Encore: Antoine Wilson on Life as a Travel Advisor, a Safari Operator and an Air Traffic Controller

Antoine Wilson works six days per week as an air traffic controller at Miami International Airport, where he spends his eight-hour shifts scanning radar and monitoring the South Florida airspace from Miami down to the Florida Keys. And during his day off, he turns his attention to his second — and third — businesses: advising travel clients with A.D. Elite Travels, and working on the launch of his newest venture, Melanated Safaris. In this episode of Humans of Travel, Wilson shares the ins and outs his three careers, which he embarked on after declining a conditional offer to work with the CIA. Listeners will hear about the formation of A.D. Elite Travels, where Wilson has made it his mission to get passports in the hands of as many youth and minority communities as possible (starting with his younger brother). They’ll also hear the story of how Wilson decided to dip his toes into the supplier arena. He recently partnered with a Tanzanian-based guide he met on social media to create Melanated Safaris, which he says will offer “the next generation of African safaris,” beginning with this month’s inaugural tour. RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE A.D. Elite Travels Wilson’s Instagram Melanated Safaris The Future Leaders in Travel Retreat ABOUT YOUR HOST  Emma Weissmann is the Digital Managing Editor of TravelAge West, a print magazine and website for travel advisors based in the Western U.S. She is also the co-host of Trade Secrets, a podcast created with sister publication Travel Weekly. TravelAge West also produces national trade publications Explorer and Family Getaways, as well as events including the Future Leaders in Travel Retreat, Global Travel Marketplace West, the WAVE Awards gala and the Napa Valley Leadership Forum.  ABOUT THE SHOW  TravelAge West’s podcast, “Humans of Travel,” features conversations with exceptional people who have compelling stories to tell. Listeners will hear from the travel industry’s notable authorities, high-profile executives, travel advisors and rising stars as they share the experiences — the highs and the lows — that make them human.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.