Marilyn Olson
She/Her
Based in San Diego, California
English
Marilyn Olson
Ask me about
My Story
Native Californian who loves helping people live their dream adventures. Obsessive researcher and planner trying to use her powers for good.
Travel Style
I believe every great trip is equal parts art and logistics—and I happen to love both. After 30 years planning travel and experiences for corporate executives (who expected a certain level of mind-reading) and 20 years curating family adventures for my own crew of five (who rarely want the same thing), I’ve learned how to design journeys that balance wow-factor with what-really-works.
At Studio M Travel, I combine deep research, luxury know-how, and a healthy dose of humor to help you find that perfect blend of adventure, relaxation, and indulgence—minus the stress of planning it all yourself. Whether you’re dreaming of a once-in-a-lifetime group trip or a solo escape that feeds your soul, I’ll make sure you experience The Art of Arrival.
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Reviews (13)
Christopher L.
12 days ago
John H.
27 days ago
We had a great time in Carmel at LePetit Pali at Ocean Ave. The hotel worked out great and we loved the location to walk everywhere. It was perfect for the 4 of us. Rooms were not huge but well apportioned. We loved the breakfast and happy hour and service was excellent. We ate at Bicyclette & Pocket which were both outstanding. The bar at La Playa is so fun and if just the two of us go back we would probably stay there. Complimentary bikes were also a plus. TY for all of your help, we loved working with you.
Donna C.
2 months ago
The Pasea was perfect for our family getaway at the beach. Marilyn was so wonderful to work with from start to finish. She made sure we had everything we needed and more. Everything was very clean, the staff was incredibly accomodating and we has incredible views of the ocean from each of our rooms. When we arrived at the hotel, we were warmly welcomed with welcome gifts for my granddaughters, chips, salsa and drinks for the adults – a dream! Thank you Marilyn!
The food was excellent! We ate down in the restaurant each morning, and we were really satisfied. The food at the pool was great too. We did order room service and thought the quality went a little down from there.
It's a beautiful property and we would definitely recommend, even for a corporate event. Affordable, but you would never know it with the experience you receive.
Marilyn was incredible to work with. We were all saying how we can't wait for a trip excuse for Marilyn to help us plan again, because she truly went above and beyond to ensure we all had an exceptional experience. Every detail was thought of, which is exactly what you don't want to have to think about when you are on vacation, but Marilyn does! She truly took the stress and hassle out of planning so we could just enjoy, which is truly priceless. Excited to work with you again!
Julie W.
5 months ago
We had many wonderful memories. Each place we visited was special and unique. The breakfast was good for a buffet. We are grateful for the experience. Marilyn was a pleasure to work with and very helpful as a first time cruiser.
Robin L.
6 months ago
Marilyn always thinks of everything, and does a great job of coordinating a lot of flights, rental cars, rooms and activities for our large group, ranging in age from 1-62. She asks great questions prior to booking about car seats, bed types, dinner reservations, and then somehow miraculously coordinated 12 people departing from three different cities all arriving and then departing within 30 minutes of each other!
Christopher L.
12 days ago
John H.
27 days ago
We had a great time in Carmel at LePetit Pali at Ocean Ave. The hotel worked out great and we loved the location to walk everywhere. It was perfect for the 4 of us. Rooms were not huge but well apportioned. We loved the breakfast and happy hour and service was excellent. We ate at Bicyclette & Pocket which were both outstanding. The bar at La Playa is so fun and if just the two of us go back we would probably stay there. Complimentary bikes were also a plus. TY for all of your help, we loved working with you.
Donna C.
2 months ago
The Pasea was perfect for our family getaway at the beach. Marilyn was so wonderful to work with from start to finish. She made sure we had everything we needed and more. Everything was very clean, the staff was incredibly accomodating and we has incredible views of the ocean from each of our rooms. When we arrived at the hotel, we were warmly welcomed with welcome gifts for my granddaughters, chips, salsa and drinks for the adults – a dream! Thank you Marilyn!
The food was excellent! We ate down in the restaurant each morning, and we were really satisfied. The food at the pool was great too. We did order room service and thought the quality went a little down from there.
It's a beautiful property and we would definitely recommend, even for a corporate event. Affordable, but you would never know it with the experience you receive.
Marilyn was incredible to work with. We were all saying how we can't wait for a trip excuse for Marilyn to help us plan again, because she truly went above and beyond to ensure we all had an exceptional experience. Every detail was thought of, which is exactly what you don't want to have to think about when you are on vacation, but Marilyn does! She truly took the stress and hassle out of planning so we could just enjoy, which is truly priceless. Excited to work with you again!
Julie W.
5 months ago
We had many wonderful memories. Each place we visited was special and unique. The breakfast was good for a buffet. We are grateful for the experience. Marilyn was a pleasure to work with and very helpful as a first time cruiser.
Travel ideas (7)
Coronado, Done Right: Where the Locals Actually Eat
Coronado is one of those rare places that feels both picture-perfect and deeply personal. My sister has called it home for more than 15 years, which means my time here is filled with family dinners, sunset walks, and the kind of local restaurant discoveries you only get by being a regular. This is not a tourist roundup. It is a curated list of the very best places to eat in Coronado, from buzzy patios to the breakfast spot we swear by. If you are planning a visit, start here.
Coronado, Done Right: Where the Locals Actually Eat
Coronado is one of those rare places that feels both picture-perfect and deeply personal. My sister has called it home for more than 15 years, which means my time here is filled with family dinners, sunset walks, and the kind of local restaurant discoveries you only get by being a regular. This is not a tourist roundup. It is a curated list of the very best places to eat in Coronado, from buzzy patios to the breakfast spot we swear by. If you are planning a visit, start here.
Riviera Maya Luxury Resorts, Compared: Where to Stay & Why It Matters
The Riviera Maya stands out to me because it delivers an extraordinary range of luxury experiences within a single coastline. From jungle-wrapped wellness retreats to thoughtfully designed all-inclusive resorts and ultra-refined multi-generational escapes, the diversity here is unmatched. Having experienced these properties firsthand, I’m continually impressed by how dramatically the stay can shift based on the hotel you choose. When matched correctly, Riviera Maya has a rare ability to feel both effortless and deeply special.
Riviera Maya Luxury Resorts, Compared: Where to Stay & Why It Matters
The Riviera Maya stands out to me because it delivers an extraordinary range of luxury experiences within a single coastline. From jungle-wrapped wellness retreats to thoughtfully designed all-inclusive resorts and ultra-refined multi-generational escapes, the diversity here is unmatched. Having experienced these properties firsthand, I’m continually impressed by how dramatically the stay can shift based on the hotel you choose. When matched correctly, Riviera Maya has a rare ability to feel both effortless and deeply special.
Our Virgin Voyage on Virgin Voyages to the Caribbean
Before I became a travel advisor, I had never been on a cruise. Why? Because they scared the heck out of me. If I go to a hotel and don’t like it, I can leave and check into another one. Cruises aren’t like that. Once you’re out to sea, like it or not, that cabin is your hotel room for the duration. I’d always wanted to take my family on an Alaskan cruise, but that felt like a big, expensive roll of the dice. As I believe is my professional duty, I took one for the team. I convinced my sister to join me for a “mini” cruise—she’s easier to experiment on than my husband and kids—and we did five days on Virgin Voyages in the Caribbean. Turns out cruising isn’t just for retirees. It’s actually way more fun than we expected, and it’s a surprisingly relaxing way to cover a lot of new destinations.
Our Virgin Voyage on Virgin Voyages to the Caribbean
Before I became a travel advisor, I had never been on a cruise. Why? Because they scared the heck out of me. If I go to a hotel and don’t like it, I can leave and check into another one. Cruises aren’t like that. Once you’re out to sea, like it or not, that cabin is your hotel room for the duration. I’d always wanted to take my family on an Alaskan cruise, but that felt like a big, expensive roll of the dice. As I believe is my professional duty, I took one for the team. I convinced my sister to join me for a “mini” cruise—she’s easier to experiment on than my husband and kids—and we did five days on Virgin Voyages in the Caribbean. Turns out cruising isn’t just for retirees. It’s actually way more fun than we expected, and it’s a surprisingly relaxing way to cover a lot of new destinations.
Alaska by Sea: Exploring the Inside Passage on Norwegian Encore
This cruise was part of a Seminar at Sea, where I was invited by Norwegian Cruise Line to experience the Norwegian Encore firsthand as part of my professional development as a travel advisor. My goal was to deepen my understanding of the ship and Alaska’s Inside Passage so I can confidently guide future clients toward the sailing that best fits their travel style. Even as the season wound down in early October, the landscapes were breathtaking and the onboard experience offered a perfect mix of education, exploration, and indulgence.
Alaska by Sea: Exploring the Inside Passage on Norwegian Encore
This cruise was part of a Seminar at Sea, where I was invited by Norwegian Cruise Line to experience the Norwegian Encore firsthand as part of my professional development as a travel advisor. My goal was to deepen my understanding of the ship and Alaska’s Inside Passage so I can confidently guide future clients toward the sailing that best fits their travel style. Even as the season wound down in early October, the landscapes were breathtaking and the onboard experience offered a perfect mix of education, exploration, and indulgence.
Danish Charm Meets California Dreaming: Solvang & the Santa Ynez Valley Should Be Your Next Escape
One of my dearest friends from college grew up in Solvang, California, and she and her wonderful family have been welcoming us there for a very long time (You don’t need to know how long!). Tucked away in the stunning Santa Ynez Valley, Solvang is equal parts quaint country town, wine lover’s dream, and foodie’s delight, with some celebrity magic sprinkled on top. Come for the vibes, stay for the kindest people and the way the golden hour light hits the glorious Coastal Live Oaks. Solvang and the Santa Ynez Valley are about to steal your heart.
Danish Charm Meets California Dreaming: Solvang & the Santa Ynez Valley Should Be Your Next Escape
One of my dearest friends from college grew up in Solvang, California, and she and her wonderful family have been welcoming us there for a very long time (You don’t need to know how long!). Tucked away in the stunning Santa Ynez Valley, Solvang is equal parts quaint country town, wine lover’s dream, and foodie’s delight, with some celebrity magic sprinkled on top. Come for the vibes, stay for the kindest people and the way the golden hour light hits the glorious Coastal Live Oaks. Solvang and the Santa Ynez Valley are about to steal your heart.
Girls Quick Getaway to Barcelona
My friend’s daughter was doing a semester in Madrid, so we decided to build a girls’ trip around that. Our three nights in Barcelona were nowhere near enough! The vibe here is wonderfully relaxed and the people are charming. We had a fantastic time — on a budget — and can’t wait to go back!
Girls Quick Getaway to Barcelona
My friend’s daughter was doing a semester in Madrid, so we decided to build a girls’ trip around that. Our three nights in Barcelona were nowhere near enough! The vibe here is wonderfully relaxed and the people are charming. We had a fantastic time — on a budget — and can’t wait to go back!
Four-Day Solo Adventure in Porto
Portugal has always been on my bucket list. When my girlfriends suggested we spend time in Spain, I chose to tack on four days on my own. Porto spoke to me because it is so full of history and culture, and seemed much more manageable than Lisbon as a solo traveler. I fell in love with the food, the glorious views and some of the nicest, most welcoming people I’ve ever encountered. Porto captured my heart and I cannot wait to return.
Four-Day Solo Adventure in Porto
Portugal has always been on my bucket list. When my girlfriends suggested we spend time in Spain, I chose to tack on four days on my own. Porto spoke to me because it is so full of history and culture, and seemed much more manageable than Lisbon as a solo traveler. I fell in love with the food, the glorious views and some of the nicest, most welcoming people I’ve ever encountered. Porto captured my heart and I cannot wait to return.
Coronado, Done Right: Where the Locals Actually Eat
Coronado is one of those rare places that feels both picture-perfect and deeply personal. My sister has called it home for more than 15 years, which means my time here is filled with family dinners, sunset walks, and the kind of local restaurant discoveries you only get by being a regular. This is not a tourist roundup. It is a curated list of the very best places to eat in Coronado, from buzzy patios to the breakfast spot we swear by. If you are planning a visit, start here.
Coronado, Done Right: Where the Locals Actually Eat
Coronado is one of those rare places that feels both picture-perfect and deeply personal. My sister has called it home for more than 15 years, which means my time here is filled with family dinners, sunset walks, and the kind of local restaurant discoveries you only get by being a regular. This is not a tourist roundup. It is a curated list of the very best places to eat in Coronado, from buzzy patios to the breakfast spot we swear by. If you are planning a visit, start here.
Riviera Maya Luxury Resorts, Compared: Where to Stay & Why It Matters
The Riviera Maya stands out to me because it delivers an extraordinary range of luxury experiences within a single coastline. From jungle-wrapped wellness retreats to thoughtfully designed all-inclusive resorts and ultra-refined multi-generational escapes, the diversity here is unmatched. Having experienced these properties firsthand, I’m continually impressed by how dramatically the stay can shift based on the hotel you choose. When matched correctly, Riviera Maya has a rare ability to feel both effortless and deeply special.
Riviera Maya Luxury Resorts, Compared: Where to Stay & Why It Matters
The Riviera Maya stands out to me because it delivers an extraordinary range of luxury experiences within a single coastline. From jungle-wrapped wellness retreats to thoughtfully designed all-inclusive resorts and ultra-refined multi-generational escapes, the diversity here is unmatched. Having experienced these properties firsthand, I’m continually impressed by how dramatically the stay can shift based on the hotel you choose. When matched correctly, Riviera Maya has a rare ability to feel both effortless and deeply special.
Our Virgin Voyage on Virgin Voyages to the Caribbean
Before I became a travel advisor, I had never been on a cruise. Why? Because they scared the heck out of me. If I go to a hotel and don’t like it, I can leave and check into another one. Cruises aren’t like that. Once you’re out to sea, like it or not, that cabin is your hotel room for the duration. I’d always wanted to take my family on an Alaskan cruise, but that felt like a big, expensive roll of the dice. As I believe is my professional duty, I took one for the team. I convinced my sister to join me for a “mini” cruise—she’s easier to experiment on than my husband and kids—and we did five days on Virgin Voyages in the Caribbean. Turns out cruising isn’t just for retirees. It’s actually way more fun than we expected, and it’s a surprisingly relaxing way to cover a lot of new destinations.
Our Virgin Voyage on Virgin Voyages to the Caribbean
Before I became a travel advisor, I had never been on a cruise. Why? Because they scared the heck out of me. If I go to a hotel and don’t like it, I can leave and check into another one. Cruises aren’t like that. Once you’re out to sea, like it or not, that cabin is your hotel room for the duration. I’d always wanted to take my family on an Alaskan cruise, but that felt like a big, expensive roll of the dice. As I believe is my professional duty, I took one for the team. I convinced my sister to join me for a “mini” cruise—she’s easier to experiment on than my husband and kids—and we did five days on Virgin Voyages in the Caribbean. Turns out cruising isn’t just for retirees. It’s actually way more fun than we expected, and it’s a surprisingly relaxing way to cover a lot of new destinations.