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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Petra Travel Agent Expert

Never in my wildest of day dreams would I ever dream about being on a 42 day cruise, being an adventurer or being up close and personal with history. When I watched all of the Indiana Jones movies, I thought "That's nice," and dismissed the idea.

Newly retired from my full time gig, I would check out all of the cruises and other trips I spotted on line. I was hunting for just the right new place to see and at the right cost. When I spotted a cruise ad that said 3 continents in 15 days--interesting, I thought. Dear husband asked where it went after those 15 days and found there were 13 more ending in Singapore. THEN, he asked about where the trip originated.

Well, the trip started in New Orleans traveled to Europe, stopped in Egypt, passed through the Suez Canal, Red Sea, to Dubai with stops at Goa and Cochin, India before Malaysia and ending in Singapore. 42 days on a ship?

After leaving Alexandria and while passing through the Suez Canal, we stopped at Aqaba. Our contingent boarded a luxury motor coach to take us past Wadi Rum and on to Petra.

Our reserved cart and driver were waiting as we disembarked from the coach. Though our skills were limited, we did understand when the driver indicated we should hold on tight.

The cart whizzed through centuries old narrow path ways between gigantic rocks and past terrified pedestrians. It was hard to distinguish who was more scared--pedestrians or passengers.

As we exited the narrow passageway, we saw it! The Treasury was directly in front of us. At that moment in time, we understood.

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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