marian wattel
Stockton, CA
Speciality: Adventure & Destinations for All Ages
I have always wanted to travel. The journey was just as important as the destination. Seeing new things, meeting new people, and having new experiences was a treat. I never envisioned I would get too far from home. Little did I know my future ...
Learn more about me.
I have always wanted to travel. The journey was just as important as the destination. Seeing new things, meeting new people, and having new experiences was a treat. I never envisioned I would get too far from home. Little did I know my future when I took my first solo trip to Hawaii at 20.
Since my travel adventure started, I have been across the USA many times and love each new place I find myself. History is so much easier to understand when you are on site. I have learned that there is much more to the USA than just two coasts and the people are warm and friendly.
Besides home, I have been to Europe, Asia, Africa, India, China, Japan, Korea, Australia, and my long time goal of Bora Bora --long story there. I have been fortunate and sailed from New Orleans to Singapore and Syndey to Honolulu.
I have been on numerous sailings and cruise lines, on European river cruises, and a Mississippi River cruise. I can even say I have been in a giant canoe on the upper Amazon River. The California Delta is my backyard and playground.
My adventures and travels have gone from simple to very luxurious and a great number in between. It is amazing how many experiences can be packed into 50+ years of adventure.
I believe my experiences can assist you in making reality of your vision and goals. Drop me a line, call, or text so we can start planning that dream.
Can Be Reached At
1-209-244-4618
A Co-Parenter's Guide to Quality Kid Travel
A visit to Washington, D.C. with Mom
What do you do? You are now a single parent who is co-parenting with your former spouse. You had great plans of sharing so many things with your child/children when you were a couple; does that dream have to end? ABSOLUTELY NO!!!
You need to keep in mind that your special times with your child/children is to build your relationship, share experiences, have fun, and educate. This is not a time for one parent to try to out do the other. Parenting in not a competition. Each parent, most likely, has a special type of vacation he/she enjoys and wants to share. That special vacation/holiday period with your child is a time to share your favorites,--from food, to entertainment, music, activities, and for you to get to know. your child/children.How do you start?
Do you have time to make all of the plans so your vacation goes off without a hitch? Good research and planning takes time and patience to have all of the travel elements come together and appear easy. Do you have hotels, cruise lines, theme parks, train and plane schedules readily available? Do you know the locale or have a contact to guide you through unknown locations?
If you work a full time job and have a life away from your place of employment, you probably do not have the time it takes to develop an itinerary in detail, study the locales you are considering, contacting in country persons, make all reservations and dealing with deviations from the set itinerary.
Your travel consultant will free your time so you do not have to clutter your life with trip planning. In your consultation, you will discuss ages of the participants, physical limits--if any, fears, likes, activity level, music, entertainment, favorite books, movies, and video games; in other words, get to know the child/children and parent.
Trip suggestions can range from an itinerary of camping, hiking, rock climbing, to visiting holiday markets, theme parks (in various countries), cruise ships, and more. Co-parenting is when I introduced my own children to the joys of education through travel which they have passed along to their own children.
When you need to plan a child/teen centered trip or adventure, remember to call me, Marian, The Optimistic Tourist.
My Reviews
8 of 10 people found this review helpful
Marian is both knowledgeable and enthusiastic. She also thinks of things I never would. Which is way you would use a travel agent.
By
Rob
from
Los Angeles, California
Traveled to
Barcelona ~ Spain ~ Europe
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
marian wattel responded:
Thank you, Robert. It has been delightful organizing your adventure in Barcelona. Planning this adventure has helped me learn about the many cultural offerings available. Eager to hear about the trip and see your pictures. Mew
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6 of 9 people found this review helpful
The most unbelievable trip!
Anything less than amazing would be an understatement without Marian my trip wouldn’t have been as productive and organized. With Marian’s help I got to see the most stunning places of Italy. Marian was so easy to work with and was very flexible with time there wasn’t a moment she wasn’t available seriously. I am so grateful that I got to work with Marian and I will not go anywhere else for a travel agent!
By
Nelson James
from
San Jose California
Traveled to
Italy ~ Europe
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
marian wattel responded:
Thank you Nelson! It was such a pleasure working with you. Thank you for keeping in touch with me throughout your adventure. It was fun to experience your enjoyment of Italy and travel.
Looking forward to working with you in the future.
Marian,
The Optimistic Tourist
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7 of 11 people found this review helpful
Spectacular Family Cruise
Marian made our travel arrangements to take our children on a Caribbean cruise. She picked the correct ship for our 3 children and us. When we needed a little adult time, there were clubs for the children to attend. We are adventuresome, and that was the vibe of our ship. Bravo, Marian, for assessing our needs and matching us up so well.
By
JT
from
California
Traveled to
Caribbean Sea ~ At Sea ~ At Sea
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
marian wattel responded:
Thank you for the opportunity to assist in making your family adventure a success. I really knew we had a fit but needed to have a work through. You made my hunch become a reality. I know there will be other family adventures to follow.
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2 of 2 people found this review helpful
Biggest Trip in Retirement
My wife and I are currently having the pleasure of working with Marian on our upcoming two week trip to Italy. We have found that Marian is resourceful, knowledgeable and timely in answering any questions we have. Marian gave us a beginning itinerary and has worked with us to adjust and change it to meet our goals. Her recommendations and expertise has made this process simple and smooth.
By
David & Carla
from
Stockton, CA
Traveled to
Italy ~ Europe
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
marian wattel responded:
Thank you David and Carla. I know you will thoroughly enjoy you Italian adventure. Please send a picture of you in Cinque Terre. Looking forward to assisting with the next trip. Mew
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3 of 4 people found this review helpful
Marian did the impossible - she got a flight that met up with my Australian girlfriend in Frankfurt so we could arrive together. She also kept me calm when not one, but two flights were missed and guided me through the steps to get back on track. Her fee is ridiculously low for the service she supplies. I will use her once again as I have in the past.
By
Lynne
from
Winters, CA
Traveled to
Tunisia ~ Africa
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
marian wattel responded:
Lynne, It is always a pleasure working with you. So glad you are back home, safe, and with a smile in your voice. Mew
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