Upon Return is a travel guide that curates thousands of destinations around the world, personally experienced and adored by our Chief Traveler, Jason Claire. Some three decades ago, Jason made travel one of his main modes of experiencing life. Not just hit-n-run travel, but dedicating significant time to each of 65 countries, hundreds of hotels, thousands of restaurants, then returning again to his favorites. Along the road, Jason’s made countless human connections and taken notes on absolutely everything. For old and new friends, Jason has become the source of highly-satisfying, global recommendations. No one plans a trip without first getting Jason’s list. Where shall I stay in Berlin? Where in Rio should we take my mom for a birthday dinner? What is your favorite gallery in Tokyo? Rest easy, friends. Just get Jason’s list and book away.

The places Jason recommends share certain attributes: passion, soul and local connectedness. His bar is high and specific. Each of the restaurants, hotels, shops and cultural experiences has proven, upon his many returns, that it is faithful to the craft it represents. Every person at a place we recommend feels that they have no choice but to cook, host or sing, because they can’t imagine life otherwise. They unquestionably need to be excellent, and are passionate about bringing joy to their customers and audiences. That relentless pursuit of improvement makes them special, therefore, worthy of a return visit.

Upon Return tackles the overwhelming task of sifting through endless global travel information. We meticulously read public reviews, scrutinize travel magazines, and study the travel sections of major publications. We also talk to people who have been there, and most importantly, Jason personally visits each place to ensure they uphold the Upon Return values—all before we provide our comprehensive recommendations for hotels, restaurants, shopping, and cultural experiences worldwide, all in one accessible place. No more time-consuming effort gathering advice from different sources—we've done the groundwork and everything you need is in one intuitive and beautiful map. We hope to tap into your passion for travel and help you make your one and only life a great one.

Over the years, the requests for Jason’s recommendations have become so numerous that he has decided to publish everything in the UponReturn.com travel guide. This way, anyone who shares in Jason’s need to make the most out of the little precious time we have on this planet can get to it, and skip the sifting through countless other websites that don’t hold the same values and appreciation for unwavering purpose.

Wonder Less. Wander More.

A Message from Jason, Your Host With the Most

Hello and thank you for joining me!

I grew up in New York City's suburbs, developing a strong interest in art and piano from a young age. Frequent visits to NYC museums and galleries enriched this early exposure, cultivating an appreciation for diverse artistic expressions.

With a unique academic background—triple majoring in Art History, Studio Art, and Pre-Med—I developed a broad perspective and keen eye for detail. My first European journey post-college to Rome, Paris, and Greece began my extensive travel experiences, now spanning over 65 countries. Professionally, I started in business consulting before opening a modern furniture and interior design studio in Washington, DC. My passion for connecting with people and providing unique experiences drove the business's success, and I became a go-to resource for personalized travel advice.

Living in Switzerland for 4.5 years, I traveled extensively, ensuring every recommendation was authentic and unbiased. Consulting sources like Wallpaper, Monocle, the NYT, and the FT, I triangulated every destination before experiencing it myself. Returning to the USA, I co-founded an interior design firm focused on service, but soon realized my true passion was travel, leading to the creation of Upon Return.

Upon Return stands out from traditional travel guides. We don't sell advertising or take commissions, ensuring unbiased recommendations. We provide authenticity-seeking travelers with experiences that resonate, from unique hotels to off-the-beaten-path sites. Our mission is to uncover the lesser-known gems beyond usual tourist hotspots through meticulous research and in-person vetting.

A three-star Michelin rating doesn't guarantee a memorable dining experience. Often, the pursuit of perfection can overshadow a restaurant’s original passion and creativity. The same goes for hotels. Prestigious names like The Four Seasons or the Ritz Carlton don't always mean the best choice. What matters is how well a hotel captures local culture and authenticity. Why travel thousands of miles for the same experience you can get back home?

The essence of Upon Return lies in sharing and connecting. Hearing from travelers who enjoy my recommendations is incredibly fulfilling. Upon Return is named for the joy of returning to beloved destinations and sharing travel stories back home. We are committed to providing reliable travel advice, allowing our members to explore the world with ease.

Wonder less, wander more.

A man wearing sunglasses, a straw hat, and a white t-shirt with "DREAMER" written on it stands against a peach-colored wall featuring a small window with closed wooden shutters. The wall has white ornamental designs. The man is smiling and standing casually.
A man in a tan jacket over a checkered shirt and a scarf, stands outdoors with his hands in his pockets. He is surrounded by large green leaves, creating a lush, natural background.
A person wearing glasses and a pink floral shirt is smiling at the camera. The background features a social gathering with people engaged in conversation. Some individuals are dressed formally, while others are in casual attire.
A smiling person wearing sunglasses and a red checkered shirt is pouring a drink from a purple bottle into a glass. They are seated outdoors at a table with a blurred background that includes a stone building, flowers, and a lantern.
A man with short dark hair stands in front of a historic building with intricate architectural details. He is wearing a gray t-shirt that says "SILENZIO" and carrying a black shoulder bag. The background includes an auto-rickshaw and blurred pedestrians.
A man in a blue t-shirt and black shorts stands in front of an intricately carved stone doorway with ornate patterns and designs. The doorway is set in an aged stone wall, with weathered texture visible across the surface.