Expert Optimist; Making "I CAN" out of cancer

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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
(33)
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:

Mexico

Interests:

Villas, Celebration Travel, Culinary & Foodie, Family Vacations, Theme Parks

Suppliers:

Viator

About Me

Family portrait with Banderas Bay Background
Family portrait with Banderas Bay Background

Where to start with something so personal? It has been me to be private about my own life regarding all things except travel. Separation between business and home have worked well, but this peek may give others some hope.  

Almost two years ago, I was diagnosed with cancer.  It was a shock since the worst thing I ever had was measles before I was two.  After all the tests, cancer board meetings, and waiting, the course of action was decided.  

After a but of conversation with my wonderful husband,  I went along with what the panel of experts decided.  First would be chemo for three months, a two week break, and again 3 more months of chemo. The thought of just this part of the treatment plan left me in a daze.  

Plans were in place to meet with our sons and their families in Mexico for New Years and I thought that was off the table but did nothing to cancel.  We had trip insurance and needed time to think about a back-up plan.  Does cancer give you an alternative? 

Wednesday morning came and I went to my first chemo and met "big red" as well as other "wonderful" chemicals they were injecting via my new port. On the next Wednesday, I met with the doctor to talk about some really serious stuff before my treatment.  

"How can we arrange this treatment stuff so I can go to Mexico for New Years and be with my family?"  I explained I had reserved the place in June, had tickets and that the families were coming from London and Angles Camp to see us.  The doctor knew how important this reunion was to me and figured a day on one side or the other would not hurt. 

The trip was great!  We got to see the London family which we only saw via Facetime since covid.  The grandchildren got to enjoy each other,  we had some great conversations, activities, and food.  Oh yes, we got a professional photographer to get a family picture --to replace the one with only two grandchildren. 

This trip brought together three generations of our family aged 9 to 90 and created some great memories for all.  Yes, I am An Expert in Optimism and yes I CAN. 

 

REVIEWS

Rating: 5.0
33 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 33 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.

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

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.
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