Tour Host Profile:
Rob and Monika Wismer
“During dinner times we shared videos and pictures and talked about the days’ activities.
It was like a family gathering, even though we weren’t all blood related.”
- Monika Wismer, TourMagination Cruise Host
“Have you ever thought about being TourMagination tour hosts? I think you’d be a good fit,” John Sharp said to Rob and Monika Wismer. Tour leader, John Sharp, noticed the Wismers’ attentiveness to other travellers on the 2022 Bethany Community Church European Anabaptist Heritage Tour. The Wismers laughed, but didn’t think too much of it--until they received a call from Audrey Voth Petkau (former TourMagination owner).
Audrey invited Rob and Monika to host the 2024 Alaska: Off the Beaten Path Cruise, and they said yes. “I’m an organizer. As a Life Enrichment Coordinator at Martindale Place Christian Retirement Community, I run programs, and keep everyone on track.” Monika says Rob is also organized and very social. “On our Anabaptist Heritage Tour we got to know everyone and helped keep them going and happy.”
“We really enjoyed Alaska,” says Monika. She appreciated that the tour included a land portion to explore Denali Park and a cruise. Rob and Monika arranged a restaurant for everyone to meet at in Anchorage on the first day of the tour so they could get to know each other. The group kept in touch in a private WhatsApp chat. The Wismers posted daily happenings and invited travellers to optional activities in the chat. This was especially useful for the land portion of the trip. Monika says travellers liked having people to do things with.
Everyone had designated seats on the cruise—but that didn’t stop the group from switching things up. “We changed seats [so we could get to know other people].” TM travellers gathered at the end of each day. “During dinner, we shared videos and pictures and talked about the days’ activities. It was like a family gathering, even though we weren’t all blood related.” Monika adds, “It was nice to share this experience with other Christian-based people. Our conversations were comfortable.”
“I love to travel! When, I was younger, we toured a fair amount. I’ve gone to England, Finland, and Sweden. My Dad is from Estonia, so we’ve gone back there visiting,” says Monika. “Rob never traveled before I met him. He comes from a family of farmers, so it was harder to travel.” The Wismers have taken their children to Alberta, Rhode Island, the Dominican Republic, Canada’s East Coast and several locations in Mexico. They also explored Monika’s family history in Estonia and Rob’s Swiss Mennonite roots in Pennsylvania.
“Both Rob and I are very active. When we travel, we want to experience the place. Even if we’re staying at a resort, we take excursions to the mountains or for hikes to see waterfalls.” The Wismers have handed down their passion for travel. Both their married children are travellers who take their kids on trips.
In October 2026, Rob and Monika are hosting the Enticing Douro River Cruise. Monika says they are looking forward sharing their first visit to Spain and Portugal with TM travellers. To make the experience as enjoyable as possible, the Wismers will get to know tour members’ expectations. “What do they want to get out of the cruise? Do they want to be with people or not?” For those who desire it, travelling in a TourMagination group within a cruise means having someone to sit with and “bounce ideas off.” As active, creative travellers the Wismers plan to suggest “activities that travellers had not thought of.” And of course, they will be advocates if a traveller’s needs are not met, ensuring that everyone feels well cared for.
