
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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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…
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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…
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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…
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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…
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How to Find the Famous San Francisco Swing
How to Find the Famous San Francisco Swing If you’re like me and you look on Instagram to find cool…

