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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GUESS WHAT I BROUGHT HOME FOR YOU!!

People usually bring something home from their adventures away. It might be some souvenirs or a bag of dirty laundry. Me? I brought back knowledge of how to use my smart phone to make my travels go more smoothly and add joy to everyday life.

I am sharing this knowledge with you in hopes they will help you feel more secure in exploring new, unfamiliar locations. They are free, so take all you like--there are enough for everyone.

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.) There are other point specific apps, also.

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).Skype was what I used prior to the smart phone.

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. Mew

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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