Melinda Jarrell, VTA
San Marcos, California Travel Agent
Winner Destination, an independent agent with Nexion, LLC, a Travel Leaders Network Affiliate Agency
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Luxury Cruise and Land European Travel Expert
Wow there is some serious wine tastings going on!
To be able to travel is a pleasure and being able to do it in luxury even more so. If you would like to experience Europe via river and ocean cruise or take a land tour vacation and see as much as you like or really concentrate in one area, I can help you plan the very best experience.
My relationships with suppliers is extensive and this enables me to design a vacation with exactly what you desire. Maybe it is a river cruise on the Danube visiting the Christmas Markets or an ocean cruise in the Mediterranean, it is all possible to with the level of luxury you choose. I do also specialize in culinary and wine tours.
Travel is definitely a passion of mine but so is wine. I can arrange tastings in Italy, Spain, France or Germany or tastings off the beaten path like Croatia and Slovenia.
If you need ideas, just contact me, I have plenty of them! I will tailor the plans to exactly what you are looking for.
Even though I have been to over 80 countries and 49 states, there is still so many places on my list.
If you are someone who would like to travel for business or pleasure, I would be happy to:
- make your reservations
- provide a bit of expertise on the area
- help you with the extra special activities that are a must see
I continue to add to my education by taking webinars, going to travel shows and taking on-line specialist training for different areas in the world
I love to help other people discover this wonderful world we live in.
In addition, I have been on many cruises both ocean and river and on many different cruise lines as well traveled over Europe on the great rail system that Europe has.
Ready to explore a new destination?
Reasons to use a Travel Advisor
Excellent, just the best, I’d never used a travel agent before and I’m so glad that I did, Melinda covered all the details even those that I hadn’t thought of, all of the additional services like pick up from the airport and excursions were with very good companies, I would recommend Melinda to all of my friends and family.
I take great pride in the reviews that I receive and really enjoy hearing about my clients trips when they return. I truly believe a travel advisor can get her clients those special extras that a client cannot get on their own.
My Areas of Expertise
CERTIFICATES & AWARDS
Princess Commodore
Silver Sea Cruises
Certified Travel Advisor
Verified Travel Advisor
Celebrity Cruises
Touring in Italy and beyond.
Reviewed By Chuck - San Marcos, CA | Traveled to Italy ~ Europe
We are flying from San Diego to Rome, catching a cruise and a couple of weeks of other touring and then flying back to San Diego. We had been trying for a week to find AFFORDABLE airline reservations for which the layovers worked out right and weren't having much luck. We contacted Melinda and told her our situation, which was a bit complicated, and within a day she came back with great reservations. She also found us ground transportation to and from the port and a couple of weeks of very nice hotel accommodations for the non-cruise part of our trip. Melinda is fast and efficient and we recommend her highly.
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
28 of 47 people found this review helpful
Travels down under
Reviewed By Evy - Newbury Park, CA | Traveled to New Zealand ~ Australia & New Zealand
Melinda helped organize a trip to New Zealand for me. I told her all the things I wanted to see and do and she was able to put it all together and recommend timing and places to go and stay. The trip went perfectly and all the B&Bs that we stayed at were excellent.She also coordinated a wine cruise in France and helped us set up side trips, and went out of her way to meet with our group and explain all the activities that would occur on the cruise.
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
32 of 59 people found this review helpful
Amazing trip and very responsive
Reviewed By Alex and Tanya Guerrero - Escondido, California | Traveled to Alaska ~ USA
I contacted Melinda while I was on a deployment asking about a vacation to see the northern lights. She gave multiple recommendations and provided detailed information with activities. When we were interested in one of the packages she helped to customize the trip to our exact liking. Once we locked on one of the packages that she helped customize for us, she was very helpful with making sure we had all of the information for the trip. It was all one payment and included everything that was agreed upon. All of the instructions for the trip were very clear and straight forward. During our trip, unfortunately, there was an issue with one of the flights that we had paid for due to weather. Once the company that was in charge of the flights contacted us and told us that the flight would be canceled, we contacted Melinda and she helped us get our money back. We did leave a day early but we were not able to get a refund on the last night at the hotel. Overall it was a great experience.
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
7 of 11 people found this review helpful
Great first trip to Europe
Reviewed By Barry - San Diego, CA | Traveled to Paris ~ France ~ Europe, Rome
Melinda listened to where we wanted visit and worked within our budget and time frame to give us a great vacation. None of the packaged tours included all of the places that we were interested in, so we found Melinda while doing searches on google for travel agents. We wanted to visit Rome, Paris, and London and it had to be within the Nov 1-21 time frame. She got us exactly what we wanted and booked all of the air, hotel, transfers, and tours we wanted. She provided choices of various hotels in each city with pros/cons on each one. She also gave us good recommendations on tours and getting around when we got there. Overall, it was a great experience for a first time in Europe.
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
15 of 27 people found this review helpful
European Cruise - worth the wait!
Reviewed By Angela - Corona, CA | Traveled to Greece ~ Europe
Melinda was on the ball! I am quite decisive once I have all the information, and she answered all my detailed questions patiently throughout the planning process. I appreciated her responsiveness, especially when we asked her to set something up for us last minute, at the end of our cruise, that we hadn't planned ahead for. She got it done and it all worked out perfectly. Very impressed!
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
4 of 7 people found this review helpful
Our trip of a lifetime!
Reviewed By Flower Lover - Escondido, California | Traveled to Netherlands ~ Europe
Melinda listened to what we wanted to experience and see. Since she is such an experienced travel expert she knew exactly what we would enjoy and she knew places that we had never heard of before and recommended us to go there as well.
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
2 of 3 people found this review helpful
Champagne Adventure in France
Reviewed By Kay - Big Sky, MT | Traveled to Reims ~ France ~ Europe
Melinda is easy to work with and promptly answered all of my pre-trip questions. Most importantly, she planned an excellent Champagne adventure for our small group prior to our AmaWaterways cruise.
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
14 of 27 people found this review helpful
Best trip ever!
Reviewed By Tommy Tucker - Taylor County, Georgia | Traveled to Las Vegas ~ Nevada ~ USA
Excellent, just the best, I’d never used a travel agent before and I’m so glad that I did, Melinda covered all the details even those that I hadn’t thought of, all of the additional services like pick up from the airport and excursions were with very good companies, I would recommend Melinda to all of my friends and family.
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
21 of 41 people found this review helpful
Truly a trip to remember!
Reviewed By Kirk - Murrieta, CA | Traveled to Alaska ~ USA
Melinda was recommended tour by our daughter, who has worked with her in the past. Mt wife and I were trying to make plans for a to celebrate a milestone wedding anniversary and felt we needed guidance. Melinda offered several suggestions and, as we narrowed things down, came up with a suggestion we agreed seemed to fit the bill. We settled on a combination cruise and land journey. Her recommendations for the trip proved to be the right thing in virtually every case and even though the weather was less than cooperative, our excursions were quite enjoyable. We would definitely recommend Melinda to anyone looking for trip advice and will likely use her services again in the future.
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
Melinda Jarrell, VTA responded:
Thank you so much. Alaska is a great destination and I am sorry the weather was not cooperative. But glad you had a great time!
Thank you so much. Alaska is a great destination and I am sorry the weather was not cooperative. But glad you had a great time!
Great Cruise to Alaska
Reviewed By Doug - Encinitas, CA | Traveled to Alaska ~ USA
Thanks for the help in the coordination and all of our requests for room changes, and help with our older family members. We had a great time and found everything was arranged as you had helped us set up. You even spent some time on your own vacation to help us with a timely issue of adding a family member to our trip. Thanks for your availability and always being super helpful!!
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
Melinda Jarrell, VTA responded:
It was my pleasure!
It was my pleasure!
Alaska Dream Honeymoon
Reviewed By Beetze - Indio, CA | Traveled to Alaska ~ USA
Melinda helped us pick the right cruise and tour for our once in a lifetime vacation in Alaska. She knows the different cruise providers and matched us to the perfect one. She was engaged throughout the entire process and we were able to grab an upgrade for our cruise cabin. The mini suite was really nice.
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
1 of 2 people found this review helpful
Party for 6!
Reviewed By Holly - Atlanta, GA | Traveled to Alaska ~ USA
I have worked with Melinda for three trips and it’s always a great experience! My most recent trip she helped with was an Alaskan land and sea cruise for a group of six. It was an amazing vacation! She picked the perfect cruise line for us and we still talk about how seemless the shuttle transfer to the hotel was and how much we loved the hotel she suggested.
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
2 of 4 people found this review helpful
Best Alaska Trip Ever!
Reviewed By Sue and RC - San Fiego | Traveled to Alaska ~ USA
Melinda was so knowledgeable and friendly.She helped us with fabulous tours, trains and sightseeing.
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
2 of 4 people found this review helpful
Our dream vacation come true!
Reviewed By Bridgette - Glen Ellyn, Illinois | Traveled to Alaska ~ USA
Melinda was knowledgeable, helpful and provided great customer service! She answered all our questions and gave us great traveling tips. We had no challenges and everything went smoothly! Melinda made our dream vacation come true!
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
2 of 5 people found this review helpful
Our Dream Trip "Down Under"
Reviewed By Robin - Escondido, Calif. | Traveled to Australia & New Zealand
Melinda was always helpful and paid close attention to detail. She followed up with our every request. Having been to Australia herself, she knew what sights would be important for us to see. She told us about Goway Tours and the trip was just what we had desired. We were very happy to have found Melinda!
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
15 of 31 people found this review helpful
An Outstanding Experience
Reviewed By Aleta - Vista, CA | Traveled to Italy ~ Europe
Melinda listens and understands our preferences and tailors our trips accordingly. Whether it be a request for an escorted tour, independent exploration, or a combination, she figures out how to put it all together and delivers! As a somewhat experienced traveler, I expect the unexpected; however, thanks to Melinda, our trips have gone exceedingly smoothly!
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
16 of 33 people found this review helpful
Our trip to Costa Rica was seamless
Reviewed By Sandy - San Diego, CA | Traveled to
We were extremely happy with the trip Melinda scheduled for us. We were able to see the sites we requested, she scheduled our activities, from hanging bridge walk tour, hiking Arenal volcano tour, river tours in Tortuguero, zip lining, Baldi hot springs spa, white water rafting and the banana plantation tour. Melinda booked all of our activities for us, arranged for transportation van/buses; the drivers were on time, friendly and very informative. Melinda booked our hotels accommodations at 4-5 star hotels, we really felt pampered. She sent us the itinerary for our 10 day stay and everyday we knew what was planned, names of hotels and transportation used, the pick up times, how long the activity would last, and the meals that were included. We will use Melinda again, when we plan our trip.
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
26 of 54 people found this review helpful
An Outstanding Experience
Reviewed By Aleta - Vista, CA | Traveled to Italy ~ Europe
Melinda listens and understands our preferences and tailors our trips accordingly. Whether it be a request for an escorted tour, independent exploration, or a combination, she figures out how to put it all together and delivers! As a somewhat experienced traveler, I expect the unexpected; however, thanks to Melinda, our trips have gone exceedingly smoothly!
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
12 of 28 people found this review helpful
She helped with all details and made planning a pleasure.
Reviewed By ladyretired - Pickerington, OH | Traveled to
Melinda has planned four different trips for my husband and me. The first three were done in every detail and with information that had we not used Melinda as our consultant we no doubt would have missed some of the attractions and sites that are some of our most memorable times. Currently we have a cruise that starts in Fort Lauderdale and winds up in Copenhagen; however, since she knew we wanted to visit Norway and Sweden while in the area she found a cruise that did just what we wanted to do and we don't even have to change ships or rooms. Melinda has taken care of all the details including tours and the sites she would recommend that we see while on our trip. Since there are physical limitations on walking and the like she has taken that into consideration when scheduling tours and what we would be able to do. She planned our first three and they were fantastic so we feel certain that our upcoming trip will be just as wonderful. Melinda not only has planned our cruises but has given the full service with travel arrangements, hotels and any other needs we may have while on our trip. Melinda has always kept us up to date on our itinerary which is great so we can let our family know where and when we are going to be in certain places.
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
22 of 48 people found this review helpful
Transatlantic & Northern European Adventure
Reviewed By Flyer75 - Atlanta, GA | Traveled to
Melinda asked the probing questions to ascertain our wishes/desires for this trip. With our goals and physical limitations in mind, Melinda charged "Full Speed Ahead" locating the cruise, cabin class cost/availability, pre-cruise hotels, shore excursions for our evaluation and selection. The broad range of choices provided by Melinda was outstanding - the really difficult problem was making a decision on which ones to choose. The only logical option is to let Melinda schedule another cruise so we may experience some of the other opportunities she presented.
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
23 of 50 people found this review helpful
Great resource for any vacation
Reviewed By Martha - Autin, TX | Traveled to Maui Island ~ Hawaii ~ USA
Melinda is good. She is also patient with changing requests. I like the feeling that everything is taken care of, with very little effort on my part.
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
21 of 47 people found this review helpful
Worry free Travel with Melinda!
Reviewed By A.S. - Vista, California | Traveled to
In this day of online booking, many people forgo a travel agent but after my wonderful experience with Melinda as my travel agent, I will never again bother with trying to figure travel arrangements out myself. She took care of everything. The hotel she booked for us was not only well within budget but perfectly situated and much nicer than expected near the port the night before our cruise. Our flight arrangements were comfortable and there was no rushing around desperate not to miss any connecting flights. The cruise arrangements were also so marvelous and she was always touching base along the way to make sure everything went off without a hitch. It was one of the most relaxing vacations I have taken and to know all the details were promptly and skillfully handled was such a relief. I will certainly be using Melinda and Winner Destinations for all my future travel needs!
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
26 of 57 people found this review helpful
Smooth sailing!
Reviewed By Rose - San Francisco Bay Area | Traveled to Caribbean
Melinda took care of every detail and was always available to answer questions and make helpful suggestions. This made for a relaxed, stress-free vacation.
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
13 of 33 people found this review helpful
Exceeded expectations.
Reviewed By Kay - Big Sky, MT | Traveled to France ~ Europe
We were first time river-cruisers and happened into Melinda's realm based on the recommendations of friends. Melinda stayed on top of all trip details, helped us pick a cabin, answered my questions promptly and emailed regularly as deadlines approached. We loved our AmaWaterways cruise, plan to travel again with them, and Melinda will be our go-to agent.
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
21 of 50 people found this review helpful
Amazing Trip
Reviewed By Sibyl - Reno | Traveled to Scotland ~ Europe
Melinda went above and beyond to meet our travel needs. Her expertise allowed us to save a great deal of time and money - and to have a terrific vacation. We would highly recommend utilizing Melinda for any travel you are contemplating. She will save you money and exceed your expectations.
It was a pleasure working with such a serious professional.
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
19 of 49 people found this review helpful