How to Pack for an Island Holiday: A Stylist's Complete Guide
- Stephanie Rumble
- 4 days ago
- 14 min read
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If you've ever stared at an open suitcase wondering what on earth to take to the tropics, you're not alone. In this episode of the Bright Red podcast, Stephanie Rumble — fashion stylist, accountability coach, and educator based in Christchurch, New Zealand — shares exactly how she packs for a week-long island holiday. Stephanie and her family are heading to Niue to celebrate their 30th wedding anniversary, and she walks us through every item, every decision, and every trick she uses to stay organised, pack light, and arrive prepared. Whether you're heading to the Pacific, Southeast Asia, or any warm island destination, this island holiday packing list will help you travel smarter.
Why the Island of Niue Is a Unique Destination
Niue is not your typical resort holiday. The island of Niue is a small coral atoll in the South Pacific, roughly three and a half hours from Auckland, with a permanent population of just 1,260 people.
There are no sandy beaches. The coastline is coral reef, which means the terrain is rugged and proper footwear is essential. Stephanie describes it as more of a hiking and snorkelling destination than a lounging-by-the-pool getaway.
The island receives grocery deliveries roughly once a month from New Zealand, so visitors need to plan ahead. The climate is warm year-round, with humidity above 80% and daytime temperatures in the low thirties (Celsius). Niue is affiliated with New Zealand, so the currency, power adapters, and customs process are all familiar. It's an accessible yet remote Niue island vacation spot that requires a bit more forethought than your average beach holiday.
Building Your Island Holiday Packing List
Stephanie's approach to building an island holiday packing list is methodical. She starts with the climate and the activities, then works backwards. For a week in Niue, her entire wardrobe fits into one large packing cell and one small one. She keeps her clothing choices simple, focusing on pieces that can be mixed, matched, and layered over swimwear.
For the flight itself, Stephanie wears a Cotton On two-piece — a light set of trousers and a shirt — paired with a Glassons crop singlet she's had for years. It's comfortable and cotton-based, which matters because fabrics like silk can cling uncomfortably in humid conditions.
Her packed clothing list covers everything she needs for the week:
Three dresses — two long cotton sundresses (one white from Witchery and a colourful one from Juliette Hogan in 100% cotton) and a smaller Ruby sundress that scrunches into nothing.
Two pairs of shorts — denim shorts picked up in Switzerland and a pair of white Glassons shorts.
Four small tops.
A strapless onesie — perfect for throwing on over a bikini.
A long-sleeve shirt for cooler moments.
A couple of sets of sleepwear.
Everything is chosen in lightweight fabrics that breathe in high humidity — cotton is her go-to fibre. As a professional colour consultant, Stephanie naturally gravitates towards pieces that complement her colouring, but she also mentions that many of her holiday items aren't precious. The white shorts have sunscreen stains, the hat is a replacement, and that's the point. Pack things you're comfortable getting a bit roughed up.
The key takeaway is restraint. Stephanie notes she's probably packed slightly more than she needs, but even so, there's still room in the suitcase. If you struggle to edit your wardrobe down, a professional wardrobe audit can help you identify the pieces that actually work for you, making it far easier to pack when the time comes. For most island holidays, less really is more.
Packing Cells: The Secret to Suitcase Organisation
If there's one thing Stephanie swears by, it's packing cells. She uses a large Kathmandu packing cell for all her main clothing and a small one for underwear, a running visor, sports clothing, and other bits and pieces.
Her technique is worth noting. She places her straw sun hat in the centre of the large packing cell first, then packs all her clothes around it. The hat is one she picked up in Spain as a replacement, so she's not overly attached to it — a smart approach for island travel.
Stephanie's packing order inside the cell goes like this:
Layer 1: Hat in the centre as the anchor
Layer 2: Dresses and shorts packed around the base of the hat
Layer 3: Small tops tucked inside the head of the hat
Layer 4: Sports gear, bikinis, and rash vest layered on top
This method protects the hat from being crushed and forces you to be disciplined about how much you're taking. If it doesn't fit around the hat, you've packed too much. Once everything is in, the packing cell zips up neatly and slides into the suitcase as one compact unit.
Using packing cells also means that when you arrive at your destination, everything comes out organised. Each cell is its own compartment. There's no rummaging through a jumbled suitcase trying to find a pair of shorts buried under your toiletries.
Travel Toiletries: Keep It Minimal and Leak-Proof
Stephanie's travel toiletries setup is a masterclass in minimalism. Everything lives inside a washable sponge bag, which itself sits inside a plastic bag. The double-bag system exists for one reason: leaks. Stephanie learned this the hard way in Italy, when a hair product leaked through her bag and she had to wash all her clothes in a Rome hotel basin.
Her sponge bag contents include:
Razor
Conditioner and shampoo (small bottles)
Moisturiser for skin
One larger hair product (Stephanie has a lot of hair)
Shower gel and soap
Facial cleanser in its own plastic bag
Deodorant
A small perfume that lives permanently in the bag
Face oil
Makeup remover pads and cotton pads
Facial sunscreen and night moisturiser
Toothbrush, toothpaste, and comb
Hairspray
Sleepy patches and a face mask
Her sunscreen goes in a separate bag entirely, because sunscreen is particularly prone to leaking under pressure changes during flights. She also packs facial zinc for snorkelling days.
One of Stephanie's best packing tips for air travel is to keep your sponge bag permanently packed. She only replenishes items when she returns from a trip. This way, she just grabs it and goes. The mini toiletries approach keeps everything compact and flight-friendly.
Coral Shoes and Island Footwear
Footwear on Niue isn't optional. The coastline is coral reef, so Stephanie packs coral shoes (also called reef shoes or water shoes) specifically for getting in and out of the water safely. She bought hers from The Warehouse for around $14, so they don't need to be expensive.
Beyond reef shoes, Stephanie takes three pairs:
Teva sandals: versatile enough for walking and getting wet.
Trainers: trail-capable shoes that double as running shoes and plane shoes.
Birkenstocks: for casual wear around the accommodation.
Three pairs is more than she'd usually take, but the varied terrain on Niue justifies it. Every pair goes into a shoe bag before going into the suitcase. Shoe bags keep your luggage smelling fresh and stop dirty soles from touching your clothes, making a big difference to your overall suitcase packing and organisation.
Stephanie's suitcase is a sturdy July brand case. She packs the large packing cell on one side, the small cell beside it, sponge bag and sunscreen down the sides, and shoes in their bags on the opposite half alongside her daughter Poppy's clothes. Even with all of this, there's still room to spare.
Snorkelling Gear and Beach Essentials
Niue is a snorkelling destination, and Stephanie packs accordingly. Her water gear includes:
Mask and snorkel.
Rash vest for sun protection in the water.
Two to three bikinis.
A one-piece for watersports.
Travel towel — one for herself plus a couple of spares for the family.
A second suitcase (shared with her husband) carries the bulkier snorkelling gear, reef shoes for the family, and extra towels, with spare space for the children's belongings when they all meet in Auckland.
For covering up between swims, Stephanie relies on her sundresses and the strapless onesie. If you find it hard to pull together versatile holiday outfits like this on your own, Stephanie also offers personal shopping sessions to help you find pieces that work across multiple settings. Travel towels pack down small and dry quickly, making them ideal travel accessories for island trips.
Self Catering: Why It Changes How You Pack
One of the unique aspects of Stephanie's Niue trip is that they're staying in self catering accommodation — an Airbnb rather than a resort. Because Niue's grocery deliveries are so infrequent, the family is taking a large amount of food with them. Four of the five family members are each taking two bags, and much of that space is dedicated to food, not clothes. Self catering also means packing soap, extra towels, and being more self-sufficient generally. It requires a different mindset — more camping mentality than resort mentality.
If you're planning a self-catering island holiday, here are some things to consider packing beyond your clothes:
Food and snacks, especially if the island has limited grocery supply.
Basic cooking condiments and spices.
Soap and cleaning supplies for the whole family.
Extra towels beyond what the accommodation provides.
Reusable bags for carrying supplies on day trips.
A drink bottle for each person.
The upside is freedom. You cook what you want, eat when you want, and save on dining out.
Holiday Exercise: Packing Sports Gear for the Tropics
Stephanie is a qualified group fitness instructor and personal trainer, so it's no surprise that holiday exercise features in her packing. Her workout gear for the trip includes:
Two sports bras (which double as regular bras).
Two pairs of sports shorts.
Two exercise singlets.
Anti-chafe product for running in the heat.
A running visor and sunglasses.
Shakti mat and spiky ball for recovery.
The recovery tools might seem like luxury items, but they can make the difference between enjoying your holiday and hobbling around with sore muscles. A bit of exercise also means that the relaxing feels even better and well earn! The key is to keep your exercise clothes lightweight and quick-drying.
Stephanie's philosophy is straightforward: you don't stop moving just because you're on holiday. As someone who also provides accountability coaching for health and wellness, she practises what she preaches. Packing the gear ensures there are no excuses.
The Travel Backpack: What Goes in Your Hand Luggage
Stephanie's travel backpack is a Cotopaxi pack that clips onto the back of her suitcase. It's small, lightweight, and designed for exactly this purpose — carrying your essentials on the plane and doubling as a day pack for hiking and exploring.
Inside the backpack, she packs:
iPad (for checking things while away).
Travel charger and plug.
Two hardcover books (she's reading one on audio and one physically — she prefers hardcovers to reading on a device).
Sunglasses and EarPods.
A bum bag with her passport.
A drink bottle.
A light cardigan for chilly moments during travel.
Anything you need during the flight or immediately upon arrival goes in the backpack. Everything else goes in the checked travel suitcase.
The Travel Kit That Goes Everywhere
Stephanie also has a small travel kit that goes with her on every trip. It's a clear Kathmandu zip-up pouch and it contains the little things you don't think about until you need them:
Hair ties
Eye mask
Earplugs
A small clip-on booklight for reading without disturbing others
Sewing kit
Hormone replacement patches (HRT)
Lip balm
Bandaids
A small bag of medications including Panadol
It's the kind of kit that takes five minutes to put together once and then lives in your bag permanently.
She also packs swimming goggles alongside her sunglasses for days when she wants to swim rather than snorkel. One thing Stephanie deliberately leaves behind is her makeup bag. It's going to be too hot in Niue, and leaving it behind frees up space and weight. Packing well is as much about what you leave out as what you put in.
The Travel Journal: A Personal Touch
Stephanie takes a travel journal with her wherever she goes. It lives in its own small bag with a pen, and she writes in it every night. It's a habit, not a chore — and it's something she specifically mentions as a non-negotiable packing item.
A journal doesn't take up much space, but it adds something to a holiday that photos alone can't capture. The thoughts, the feelings, the small moments that don't make it to Instagram. For a week-long island holiday, a journal is a worthwhile addition to your packing checklist.
Packing Tips for Air Travel: Lessons from Experience
Stephanie has clearly refined her packing system over many trips. Here are the key packing tips for air travel she shares in this episode:
Pack around the hat. Use the hat as the anchor in your packing cell and build your clothing around it. It protects the hat and keeps everything compact.
Keep your sponge bag permanently packed. Only restock what you've used up after each trip.
Put shoes in shoe bags. It prevents odour transfer and keeps your clothes clean.
Separate your sunscreen. Pack it in its own plastic bag away from everything else.
Use packing cells. One large for clothes, one small for underwear and accessories.
Wear your bulkiest shoes on the plane. Stephanie wears her trainers to save suitcase space.
Keep important items in your backpack. Passport, charger, reading material, and a cardigan for the flight.
These aren't revolutionary ideas, but they're the kind of habits that separate a stressed packer from a calm one. As a fashion stylist in NZ who travels regularly, Stephanie has refined this system over many trips. It works because it's repeatable, and when she arrives at her destination, everything comes out of the suitcase organised and in its place.
Modest Clothing for Pacific Island Culture
One detail Stephanie mentions that many travellers overlook is the importance of dressing modestly on Pacific Islands. Niue tends to be a little more conservative than what many New Zealanders are used to, so she's mindful about what she wears in public. Knowing your body shape makes it easier to find modest pieces that still look and feel great, rather than defaulting to shapeless cover-ups.
Stephanie packs a white dress because, as she explains, they have to wear white on Sunday in Niue. She also chooses shorts that aren't too short — pieces she can wear comfortably at the accommodation and out exploring without feeling disrespectful.
If you're visiting a Pacific Island, it's worth keeping modesty in mind when packing:
A dress or skirt that offers more coverage than you might wear at home
A light shirt to cover your arms and back when needed
Shorts that are a reasonable length for public settings
Something white if you're visiting Niue on a Sunday
It's not restrictive — it's respectful. And it's easy to plan for if you know about it before you pack.
Final Thoughts
What stands out most about Stephanie's approach to packing is how intentional it is. Every item earns its place. For an island holiday, whether it's Niue, Rarotonga, Fiji, or anywhere in the Pacific, the principles are the same. Choose breathable, lightweight fabrics. Pack for the water as much as the land. Protect your gear from leaks. Respect the local culture. And bring far less clothing than you think you need.
Stephanie's system of packing cells, shoe bags, a permanently packed sponge bag, and a well-organised travel backpack turns what could be a stressful process into something genuinely simple. The fact that she fits a full week's worth of clothing, toiletries, sports gear, books, a journal, and recovery tools into one suitcase, with room to spare for her daughter's clothes, says everything about what's possible when you pack with purpose.
Beyond travel, Stephanie Rumble brings this same level of care and expertise to everything she does through Bright Red. Whether you're a professional looking for corporate styling support, someone considering a career change through her stylist training programme, or a business in need of workplace education in areas like de-escalation training or team workshops, Stephanie delivers with warmth, professionalism, and real-world experience. She's also available as a keynote speaker for events across New Zealand.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What should I pack for a tropical island holiday?
Focus on lightweight, breathable fabrics like cotton that won't cling in high humidity. Pack a mix of sundresses, shorts, and small tops that can be layered over swimwear. Stephanie Rumble recommends keeping things simple and choosing pieces you can mix and match across the week.
A good rule of thumb is to pack less than you think you need. If your entire wardrobe fits into one or two packing cells, you're on the right track.
How do packing cells help with suitcase organisation?
Packing cells keep your clothing compressed, separated, and easy to find. Instead of rummaging through a loose suitcase, each cell acts as its own compartment. Stephanie uses a large cell for her main clothing and a small one for underwear and accessories. They also help you stay disciplined. If it doesn't fit in the cell, you've probably packed too much.
What are the best shoes for a coral reef holiday?
Reef shoes or coral shoes are essential for any destination with a coral coastline. They protect your feet from sharp coral and can handle getting wet. Stephanie bought hers from The Warehouse for around $14, so they don't need to be expensive. Beyond reef shoes, a pair of sturdy walking shoes and a versatile sandal will cover most island terrain.
How do I stop toiletries from leaking when I travel?
The key is containment. Stephanie keeps her sponge bag inside a plastic bag, and packs sunscreen in a separate bag entirely. Anything prone to leaking gets its own layer of protection. Keeping your toiletries in small bottles also helps. Less liquid means less risk, and it keeps your bag lighter overall.
What should I wear on a Pacific Island to be respectful?
Pacific Islands like Niue tend to be a little more conservative than what many visitors are used to. Pack at least one dress or skirt that falls below the knee, and a light shirt to cover your shoulders when visiting villages or attending church.
It's easy to plan for once you know about it, and choosing the right pieces doesn't mean sacrificing style. A body shape consultation can help you find modest pieces that still look and feel great.
How do I pack a sun hat without crushing it?
Stephanie's technique is to place the hat in the centre of a packing cell and pack all her clothes around it. Dresses and shorts go around the base, small tops tuck inside the head of the hat, and sports gear layers on top. The clothing cushions the hat and protects its shape during travel.
What sports gear should I take on a tropical holiday?
If you plan on exercising, pack two sets of lightweight workout gear that dry quickly. Stephanie takes sports bras that double as regular bras, sports shorts, exercise singlets, and an anti-chafe product for running in the heat. Recovery tools like a spiky ball or Shakti mat are worth considering if you have space.
What should go in my carry-on bag for an island holiday?
Your carry-on should hold everything you need during the flight and on arrival. Stephanie packs her iPad, a travel charger, hardcover books, sunglasses, EarPods, a bum bag with her passport, a drink bottle, and a light cardigan for the plane. A small travel kit with items like earplugs, an eye mask, lip balm, and basic medications is also worth keeping permanently packed.
How do I pack for a self-catering island holiday?
Self-catering holidays require more planning than resort stays. If your destination has limited grocery supply, you may need to bring food, cooking basics, soap, and extra towels. Stephanie's family takes two bags each to Niue, with much of the space dedicated to food rather than clothes. The trade-off is freedom. You cook what you want, eat when you want, and save on dining out.
How can a fashion stylist help me pack better?
A stylist can help you build a wardrobe of versatile, flattering pieces that work across multiple settings, making packing far simpler. When you know what suits your body, your colouring, and your lifestyle, you stop second-guessing every item and pack with confidence. Stephanie Rumble offers styling consultations to help women across New Zealand get their wardrobes working harder.
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