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marian wattel
marian wattel
Stockton, CA Travel Agent
marian wattel
Stockton, CA Travel Agent
A full-service Travel Leaders Associate Agency
28 reviews
100% Recommended
25+ Years of Experience
Experience: CustomTravel & Adventure by Design
Travel has taught me to plan well and always have at least a plan B; it encouraged adaptability, patience, savoring the moment, and determination; it created The Optimistic Tourist, me.
I have a degree in Recreation and credentials in both elementary and secondary education from the University of the Pacific. From my earliest memory, I have always loved to travel. The means of travel and the location were matched by the many things I learned along the way. Travel has educated my children and grandchildren, also. Throughout my teaching career, I never hesitated supplying materials and techniques for parents to educate while traveling. Wanting to share the joys of travel, created the travel advisor-consultant that I am today.
My Travel Specialties
Certificates & Awards
Travel Stories & Media
Client Reviews
My Places
Client Testimonials
Areas of expertise
Destinations
At Sea
Italy
California
Alexandria
Mediterranean Sea
Rhone River
See All Destinations >
Interests
Accessible Travel
Adventure
All Inclusive
Beach Vacations
Cruises
Family Vacations
See All Interests >
Supplier Partners
Amtrak
Amtrak Vacations
Classic Vacations
Europe Express
Globus
Pleasant Holidays
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My Travel Specialties
United Kingdom, England Travel Concierge
Cornwall is the county of the most southern part of the U.K.where a lot of families vacation here in the summer. Fans of Martin Clunes arrive in the early spring to watch the filming of the TV show Doc Martin and sometimes become part of the show. For some pictures and other information about ...
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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 when I took my first solo trip to Hawaii at 20. <...
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A Co-Parenter's Guide to Quality Kid Travel
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 you...
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Cruising:Both Relaxation & Exotic Adventure
I have been on many cruises, many cruise lines, and have manage to make it around the world by ship. I love cruises and I can help you with your cruises to any where or to nowhere. Yes they do exist.
Favorite cruises are repositioning cruises. The #1 reason for loving cruises is the...
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Roatan Adventure & Relaxation Advisor
Honduras has many faces and stories to tell. Visit the ancient ruins of the Mayans at Copan, watch cigar making in Santa Rosa de Copan, and explore the bustling city of Tegucigalpa. After exploring the mainland, catch a flight or ferry to the Bay Islands and explore the largest reef system in t...
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Experienced Eurostar Travel Advisor
Rail travel today from London to Europe aboard Eurostar is comfortable, affordable, and you can remain in contact with your family, friends, and followers along the way. Rails extend from Lille to Belgium or Paris and then Beyond to countries and cities in all directions. The degree of luxury...
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Amtrak Travel Agent Advisor
All aboard for adventure! When you choose AMTRAK for your holiday trip, not only are you in for a relaxing ride, but you'll also have ample opportunities to see some of America's most breathtaking and must-visit destinations. Sd your AMTRAK rail travel agent advisor, I know you’ll love traveling ...
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Panama Travel Planning Professional
Panama is a great place to visit from the San Blas Islands to the Panama Canal. Explore the sights and sounds of Panama City; its architecture, restaurants, and activities are as varied as the population in this diverse country.
Visit the Mira Flores locks and learn the history of the ca...
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River Cruise Travel Agent Specialist
Being a boater at heart and living in the California Delta, it is always a pleasure to get on any river boat and enjoy the relaxed pace and scenery. Over the years, I have been fortunate to travel on the Danube, Rhine, and Rhone Rivers. Each castle and village was pure eye-candy and a delight. ...
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Moorea & Bora Bora Travel Specialist
As a child, I always loved stories about people in far away places. One particular story was of a girl who lived on an island in the Pacific Ocean. The descriptions were so vivid I could see them in my mind. I told my teacher that I wanted to go to that island some day.
My teacher respo...
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Bespoke Italian Rail Adventure Consultant
Italy by rail is efficient, economical, and scenic beyond expectation. You may arrive by rail in Italy from another country or board at the airport or your cruise ship arrival port; no matter how you get to Italy, there will be a rail station and train ready to take to you to the cities of your ...
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Oahu Island Travel Specialist
If your goal is to see Hawaii in all its glory, I can lead you to some beautiful attractions. As a travel agent advisor for Oahu, I can make your tropical dream vacation come true. Indeed, this part of Hawaii is home to some of the most stunning sights in the world. From its breathtaking beaches...
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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 ...
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Peru Travel Agent Professional
Like most people, the main reason I wanted to visit Peru was to see Machu Picchu. While the 15th century Incan citadel in the sky is incredible and a must-do for everyone visiting the country, I soon found out that there is so much more to fall in love with in this country. Coastal deserts, high-...
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Maui Travel Agent Expert
As your Maui travel agent advisor, I can plan your dream holiday to the beautiful island of Maui. Indeed, Maui is a stunning piece of paradise. Its wide array of travel attractions is sure to leave you with memories that will last a lifetime. From its massive waterfalls, snorkeling sites, and w...
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GUESS WHAT I BROUGHT HOME FOR YOU!!
People usually bring something home from their adventures away. It might be some souvenirs or a bag of dirty laundry. Me? I brought back knowledge of how to use my smart phone to make my travels go more smoothly and add joy to everyday life.
I am sharing this knowledge with you in h...
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Free #1
Traveling creates lifelong learning adventure. We bring home memories, photos, and a souvenir or two; I brought back knowledge of how to use my smart phone to make my travels go more smoothly and add joy to everyday life. Don't forgot to use these suggestions in preparation for your next out o...
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I HAVE GOT TO GET AWAY!
Have you ever felt so locked in to your everyday routine that you just feel like shouting,"I DONT CARE. WHERE, I JUST NEED TO GO!"???
Being a dreamer and planner, I have a way to fix that! I take into consideration the following things.
1.What gaps are there in my personal calenda...
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Train travel on 6 continents!
AMTRAK and Eurostar are both well know train companies. Train travel in the USA was common place prior to the mass production of automobiles and the later development of air travel. Europe has retained a great deal of its rail service and. with time made it faster and more efficient.
H...
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Bespoke Travel Creates World Connections
Everyone has a brilliance, a special talent that makes us glow and stand out among the crowd. This concept was posed recently and each in the cohort was asked to reveal three things which create our personal brilliance and sets us apart.
Sharing these personal thoughts is sometimes diff...
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Certificates & Awards
Royal Caribbean University - Bachelor of Adventure
Seacademy - Scarlet Certification
super agent
Hawaii Destination Expert Certification
History/social studies/recreation degree
Kaua'i , Maui, Oahu Specialist
Los Cabos Specialist
Hawaii specialist
American Queen Voyages
Royal Caribbean specialist
Royal Caribbean Specialist (certified)
American Steamboat Academy
My Travel Stories
My Photo Albums and Videos
Visiting Cornwall in the Steps of Doc Martin
VIEW ALBUM
Rollin' On The River--Mississippi, that is.
VIEW ALBUM
Panama
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Honduras/ Roatan & others
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Adventures with the Optimistic Tourist
A little bit of French Polynesia
Hawaii with the Optimistic Tourist & Old Salt
CLIENT REVIEWS
Rating: 5
28 reviews
100.00% Recommended
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.