Today we’d like to introduce you to Antoine Wilson.
Hi Antoine, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
I’ve always loved travel. Travel brings me peace. Travel brings me happiness. Travel for me is the greatest classroom and you learn so much from being abroad. My company began with this love of travel. I would travel abroad and I started inspiring people to do the same. Eventually, people would ask me for my advice on various destinations and some even would ask me to plan their trip.
My mom suggested since I was helping out so many people, why not turn it into a business? I listened to her and A.D. Elite Travels was founded in 2018. We arrange everything from solo travel, cruises, destination weddings, group travel, and more, but our area of expertise is curated cultural experiences. I’m passionate about my heritage and following the African diaspora.
In 2021, I was approached about starting a safari company in Tanzania. Initially, I said no, but after traveling to Africa and being asked over and over, why African-Americans don’t travel to Africa, I vowed to change that. So in 2022, my second company Melanated Safaris was founded. We are a full DMC based in the beautiful country of Tanzania.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
In the beginning, it was rough. I was new to travel and then COVID-19 hit not having much experience, having to issue refunds to all of my clients, it was a nightmare. I’m in year 6 now, so things are better. You learn the industry more, find your niche, and stick to what you know best.
As you know, we’re big fans of A.D. Elite Travels. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
A.D. Elite Travels again was founded in 2018 by Antoine Wilson. We specialize in crafting unforgettable cultural and group experiences that leave a lasting impact. What sets us apart is our commitment to authenticity and quality; every experience we offer is carefully curated and personally vetted by myself. We take pride in the positive feedback from our clients, knowing that we’ve played a part in enriching their lives through meaningful travel experiences.
Whether you’re craving an immersive cultural journey or a unique group adventure, A.D. Elite Travels is your gateway to discovering the world in a whole new way. From exploring the vibrant streets of Cartagena, experiencing Afro-Brazilian culture in Bahia, or experiencing a safari adventure in Africa, our offerings are designed to ignite your sense of wonder and leave you with memories to last a lifetime.
And if Africa is calling your name, look no further than our sister company, Melanated Safaris. With a focus on showcasing the beauty and diversity of the African continent, Melanated Safaris offers tailor-made safari experiences that celebrate the rich cultural heritage, provide cultural immersion, and showcase the natural wonders of Africa in the beautiful country of Tanzania.
So, if you’re ready to explore the world in a way that’s authentic, immersive, and truly unforgettable, let A.D. Elite Travels and Melanated Safaris be your guides.
Risk-taking is a topic that people have widely differing views on – we’d love to hear your thoughts.
As an entrepreneur sometimes you have to take risks. One that comes to mind is trusting your partners abroad to deliver at the level you desire because, at the end of the day, your brand is on the line. The only other thing that comes to mind with risk-taking is living your best life and trying daring experiences while on vacation.
I’ve skydived in Zanzibar, Tanzania, cage dived with sharks in South Africa, zip-lined from the world’s longest zip-line in Alaska, scuba dived in the Great Barrier Reef, and white water rafting in the Zambezi River in Zimbabwe to name a few. My motto is you get one life to live, live it to the fullest.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.ADEliteTravels.com
- Instagram: @ADEliteTravelsLLC
- Facebook: @ADEliteTravels
