Matthew Stein
Personalized Luxury Travel Specialist
Wine Lovers: La Rioja Vineyard Visit
I started Unique Luxury Travels because I want you to travel the world in luxury. Luxury travel is not about money; it’s about your personal experience and traveling in the style right for you.
My expert service handles the planning and stress for you and ensures you get the most value from your vacation. I'm a Certified Travel Advisor with The Travel Institute and a Verified Travel Advisor by the American Society of Travel Advisors. Those certifications show I've gone above and beyond to be recognized as a travel professional and travel expert.
The Travel Institute also certified me as a destination specialist for Italy. The extended course takes several months and guarantees I can craft unique itineraries specific to any traveler. From Rome to Tuscany, Sicily, Milan, Lake Como, the Dolomites, Capri, Ischia, Brindisi, or Venice you will travel like a local.
Luxury service allows you to travel how, when, and where you want, any time you want. It’s why I’m available 24/7 for my travelers. My service allows you the freedom of time, to choose the type of lifestyle you want and to be pampered with the highest degree of personal service in a casual or formal style.
You will enjoy authentic experiences and special access to sold-out top destinations and secret spots only the locals know. Whether you want to go-go-go or enjoy a leisurely lifestyle, I will find the right fit for you.
You can trust my recommendations because I travel in the same style. I’ve been to more than 40 countries, fly international first and business class, and stay at the finest brand and boutique hotels.
My favorite destinations include London, Sydney, Patagonia, Tokyo, Madrid, and Munich. I cannot wait to return to Iguazú Falls; it was unparalleled compared to anything I’ve ever seen. A few of my top hotels are the Ritz-Carlton in Tokyo, Ka’Ana Resort in Belize, Alvear in Buenos Aires, and Ashford Castle in Ireland. I've enjoyed several cruise lines: Silversea, Seabourn, Amawaterways, and Ponant.
You will receive the most elegant amenities and personalized service because it’s what you expect. You can expect excellent dining plus local wine and beer choices at every destination. It may not always be fancy or formal but it will be what you crave.
While my luxury travel agency is based in New York City, I travel a lot. I’m also available across the country via phone and various camera apps. I call my company a travel agency but I am a luxury travel advisor. My service is personal, and customized, listens to what you want, and crafts an itinerary perfect for you.
My Areas of Expertise
CERTIFICATES & AWARDS
Related Travel Stories
Climbing the Less Famous Huayna Picchu
The alarm started beeping at 5:45am. I jumped out of bed and started getting ready for the big day. This was the day I would climb Huayna Picchu in Peru’s Sacred Valley.
What is Huayna Pichu?
Everyone knows Machu Picchu, so what is Huayna Picchu and why was I so excited about it? Huayna ... Read more from my Climbing the Less Famous Huayna Picchu story.
Paris: Exploring the Road to France's Revolution
What better way to prepare for a wine cruise in Bordeaux than to spend a day in Paris?
Looking to explore the City of Lights differently than my first visit, I put together a walking tour I called “Road to Revolution.” I walked about five miles, visiting some of the most historic ... Read more from my Paris: Exploring the Road to France's Revolution story.
Beer Nirvana: Amsterdam and Bruges
Netherlands & Belgium Beer Journey
There are many great reasons to visit Amsterdam. Some of the top sights in Amsterdam include the canals, the museums, and Anne Frank’s house, which is a very somber experience. You will also find unique experiences such as the Red Light District, the famous windmills (about 45 minutes outside the ... Read more from my Beer Nirvana: Amsterdam and Bruges story.
A Soccer Game Introduces Me to Lovely Luzern
Growing up and living in the New York City area, I’ve always believed soccer is inherently better in Europe. It’s where all the big teams are and the top players compete. European soccer is simply the best vs. the best.
Luzern vs. Basel Game Day
'One of my favorite parts of being a sports ... Read more from my A Soccer Game Introduces Me to Lovely Luzern story.
Snorkel in Iceland's Freezing Silfra
Unique Experience in Iceland
When I travel, I need to do everything I’d never do at home in New York City. It’s how I ended up snorkeling in freezing cold water.
One of my dreams is to see the Northern Lights; there’s no chance of seeing them in NYC. I went to Iceland ... Read more from my Snorkel in Iceland's Freezing Silfra story.
Exciting and Terrifying: Swimming with Sharks
I always thought swimming with sharks was a bad idea. Why would someone want to put themselves in danger? It was one of those things I would never do until the minute I did it.
I had an extra day in San Pedro, Belize and didn't know what to do. Everything on ... Read more from my Exciting and Terrifying: Swimming with Sharks story.
Dream Anniversary Island Vacation
Matt is the BEST!
Matt made my vacation stress free
Perfect Vacation!
Matt Exceeds Expectations
Matt planned our "dream vacation" to Portugal - our first trip with our 15-month-old and our first vacation in some time.
I thought what I was looking for didn't exist: a luxury farm stay befitting foodies, animals for my one-year-old to see and a heated pool. He found it and it exceeded expectations.
That was just the start. Matt planned every detail of our entire trip and even came to the rescue when we had to rebook the whole trip a day before departure when our little one got sick.
I cannot recommend Matt and Unique Luxury Travels more highly.
Managed to please everyone
Always plans the best trips!
He asks great questions to ensure we get the most out of every trip and truly provides an unmatched level of personal service.
Best in Class
The Perfect Trip to Europe
Matt is a seasoned traveler who is knowledgeable, resourceful, and thorough. If there was something he didn’t know, he would take the time to research it and get back to us right away. Matt respected our desire to plan some things ourselves and he helped fill in the gaps. He got us great rates on hotels, found the best excursions, and even helped make restaurant reservations. His skills shined when he found us a private tour guide to see Stonehenge and figured out the best way to get from city to city. Most importantly he ensured that the trip went smoothly with no mishaps. This was our first time hiring a travel consultant and plan on using him again in the future.
David, Thanks so much for the kind words. I'm thrilled you and Adrienne enjoyed your vacation. I enjoyed keeping up with your posts and seeing how active you were on Facebook! I'm honored to work with travelers like you.
Extraordinary multigenerational journey
Cruise Expert
A Home Run Vacation
Miracle Worker
I contacted him for help with an all-inclusive in Mexico or the Caribbean. He asked me a lot of questions and took the time to listen to what I was saying. I was holding out on what I really wanted, a Virgin Voyages cruise. I knew it embarked in two weeks and it was sold out. In less than two hours, Matt reserved two rooms for my family with extra sailor loot!
I'd give him 10 stars! He really provides an expert, personalized service. I'll be contacting him again for all my vacations.
Awesome Experience
Fantastic Experience
I believe that I will have an amazing time
A big help!
Very easy to work with.
We finally found the travel advisor right for us!
Matt was thorough and flexible. Our most recent trip was just what we wanted!
He found us great tour guides, just exactly what we were looking for in hotels and attractions, and even made dinner reservations at some great local restaurants that were not expensive - the kinds of places that the locals go for a good meal.
When we missed one transfer, he was right there to help us make sure we still got to do the things we might have missed. I highly recommend him! Can't wait to go on our next trip planned by Matt.