
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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Roaring Springs Water Park in Meridian, Idaho: 12 Tips Before You Go
If you’re looking for one of the best ways to cool off during the summer in the Treasure Valley, you…
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20+ Best Patios & Rooftop Bars in Boise, Idaho (Local Guide)
Looking for the best patios and rooftop bars in Boise? I’ve got you! After living in Boise for 10+ years,…
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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…

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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The 12 Best Travel Books to Inspire Your Inner Wanderlust
After a year of travel I’ve read A LOT of books. Some have been travel-focused and others not, but I…
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HOW I SAVED $35,000 TO TRAVEL THE WORLD
The most common question I get about my trip around the world is “How did you save up the money?”…
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Peace in the Middle East: How to Spend Christmas in Israel
I’m a bit delayed in getting this post out, but I’m so excited to share my Christmas in Isreal last…
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The 11 Best Wavy Hair Travel Products
The Best Wavy Hair Products for Travel After traveling for 1 year and 2 months without a curling iron, straightener or…
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Thailand Travel Guide: What to See, Do & Eat
I was lucky to spend 1 month and 2 weeks in Thailand this past year and ended up falling completely…
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100 Things I Learned & Experienced from 1 Year of Travel: A Letter to Myself
After coming home from traveling for 14 months I’ve finally had the time to reflect on the crazy journey I…
