Mary Beth Willems
She/Her
Based in Cedar Rapids, Iowa
Italian, Spanish
Mary Beth Willems
Ask me about
My Story
I grew up in Iowa, and after college on the east coast and living both in England and Italy, I am located back in my hometown with even more appreciation for the Midwest.
My specialities? From Tuscan vineyards to Midwest small towns—your perfect trip starts here. Specializing in Midwest getaways, Hawaiian escapes, and Italian adventures. Custom trips. Local flavor. Real experiences.
Travel Style
I travel for the experiences that feel authentic, local, and unforgettable. My journeys are shaped around food and wine, discovering flavors that tell the story of a place. I believe in balance: itineraries that blend structure with spontaneity, smart budgeting with the occasional splurge, and iconic highlights with hidden gems. For me, the perfect trip isn’t about checking boxes—it’s about savoring the moment, connecting with the culture, and creating memories that feel both intentional and effortless.
Stay connected
Reviews (5)
Emily L.
travel to Norway
14 days ago
When we first started planning a trip to Norway on our own, we quickly became overwhelmed by all the possibilities. We decided to seek out a travel agent and found Mary Beth. Mary Beth's knowledge and experience turned the abstract into a clear plan. She offered valuable ideas for exploring each city and paced us so we saw a lot in ten days on the ground. Mary Beth is easy to work with, proactive with suggestions, and responsive to questions throughout the planning and the trip. She curated a streamlined itinerary in the FORA app, with links to all the hotels and activity reservations she booked for us. She even provided guides on what to know before traveling to Norway and packing tips. Those extra efforts and attention to detail matter, especially for a family of anxious travelers like us.
Cassandra S.
travel to England and Germany
19 days ago
I'd never used a travel agent before but I knew that if I was ever to go to Europe again I would need help, especially with bringing 2 family members with me. Mary Beth was easy to work with and took time to help us plan things to do especially when we really just started with only knowing our destination was going to be London and the Rhine area of Germany! It was so nice to have logistics figured out so I didn't have to stress about it. I'm so glad this trip became a reality, thank you!
Ethan M.
travel to England and Belgium
about 2 months ago
Working with Mary Beth to get our trip to England planned was seamless. The first portion of our trip was ambitious, we wanted to travel to five cities in the span of six days, and she was great in making sure we had train tickets/hotels purchased and planned in advance. That peace of mind went a long way and was great for allowing us to relax and enjoy our time in a new country. Along with planning logistics, Mary Beth was also very knowledgeable about activities, and made some great suggestions for us to check out during our travels. Overall, I would highly recommend working with Mary Beth for any travel needs; not only will you have peace of mind in knowing that travel plans have been taken care of, but you will also receive some great recommendations for food & leisure as well. 5 out of 5 star rating!
Elissa S.
travel to Italy
about 2 months ago
Mary Beth did a fantastic job planning my Italy trip! I gave her a list of major sites and locations I wanted to visit, and she handled everything! With her knowledge of Italy, she was able to fill out my itinerary with extra tours that I probably never would have known about, such as the underground portion of the Colosseum! She was so good about planning the right pace for me too. She was very mindful of what was important to me for accommodations and when I would be able to use public transportation and when private arrangements would be beneficial. I am already talking with her about helping me plan a trip to another country! I highly recommend working with Mary Beth! I doubt my trip to Italy would have been half as good if I had planned it all myself.
Beth S.
travel to Sorrento
3 months ago
She did a great job of listening to our wishes and meeting our needs, financially, energy-wise and in the location of everything. We were very pleased and could relax, knowing she had everything organized and planned.
Emily L.
travel to Norway
14 days ago
When we first started planning a trip to Norway on our own, we quickly became overwhelmed by all the possibilities. We decided to seek out a travel agent and found Mary Beth. Mary Beth's knowledge and experience turned the abstract into a clear plan. She offered valuable ideas for exploring each city and paced us so we saw a lot in ten days on the ground. Mary Beth is easy to work with, proactive with suggestions, and responsive to questions throughout the planning and the trip. She curated a streamlined itinerary in the FORA app, with links to all the hotels and activity reservations she booked for us. She even provided guides on what to know before traveling to Norway and packing tips. Those extra efforts and attention to detail matter, especially for a family of anxious travelers like us.
Cassandra S.
travel to England and Germany
19 days ago
I'd never used a travel agent before but I knew that if I was ever to go to Europe again I would need help, especially with bringing 2 family members with me. Mary Beth was easy to work with and took time to help us plan things to do especially when we really just started with only knowing our destination was going to be London and the Rhine area of Germany! It was so nice to have logistics figured out so I didn't have to stress about it. I'm so glad this trip became a reality, thank you!
Ethan M.
travel to England and Belgium
about 2 months ago
Working with Mary Beth to get our trip to England planned was seamless. The first portion of our trip was ambitious, we wanted to travel to five cities in the span of six days, and she was great in making sure we had train tickets/hotels purchased and planned in advance. That peace of mind went a long way and was great for allowing us to relax and enjoy our time in a new country. Along with planning logistics, Mary Beth was also very knowledgeable about activities, and made some great suggestions for us to check out during our travels. Overall, I would highly recommend working with Mary Beth for any travel needs; not only will you have peace of mind in knowing that travel plans have been taken care of, but you will also receive some great recommendations for food & leisure as well. 5 out of 5 star rating!
Elissa S.
travel to Italy
about 2 months ago
Mary Beth did a fantastic job planning my Italy trip! I gave her a list of major sites and locations I wanted to visit, and she handled everything! With her knowledge of Italy, she was able to fill out my itinerary with extra tours that I probably never would have known about, such as the underground portion of the Colosseum! She was so good about planning the right pace for me too. She was very mindful of what was important to me for accommodations and when I would be able to use public transportation and when private arrangements would be beneficial. I am already talking with her about helping me plan a trip to another country! I highly recommend working with Mary Beth! I doubt my trip to Italy would have been half as good if I had planned it all myself.
Travel ideas (4)
Ghost Stories & Halloween Magic: A Spooky Weekend Getaway in Minneapolis & Saint Paul
For me, Halloween is at its best when it’s cozy, atmospheric, and just a little spooky. Historic neighborhoods. Candlelit dinners inside old mansions. Ghost stories shared aboard a vintage trolley. Wandering through thousands of glowing jack-o’-lanterns with a warm drink in hand. If that sounds like your kind of October weekend, I think you’re going to love this itinerary.
Ghost Stories & Halloween Magic: A Spooky Weekend Getaway in Minneapolis & Saint Paul
For me, Halloween is at its best when it’s cozy, atmospheric, and just a little spooky. Historic neighborhoods. Candlelit dinners inside old mansions. Ghost stories shared aboard a vintage trolley. Wandering through thousands of glowing jack-o’-lanterns with a warm drink in hand. If that sounds like your kind of October weekend, I think you’re going to love this itinerary.
The Ultimate Minnesota North Shore Fall Color Road Trip
I created this itinerary after spending nearly a week exploring Minnesota’s North Shore during peak fall color. Every recommendation comes from places I personally visited, hiked, or dined, and the pacing reflects how I believe this destination is best experienced. Over five days, you’ll hike to panoramic overlooks, explore waterfalls framed by vibrant foliage, drive one of America’s most scenic highways, and unwind each evening in cozy lakeside lodges. You’ll notice there aren’t dozens of stops packed into each day. That’s intentional. The North Shore is a place to slow down, take the scenic route, and leave room for unexpected discoveries.
The Ultimate Minnesota North Shore Fall Color Road Trip
I created this itinerary after spending nearly a week exploring Minnesota’s North Shore during peak fall color. Every recommendation comes from places I personally visited, hiked, or dined, and the pacing reflects how I believe this destination is best experienced. Over five days, you’ll hike to panoramic overlooks, explore waterfalls framed by vibrant foliage, drive one of America’s most scenic highways, and unwind each evening in cozy lakeside lodges. You’ll notice there aren’t dozens of stops packed into each day. That’s intentional. The North Shore is a place to slow down, take the scenic route, and leave room for unexpected discoveries.
Minnesota North Shore Guide: Where to Stay, Eat & Explore
There are some destinations where the goal is to see as much as possible. Minnesota’s North Shore isn’t one of them. This is a place I’d encourage you to experience slowly. Pull over when the view catches your eye. Stay a little longer than you planned at a waterfall. Order the slice of pie. Every season has its own personality. If you’re visiting in the spring, I’d spend more time chasing waterfalls while the snowmelt is at its peak. In the fall, I’d trade some of those waterfall stops for hikes and scenic overlooks when the forests are showing off.
Minnesota North Shore Guide: Where to Stay, Eat & Explore
There are some destinations where the goal is to see as much as possible. Minnesota’s North Shore isn’t one of them. This is a place I’d encourage you to experience slowly. Pull over when the view catches your eye. Stay a little longer than you planned at a waterfall. Order the slice of pie. Every season has its own personality. If you’re visiting in the spring, I’d spend more time chasing waterfalls while the snowmelt is at its peak. In the fall, I’d trade some of those waterfall stops for hikes and scenic overlooks when the forests are showing off.
A Storybook Christmas in Alsace: Christmas Markets of Colmar & Strasbourg
Last December, I spent several days exploring the Christmas markets of France's Alsace region before ringing in the New Year in Paris. While I'd seen countless photos beforehand, nothing quite prepared me for experiencing it in person. Half-timbered houses draped in garlands, the scent of cinnamon and mulled wine drifting through medieval streets, Christmas lights reflecting on quiet canals, festive music filling the squares, and centuries-old architecture everywhere I looked—it truly felt like stepping into a storybook. What surprised me most was how different Colmar and Strasbourg felt. Colmar was cozy, whimsical, and intimate, while Strasbourg impressed me with its soaring cathedral, grand Christmas tree, and festive energy. Together, they create one of Europe's most memorable Christmas market experiences.
A Storybook Christmas in Alsace: Christmas Markets of Colmar & Strasbourg
Last December, I spent several days exploring the Christmas markets of France's Alsace region before ringing in the New Year in Paris. While I'd seen countless photos beforehand, nothing quite prepared me for experiencing it in person. Half-timbered houses draped in garlands, the scent of cinnamon and mulled wine drifting through medieval streets, Christmas lights reflecting on quiet canals, festive music filling the squares, and centuries-old architecture everywhere I looked—it truly felt like stepping into a storybook. What surprised me most was how different Colmar and Strasbourg felt. Colmar was cozy, whimsical, and intimate, while Strasbourg impressed me with its soaring cathedral, grand Christmas tree, and festive energy. Together, they create one of Europe's most memorable Christmas market experiences.
Ghost Stories & Halloween Magic: A Spooky Weekend Getaway in Minneapolis & Saint Paul
For me, Halloween is at its best when it’s cozy, atmospheric, and just a little spooky. Historic neighborhoods. Candlelit dinners inside old mansions. Ghost stories shared aboard a vintage trolley. Wandering through thousands of glowing jack-o’-lanterns with a warm drink in hand. If that sounds like your kind of October weekend, I think you’re going to love this itinerary.
Ghost Stories & Halloween Magic: A Spooky Weekend Getaway in Minneapolis & Saint Paul
For me, Halloween is at its best when it’s cozy, atmospheric, and just a little spooky. Historic neighborhoods. Candlelit dinners inside old mansions. Ghost stories shared aboard a vintage trolley. Wandering through thousands of glowing jack-o’-lanterns with a warm drink in hand. If that sounds like your kind of October weekend, I think you’re going to love this itinerary.
The Ultimate Minnesota North Shore Fall Color Road Trip
I created this itinerary after spending nearly a week exploring Minnesota’s North Shore during peak fall color. Every recommendation comes from places I personally visited, hiked, or dined, and the pacing reflects how I believe this destination is best experienced. Over five days, you’ll hike to panoramic overlooks, explore waterfalls framed by vibrant foliage, drive one of America’s most scenic highways, and unwind each evening in cozy lakeside lodges. You’ll notice there aren’t dozens of stops packed into each day. That’s intentional. The North Shore is a place to slow down, take the scenic route, and leave room for unexpected discoveries.
The Ultimate Minnesota North Shore Fall Color Road Trip
I created this itinerary after spending nearly a week exploring Minnesota’s North Shore during peak fall color. Every recommendation comes from places I personally visited, hiked, or dined, and the pacing reflects how I believe this destination is best experienced. Over five days, you’ll hike to panoramic overlooks, explore waterfalls framed by vibrant foliage, drive one of America’s most scenic highways, and unwind each evening in cozy lakeside lodges. You’ll notice there aren’t dozens of stops packed into each day. That’s intentional. The North Shore is a place to slow down, take the scenic route, and leave room for unexpected discoveries.
Minnesota North Shore Guide: Where to Stay, Eat & Explore
There are some destinations where the goal is to see as much as possible. Minnesota’s North Shore isn’t one of them. This is a place I’d encourage you to experience slowly. Pull over when the view catches your eye. Stay a little longer than you planned at a waterfall. Order the slice of pie. Every season has its own personality. If you’re visiting in the spring, I’d spend more time chasing waterfalls while the snowmelt is at its peak. In the fall, I’d trade some of those waterfall stops for hikes and scenic overlooks when the forests are showing off.
Minnesota North Shore Guide: Where to Stay, Eat & Explore
There are some destinations where the goal is to see as much as possible. Minnesota’s North Shore isn’t one of them. This is a place I’d encourage you to experience slowly. Pull over when the view catches your eye. Stay a little longer than you planned at a waterfall. Order the slice of pie. Every season has its own personality. If you’re visiting in the spring, I’d spend more time chasing waterfalls while the snowmelt is at its peak. In the fall, I’d trade some of those waterfall stops for hikes and scenic overlooks when the forests are showing off.
Travel photos
