Elevated Travel — UEB Travel · Buffalo, NY & Carmel, IN
Private jets. Ultra-luxury cruises. African safaris. Bespoke villa stays. We create travel experiences that aren't available to anyone who simply books online — because the extraordinary requires expertise.
What elevated travel means
Elevated travel isn't defined by price point alone. It's defined by intention: the care that goes into every transfer, the thought behind every restaurant reservation, the room category chosen not from a list but from knowing what will genuinely delight you.
At UEB Travel, our Elevated Travel program is built for clients who want to travel more deeply, more comfortably, and more meaningfully — with a trusted advisor who has personally vetted the experiences they recommend.
We've traveled to the destinations we sell. We know which Abercrombie & Kent departure offers the best guiding team, which Regent suites face the right direction, which African camp has the most authentic bush experience. That's not searchable.
As advisors affiliated with both Travel Planners International and Signature Travel Network, we have preferred partner status with the world's top luxury suppliers. More than that, we have direct relationships with the business managers at each and every supplier we work with — meaning we can pick up the phone and get things done that no website or booking portal ever could. That translates into upgrades, exclusive amenities, priority access, and the kind of personal attention that only comes from knowing the right people.
From the first conversation to the day you return home, you work directly with Kathleen or Claudia. No handoffs, no call centers, no ambiguity. Your travel, your advisor, your trip.
What we plan
From a single extraordinary experience to a month-long around-the-world journey, we curate travel that reflects who you are. Below are the categories we specialize in — though no request is too specific or too ambitious.
Skip the terminal entirely. Private jet charters and premium cabin bookings — from point-to-point charters for the family to scheduled business-class flights woven seamlessly into your itinerary. We handle the air so you arrive fresh.
Charter jets · Business & first-class air · Premium connections
Inquire →The world's finest ships — from Regent Seven Seas and Silversea to the Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection, Seabourn, and beyond. All-inclusive luxury at sea, with every excursion, every specialty dining experience, and every drink included. We work with every major luxury and ultra-luxury cruise line and will match you to the one that fits your style perfectly.
Regent Seven Seas · Silversea · Seabourn · Oceania · Crystal · Explora Journeys · Ritz-Carlton Yacht · Four Seasons Yacht · SeaDream Yacht Club · Emerald Yacht Cruises · Azamara · Windstar · Celestyal · Viking Ocean · Cunard · Holland America · Princess · Celebrity · Royal Caribbean · Norwegian · Disney · Virgin Voyages
The Serengeti, Okavango Delta, Kruger, and beyond. We work with African Travel Inc. and Abercrombie & Kent to craft safari experiences that balance adventure with genuine comfort — from luxury tented camps to private game reserves.
African Travel Inc. · Abercrombie & Kent · Private reserves
Explore safaris →Tailor-made journeys built entirely around you. Whether it's a private cooking class in Bologna, a Michelin-starred dinner reservation in Kyoto, or a custom-designed route through Patagonia — every detail is intentional and personal.
Avanti Destinations · A&K Tailormade · Kensington Tours · Worldwide partners
Start planning →Your own villa — with a private pool, personal chef, and a team of staff to anticipate every need. Perfect for family gatherings, milestone celebrations, and travelers who want the space and privacy that no hotel can offer.
Luxury Villa Rentals · Private estates worldwide
Browse villas →From iconic city addresses to remote hideaways, we book the world's finest hotels with the added benefits that come from our preferred partner status — room upgrades, early check-in, complimentary breakfast, spa credits, and VIP amenities that you simply won't get booking direct.
Four Seasons · Rosewood · Aman · Belmond · Leading Hotels of the World · Small Luxury Hotels · And many more
Explore hotels →How it works
We start with a conversation — no forms, no questionnaires. Tell us what you're dreaming of, and we'll ask the right questions to understand your travel style, preferences, and what "extraordinary" means to you.
We craft a detailed itinerary built specifically for you. Every element — from accommodation to transportation to dining — is chosen with intention and presented for your review and refinement.
Once you're happy with the plan, we manage all bookings, confirmations, special requests, and logistics. You receive a comprehensive travel document — and we remain available throughout your trip.
While you're away, we monitor your trip and stand ready to handle anything that comes up. Because real luxury travel isn't just the experience — it's the peace of mind that someone has your back.
Unique Excursions with Bear Travel — known as UEB Travel — is a luxury travel agency with advisors based in Buffalo, NY and Carmel, IN, specializing in high-end, bespoke travel experiences for discerning clients. Led by Kathleen Klein, who has over 20 years of personal experience designing luxury itineraries, and Claudia LaFlash, whose time living in Japan shaped a deep appreciation for cultural immersion and experiential travel, UEB Travel brings genuine expertise to every luxury booking.
As preferred partners with leading luxury travel suppliers and affiliates of both Travel Planners International and Signature Travel Network, we have access to exclusive rates, amenities, and experiences that aren't available to the general public — including onboard credits, room upgrades, private excursions, and VIP check-in programs at many of the world's top hotels and cruise lines. Our direct relationships with business managers at each supplier mean we can advocate for our clients in ways no booking portal ever could.
Whether you're planning a once-in-a-lifetime African safari, a private villa holiday in Tuscany, or an ultra-luxury cruise through Southeast Asia, we bring the knowledge, relationships, and personal care to make it exactly what you imagined.
At the luxury level, the difference between a good trip and an extraordinary one is almost always in the details that can't be found online: which room has the best view, which guide delivers a genuinely transformative experience, which restaurant is worth the reservation effort. A luxury travel advisor brings years of first-hand knowledge, personal relationships with suppliers, and the experience to know what makes each element of a trip feel truly special — not just expensive.
We're transparent about our fee structure from the first conversation. For luxury itineraries, a planning fee may apply depending on the complexity of the trip — but this is always disclosed upfront. In many cases, the value we add through preferred partner amenities, upgrades, and access more than offsets any advisory fee. We're happy to discuss this on your initial call.
There's no single answer — the best luxury cruise line depends on the traveler. Regent Seven Seas is truly all-inclusive and appeals to those who want effortless elegance. The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection brings the hotel brand's impeccable service ethos to intimate yacht-style ships. Explora Journeys delivers a more modern, design-forward experience. We've personally researched all of these and can walk you through exactly which is right for your preferences, itinerary, and travel style.
For peak luxury travel — African safaris at premier camps, private villa rentals in high season, or ultra-luxury cruise suites — we recommend planning 12 to 18 months in advance. The most sought-after experiences genuinely sell out, and the best room categories go first. For more flexible itineraries, 6 to 9 months is often workable. We're also experienced at finding exceptional last-minute luxury options when they arise.
Absolutely — milestone celebrations, family reunions, and private group experiences are among our favorite things to plan. Whether it's an exclusive villa buyout for a significant birthday, a private safari for extended family, or a custom group river cruise through Europe, we coordinate every detail so the hosts can be present and the guests can simply enjoy.
Ready to begin?
Tell us what you're dreaming of — and leave the rest to us. There's no obligation and no question too specific. We're here to help you design something extraordinary.