I’ve sat down to write a “Year in Review” multiple times, but I’ve spun in circles every time. How do you put into words the craziness that was 2020? Remember when murder hornets were a thing?! So, rather than walking you through another recap of the year many of us are ready to forget, I decided to list ten things from 2020 that I am thankful for. So, in no particular order, here they are!

1. My Husband, Carl: Starting a business is a roller coaster. Starting a travel business in the middle of a worldwide pandemic makes that a roller coaster of world class spins and heights. I am so thankful that Carl and I are on this ride together.  He is my favorite travel partner and my sounding board for vacation dreams and plans.
2. My Kids: Blake, Parker, Molly & Olivia: Stay at home orders, virtual school and quarantines meant more time at home than we ever imagined. These four will forever be my "why" in life. I can’t wait to see the adventures we have together in 2021 and beyond!
3. My First Clients: In any new venture someone has to be the first, and I’m forever thankful you were willing to take the plunge! No matter how big or small, trusting me to be a part of your vacation planning process means the world to me. 
4. My Dream Vacations March 2020 Franchise Training Class: Last March I flew to Fort Lauderdale for my initial Dream Vacations training. Little did my fellow franchisees and I know that our whole country would be rocked the week we were there. Despite cancellations and shutdowns that just kept coming, we learned so much that week. This crew is always there as a sounding board, for support and for advice and I can’t wait for the day our reunions can be in person instead of over Zoom!
5. World Travel Holdings Support Staff: It takes a village, and this is mine. No question is too big or too small for these superstars and knowing that they are just a phone call or email away gives me peace of mind in any situation that arises. (World Travel Holdings is the parent company of Dream Vacations, and one of the largest travel businesses in the world. As a Dream Vacations franchise, I have the buying power of WTH to back me up while still being able to provide the individualized service of a small business.)
6. Coffee: Does this even need an explanation?! With the kids and husband stuck at home I found that five AM was the best time to get things done in a quiet house. I couldn’t have done it without multiple doses of caffeine.
7. Future Travel Dreams: Did you know that studies have found that we receive as much or more joy from the pre vacation planning and dreaming process than the actual vacation? If 2020 was the year of the cancelled vacation it was also the year so many new plans were hatched. Here’s to making those dreams a reality, no matter when that may be!
8. Zoom: This is a love-hate relationship because I’d much prefer an in-person meeting, but whether it was my niece’s 2^nd birthday, cousin phy-ed classes, our new networking group meetings, or the having the ability to “host” a class online, Zoom has helped keep us connected. All that being said, I still am looking forward to the return of handshakes and hugs sooner rather than later!
9. Trampolines and Backyard Hockey Rinks: Four kids with a ton of pent-up energy means outside time is a must. I don’t know how many hours were spent on the tramp in the spring, but whatever it was I hope that just as many are used on the rink this winter!
10. Our health: All kidding aside, our family has been blessed to stay healthy this year. 2020 has brought a number of challenges for us; however, most can be summed up as minor inconveniences instead of major trials. We know that not everyone has been so lucky, and we do not take that for granted.

No matter the challenges that 2020 brought for you and your family, I hope you are able to reflect on the good of the year. I would love to help you make 2021 a year of fun, relaxation and many happy memories. As always, I’m only a phone call away if you want to start making your vacation dream a reality! 

About Amanda: 

Amanda Ryynanen is the owner of Breezy Lane Travel by Dream Vacations. Breezy Lane Travel is a full-service travel agency based in Buffalo, MN. When not traveling, planning vacations or dreaming about vacations Amanda enjoys spending time with her friends and family, playing or watching sports, working out at OrangeTheory Fitness and reading. Amanda can be reached by calling (763) 463-5856 or emailing aryynanen@dreamvacations.com.