
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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What to Wear in Idaho in All Seasons
Are you visiting Idaho and have no idea what to wear? Well you’re not alone! I’ve had many questions about what to…
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Deadwood Reservoir Camping Tips
Camping is one of my favorite things to do in the summer and ever since I moved to Boise, I’ve…
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What It’s Like Coming Home After Traveling for One Year
What It’s Like Coming Home After Traveling for One Year Many travel blogs I read before going on my trip…
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What to Pack for Camping in Idaho
What to Pack for Camping in Idaho – The List Camping in Idaho is one of my favorite things to…
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Idaho Shakespeare Festival: 4 Tips To Know Before You Go
The Idaho Shakespeare Festival in Boise is one of the most popular events for locals each summer, and it was…
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7 Tips for Floating the Boise River
[Updated for the 2026 Boise River float season.] Floating the Boise River is one of the most popular things to…
