marian wattel
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Video AppointmentThe Optimistic Tourist and a Travel Advisor, Too!
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. Wanting to share the joys of travel, created the travel advisor-consultant that I am today.
My Areas of Expertise
See the USA: Riding the Rails in Style
Watching old movies, you would see passengers covered in soot and on hard wooden benches. Sometimes the bandits would stop the trains and even rob the passenger!
AMTRAK has made the days of roughing it obsolete. Today's travel by train is clean, efficient, and convenient. The climate control makes train travel comfortable... Read more from my See the USA: Riding the Rails in Style story.
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... Read more from my Multi-Generational Adventures made Easy story.
50+ Travelers Move by Water: What floats the boat?
The Optimistic Tourist (TOT) loves all forms of travel, but Cruising is at the head of the line. Now you can do it in TOT fashion by contacting her.
Grandma, Grandpa, and Great Aunt Lucy are no longer staying in the neighborhood. Today's seniors are an active, inquisitive bunch. They are taking... Read more from my 50+ Travelers Move by Water: What floats the boat? story.
upcoming trip
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
Education and Adventure on the Mississippi
It is always great when my clients enjoy the adventures I help plan. I am hoping we can plan another river adventure soon.
Multi-Generational Mexico adventure
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.
Bucket list items covered
Delighted you enjoyed your adventures in Italy. I'm waiting to see the pictures.
Adventure at a wonderful price.
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.
Moving to a new country with a pet
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.
our adventure
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.
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.
Spectacular Family Cruise
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.
Our Hawaii together @ Christmas & New Years
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.
86th birthday bash
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.
It was a delight to help you celebrate your 86th birthday. Marian
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.