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.
As Seen In
Explore Boise & Idaho Guides
-
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…
-
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,…
-
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!
-
9 Painless Ways to Make Friends While Traveling Solo
After traveling the world as long as I have, I’ve gotten a lot of questions from curious readers about all…
-
4 Fairytale Villages in Europe You Must Visit
Have you ever been somewhere that totally takes your breath away? Somewhere you feel like you’ve stepped into an alternate…
-
Diaries Around the World: Indonesia and Malaysia 6.5 Months
Hey, guys! Since my last update of Thailand, Laos and Malaysia I’m now going to write a quick update for…
-
A Local’s Guide to Shreveport Louisiana with Emily Knecht
Hey, guys! While I’m abroad, I thought it would be cool to have some of my friends back in the…
-
Hallstatt Austria: 8 Reasons to Visit Soon
Hallstatt Austria is an absolute fairytale town in real life and happens to also be a UNESCO World Heritage site…
-
Dublin Like a Local with Expats Shay and Kurt
Shay and her boyfriend Kurt are some of my very best friends from San Francisco who currently live in Dublin, Ireland. They…
