
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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The Spirit of Boise Balloon Classic: Boise’s Annual Hot Air Balloon Celebration
This event is one of my absolute favorites in Boise! If you’ve never seen the sky filled with dozens of…
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Idaho Botanical Garden in Boise: What to Know Before You Visit
If you live in Boise long enough, like me, the Idaho Botanical Garden becomes one of those places you return…
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15 Best Restaurants in Boise (Updated 2026)
I am a big foodie and love finding the newest and hottest restaurants in Boise (the largest city in Idaho)…

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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10 U.S. Destinations for an Ecotourism Trip
This is a guest post brought to you by Cara Gold from Revivalist. Are you gearing up for your next…
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Why You Should Visit Japan During Cherry Blossom Season
Japan is one of my favorite countries worldwide, and after spending an entire month there, I long to return. I…
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16 Epic Things to Do in Stanley, Idaho
Are you ready to explore one of the best-hidden gems in my home state of Idaho? If so, keep reading.…
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The Ultimate Southern Idaho Road Trip Itinerary
Southern Idaho Road Trip Itinerary Many people have reached out to me on Instagram asking for southern Idaho road trip…
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Where to Stay in Tupelo, MS: Hotel Tupelo
Tupelo, Mississippi, was hands-down one of the coolest places that I visited while on my Southern Roadtrip through Mississippi and…
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The 20 Best Things To Do In Tupelo, MS
Tupelo, Mississippi, is commonly known as the birthplace of the famous Elvis Presley, but there’s so much more to this…
