I hate leaving my house. But I love traveling internationally. This is my personal paradox, and nothing exposes it faster than packing for a trip that includes both LA and Austin.

How do you dress for a city where “day to night” means Pilates to Erewhon and another where it means tacos to two-stepping? Packing for this kind of multi climate adventure feels like I have a split personality, one part minimalist, one part Cowboy Carter.

I start every suitcase with delusion: I will pack light. Good news, this edict holds true as I only use a carry on.

But then I add a “just in case” layer, just in case it’s cold, just in case it’s hot, just in case I’m invited to a rooftop party hosted by someone who has their own mezcal brand.

Los Angeles demands neutral tones, an outfit that says “I meditate”. Austin (I’m headed to the Austin City Limits festival) loves a print, a boot, and a bold lip. My suitcase is a diplomatic mission, two cultures, one carry-on. By the time I’ve rolled, stuffed, and zipped everything in, I know exactly what will happen - I’ll wear the same three things on repeat.

It’s controlled chaos, a small act of hope disguised as logistics. Because yes, I hate leaving my house. But once I’m gone, I can’t imagine being anywhere else but on the road again.