Single Parent Travel Agent Specialist

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marian wattel, Travel Agent in Stockton, CA

marian wattel

Stockton, CA Travel Agent
Super Agent

marian wattel

Stockton, CA · 25+ Years of Experience

A full-service Travel Leaders Associate Agency
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 >
About
Reviews
Certificates & Awards
My Places
Client Testimonials

Areas of expertise

Destinations:

Iceland, Japan, USA, Portugal, Italy

Interests:

Family Vacations, Singles, Bespoke Travel, Historical Sites, Museums

Suppliers:

Amtrak Vacations, Delta Vacations, Rocky Mountaineer, Viator, Railbookers

About Me

What do you do?  You are now a single parent who is co-parenting with your former spouse.  You had great plans of sharing so many things with your child/children when you were a couple; does that dream have to end?  ABSOLUTELY NO!!!

You need to keep in mind that your special times with your child/children is to build your relationship, share experiences, have fun, and educate.  This is not a time for one parent to try to out do the other.  Parenting in not a competition.  Each parent, most likely, has a special type of vacation he/she enjoys and wants to share.  That special vacation/holiday period with your child is a time to share your favorites,--from food, to entertainment, music, activities,  and for you to get to know. your child/children.How do you start? 

 

Do you have time to make all of the plans so your vacation goes off without a hitch?  Good research and planning takes time and patience to have all of the travel elements come together  and appear easy.  Do you have hotels, cruise lines, theme parks, train and plane schedules readily available?  Do you know the locale or have a contact to guide you through unknown locations?  

 

If you work a full time job and have a life away from your place of employment, you probably do not have the time it takes to develop an itinerary in detail, study the locales you are considering, contacting in country persons, make all reservations and dealing with deviations from the set itinerary.  

 

Your travel consultant will free your time so you do not have to clutter your life with trip planning.  In your consultation, you will discuss ages of the participants, physical limits--if any, fears, likes,  activity level, music, entertainment, favorite books, movies, and video games; in other words, get to know the child/children and parent. 

 

Trip suggestions can range from an itinerary of camping, hiking, rock climbing, to visiting holiday markets, theme parks (in various countries), cruise ships, and more. Co-parenting  is when I introduced my own children to the joys of education through travel which they have passed along to their own children.  

 

When you need to plan a child/teen centered trip or adventure, remember to call me, Marian, The Optimistic Tourist.  

REVIEWS

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

upcoming trip
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

ASTA is the leading global advocate for travel agents, the travel industry and the traveling public.It is the world's largest association of travel professionals.Our members include travel agents and the companies whose products they sell such as tours, cruises, hotels, car rentals, etc.Expand your world. Go with the pros.
Trusted Travel Advisor: A Trusted Travel Advisor credentials, resources and global connections translates to today’s consumer in respectful interactions, confidentiality, knowledge, and client advocacy of travel services provided in parallel with building long lasting client relationships that builds with each interaction.  A Trusted Travel Advisor knows their client better than the client may know themselves and puts those polishing touches on each travel collaboration.
super agent
History/social studies/recreation degree
Hawaii specialist
Royal Caribbean specialist
American Steamboat Academy

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.

Client Testimonials

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.
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