Speciality: Adventure & Destinations for All Ages
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marian wattel
Stockton, CA Travel Agent· 25+ Years of Experience
A full-service Travel Leaders Associate Agency
31 reviews
100% Recommended
25+ Years of Experience
5.0
(31)
100% Recommended
Marian is both knowledgeable and enthusiastic. She also thinks of things I never would. Which is way you would use a travel agent. Read More >
Areas of expertise
Destinations:
Italy, Central America, USA, United Kingdom, EuropeInterests:
Adventure, Sustainable Travel, Archaeology, Eco-Tourism, CruisesSuppliers:
Europe Express, Pleasant Holidays, Rail Europe, ViatorAbout 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. My sailings have also taken me from Vancouver, B.C. to Yokohama, Japan.
I have been on numerous additional sailings and cruise lines, on European river cruises, and a Mississippi River cruise, also. 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.
Central, South America,and other tropical delights
My interest in Mayan culture led me to visit all of the countries of Central America. The adventure took many years to complete, but eventually we journeyed from Mexico to Panama. Along the way we met some very interesting people and are fortunate to still call some of them friends.
After completing the list of Mayan destinations, we went to Peru. We toured the country with our son, who was a student in Lima, and got to Machu Picchu and other Inca historic sites.
Areas of expertise
Destinations:
Italy, Central America, USA, United Kingdom, EuropeInterests:
Adventure, Sustainable Travel, Archaeology, Eco-Tourism, CruisesSuppliers:
Europe Express, Pleasant Holidays, Rail Europe, ViatorREVIEWS
Rating: 5.0
31 reviews
100% Recommended
Your trust is our priority. Every review is submitted by verified travelers after they have booked and completed their trips. Learn more about our review guidelines.
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Showing 31 reviews
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Reviewed By Rob - Los Angeles, California | Traveled to Barcelona ~ Spain ~ Europe
Marian is both knowledgeable and enthusiastic. She also thinks of things I never would. Which is way you would use a travel agent.
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"
✓ I would recommend this agent to my family and friends.
9 of 11 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you?YES|NO
The most unbelievable trip!
Reviewed By Nelson James - San Jose California | Traveled to Italy ~ Europe
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!
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"
✓ I would recommend this agent to my family and friends.
7 of 10 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you?YES|NO
Spectacular Family Cruise
Reviewed By JT - California | Traveled to Caribbean Sea ~ At Sea ~ At Sea
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.
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. "
✓ I would recommend this agent to my family and friends.
8 of 12 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you?YES|NO
Biggest Trip in Retirement
Reviewed By David & Carla - Stockton, CA | Traveled to Italy ~ Europe
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.
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"
✓ I would recommend this agent to my family and friends.
3 of 3 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you?YES|NO
Held my hand throughout.
Reviewed By Lynne - Winters, CA | Traveled to Tunisia ~ Africa
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.
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"
✓ I would recommend this agent to my family and friends.
3 of 4 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you?YES|NO
Certifications & Awards
Royal Caribbean University - Bachelor of Adventure
Seacademy - Scarlet Certification
Seacademy - Silver Certification
Seacademy - Violet Certification
Viking Expeditions Expert
Viking Expert
Viking Oceans Expert
Viking Rivers Expert
Hawaii Destination Expert Certification
Kaua'i , Maui, Oahu Specialist
Los Cabos Specialist
American Queen Voyages
Royal Caribbean Specialist (certified)
My Places
When it comes to travel planning, real-world experience makes a huge difference. Check out the map below to see all the places I have personally visited or booked for my clients. I know these destinations well and can give you reliable guidance.
My Travel Stories
EVERYONE can go this time!
A few years back I decided I wanted to learn to write. Why I thought I could or had anything to say, I am not sure. The class I was taking said to concentrate on making a small book about a favorite topic. My two main favorite topics were kids and travel. Having my own children as well as working with other peoples’ children for over 32...
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Multi-Generational Adventures made Easy
Multi-generational vacations and holidays are no longer reserved for the family cabin or camping trip. Multi-generational holidays have evolved to expand to almost every conceivable means. If you can think of something you would like to do, there is usually a place for the whole family.
Cruise ships have been designed to meet the ne...
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50+ Travelers Move by Water: What floats the boat?
Grandma, Grandpa, and Great Aunt Lucy are no longer staying in the neighborhood. Today's seniors are an active, inquisitive bunch. They are taking adventure, cultural, culunary, and inspirational trips around the world. All of those places that there was limited or no access as they grew up are accessible now--mostly.
China was just ...
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Escorted Tours or FIT: What’s your style?
What type of travel do you think is best suited for you? Do you like to have someone make all of the plans for your holiday? Is your real holiday one where all you need to decide is what you are gong to wear ? If that description fits you, an escorted tour is probably for you.
Escorted tours take care of all of the details of your ho...
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Adventure:Indiana Jones' or Mr. Toad's Wild Ride
Never in my wildest of day dreams would I ever dream about being on a 42 day cruise, being an adventurer in exotic places and experience history, up close and personal. 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 cru...
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Client Testimonials
Our Bespoke Italian Adventure
it was a wonderful trip -- Pompeii, Herculaneum, Agrigento, and enough museums to satisfy even us. All the drivers were terrific. Teo, who drove us from Siracusa to Palermo and was more than up to the task. He tried two or possibly three ways to get us to Piazza Armerina, but it wasn't possible because the roads were washed out, so we went on to Agrigento, where he set us up for the easiest way to see as much as possible.
It was spectacular. He explained to us that merely to drive to the two stops on the way to Palermo would take more than the allotted 8 hours. The various map programs say it can be done with the stops, but real world conditions make it impossible. Admittedly we had really bad weather and horrific traffic, but who gets ideal conditions? The Valley of the Temples is spectacular, but it might better be a separate trip or an overnight, especially for older people.
Again, thank you for all your help. Stay healthy!
All the best,
E and J
e & j F. Alameda, CA
Trains, Boats, and Planes Adventure Abounds
Thank you, Marian, for our diverse, detailed adventure. Having us meet fellow cruisers prior to the cruise was brilliant. We are particularly grateful for the door to door care. Our fears of not getting to the right place were eased when we saw our greeter and our names on his sign.
The Glacier Express and our stay in Zermet far exceeded our expectations. We loved arriving in San Moritz and staying in our castle-like hotel. The Bernina Express was more great scenery and so uplifting. Enjoyed exploring the Milan train station completing our loop.
Flying to Edinburgh, exploring the castles, streets, and lunching on the royal yacht made our short stay fly by.
The train to London was a peaceful, pleasant end to our side adventure and way to ease into our week's stay in London. At King's Cross station our greeter whisked off to our lodgings via a real London taxi.
Loved the theaters, royal mews, and Keys ceremony. So much to see; so little time.
L.W.