Welcome to the new column, Feature Friday, where every week, I’ll introduce you to a Roadpreneur who is building a business that lets them RV more often (maybe even full-time). Through these stories, you’ll see sparks of inspiration that can be woven into your own journey and go behind the scenes of other people’s businesses that are successfully growing from the road.
Are you a Disney lover? While I didn’t grow up going to Disney parks, I vividly remember the three times I visited the happiest places on earth. The food! The princesses! The lines! There was so much to love (yes, even the lines) at these parks.
When I was putting out my feelers for the Roadpreneur Feature Friday column, Amanda Dixon’s profile popped up. Our family is in the process of counting down the days until my children’s first Disney vacation, so her business caught my eye. Getting to know her why behind the business made me fall in love with what she’s offering even more, and I’m confident you’ll feel the same as you read her story.
Meet, Amanda.
What is your name and what do you do?
I’m Amanda, and I am a homeschooling mom of 3 and a travel advisor.
How do you seek adventure on the open road?
By visiting new places, pushing myself and my family outside of our comfort zones, and doing things we wouldn’t normally do.
What inspired you to start this business?
My love for travel + Disney is what inspired me to start a business in travel. I believe that family vacations are so important, and it’s during times of travel that the most remembered memories are made. Adults and children alike all remember their fun family vacations. My best memories with my family, both as a child and a parent, are at Disney.
What do you like most about your business?
I get to ease the stress of travel planning so that parents can save their energy for going to Disney (or other destinations) with their kids–because let’s be honest, traveling with kids is stressful at times, even though it's still a wonderful experience. I try to take as much of the stress out of it as possible.
What’s going through your audience’s mind when they ask you for help?
They are feeling overwhelmed about planning a trip to Disney (or beyond). They are not sure where to stay, how to book Genie+, how long is needed in each park, etc. My clients have dozens of questions, and my job is to answer them and get them excited about their trip rather than overwhelmed by it. I also help find them the best prices!
How have you designed your business to run while you roam?
My business is remote, and I am able to set my own hours, so I work when I am not homeschooling or taking care of my family. I can also work on travel days from our rig or a coffee shop. It’s wonderful to have that freedom and flexibility.
What challenges have you faced by running a business from the road?
Oh, the usual things like not having privacy or quiet when I need to take a call, having a half-naked kid run through the background during a Zoom meeting, or having not-so-great internet. But honestly, for the most part, these challenges are few and far between.
If you had to start over again, what would you do differently?
I would have started sooner!
What’s the biggest compliment you’ve ever received?
“You’re a wonderful mom”
What are you getting excited about right now?
I’m getting excited about my own personal trips to Disney this year and growing our YouTube channel. My 12-year-old has taken the lead on making videos of our travels and is really good at it, so I am excited to watch that grow! I’m also excited to visit family in California this spring.
Where can we connect with you?
Website: www.dixonsdestinations.com
Instagram: www.instagram.com/dixons_destinations
Email: [email protected]
Youtube: www.youtube.com/@DixonsDestinations