Lately, I’ve been thinking about how to prioritize travel more—and I already travel more than any reasonable person. But the world isn’t slowing down for us. It feels more divided, more digital, more disconnected, and the only thing I know that truly breaks through that is travel. Real, on-the-ground, face-to-face travel. The kind that reminds you the world is still vast, still surprising, still deeply human.
That’s why I started Upon Return. Yes, there are plenty of travel guides out there, but I wanted something that didn’t exist—a guide that cuts through the noise, respects your time, and suggests where to go with the confidence of a well-traveled friend. No endless scrolling, no algorithm-driven fluff. Just real, vetted recommendations from people who know what they’re talking about.
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.
As evidenced by the number of candles on the cake last year, our time to see the world isn’t infinite. The cities you dream of visiting are evolving, the traditions you admire are shifting, and even the landscapes you long to explore are changing. There’s no guarantee they’ll be the same tomorrow. That’s why Upon Return exists—to help you get going, and to help make sure you make the most of your precious time. That you skip the forgettable, the overhyped, and the mediocre, and instead land in the places worth your time, effort, and money. Our recommendations aren’t crowdsourced; they’re curated. If we wouldn’t send our closest friends somewhere, we don’t include it. No paid placements, no sponsored content—just honest, firsthand advice.
If this sounds like the way you want to travel, do come along. Because the world isn’t waiting—but it is welcoming.
Article by
Jason Claire
