(30 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 ...
Learn more about me.

Experienced Eurostar Travel Agent Advisor

The Eurostar is a high-speed train service that connects the United Kingdom with mainland Europe, providing a fast and convenient way to travel between major cities such as London, Paris, Brussels, and Amsterdam. Operating since 1994, Eurostar has revolutionized travel across the English Channel, offering a seamless alternative to flights and ferries.The train travels through the Channel Tunnel, a marvel of engineering that runs under the English Channel, connecting the UK with France. Eurostar’s network spans several European cities, making it a popular choice for tourists and business travelers alike.Key Routes London to Paris The London to Paris route is one of the most popular Eurostar services, with travel times of around 2 hours and 15 minutes. Trains depart from London St Pancras International and arrive at Gare du Nord in the heart of Paris. This route allows passengers to experience two of Europe’s most iconic cities in a matter of hours.London to Brussels The journey from London to Brussels takes approximately 2 hours, with trains arriving at Brussels Midi/Zuid station. Brussels serves as a gateway to other destinations in Belgium and beyond, including Antwerp, Bruges, and Ghent.London to Amsterdam The relatively new London to Amsterdam route has become a favorite for travelers heading to the Netherlands. The direct service takes around 3 hours and 50 minutes, with stops in Rotterdam and Amsterdam Centraal. The return journey currently requires a transfer in Brussels for border controls, but future plans aim for a direct service both ways.London to LilleFor those wanting to explore northern France, Eurostar offers a quick service to Lille, taking just 1 hour and 20 minutes. Lille is known for its beautiful architecture, museums, and proximity to the French-Belgian border.London to Disneyland Paris Families traveling to Disneyland Paris can take advantage of the direct Eurostar service to Marne-la-Vallée, the station located right at the entrance of the park. This trip takes about 2 hours and 45 minutes from London, making it a convenient way to visit the famous theme park.Onboard Experience Eurostar offers a comfortable and efficient travel experience with several classes of service:Standard ClassIn Standard Class, passengers enjoy comfortable seating with access to a café-bar, known as Café Métropole, offering snacks, sandwiches, and drinks. Passengers can also bring their own food and beverages on board, making this a flexible option for travelers on a budget.Standard Premier Standard Premier provides more spacious seating and a light meal served at your seat, along with complimentary newspapers and magazines. Traveling by Eurostar produces significantly less carbon emissions than flying. A trip between London and Paris on Eurostar generates 90% less carbon dioxide compared to a short-haul flight, making it an eco-friendly travel option for those concerned about their carbon footprint.In terms of speed, Eurostar trains can reach up to 186 mph (300 km/h), allowing passengers to cover large distances in a short amount of time. The convenience of city-center to city-center travel also means passengers save time compared to flying, which often requires long transfers to and from airports.Eurostar Stations and Check-in London St Pancras International: Located in central London, this station is a hub for Eurostar services. St Pancras features a mix of shops, restaurants, and amenities, making it a great place to start your journey.Gare du Nord (Paris): One of Europe’s busiest train stations, Gare du Nord connects Eurostar passengers to the heart of Paris and offers easy access to the Paris Métro and RER trains.Brussels Midi/Zuid: A key transit point in Belgium, with connections to domestic and international trains, including the Thalys network, which serves destinations such as Cologne, Antwerp, and Amsterdam.Passengers are required to arrive at the station at least 30 minutes before departure for Standard and Standard Premier, and 10 minutes before departure for Business Premier travelers. Security checks and passport control are carried out before boarding, which streamlines the arrival process at your destination.Eurostar and Beyond Eurostar connects with several other European high-speed rail networks, allowing passengers to continue their journeys across Europe. For instance, Eurostar’s partnership with Thalys opens up routes to cities such as Cologne, Düsseldorf, and Amsterdam. Conclusion The Eurostar offers a fast, convenient, and eco-friendly way to travel between the UK and major European cities. With multiple service levels, minimal check-in times, and city-center arrivals, it’s a popular choice for both leisure and business travelers looking to explore Europe. Whether you're heading to Paris for a romantic getaway, Brussels for business, or Amsterdam for a cultural escape, Eurostar ensures a smooth and enjoyable journey. 4o          

My Travel Albums

Visiting Cornwall in the Steps of Doc Martin
Doc Martin''s Surgery on the left.

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

Was this review helpful to you? YES | NO
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

Was this review helpful to you? YES | NO
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.

Was this review helpful to you? YES | NO
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

Was this review helpful to you? YES | NO
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

Was this review helpful to you? YES | NO
Go to my main profile

Destination Expert:

  • London
  • Paris
  • Brussels
  • United Kingdom
  • France

Travel Specialist:

  • Rail
  • Singles
  • Groups
  • Luxury
  • Family Vacations

Top Travel Partners:

  • Railbookers

Certifications/Awards:

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

Connect with Me:

Industry Affiliations:

© 2025 Travel Leaders Group