
Welcome!
to the Traveling Spud Blog
I’m Katie, the voice behind The Traveling Spud! Your go-to resource for Boise travel guides, Idaho weekend getaways, family-friendly adventures, and easy escapes from the Pacific Northwest. Here you’ll find curated itineraries, local favorites, unique stays, and practical travel tips to help you plan your next trip with confidence.
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Explore Boise & Idaho Guides
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Where to Stay in Boise, Idaho: Best Neighborhoods & Hotels (Local Guide)
Affiliate links may be sprinkled throughout the blog below. I’ll receive a small commission when you purchase from my links…
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Best Hikes Near Boise, Idaho: Local Favorites for Every Season
Most people know there are a lot of great hikes near Boise, but it took me a while to find…
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Best Pumpkin Patches Near Boise, Idaho (2026 Local Guide)
Fall in Idaho is literally my favorite season everrrr! The crisp mornings, changing leaves, pumpkin spice lattes (!!), and weekends…

Hi, I’m Katie
The face behind the traveling spud
Once a full-time solo traveler and tech professional in San Francisco, I now call Boise, Idaho home — balancing global adventures with building a life and raising my family in the Pacific Northwest.
I’ve traveled to over 40 countries and continue to explore both international destinations and the best weekend getaways across Idaho and the western U.S. From off-the-beaten-path experiences to practical family travel tips, I share real itineraries, honest recommendations, and lessons learned along the way.
My guides have helped thousands of readers plan trips to Boise, Idaho, and destinations around the world.
I’m goofy, not always put together, and fully committed to living big, whether that means crossing off a bucket-list trip or discovering a hidden gem close to home.
Idaho Travel
BOISE / SOUTHERN IDAHO / CENTRAL IDAHO / NORTHERN IDAHO / MOUNTAIN TOWNS
Recent Travels and Adventures!
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Things to Do in Bend Oregon on Your Next Weekend Trip
Things to Do in Bend Oregon for Your Next Weekend Trip Ever since moving to Boise, I’ve heard from so…
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Why Salzburg is My Favorite City in Austria
Every so often, I happen upon a place that totally enchants me, takes my breath away, and makes me feel…
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Jackson Hole in Summer: A Weekend Guide
Jackson Hole, Wyoming in summer is like an adult playground! If you’re looking for western, outdoorsy vibes, Jackson is the…
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Where to Stay on the Oregon Coast: Headlands Lodge
Pacific City Hotel, Oregon: Headlands Lodge Review My husband and I went on an Oregon road trip leaving from Boise,…
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The Traveling Spud’s Top Picks – All of my favorite product links
January 2024 Favorites “Top 15” I get a lot of questions daily about my favorite products for travel, beauty, fashion,…
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How To Choose Your Next Travel Destination
Ah, the age-old question: how to choose your next travel destination? If you’re here, you’re probably ready for a new…
