(27 Reviews)
100% Recommended

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 ...
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Free #1

Traveling creates lifelong learning adventure.  We bring home memories, photos, and a souvenir or two; I brought back knowledge of  how to use my smart phone to make my travels go more smoothly and add joy to everyday life.  Don't forgot to use these suggestions in preparation for your next out of country trip or around your own hometown. 


1. Unless you are fluent in the local languages, I suggest you add google translate to your cell phones. It will translate what you say into the local language. (We learned about this from a cab driver in Shanghai.)


 


2. Maps.me: offline GPS navigation can be very helpful. (We learned this in Venice from an Australian tourist.)


3. UBER and Lyft. They seem to be everywhere and work well to get about on your own. (London trips and so many after that.)


4. Check with your phone company about out of country plans. I use T-Mobile; seldom do I need to talk ($0.25 per min) but the text and wifi are included.


5. What's app is great. I use it a great deal with out of country clients and consultants. When I am in Mexico, I use it for calling local businesses as well as family/friends at home. (Learned how to use this from a supplier in Guatemala.).


6.  Don't forget to bring several wash cloths.  You might find the compressed ones that you add water and they expand.  This is true of sponges, also.  


I share these because they have made our travels much smoother than when we started our adventures-so very long ago.


Give me a call to guide you to your next adventure. 

My Reviews

8 of 10 people found this review helpful
upcoming trip
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
Held my hand throughout.
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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Destination Expert:

  • Alexandria
  • Belgium
  • Belize
  • Cinque Terre
  • Costa Rica

Travel Specialist:

  • Adventure
  • Independent Travel
  • Business Travel
  • Women's Travel
  • Photography

Top Travel Partners:

  • Classic Vacations
  • Globus
  • Europe Express
  • Insight Vacations
  • Rail Europe

Certifications/Awards:

  • Hawaii Destination Expert Certification
  • Kaua'i , Maui, Oahu Specialist
  • Los Cabos Specialist
  • American Queen Voyages
  • Royal Caribbean Specialist (certified)

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