The WHUR World Tour 2015

The WHUR World Tour is back again...

The 2015 WHUR World Tour will be to Italy. From April 9 - 19, 2015, the WHUR World Tour will visit Rome, Florence, Venice, Pisa, Tuscany and see all the many sites that make Italy a top destination.

All are welcome to join WHUR and the on-air staff for the deluxe package with flights from Washington DC (IAD), 5 star hotels, private tours and excellent meals and events. We will also travel via the Italian High Speed Rail in First Class. Enjoy a great itinerary and special events that only WHUR can offer.

Complete details are available at WHUR.com or at https://advantage-intl.com/events/whur-world-tour-2015-italy/.

See you on the Plane...

The Traveling Eye is back in Punta Cana

The Traveling Eye returned to Paradisus Punta Cana to celebrate another year. Let's face it, we had such a great time in 2013 that it was an easy decision to come back. Show host, Bonnie Deshong and Ja'Vonne Harley joined 40 listeners to enjoy a long weekend getaway in Paradise at the Paradisus Punta Cana.

We had a lot of Fun in the Sun, a lot of great food and SPA...

IVI DMC did a great job and the staff at Paradisus were fantastic. I love Punta Cana and Paradisus Punta Cana.

See you on the plane...

Back to South Africa

We have just returned with 140 travelers and media from South Africa. We designed and hosted this trip for the Doug Banks Radio Show with South African Tourism and SAA. It was a great trip and reminded me why South Africa is one of my favorite destinations.

The travelers do it for me. Experiencing South Africa thru the eyes of so many who have never been there, never traveled to Africa and even so many who had never been out of the US is a special way to see any destination you have been to many times before. I love South Africa, and seeing it through our travelers, with all the wonder, the differences, the similarities and the "Wow" does it for me.

We had the opportunity to help them see how we are all the same, how the history of the African-American and the Black South African parallel and even how we differ. We all learned to laugh together, to sometimes cry together, to hug, embrace and love this magnificent country and throughout the trip, love who we are. We are all Africans and South Africa is a great way to "Come home".

South Africa is not the closest destination you may travel to. It is 15+hrs of travel time on the flight, but once you get there, the wonders start. South Africa is nearly 9000 miles away from the US, the third longest flight, mostly over the vast Atlantic Ocean that brought so many from Africa to the US. It is a great distance over deep water, but we are reminded when we visit South Africa, that although the distance is great over a vast Ocean, Blood will always be thicker then water.

Ja'Vonne's Travel Minute - Who's Watching

Have you ever searched online for an airfare, found a really good fare and then when you went back to book it at later time , it was gone?  What about when you revisit a website? Have you noticed that you only have to put in the first part and the computer displays the rest? Well, there’s a reason and an explanation for that.
When you visit a particular site, that site records your computers IP address and your search data is tracked just as your browser history is stored on your computer. That’s right booking sites record your computers web browsing data.
Some sites use this information to track your patterns, cities and dates searched and will raise prices when you’re interested in a particular flight or route.
To combat this, you should clear your web browsing history. Depending on your system it can be called cache or footprints. You’re then more likely to find that lower airfare again, unless of course, it’s just sold out.

Ja'Vonne's Travel Minute on Women Travelling Safely

There are many women married and single who travel alone.  This number is increasing and what I also find increasing is the image of the single female traveler especially those from America and Europe.
Ultimately, safety is the number one priority for any traveler and more so with a woman.  I’ve broached this subject before but wanted to address it again with some more safety tips.
Common sense never goes out of style and is sometimes your best source.  While having the same common sense you would have at home comes into play, you also have to adapt to the local culture and know gender roles.  Now is not the time to get on a soap box or exercise your ideals.
It’s also imperative to have a cell phone with you.  Either have your own cell phone and service upgraded to include international service prior to departing or obtain a local cell phone immediately upon arrival.  Know the local emergency number, how to dial it and store it in your phone.
Finally, know how to communicate “help” in the local language. With these tips you’ll feel safe, prepared and able to enjoy your trip.

The WHUR World Tour 2014

WHUR Radio, Washington DC has selected New Zealand  & Australia for their 2014 Tour Destination. The trip will be in March 2014 and lead by on-air personality, Frank Ski. Details at www.Advantage-intl.com.

Brazil on the Wild Side

Advantage International, LLC under the updcale Advantage Preferred Program will offer, Brazil On The Wild Side... This upscale Group trip will include, Rio, Salvador, Bahia and An Amazon Cruise. The total package includes air, as well as first class Hotel and cruise. This is a rare opportunity to see many aspects of Brazil in one trip. The trip will be limited in size. All details at www.Advantage-intl.com

Soul Beach 2014

Advantage is offering Early Bird Land Only packages for the Soul Beach Music Fest Aruba. Packages are up early and will include Airport Transfers, accommodations, taxes, gratuities and tickets to the Soul Beach Music Fest Aruba. You may also purchase Express and VIP packages to the parties and events. All is online at www.Advantage-intl.com.

Look at the New Advantage...

Advantage International has updated their website, www.Advantage-intl.com. The new pages are easier to read, faster loading and contain more information. You will also be able to see new trips faster and signup for more events on-line. Take a look at www.Advantage-intl.com

Back from Punta Cana...

Hello Fellow World Travelers,

Advantage and The Traveling Eye are back from Paradisus Punta Cana. The trip was a great success.

The group was over 50 of our past and new travelers who enjoyed a five day getaway at an excellent resort. From the Welcome to the Farewell, the staff at the Paradisus Punta Cana proved why they are one of the top resorts. Each day, we had some special activities for the group and everyone seemed to enjoy them all.

The Paradisus Resort offers 24/7 worth of activities with 12 restaurants and as many bars, a great beach, numerous pools and activities from Archery to Wall Climbing. Our group tried to do them all. We had three private parties that included our Welcome and Dominican Night, The 50th Birthday Celebration for Ja'Vonne at the Gabi Beach Restautant followed by a "Wigging Out" party at the disco and the Anniversary party for The Traveling Eye with live sculptures and an excellent menu. We all returned stuffed and worn out. The sign of a great vacation in the DR.

If you were unable to join us, listen to the show(s) on Sirius/XM #141 this week or look for the video, coming soon. We will be back.

See you on the plane,

Gene

Advantage is going to CUBA

Hello World Travelers,

Advantage International is going to Cuba. We have secured a Group trip under the People-to-People Program between the US and Cuban Governments. This allows us to offer a comprehensive trip to Cuba. We will use Friendly Planet as our Cuban Travel Partner.

Here are the details:
Departures October 2013


Highlights Havana, Callejon de Hamel, Las Terrazas, Ernest Hemingway's Finca Vigia and Jazz Festival events.

Included Features
•Overnight accommodation at the Crowne Plaza Hotel Miami Airport

•Round-trip airfare from Miami to Havana including airport taxes

•Friendly Planet Tour Representative

•Cuba Entrance Visa fee

•Arrival and departure transfers in Havana

•Cuban Relations Expert for private discussion session & meeting facilities

•6 nights hotel accommodation in hotels mentioned or similar (Miami x 1 night and Havana x 5 nights)

•All meals as stated including beverages with meals where indicated

•Private English speaking national guide during tour duration

•All transportation where noted by modern air-conditioned bus

•All entrance fees to tour sites where stated

•2 bottles of water per person / per day (excluding days of arrival & departure)

•Cuban travel insurance covering medical expenses.

•Authorization documentation allowing passengers to clear US immigrations upon returning to the United States.

Travel Style This fast-paced, escorted educational program includes a reasonable amount of walking or hiking and requires an average level of physical fitness

http://www.friendlyplanet.com/sponsored/advantage-international-discover-havana.html#tab0 has all the details. It will be a small group so book now.

Travel Tips

Hey Guys,


I've recently done my Travel Minutes from our radio show on tips.

Here are some of my "Travel Tips & Minutes"

Little known facts and tips to assist you in your travels.


Did you know that mustard can relieve leg cramps? Well it does! Yellow mustard contains turmeric acid which is an anti-inflammatory. Actually, turmeric has many health benefits. Check them out at turmerichealthbenefits.org. So put some of those yellow mustard packets in your bag for those long flights.

Fellas, if you forget your shaving cream, don’t fret because you can use the hair conditioner that most hotels provide. It acts the same as shaving cream and softens the hair. For extra care use it with a hot towel compression. Ladies, we can use this as well for our shaving needs.

Whether or not you’re a germaphobe, pack some cleansing towelettes and wipe off those airline trays and arms rests. I don’t know how often they clean them but I’ve seen some really dirty ones during my travels.

Don’t throw away those plastic covers that sheets come in, use them for your dirty or wet clothes when you travel.

I use my phone to take photos when I travel and on my recent trip my phone malfunctioned. This was a reminder to me to download my photos each day and to have a cloud app. The cloud app automatically sends your photos to the cloud for safe keeping.

Put your shoes in shoe bags to keep the street dirt from your clothes in your luggage or you can use old socks.

Umbrellas take up space and are cumbersome, so I travel with a foldable rain hat instead and hotels often have umbrellas that you can borrow for those downpours.

Whether or not you have a sensitive stomach, trying new foods and spices can cause some irritation. Eat yogurt each day starting a week before your trip to help with digestion. The cultures & enzymes in yogurt help fight bacteria. If your stomach becomes upset eat ginger to help settle it. I like to use candied ginger or simply place fresh ginger in hot water and drink like tea.

The Left Behind, Lost and Found. When we travel, we pack up the things we need but often we lose them or leave them behind.

If you find yourself with a prohibited item at TSA screening and it’s something you’re not willing to leave behind, you can have it mailed to you. TSA screening stations have the means to ship your item to you at your own expense.

I have so many cellphone charges because I have often left it behind only to purchase another one at the airport. Well, a remedy to that is the hotel’s lost and found. Cell phone chargers and lap top power cables are often left in hotel rooms and end up at the hotel’s lost and found. Even if it’s not yours, you just find one that works with your phone because the chance of them being claimed after the guest checks out is very little.

Traveling internationally means you need adapters for your electronics. This too is an item that I’ve forgotten or left behind and once again, the hotel to the rescue. Hotels often have a small supply of adapters that they will loan to you during your stay. They may request a deposit to ensure you return it.

Ja'Vonne Harley
Co-Host, The Traveling Eye
Owner, Advantage International

In Salvador, Bahia, Brazil

It’s Sunday, and more then anything else, this is family day at the beach for those who call Salvador home. That means a mixture of the richer hue that makes up Brazil. By richer, I mean in melanin, because Brazil is definitely not a “melting pot” no more then the US is. Brazil is a rich chocolate cake with a thick layer of mocha and a thin layer of vanilla cream on top. It’s thin, but it is clearly on top. As George Bush noted to Brazilian President, Fernando Henrique Cardoso, "Do you have blacks, too?". Yes Mr. President. Brazil has “Blacks Too”. An overwhelming number of Brazilians are of African decent and Brazil has the largest number of people of African decent in the Western Hemisphere (Your Cerebral Injection for today). And if Brazil has a lot of Blacks, then Salvador is C.C. (Chocolate City).

But I digress… It’s Sunday and that means a day at the beach. Brazilians are into family. That means all the kids, a few neighbors, their kids, grandma, grandpa, aunts and uncles and anyone else that can squeeze in the car or on the bus is here at Ondina Beach or any number of beaches that cover the coastline. They come prepared. Not just umbrella and towels, but with furniture, pots of excellent smelling food, dishware, radios and a recognition that this is a really going to be a good day. It’s similar to a family day at Coney Island, North Beach or Haines Point if we were in NY, CHI or DC.

They know how to do up the water sports too. You see, the coast is rocky and full of boulders and cliffs. Some people go out and work the waves, but the experts know that there are natural pools among those rocks. About knee to waist high and perfect for lying back and relaxing. Add this to a nearly perfect (hot) climate year round and you can spot folks lounging in these natural pools anytime, 24 hrs each day. So families arrive early and stay until late. Soccer (football) games are ongoing, home made kites fill the air and music comes at you from every direction. Of course the kids are all texting each other, but that is simply what a Family Day is now and going forward. Why call someone who is 100 feet away when you can write them a message. Marconi would be so proud and Edison confused.

I am also at Ondina Beach to see the Fat Girls Statues. Now before those cards and letter (or threatening text) start. This is a series of three statues that represent the women of Brazil (If not by proportion). The furthest from the beach is a Native American looking back toward the mountain and the land she called home, a European on one leg as if feeling the sun from Europe, and an African looking back with a longing for Africa. It is big and powerful but can be overlooked as you drive by. But it is worth stopping for.

Well it is hot, and my sandals are now stuck to the pavement. My sunscreen has runoff and my water bottle is boiling, so I am heading back to my hotel. Don’t do Brazil with out seeing Salvador and Bahia. If Rio is the pulsating heart, then Salvador is definitely the Soul.

See you on the plane…

If it is Tuesday…it’s Olodum in Pelourinho

If it is Tuesday…it’s Olodum in Pelourinho


I arrive on a Tuesday. Stressed out from my economy seat and not so consumerable meal. I checked in to my hotel and went to sleep for a few. You do this because on Tuesday night, we follow the beat of the drums to Pelourinho, the old section of Salvador, Bahia in Brazil. Highways and sidewalks with modern high-rise buildings give way to cobblestone streets as the drumming grows louder and you no longer hear it, you feel it. The people begin to move with a singular rhythm. The colonial churches and buildings guide you to small streets and alleys and there you are, In the midst of a thousand of new friends who were also drawn and can feel the beats of AFRICA.


Olodum is the Drumming that takes place on Tuesdays and has since 1979. Back then it was "Terça da Bença" (Tuesday of Blessing), originally designating the day Saint Francis of Assisi, would distribute food to the needy. Later it became the day when bands would practice. Now the streets of Pelourinho fill with people dining, drinking and dancing. It is truly a street party on the grandest, but purest scale.

As a bit of history, The Grupo Cultural Olodum was founded in 1979 by the dwellers of the Maciel-Pelourinho district of Salvador. It has grown to include any number of street marching bands. Clubs with bands and corner groups fill in the chorus. But back then they were working to get their percussion section into Carnaval. Blacks were not always part of this celebration known Worldwide. The name Olodum, like the drum, the rhythm and the people all are African. Olodum is from Olodumaré "the God of all gods” in the Nigerian Yoruba religion of Candomblé which is another reason why you must visit Salvador and Bahia. All this and so much more is alive in Salvador, Bahia, Brazil’ where the African Diaspora LIVES.

See you on the plane...

Soul Beach Music Fest 2013

Advantage will offer travel packages to the 2013 Soul Beach Music Festival in Aruba. The Festival, scheduled for May 24 - 27, 2013 will include top talent, including Sinbad, Ne-Yo and D'Angelo. Aruba goes all out to offer a travel experience to remember. Packages offered by Advantage International (an Official Vendor of Soul Beach) include air, transfers, accommodations at the official hotels and tickets to the official parties and concerts. Complete details available at http://www.advantage-intl.com/WHUR_SoulBeach_2013.htm or call Advantage at 1-877-428-2773.

WHUR World Tour is SOLD OUT

The WHUR World Tour 2013 to France is officially Sold Out. As in past years, The WHUR World Tour continues to offer once in a life time trips. The 2013 offer is to France with Paris, Burgundy, Chandon and Champagne. The trip will be an excellent combination of tours, meals, shopping and cuisine. The package was designed by Ja'Vonne Harley, President of Advantage International. http://www.advantage-intl.com/WHUR_France_2013.htm

Ja'Vonne Harley to celebrate the "Big Five 0"

Ja'Vonne Harley, President of Advantage International and Host of The Traveling Eye Radio Show will celebrate her 50th Birthday. Ja'Vonne, her family, friends, clients and listeners will enjoy a Getaway to Paradise at the Paradisus Punta Cana in the Dominican Republic. The dates are August 14 - 18, 2013. Everyone is welcome to join the celebration to include All-Inclusive, Junior Suite accommodations, daily activities and nightly parties, as well as The Traveling Eye show broadcast. Complete details at http://www.advantage-intl.com/Traveling_Eye.htm or call Advantage at 1-877-428-2773.

The Traveling Eye turns 6

The Traveling Eye Radio show (www.TheTravelingEye.com), the unique, 1 hr show all about travel will celebrate their 6th year on the air in August 2013. The Traveling Eye will promote, and host a Listener trip, video and series of LIVE and recorded shows from the Paradisus Punta Cana Resort in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic.


The Traveling Eye is on the air Nationally on Sirius/XM #141 HUR Voices and WVON Radio 1690 Chicago. The Traveling Eye started in August 2007 airing Sunday's on WVON Radio in Chicago and now airs four times each week on the combined networks of WVON and Sirius/XM. The show still consist of Travel News, Travel Updates, Discussion on top ideas and destinations and live shows from destinations around the world. The Traveling Eye also develops Video segments that air on American Airlines, BlackAtlas.com and other media.

The Traveling Eye Anniversary Trip to Punta Cana will be August 14 - 18, 2013. The Travel Package will be offered by Advantage International, LLC, Chicago. Complete details available at http://advantage-intl.com/Traveling_Eye.htm.

Israel is Unexpected

I could not get into my blog from Israel so I was unable to blog each day. I will start as if I am starting my trip so you can journey with me.

I never really thought about Israel because I saw it only as the Holyland. Nothing against the Holyland but I wanted more from the destination. When we were contacted by the Israeli Office of Tourism I started researching what Israel had to offer and found that Israel is a very diverse country and has a lot to offer for leisure tourism. I also thought that I would find heightened security and wasn't sure if that would set the tone for the trip.

Starting with my arrival at the Ben Gurion airport that's located between Tel Aviv and Jerusalem I was surprised that the security was no more or less obvious than at any other airport. The people were friendly and accommodating. I was tired upon arrival but this observation relaxed me. Driving to Tel Aviv I couldn't help but notice that Tel Aviv is a very modern city and I felt like I was in any major city. Great infrastructure! We checked into our hotel, freshened up and went for dinner. I'm going to do a separate blog on "The Flavors of Israel" so I won't go into the restaurant at this time and will only say that it was a fantastic introduction to Israel and it's cuisine.

After a good nights rest we awoke the next morning to begin our day and tour of Tel Aviv. We headed to Abrasha, a vantage point high above the city to get a birds eye view. Tel Aviv is located on the west coast of Israel and has a nice shoreline. Don't know if you can see in our photo (it was a hazy day) there are surfers below. I always head for a highpoint to see what the city looks like from above and for photos.

We did something a little different in Tel Aviv. Instead of focusing on the history we focused on the neighborhoods, arts and culture scene of Tel Aviv. We felt that we would get so much history throughout the rest of Israel that we wanted to see what the people and social scene was all about. After all Tel Aviv is only 100 years old. Our guide for the day, Doron Ozer, took us to on a walking tour through Old Jaffa, the ancient seaport, Neve Tzedek, Tel Aviv's oldest neighborhood whose historic homes and alleyways have been restored. We met the people along the way. I don't have her name but one lady we met was the first to restore in her neighborhood and others soon followed. We met a fabulous artist, who is dyslexic. Ms. Llana Goor is world renowned and because she did not fair well in school because of her learning disability, focused her energy on art and sculpting. Her museum is in her home. It's three floors with a roof top and might I add, one of the best views in the city or as she says, the best in Israel.

We also walked through the Carmel Open-Air market and Doron treated us to Israeli fast or street food, which ever you like to call it. One stand only sold hummus. Hummus so many ways it left you repeating it over and over again...hummus, hummus, hummus. One stand only did Shawarma, a pita pocket filled with chicken, lamb or beef and different sauces. You could get a mini or a regular sized one. Since we were on a tasting tour we went for the mini. Hmmmm delish. We were then serenaded by a singing barista. His shop only serves coffee and he usually does concerts on Tuesdays and Fridays. We were there on Monday so this was a special treat. I almost forgot about the falalel shop. I don't know how because the tastes were unforgettable and some of the best falalel I've ever had and the variety... A stop at a fruit stand I couldn't pass up fresh squeezed pommergranite juice. A big ole pommergranite pressed on an old fashined lemon juicer. OMG, so fresh!

That night we hit the bar scene. Some were quiet and others were loud. Unfortunately we were party poopers and only hit two. We were so tired from the traveling to Israel and the full day of touring we couldn;t do any more. I wish I could have done more. The first bar we went to was just for socializing and drinks. Several tables looked to be ladies night out. The second bars music greeted us a block away with dancehall reggae. We danced a bit and then called it a night. We pooped out. I must say this was a nice way to see the city, walking through neighborhoods, meeting people and tasting street food.

Bonnie, Donor, Ja'Vonne
Thank you Donor!

 

New Year New You

Oh my goodness! It's that time of year again. Time for a soliloquy. Where have I been? What have I learned? What do I want and/or need to change? Hmmmm, let me think....... I've been to Egypt, Dubai, Croatia, Sheboygan, South Africa, Aruba, Brazil, Denmark. What I've learned along the way? There is nothing to fear but fear itself. I went hang gliding in Brazil. The experience was liberating and absolutely breathtaking! You must add an adventure to your travels. Do something to push the envelope. It will change you. Sustainability is easier than you think for yourself and your country. We'd all be better off for it. In Denmark I visited a hotel that operates mostly on this principle. From the design and construction of the building to the food. Solar panels are built in, ground water is used to heat and cool the building, the wasted food, which there is a ton of at hotels, is used as compost in their organic farm, the country has the largest wind turbine plants in the world, 80% of the people bike and there are concessions for electric cars for 10 years! The middle east is just as diverse as any other part of the world. Egypt is a mix of liberal and conservative Muslims but overall more liberal with ancient structures and history. No alcohol is served outside of hotels and cruise ships while Dubai, UAE is far more conservative in Islamic practice but far more modern. Basically catering to foreign vacationers and alcohol is served at just about any establishment that caters to foreign visitors. Dubrovnik is beautiful and very classic European. I've been pronouncing it wrong. The emphasis is on Du not Brov. It's been just 20 years since Croatia declared it's independence from the former Yugoslavia. And just 13 years since Serbia occupied a piece of Croatia. In Aruba everyone is affectionately called mi dushi, Papiamento for my sweet or sweetie. Call someone Mi Dushi and they will love you for it. It doesn't seem to matter who you are speaking to. We came upon a public official and our guide called out to her "hey mi dushi." Pronounced dooshee. South Africa remains one of my favorite destinations. It's now on the list of emerging markets or as we call them in the industry BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India, China & South Africa). I came upon a lot of nationals traveling and vacationing within their own country. That's a great sign. Sheboygan was a nice getaway and road trip. Sometimes you don't have to travel far for a cultural experience. yes, I said cultural experience. Each of our states and some of cities have their own culture. Sheboygan is a quiet seaside resort town with a close knit community. Lake Michigan is really an inland sea! This was my second deep sea fishing adventure but my first catch. It was a five pound lake salmon. They smoked it for me and mailed it to me. OK, we did not go out that far but it was far enough. It wasn't a thirty pound marlin but it was just right for me. My soliloquy is that it's actually been about 4 years since I've had a VACATION. With client trips, press trips and site inspections, I'm traveling most of the year and I truly love all of my experiences. I just can't remember the last time I went on a trip when it was just me and the hubby, sleeping in late, making up the day as we go along and discovering without schedule. I guess I need to practice what I preach. Happy New Year and resolve to travel and experience! Ja'Vonne Harley