
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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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…
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Where to Stay in Paris: Hotel Chavanel
Lately, I’ve become obsessed with boutique hotels. There’s something unique about them without the generic gimmicky vibes of chains. When…

