marian wattel
marian wattel
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
My Areas of Expertise
CERTIFICATES & AWARDS
My Travel Stories
REAL All-inclusive Travel; No nickels, no dimes
What is the worst thing for you about returning from your vacation adventure? For me, it is not having bills beat me to my door; then, they trickle in to my mailbox over the next three months.
By that time, the thrill of my special adventure—not just that exquisite dinner—has gone by ... Read more from my REAL All-inclusive Travel; No nickels, no dimes story.
EVERYONE can go this time!
A few years back I decided I wanted to learn to write. Why I thought I could or had anything to say, I am not sure. The class I was taking said to concentrate on making a small book about a favorite topic. My two main favorite topics were ... Read more from my EVERYONE can go this time! story.
See the USA: On water and land
Watching old movies depicting early travel, you might have seen adventurers covered in soot, on hard wooden benches of wagons or steam trains. Others portray, small raft type boats being picked up and pitch by the current hurling down stream. Or you might see a majestic riverboat's paddlewheel churning while well-dressed gentry enjoy ... Read more from my See the USA: On water and land 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
The most unbelievable trip!
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
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.
Biggest Trip in Retirement
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
Held my hand throughout.
Lynne, It is always a pleasure working with you. So glad you are back home, safe, and with a smile in your voice. Mew
Points &Timeshare Treasure
“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 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.
First trip out of the country
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
Bucket list items covered
Delighted you enjoyed your adventures in Italy. I'm waiting to see the pictures.
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.
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.
Christmas and New Years Europe trip.
It was a delight to work with you, Steve, and to see the smiles on your faces with shared pictures. Thank you for letting me assist in making wonderful father/daughter memories. Looking forward to planning your next adventure.
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.
Exceptional Trip
Without Marian, we would not have been able to squeeze so many fun things into our trip. Looking forward to our cruise coming up booked with her!
Gina, It was great to work with you to plan your adventure in London and Paris. I enjoyed sharing my favorite locations and activities with you and family. Sometimes I may have put you out of your comfort zone, but your adventurer's spirit kicked in and away you went. Your delight in creating shared memories, celebrations, and experiences with immediate family was/is contagious. I am looking forward to assisting you in all your travel needs making dreams come true.
The BEST Graduation Trip!
Kailee, It was great to work with you in creating a full and unique graduation adventure. Seeing your pictures and hearing about your favorite experiences after your trip will make my day. Congratulations!
Best Client Service
It was a pleasure assisting with your travel and I look forward to meeting your future travel needs.
One of our best experiences ever!!!!!
JoAnne, it was a delight getting to know you and sharing the love of adventure and travel. Looking forward to many more adventures.
most exiciting trip
It was my pleasure assisting you to select your Egypt adventure.
Exceptional cruise vacation!
Raymond, It has been a pleasure working with you to make this trip happen. Working with such a small window of time was a challenge and so rewarding when everything came together. Take many pictures and make wonderful memories! Please remember to send me one of those pictures, too. I look forward to working with you again soon. Mew
A Great Hotel and Advice for Disneyland Resort
J, So happy accommodations and park experiences went well. Helping you brings great joy. Marian
A challenging trip made safe and secure--and fun.
Thank you for putting your confidence in me to make sure your trip into the desert was all you expected and more. It was a pleasure working with you and look forward to helping make many more adventures, Far and near.
2022 Europe Trip
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
Great Experience
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.
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.
Getting out of town, Italian style.
Thank you for your kind words. Always nice to be appreciated.
We LOVED Panama!
It was a pleasure working with you, Abby, and your family. Thank you for sharing your pictures during your adventure. The gift of travel is such a learning experience for children and adults alike. Thank you for the opportunity to be a part of your adventure. Mew, the optimistic tourist
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.