marian wattel
Stockton, California Travel Agent
A Full-Service Travel Leaders Associate Agency
Years of Experience: 24
Email Me
Video AppointmentThe Optimistic Tourist turns Travel Consultant
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.
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. Travel brings me joy and that is why I an now consulting and arranging travel for others.
Central 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 poeple and were fortunate to
My Areas of Expertise
Hawaii Destination Expert Certification
Kaua'i , Maui, Oahu Specialist
Los Cabos Specialist
Royal Caribbean Specialist (certified)
Adventures with the Optimistic Tourist
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... Read more from my Escorted Tours or FIT: What’s your style? story.
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.
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
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
5 of 6 people found this review helpful
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!
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
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
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
Education and Adventure on the Mississippi
Reviewed By Delta Mis - nashville, Tenn | Traveled to Mississippi ~ USA
Marian was easy to work with for planning our riverboat cruise. Her experience in traveling and travel planning was evident. She was able to make suggestions of things that would make our understanding of the Mississippi and history of the area more complete. Her compassionate way of managing our introduction to history was exceptional. We learned so much on this adventure and thank Marian for helping to educate us.
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
marian wattel responded:
It is always great when my clients enjoy the adventures I help plan. I am hoping we can plan another river adventure soon.
It is always great when my clients enjoy the adventures I help plan. I am hoping we can plan another river adventure soon.
3 of 4 people found this review helpful
Moving to a new country with a pet
Reviewed By Damon - Flagstaff, Arizona | Traveled to Costa Rica ~ Central America
I had never used a travel agent before, but I became overwhelmed with the logistics of moving to a new country (Costa Rica) with a large dog to start a new job. I sought out Marian's help to find an airline that would check our dog and could take a large crate. After covid, most airlines have stopped checking dogs, and require shipping by cargo, which costs thousands of dollars. She worked with her airline ticket agent to get me a flight that will work at a reasonable cost. Have not made the trip yet, but I feel more confident now that it will go smoothly. Marian was super nice and great to work with, and didn't even charge for her services.
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
marian wattel responded:
Thank you Damon for the lovely review. I am so happy that we were able to make the transportation work for you, Stephanie, and puppy. My personal fee was my gift to you to fulfil your dreams in a new adventure. It has been a pleasure working with you. I know we will be planning trips back to the USA and other throughout the world.
Thank you Damon for the lovely review. I am so happy that we were able to make the transportation work for you, Stephanie, and puppy. My personal fee was my gift to you to fulfil your dreams in a new adventure. It has been a pleasure working with you. I know we will be planning trips back to the USA and other throughout the world.
5 of 8 people found this review helpful
Multi-Generational Mexico adventure
Reviewed By Marvella - Alaska | Traveled to Puerto Vallarta ~ Jalisco ~ Mexico
Marian did a great job in arranging a resort stay for our family of 11 in Mexico. We had 3 generations of people ranging from 87 to 3months.
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
marian wattel responded:
It was a pleasure matching you and your family needs with the ideal destination and accommodations. Please do call again when you are ready for another family vacation.
It was a pleasure matching you and your family needs with the ideal destination and accommodations. Please do call again when you are ready for another family vacation.
3 of 5 people found this review helpful
Adventure at a wonderful price.
Reviewed By Lynne - Winters, California | Traveled to Roatan ~ Honduras ~ Central America
Marian was incredibly detail oriented. She made sure I had everything I needed at each point in the trip from seat choice to covid test to transportation. She checked in many times to insure there was no further information I needed. She gave good ideas on where to visit in Roatnan She worked with me to make sure I could return at a time when transportation home was available.
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
marian wattel responded:
Thank you for the wonderful review. It was a pleasure helping you enjoy Roatan as much as I have over the many years. It was like sending you to my hometown. I am looking forward to your next adventure.
Thank you for the wonderful review. It was a pleasure helping you enjoy Roatan as much as I have over the many years. It was like sending you to my hometown. I am looking forward to your next adventure.
4 of 7 people found this review helpful
Points &Timeshare Treasure
Reviewed By Villager Two - The Villages, FL | Traveled to USA
When i told Marian that we wanted to use our timeshare and points, too, for our trip she said,“No problem”. Marian helped us stay within our budget and still have an upscale holiday. With
her help, we learned where to trim and where to spend wisely. Marian guided us through the
planning process and has become our “go to” person for travel needs, big or small. We made
a new friend while planning our vacation. Memories made.
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
marian wattel responded:
I totally understand wanting to make the most our of your timeshare dollars spent and point/miles accumulated. Admit I have enjoyed many a trip that way. The Trick is to know when and how to put all of the elements together for your best experience. Adding a pinch here and a spice there makes for a delightful adventure. So glad I could help join it all together. Until you travel again.
I totally understand wanting to make the most our of your timeshare dollars spent and point/miles accumulated. Admit I have enjoyed many a trip that way. The Trick is to know when and how to put all of the elements together for your best experience. Adding a pinch here and a spice there makes for a delightful adventure. So glad I could help join it all together. Until you travel again.
2022 Europe Trip
Reviewed By Bill & Traci - Tacoma, Washington | Traveled to London ~ England ~ Europe
Marian was a pleasure to work with. She has first hand knowledge of Europe train networks prompt, professional with a positive attitude and fun to deal with.
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
marian wattel responded:
Thank you for your great review. I must admit, I looked forward to our Saturday morning booking sessions. Sharing my love of train travel and your enthusiasm were a perfect match. Flying would have been cheaper and more expedient, but you will see things most of the world misses today. My only regret is I cannot be with the two of you enjoying UK/Europe by train. Eager to assist in planning your next adventures. Mew
Thank you for your great review. I must admit, I looked forward to our Saturday morning booking sessions. Sharing my love of train travel and your enthusiasm were a perfect match. Flying would have been cheaper and more expedient, but you will see things most of the world misses today. My only regret is I cannot be with the two of you enjoying UK/Europe by train. Eager to assist in planning your next adventures. Mew
First trip out of the country
Reviewed By Atc95 - Denton, Maryland | Traveled to Guatemala ~ Central America
This was my first trip ever out of the country and at first is was skeptical because I have never been anywhere out of the country but she made it happen. I had a specific place where I wanted to go ( los amates) and it seemed like an impossible task especially to me, but some how she was able to book the hotel and set up drivers for me. Where I went was definitely not a tourist destination but would highly recommend if you want to see and experience the every day life. The hotel Santa Monica was great it has ac/ pool and a restaurant to eat. The rooms were also very nice as well as the staff, I had no issues. They even asked me when they seen me passing through if I wanted me room cleaned throughout my stay. Now when she had set up the driver I was a little worried at first but after my experience with Davis the driver she had set me up with I couldn’t ask for a better driver. Davis was friendly and welcoming, he is the only driver I want when I plan my trip again in 6 months!thanks M
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
marian wattel responded:
Thank you, A.C., for the wonderful review. Knowing it was your first out-of-country trip, safety as well as meeting your criteria was my major concern. Everything needed to flow seamlessly. Your itinerary was a bit of a quilt to assemble, but once the pieces started to fall into place it turned out very well. Thank you for sharing the pictures. Your smiling faces and the beautiful backgrounds made my day. Looking forward to assisting with your future travels. Optimistically, Marian
Thank you, A.C., for the wonderful review. Knowing it was your first out-of-country trip, safety as well as meeting your criteria was my major concern. Everything needed to flow seamlessly. Your itinerary was a bit of a quilt to assemble, but once the pieces started to fall into place it turned out very well. Thank you for sharing the pictures. Your smiling faces and the beautiful backgrounds made my day. Looking forward to assisting with your future travels. Optimistically, Marian
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.
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.
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.
2 of 4 people found this review helpful
Great Experience
Reviewed By Daniel Rey - Aurora, CO | Traveled to Roatan ~ Honduras ~ Central America
Marian is very knowledgeable about Roatan and made our trip easier. She arranged our activities, rental and flights and made it so I didn’t have to worry about anything. Highly recommend
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
marian wattel responded:
Thank you, Daniel. It makes me happy that you and your family enjoyed Roatan, a place I hold near and dear. What a great birthday gift you chose for your wife! Looking forward to assisting with the next adventure.
Thank you, Daniel. It makes me happy that you and your family enjoyed Roatan, a place I hold near and dear. What a great birthday gift you chose for your wife! Looking forward to assisting with the next adventure.
1 of 3 people found this review helpful
Our Hawaii together @ Christmas & New Years
Reviewed By bev - NM | Traveled to Kona, Hawaii ~ Hawaii ~ USA
Excellent in arranging and coordinating our extended family holiday. She was able to get all four units in one building so we did not have to travel far for our dinners and other group events. Being multi-generational and from several extended family branches, this was a BIG event to manage! Congrats, to Marian. You are the Best!
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
marian wattel responded:
Thank you working as a team to create your adventure. I would love to have pictures but wont share without your permission. I am looking forward to assistant in creating your family's next adventure.
Thank you working as a team to create your adventure. I would love to have pictures but wont share without your permission. I am looking forward to assistant in creating your family's next adventure.
3 of 7 people found this review helpful
our adventure
Reviewed By LW - CA | Traveled to Europe
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.
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
marian wattel responded:
This plan was expanded so much from the original cruise and quite exciting to be a part of the planning. I am so glad you chose to ride the trains in such varied terrains. Such a delight to work with you. Thank you for choosing me.
This plan was expanded so much from the original cruise and quite exciting to be a part of the planning. I am so glad you chose to ride the trains in such varied terrains. Such a delight to work with you. Thank you for choosing me.
3 of 7 people found this review helpful
Bucket list items covered
Reviewed By don - las vegas | Traveled to Venice ~ Italy ~ Europe
Marian was able to combine several of my bucket list items in one trip. I traveled from Rome to Venice by train, rode on gondolas, water taxis and speed boats in Venice, and experienced many historic and culinary adventures. It was a great trip. Thank you, Marian.
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
marian wattel responded:
Delighted you enjoyed your adventures in Italy. I'm waiting to see the pictures.
Delighted you enjoyed your adventures in Italy. I'm waiting to see the pictures.
1 of 4 people found this review helpful
86th birthday bash
Reviewed By ML - Stockton, CA | Traveled to Cambridge ~ England ~ Europe
Two weeks before my 86th birthday, I decided I wanted to go to a WWII airshow in Duxford, UK. Marian was able to get last minute premium Economy seats on British Airways from San Jose, CA to London Heathrow. The flight crew was given a goodie bag , a bio of my military career, and the purpose of my trip. The lead flight attendant said he would treat me like I was in the very front of the plane and he did. I received outstanding service and delightful amenities throughout my flight. Upon landing, I even got a tour of the cockpit!
Marian arranged a hotel along the river in Cambridge with easy access to the downtown. I could watch the punters and other activities easily. My tickets for the airshow were VIP and included transportation, food, and special seating. My trip to the countryside for the airshow was a great success.
I highly recommend Marian for planning your holiday needs. She makes things happen smoothly door to door.
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
marian wattel responded:
It was a delight to help you celebrate your 86th birthday. Marian
It was a delight to help you celebrate your 86th birthday. Marian
6 of 15 people found this review helpful