Hey, hey, hey, it’s a Vacay Q&A with Andrew and Shay!
So cheesy…
…but I play the hand I’m dealt and it rhymes 😉 .
Okay, if you’ve been around here a while (or on Stories or listen to our podcast), then you know that Andrew gets all sorts of love for his packing.
The man packs like a pro.
Whether we’re going skiing or to the beach, he just always seems to know what to bring and bring it…waaaaaay before I think about needing it.
This year, you guys have asked for MORE ANDREW here in blog world, so I thought this was a perfect post for him to share some info and get you guys in the vacation mood too!
I put out on Stories that if you have a question for Andrew about how he packs, please ask and he’ll answer. You guys, there were so many. A crazy amount. Because he’s the decisive man that he is, he selected six to share here on my blog and then a few more to share in Stories today. If he doesn’t answer yours, maybe we can do a PART 2?! I added extra Andrew-type packing tips at the bottom too, so do not be discouraged PLUS, I also asked him to share some of his staple items to take with him to round out today’s post.
Ready? Set? Here we go (please note, you’ll be able to tell that these are not my answers…bahahaha!)…
Listen everyone who knows me knows I’m a routine guy. However, my rule for working out on vacation is you can workout, but it can’t interfere with the vacation. Also, it’s not an absolute. If it doesn’t happen that’s why I workout all the other days of the year. And one last rule. Cardio is optional and for sure not a must. I would rather spend 30-45 min lifting and core work than cardio. Packing. I always bring a jacket and I have a separate pair of workout shoes for travel. Never want to put stinky workout shoes in my bag. ?
Carry on and pack it with beach toys, yetis, Bose speaker. On the way home, I put all the sea shells in there too along with the same stuff but we almost always leave the beach toys.
Love packing cubes. When TSA tosses my bag like that prison cell in The Shawshank Redemption my clothes don’t get unfolded and wrinkled.
1: He never over-packs. Ever. He always brings exactly what he needs to bring. He doesn’t add in “extra” anything. He counts the number of shirts, the number of swimsuits, etc, and only brings that. I often find myself bringing an “extra” swimsuit, shirt, pair of workout pants, etc and by the end, I’ve included a lot of things I don’t need. He does not do that.
3: Andrew is great at putting things inside of things when he packs. I often add in a bag or purse to my suitcase empty…while Andrew will fill it with sunscreen bottles, Yeti cups, etc. to save space.
4: Speaking of which, Andrew is great at remembering to bring those things you always wish you had (Yeti cups with lids and metal straws, beach blankets and a speaker).
…about 8 months ago, we compiled one GIANT list of everything you might need for your next beach trip right HERE! This post is super detailed with everything you might need from goggles to toys, ways to serve food on the beach without getting sand in your lunch…it’s all HERE.
I also asked Andrew what his “packing must haves” would be for a vacation (mostly for men!) and this is what he shared with me:
These sunglasses with this band to keep them secure while you’re in the ocean or pool.
This Yeti with this metal straw.
These Skip Balls for the pool or ocean.
Sometimes, Andrew likes to wear 15 in-between applying his 30 (where I only apply 30).
This is the beach blanket we always use.
So, those were his top picks for vacation packing! I rounded up my favorite Spring Break Vacation Faves (every single item going with me on this trip!) to share too…
#1: YETI Hopper Backflip 24 Soft Sided Cooler/Backpack
#2: Bose SoundLink Revolve+ Portable & Long-Lasting Bluetooth 360 Speaker – Lux Gray
#3: BELLSPIN Toiletry Bag Womens Clear Travel Makeup Bags with Hanging Hook, Travel Makeup Organizer Cosmetic Bag for Travel Toiletries and Shower Accessories(Shell Pink)
You know how much I love this!!!
#4: Standard Icons 58mm Mirrored Polarized Aviator Sunglasses • Ray-Ban
#5: Vorshape Kids Swim Goggles 2 Pack Swimming Goggles for Child and Teens
#6: Selina Studded Sandal • Steve Madden
They come in so many colors and are SO CUTE!!
#7: Braided Straw Hat • Madewell
Adorable! I love that it comes in different sizes too!
#8: Supergoop! Glowscreen Broad Spectrum Sunscreen SPF 40 • Supergoop!
#9: Suncare Sport Sunscreen Spray Broad Spectrum SPF 30 • Coola
#10: Discovery Collection / $150 Value
#11: Lay-n-Go Cosmo Drawstring Makeup Organizer Cosmetic & Toiletry Bag for Travel, Gifts, and Daily Use with a Durable Patented Design, 20 inch, Black
I love this so much that I gifted it to each of my girlfriends this Christmas! My mom is the one who turned me on this makeup organizer, and I will never travel without it again!
#12: Click N Play 18Piece Beach Sand Toy Set, Bucket, Shovels, Rakes, Watering Can, Molds
#13: Dejaroo Mesh Beach Bag – Lightweight Tote Bag For Toys & Vacation Essentials
#14: Speedo Unisex-child Adventure Swim Mask Junior
#15: Delsey Chatelet Plus 28″ Hardside Spinner Suitcase • Delsey
Such a great suitcase!!! Nothing ever gets damaged inside.
#16: Beach Toy Mesh Bag Kids Shell Collecting Bag Beach Sand Toy Totes for Holding Shells Beach Toys Sand Toys Swimming Accessories for Boys and Girls(Only Bags,A Set of 3 )
#17: POPCHOSE Sandfree Beach Blanket, Large Sandproof Beach Mat for 4-7 Adults, Waterproof Pocket Picnic Blanket with 6 Stakes, Outdoor Blanket for Travel, Camping, Hiking
Look at that! Somehow, last year, I got four of these items in one pic! It’s because we take them everywhere 🙂 .
Whew! I hope that gets you in the mood for a Spring Break vacation and more importantly, gives you at least one tip or item to simplify your life!
I’m off now!
A HUGE thank you to my sweet hubby for indulging me with this post 🙂 .
I hope you have a wonderful Thursday! I’ll see you back here tomorrow! xx
Elspeth says
I love when we see Andrew in a post! Such great tips!
http://www.elspethsdaybyday.com
Kelsey says
What a great roundup! I’ll definitely be referring back to this post for my next beach trip!
Lindsay D. says
Do you haves a specific packing cube that you like or are they all about the same? Thanks!
Mix and Match Mama says
I always use these: https://shopstyle.it/l/bEHz7
Lindsay D. says
Thanks!! ❤️
Carol says
As one who requested more of Andrew, Thank You. Love all of these get tips for vacationing. Off to ordering some of Andrew’s healthy snacks.
Carol says
Not sure what happened, was suppose to be great tips for vacationing.
Lisa D says
So helpful… I’m packing for a Maui trip in April and that beach blanket is going with us!
Mix and Match Mama says
You’re going to love it! Have the best trip in Maui!!
Patty says
Lisa…for a trip to Maui, check out Ripskirt Hawaii…their skirts and tops are amazing and pack SO well! Very lightweight…quick to dry…come in 4 different lengths. Once I bought one I was hooked, and I now own several!
Carrie says
FUN post!!! And gets me super excited for Spring Break/ Summer travel!! Do you happen to have a Disney packing list?
Mix and Match Mama says
We do have one that we share with our Disney clients. Let us help you and we will share it!!!
Jamie says
Does Andrew do most of the packing for the kids as well?
Hope you have a great vacation!:)
Mix and Match Mama says
He does most of the ski clothes packing (the gear and layers!). The big kids pack themselves (I give them a sticky note of what they need and they pack it), I pack the little girls and then Andrew and I both pack the gear (beach toys, sunscreen, etc). We always use a shared note for these things.
Arika says
Your agency booked a Disney trip for us next month and I can’t begin to tell you how excited I am. Do you have a Disney packing list? I can’t remember if I’ve seen one on your blog before. Thanks!
Mix and Match Mama says
Yay!!! I’m so excited for you!! Jane will have that info for you 🙂 !
Arika says
Yay, thanks. She has been AMAZINGLY helpful!
Sandy says
Do your kids ever go stay with Andrews parents their other grand parents?
Mix and Match Mama says
At their house? Yes! Andrew’s parents prefer to come to Dallas, but yes, we often meet in the middle and/or fly them there when Andrew and I can’t go.
Donna says
Love your posts, especially book review day! A few months ago you mentioned something you use with your Bible studies, something like.
What the Bible says, I think it’s something you purchase, not sure if it’s on kindle or just audio. Thank you
Mix and Match Mama says
I have been using The Bible Recap! She has a daily 7 minute podcast that recaps that day’s readings! Download The Bible Recap app! You’ll love it!
Lisa says
So, the photo of Andrew and the kids skiing….I did a double, then triple take trying to figure out why Andrew had his leg pointed out (typical girly pose)…and then I noticed the snowboard. Bahaha, sorry Andrew, but it made me laugh. It was a long day in preschool apparently. Thanks for the tips!
Sheaffer Sims says
I love those neon sandals!!!! Seriously SO YOU!
Amber says
How do you carry all the towels for your big family to the beach? That mesh bag looks awesome, but not big enough for 6 beach towels? We have 4 in our family and even with that, I feel like my pool/beach bag fills up so fast with towels!
Mix and Match Mama says
For any towels that don’t fit, we just carry them! Each kiddo can carry at least one towel.
Christin says
Hi- where are the tights from in the pic with you and your luggage?
Mix and Match Mama says
Spanx!