How To Pack For A Holiday: Smart Strategies For Stylish, Stress-Free Travel
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Navigation
Build Your Capsule Wardrobe for Travel
How to Pack a Suitcase Efficiently
Layering for Travel: Be Ready for All Weather
The Travel Necessities Checklist You’ll Actually Use
Your Complete International Travel Checklist
Comfortable Travel Shoes: What Works and What Doesn’t
Travel Fitness: How to Exercise on Vacation
Credit Cards for Holiday Travel: What Stephanie Uses
Planning a Vacation Checklist That Actually Works
Final Thoughts: Practical Style for Real Life Travel
Planning a trip overseas? In episode 10 of the Style for Life podcast, Stephanie Rumble shares her personal tips on how to pack for a holiday, recorded live from Zurich, Switzerland. As a seasoned fashion stylist, accountability coach, and frequent traveller, Stephanie explores everything from wardrobe choices to handling jet lag and staying active while abroad.
Whether you're preparing for a European spring break or finalising your international travel checklist, this guide draws directly from the episode to offer stylish, practical advice for packing light and travelling well.
Build Your Capsule Wardrobe for Travel
Creating a capsule wardrobe for travel is at the heart of Stephanie's packing philosophy. The idea is to select versatile, mix-and-match pieces that allow you to create dozens of outfits from just a few core items. This approach not only saves space in your suitcase but also ensures you look put together throughout your trip.
Stephanie aimed to pack just 12 pieces for her Zurich trip, ultimately taking 13 daywear items—plus outerwear and shoes. The key takeaway? Less is more when planned thoughtfully. A well-chosen travel wardrobe amplifies your style by focusing on fit, function, and personality.
For those who struggle with their day-to-day wardrobe, personal styling consultations can be a transformative step in understanding what suits your shape, lifestyle, and travel goals. Stephanie’s recommendations reflect what many of her clients experience—simplicity and confidence when your wardrobe works for you.
Tips for Creating a Travel Capsule Wardrobe:
Choose breathable fabrics for comfort
Stick to a coordinated colour palette
Include both short- and long-sleeve tops
Select trousers or shorts with elastic waists
Pack one or two statement pieces (like a dress or blazer)
Incorporating these principles reduces decision fatigue while ensuring your stylish travel wardrobe works for any occasion. With a bit of forethought, you can travel light without sacrificing style.
How to Pack a Suitcase Efficiently
Knowing how to pack a suitcase efficiently makes all the difference. Stephanie recommends using packing cells or cubes to stay organised and avoid overpacking. This system allows easy access to your clothing while keeping your suitcase tidy and compartmentalised.
“I always try to make sure my suitcase is at least five kilos under. Honestly, the heavier your bag, the harder it is to move around.” ~ Stephanie Rumble
She dedicates one packing cell to everyday outfits and another to workout gear, with space for essentials like sleepwear, a raincoat, and lightweight layers. Everything has its place.
Smart Packing Tactics:
Use lightweight packing accessories for travel such as compression cubes
Roll clothes instead of folding to maximise space and minimise wrinkles
Weigh your suitcase in advance—stay at least 5kg below your airline’s weight limit
Packing this way supports a more relaxed and enjoyable trip. When you're organised from the start, it sets a calm, confident tone for your travels.
Layering for Travel: Be Ready for All Weather
When visiting destinations with unpredictable climates, layering for travel is essential. Stephanie experienced unexpected warmth in Zurich and had to adjust her outfits accordingly.
Layering offers flexibility without adding bulk. You can re-wear pieces in multiple combinations while staying comfortable across a range of temperatures.
Key Takeaways:
Always check weather forecasts for each destination
Include at least one warm outer layer, even for warm weather trips
Elastic waistbands are ideal for long-haul comfort and post-flight bloating
Knowing how to layer clothes for cold weather helps you adapt to temperature changes while staying stylish. Think functional layers, not just fashion-focused ones.
The Travel Necessities Checklist You’ll Actually Use
Packing for international travel involves more than just clothing. Stephanie’s travel necessities checklist includes wellness and comfort items that make the journey smoother and healthier.
Her method is built from experience—anticipating discomforts before they arise and addressing them with simple, thoughtful tools.
“Comfort is key when you're flying long haul. Honestly, I’d never travel without compression socks again.” ~ Stephanie Rumble
Stephanie’s Personal Essentials:
Compression socks for long flights
Melatonin, magnesium, and antihistamines to help manage sleep and jet lag
A carry-on packing list for an international flight: toiletries, change of clothes, neck pillow, water bottle, eye mask, and earplugs
A universal adapter plug and 4-socket power board
These are the subtle but powerful additions that can transform a stressful travel day into a comfortable one. Planning for these elements is just as important as selecting the right outfit.
Your Complete International Travel Checklist
Before departure, review your international travel checklist to make sure everything is covered—from clothing to health and financial prep. Skipping small details can lead to big headaches later.
Stephanie’s recommendations blend logistics with lifestyle, ensuring you’re equipped for both the journey and the destination.
Items to Double-Check:
Passport, tickets, and backups (digital and printed)
Country-specific plug adapters
Medications and skincare
Workout gear and other fitness on holiday items
Sunscreen and lip balm
With this checklist in hand, you reduce the likelihood of last-minute stress and increase the odds of a smooth, comfortable trip.
Comfortable Travel Shoes: What Works and What Doesn’t
Shoes are one of the hardest things to get right. Stephanie packed Birkenstocks, sandals, running shoes, trainers, and Doc Martens but found many weren’t ideal for Zurich’s spring warmth.
Choosing comfortable travel shoes is about more than matching your outfit. You’ll likely be on your feet for hours, so support and breathability are crucial.
Stephanie recommends limiting yourself to three pairs: one for walking, one for warm weather, and one fashionable-but-functional option. Avoid overpacking here. Your feet (and your back) will thank you.
Travel Fitness: How to Exercise on Vacation
Stephanie encourages listeners to stay active during their travels. Incorporating exercise on vacation can help boost energy and combat jet lag.
“You don’t need a break from being healthy just because you’re on holiday.” ~ Stephanie Rumble
She travels with running gear, anti-chafe cream, compression socks, and even a spiky yoga mat that doubles as a pillow. Her go-to workouts include early runs, airport walks, and simple bodyweight movements.
Keeping Active on Holiday:
Walk around the airport during layovers
Use hotel gyms or explore local parks
Book accommodation in walkable areas
Making time for fitness on holiday isn’t about rigid routines—it’s about feeling good in your body so you can enjoy every moment of your trip.
Travelling with your wellbeing in mind? Explore accountability coaching for lifestyle and health, led by Stephanie herself. This service is ideal if you want to build sustainable routines—before, during, and after your holiday.
Credit Cards for Holiday Travel: What Stephanie Uses
Stephanie also shares her financial tips, including the use of a Wise card for managing expenses. She recommends this debit-style credit card for holiday spending due to its low fees and easy currency conversion.
You can preload multiple currencies and use the app to manage transactions in real-time. Just ensure your linked bank account is in your personal name to avoid verification issues.
This small preparation can save you money and help you manage your travel budget effectively.
Planning a Vacation Checklist That Actually Works
A clear, comprehensive checklist for planning a vacation will keep you on track as you prepare for departure. Stephanie’s approach emphasises both practicality and peace of mind.
She suggests tailoring your checklist to reflect the type of trip, destination climate, and your personal needs. Think beyond just clothes—consider how you want to feel when you land.
Checklist Essentials:
Check the forecast and pack layers accordingly
Build a wardrobe that mixes and matches
Consider your airport outfit for style and comfort
Ensure your tech and documents are ready to go
Wondering about what to pack for an overseas trip? Use your checklist to guide each step—ensuring nothing is missed and everything has a purpose.
Final Thoughts: Practical Style for Real Life Travel
Packing well is part strategy, part mindset. In this Style for Life podcast episode, Stephanie Rumble offers thoughtful insights based on real experiences travelling through Europe.
Whether you're building a packing checklist, choosing your airport outfit, or narrowing down the essential things to take for a trip, intentionality is key. Travelling light doesn’t mean compromising style. It means curating it.
Stephanie’s experience in Zurich, Switzerland demonstrates that you can be practical, comfortable, and stylish—all while enjoying your trip with confidence. The advice she shares is relatable and easy to apply, especially for those looking to simplify their packing approach. From Switzerland to wherever your next adventure takes you, these strategies will help you feel calm, collected, and confident from takeoff to landing.
Keep your wardrobe functional, your footwear breathable, and your planning intentional. That’s what travel with style looks like.
Want more support in developing confidence, presentation, or communication? Explore speaking and workplace education workshops designed to elevate performance, resilience and connection.
Listen on Spotify
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I include in a travel capsule wardrobe?
A capsule wardrobe for travel should include versatile, mix-and-match pieces suited to the climate of your destination. Think neutral colours, breathable fabrics, and styles you can layer. The goal is to pack light while still having enough outfits for different scenarios. Stephanie Rumble suggests planning ahead by checking the weather and thinking about your daily activities.
How can I stay comfortable during long-haul flights?
Comfort starts with your outfit. Choose clothing with stretch, like trousers with elastic waistbands, and breathable layers you can adjust easily. Items like compression socks, eye masks, and a neck pillow can significantly improve your in-flight experience. Stephanie also recommends packing a small toiletry kit to freshen up mid-flight.
What are Stephanie Rumble’s top travel packing tips?
Stephanie’s best travel packing advice includes planning a 12-piece capsule wardrobe, using packing cubes to stay organised, and leaving 5kg of extra space in your suitcase. She also emphasises comfort and choosing shoes wisely. For more personalised tips, you can explore Bright Red’s styling services.
What kind of shoes are best for travel?
Stephanie advises choosing three types of shoes: one for walking, one for casual wear in warm weather, and one stylish but supportive pair. Avoid heavy or non-breathable options unless the climate demands it. Comfort is key, especially when you’ll be on your feet all day.
How do I deal with jet lag while travelling?
Stephanie recommends syncing your body clock as early as possible by staying awake until local bedtime and using melatonin or antihistamines like Finnegan. Light exercise such as a walk or short run can also help reset your rhythm. Staying hydrated and avoiding naps can speed up the adjustment.
What should I bring in my carry-on for an international flight?
Essential carry-on items include a change of clothes, basic toiletries, a neck pillow, water bottle, eye mask, and earplugs. Stephanie also includes medications like magnesium and melatonin for sleep support. These items can make your travel day much more comfortable and help you arrive feeling refreshed.
How can I maintain healthy habits on holiday?
Staying active on holiday doesn’t have to be complicated. Stephanie suggests incorporating movement like walking or light runs into your routine. Packing workout clothes and lightweight shoes helps you stay motivated. For deeper lifestyle support, accountability coaching may be a great resource.
Is it better to roll or fold clothes when packing?
Rolling clothes can save space and help reduce wrinkles, especially when used in combination with packing cubes. Stephanie prefers rolling for efficiency and organisation. This method also makes it easier to see everything in your suitcase at a glance.
What clothing layers should I bring for unpredictable weather?
Choose base layers, breathable tops, and a light jacket or raincoat. Stephanie always includes a rain layer and something warm, even for spring travel. Layering gives you flexibility, and keeping fabrics lightweight ensures you don’t overheat while moving around.
What is a Wise card and why does Stephanie recommend it?
The Wise card is a multi-currency debit card that helps reduce foreign transaction fees. Stephanie uses it when travelling to manage expenses and avoid bank surcharges. It’s a helpful tool for anyone wanting to stick to a travel budget more easily.
