
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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Chicago in a Weekend: Everything You Should Do on Your Trip
Are you looking to visit Chicago in a weekend? If so, you’re in luck! Chicago is an incredibly vibrant, exciting,…
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Where to Stay in Bend, Oregon: Riverhouse on the Deschutes
Moving back to Boise has finally allowed me to start exploring the surrounding areas that I missed so much while…
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Dubai Itinerary: What to Do With a Week in Dubai
This is a Dubai Itinerary guest post brought to you by Neha from Dubai Wikia. You may see affiliate links sprinkled…
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Idaho Wineries: A Day on the Sunnyslope Wine Trail
After living only an hour from Napa Valley, most of the time I lived in the Bay Area, I got…
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St. Petersburg FL: What to See, Eat & Do in the Sunshine City
I’ve been to Florida a few times, but each time it’s been for work or to go to Disneyland! This…
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What to Pack for Florida in the Winter
I had the most challenging time figuring out what to pack for Florida when traveling there in February, so I…
