Advantage International has made my globe trotting possible. As a traveller, I enjoy an agency that addresses all my needs without surprises. They handle it all, transportation, meals, sight seeing, shopping, lodging. ONE STOP SHOP. I have talked to numerous people who thought they had to be a member of (a) the group to sign up for one of their trips.....wrong, group simply means there will be a combination of people from all over. We have met and made life long trips as we have trotted the globe. This team, Javonne and Gene are experienced world class Travellers and know the lay of the land and have robust contacts in each area visited to ensure a safe and fun filled travel adventure. read more

All I have to do is show up and everything else is handled. I've traveled with Advantage International all around the world, (Japan, Cuba, Africa, Panama, Dubai, Switzerland, Italy, and Greece) every time I think they can't top themselves it gets better! I am very picky about my accommodations when traveling, and Advantage provides the most luxurious accommodations every time. You will never be out of the loop on what to expect on your trip, because they keep you well informed throughout. What are you waiting for, book now! read more

Advantage International - Panama - Tours Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Me and my husband booked the South African Advanture Trip from Atlanta. It was the trip of a lifetime! You can tell that Gene and Ja'vonne have been doing this for a long time. Everything was meticulously planned from transferring flights, the 5 star hotels we stayed in, the tour guides, the informative zoom meeting before the trip to answer questions and all the sites we visited while in S Africa. We went on game drives and were able to see giraffes, impala, wildebeest and many more animals up close. We visited the Apartheid Museum, Table Mountain with stunning views, a winery, the Waterfront and we ate at local restuarants everyday that served the cuisine of S Africa. You could not plan a better trip yourself. Book with Advantage International and all you have to do is pack bags and show up and Gene and Ja'vonne take care of the rest. On top of everything, they like to give back, so we visited a school and church and were able to donate money before the trip for them. read more

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I have traveled with Advantage International for over twenty years and wouldn't have it any other way. Advantage is the real deal, the complete package! I am a solo traveler and every time I travel with Advantage I feel a sense of comfort and security in knowing I'll be ok. From the moment I book a trip with Advantage I know my needs will be taken care of. When booking your trip, Advantage keeps you in the loop with thorough travel instructions on their website, and during the pre-travel orientation as well as throughout the trip. Can I say my travel experience with Advantage has been nothing less than top notch! What I have received on every trip with Advantage is, 5 star accommodations, upscaled cuisines, adventurous tours that have left me with memories for years and years to come, heck I'm still reminiscing and talking about my very first abroad trip to Egypt a trip I took with them over 20 years ago! I have since traveled to multiple designations with Advantage and some were repeat travels I've gone to Egypt with them 3 times! In addition to Egypt, Advantage has taken me to, Spain, Greece, China, Japan, South Africa (3 times), West Africa (2 times), Brazil, France, I could go on and on.... For me traveling with Advantage is the most enjoyable travel experience one could ever have. I have traveled across the globe with Advantage and would highly recommend owners Ja Vonne and Gene Harley to arrange your next travel designation. All I can say is, for professional travel service leave you travels in Advantage hands, and let the journey begin! read more

I've taken four unforgettable solo trips with Advantage International Travel Agency--to South Africa, Japan, Greece, Dubai, and the Seychelles--and every single one was incredible. Jean and JaVonne were the epitome of professionalism throughout. Each trip was well-organized, with thoughtfully scheduled activities that made the most of our time without ever feeling rushed. One thing I especially appreciated was how punctual the group was--everything ran like clockwork. The cultural immersion was another highlight. The food was delicious and authentic to each destination, giving us a true taste of local life. And while I started these trips solo, I ended up meeting some amazing people that I still keep in touch with today. Looking forward to my next adventure with them! read more

Summary 'Advantage International' I've never had any formal communication/interaction with Javon or Jean the owners outside of email. The two helpers/family or friends they brought along to manage such a large group were 'disrespectful, unprofessional, unaccommodating and lack ethical knowledge'. I must say for the money I paid 'Advantage International' didn't plan well. I never eat buffet food, the choices chosen were cheap and we had to buy water continuously. For the money we paid at least we should have got water free everyday without cost. I understand alcohol but water during meal times & or you were given one choice 'water or soda' with your meal not both. I paid prospectively $7000 this includes travel to Dulles with two hotel fees/travel insurance, oh and not to mention my Huskies hotel stay.. I can go on but it would be to much. Suggestions to Advantage International moving forward! Always hire professional staff to represent your business. Understand that 'greed is the root of all mishaps etc'. Your clients are the reason you're in business & you should always treat your clients with an accommodating attitude at all times. Respect and acknowledge when you've made some mistakes! Signing on such a large group in which you clearly could not accommodate was 'buffoonery'. Being able to take constructive criticism brings forth continuous growth. (Tone is everything, Please and Thank you goes a long way) with a smile at all times while business is being conducted. I Truly will not be recommending Advantage International or traveling on any Michael Baisden group trips moving forward. I suggest Michael Baisden employs a new travel agency who understands 'their clients are their bread and butter'.... I'm truly disappointed in Advantage International's complete scheduling on this South Africa trip. Last but not least!!! We drove to the airport in heavy traffic with no air for several hrs. Every time we asked for air our request was barely recognized. The (owner Jean) was on the bus and not once did he explain the air issue. Complete lack of consideration on his part. This was dangerous on so many levels especially wearing our mask. There was a COVID-19 outbreak while at the lodge and I'm sure there will be plenty more once we arrive into the United States. At times it's hard to breathe with a mask on with no air & let's not forget we're harboring germs in a closed bus of 40 people. My nose just started running nonstop and I ended up with a headache before arriving at the airport. I've never had to write such a long review and the kicker is we had so many elderly at this airport with us and they were not accommodated! Advantage International made no accommodations for them to get through the airport with ease. read more

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I went on my first trip with Advantage International in March of 2025. What a way to see South Africa! It was the best International trip I've ever been on! From the time we left ATL and throughout the entire trip, everything was lined up so beautifully! When I say everything, I mean everything! The accommodations -wonderful, the meals that were included- outstanding, the planned outings - amazing! The transportation and the guided sightseeing - very informative. This trip by far was the best for content and value! You truly get a lot for your money and I would highly recommend it!!! read more

Michael Basiden and Advantage International, a horrible collaboration and an EPIC FAIL!!!!! So, after a friend of mine attended the Egypt vacation with Advantage International, and Mr. Baisden, I decided to book the South African tour. First and foremost, I met some wonderful people that I'm sure will remain in my life forever. I was able to visit some amazing places and enjoy some experiences that I'll never forget, however-we were so rushed, always late, and pushed for time, that it took away from the experience. Advantage tried to squeeze in too many activities in one day. For example, we went to visit Nelson Mandela's home, and when we arrived, we were told we had 20 minutes before closing! Really???? There were 150 of us, and several times we stopped and were told, we had 15 minutes to pee. Tell me how that's supposed to work? I felt like I was in boot camp, instead of on vacation. Everything was rushed and sometimes even when I would pause to take a picture or try and shop, they were like "come on, they'll be time for that later". But there never was. Advantage staff was rude, ignorant, disrespectful and ghetto. Gene, one of the owners, is just as ignorant as his staff. At one event, he tried to get everyone's attention by saying "shut up"! I don't know how his wife puts up with him. I felt like I paid to be treated like a child and talked to any kind of way. Some of the staff were a hot, ghetto mess. If you have a business, it's not always good to hire your homies and relatives. The first night, after having flown for 25 some odd hours, my room wasn't ready, and I had to wait another six to eight hours to check in. They tried to make up for it by giving me spa time and free meals for two days, but after a 22 hour flight, I just wanted to rest. I basically missed the entire first day. I was asleep on the dining room table when they woke me up to tell me my room was ready. I love supporting Black Businesses, but Advantage International, meets all of the negative stereotypes that you hear about Black Businesses. I'm sure that one of their employees and one actual owner need therapy, or they must've forgotten their hydrolithiumformate at home. (I made up the name of that medicine, but it sounds like one they needed). . I was constantly running around and was traumatized because my guide kept threatening to leave us. How're you gonna threaten to leave someone in another country? There were several senior citizens that we had to ask for accommodations for. Why wouldn't you think of that, when you've got an older demographic? While touring Robbens Island, I helped push a woman in a wheelchair, who almost fell. I had to request the wheelchair for her WTF?!?!?!!! We got on the bus once and one older lady was missing, and my ignorant guide, who looked like a Sasquatch, said in a very ignorant tone, "leave her". There were numerous other incidents that were even more messed up than the ones I described, but due to a promise.... I'll keep those to myself. We have to do better. Next time, I'll keep my 5500 and plan my own trip. I feel cheated out of what could've been a phenomenal vacation. If I were Michael Baisden, I'd do better research and I definitely wouldn't attach my name to this nonsense. Try taking some lessons from Tom Joyner, his cruises are always epic!!!! There is no Advantage in using Advantage. read more

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I would highly recommend Advantage International. The service is outstanding with friendly and knowledgeable staff. As a world traveler, I have traveled with other agencies, but Advantage International is the best in all aspects of travel. It's just pay and go with all expectations being met. It is a luxury travel company which provides 5-star accommodations, excellent travel transportation, fine dining cuisine, and great itineraries. All the items I want when I am vacationing. In addition to the normal tourist sites, they highlight the cultural sites of the country that is visited with their special contacts. The tours/activities are on time. If shopping is involved, they let you know how long to shop. This is good; otherwise some people would never stop shopping. They provide information before traveling about customs, language, requirements, and things not to do that may be insulting or illegal in a particular country. I appreciate this important information about the destination before going. Any questions can be addressed immediately. One of the best parts of traveling with Advantage International is the "personal tour guide" (usually JaVonne and/or Gene) on every trip. There is no calling a phone number if an emergency or issue happens. Your "help" is right there with you and they know what to do. I had an emergency situation, a family death, that they totally handled. It was such a relief and I'm forever thankful. I have traveled with Advantage International over 20 years and now my daughters are traveling with them and are very impressed with this level of service. They better understand why Mom had to go on "her" vacation. Advantage International is for you if you want luxury travel. I fully endorse and vouch for Advantage International. read more

If I could give this company negative stars, I would give them -10 for the bad taste that was left in my mouth after dealing with them.  I was using this company from a referral because my cousin used them to coordinate her birthday trip to Turks and Caicos and I was so excited as I trust this cousin and have never gone wrong with her recommendations.  Also, being that her Mom was a travel agent for years I assumed the company she choose which was Advantage International would be awesome. I Booked my trip Jan 28th, 2020, through Christine Brown who was the agent assigned to me. On February 12th there was a room mix up on their part and my room was downgraded from an ocean front to an ocean view with no explanation or option to address and fix my issue. I sent the cancelation notice on Feb 21st to Christine Brown and learned firsthand how super unprofessional she was and saw why I was so dissatisfied with this company, and I then understood why my room had a mix up and why I was not getting anywhere with my claim. March 19th is when I finally heard from the owner, when my cancelation was confirmed March 2nd; at that time, I spoke to: · Gene Harley - Owner · Ja'Vonne Harley, Owner, Advantage International When I spoke to them earlier that week regarding the possibility of getting some of the money back, their answer was, and I quote "We have to make some money on it". My question is this? What is the cancellation policy and aren't you making money from the other people going on the trip? Why was there a room mess up with my reservation? And on top of all of this COVID had everywhere shutdown so everyone should have been reimbursed and refunded. I called the resort twice and both time I was told that there was no cancellation fee involved to cancel a room this far in advance for the trip planned in May 2020. I even provided the specific dates of the Birthday trip and was again told that the resort does not charge a room cancellation fee with this much notice so why are you trying to invent a cancellation fee? I do not understand why you would want to jeopardize future business with my family and not honor my cancellation that was given with plenty of advance notice? If you need to make money on people's unforeseen emergencies, heartbreaks, illnesses etc. then you should state your company's "We don't care attitude! And inform people of the cancellation policies clearly in your documentation and explain that you do not care what the circumstances are and that in the event of a national disaster you will not honor reservations and cancellations.  It is understood that your in the  business to make money, however there is a standard of conduct and you have failed to conduct yourselves reasonably and unprofessionally and If you will not reconsider refunding me even a portion of my room fee (Again I remind you that you didn't even offer to fix the mix up with my room) then I will be filing a report and complaint with the better business bureau and making sure I leave reviews detailing your businesses policies and unprofessionalism. The answer you provided about you needing to "make some money" has not and did not sit well with me the more I have thought about it. I would like to ask you to reconsider refunding half of my money for the room. Unprofessional is an understatement as a black woman supporting a black business, they should and need to do better. As a last note; My cousin who the trip planned for was also dissatisfied with things said to her and that Christine ass too comfortable in conversation since she knew she was black. I do plan on writing the Better Business Bureau as well. Advantage International LLC 195 N Harbor Dr APT 4206, Chicago, IL read more

I decided to try Advantage International because I'm a solo traveler and didn't want to travel to South Africa alone. I thought the price was kind of high but for what they were offering, I figured okay. The owner Ja'Vonne and her friends/helpers are disrespectful, unprofessional and I would say haters. Not to mention, I had to pay more money for flights. So, I spent about $8,000 and didn't do a payment plan because it was a last minute decision. I paid all money up front. Customers are the backbone of her business and she treats them very rude. Her character and mindset are low grade. Her friends/ helpers tried to alienate me by spreading vicious rumors and these people never met me before. I travel a lot and I like meeting people and I'm sociable. I guess what she saw in me she doesn't see in herself. Only a person who is unhappy in their personal life will treat a person they don't know with disrespect. I will not travel with this company again!!! I would suggest she get her personal life in order and learn proper customer service because no one wants to spend that kind of money to be treated like crap. I don't like doing negative reviews but this company definitely earned it! read more