
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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Junk Boating Through Halong Bay
It’s not every day that you’re on a massive ship sailing through limestone cliffs and turquoise water with a crew serving you fresh…
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My Top 10 In-Flight Travel Essentials
Are you getting ready to take off to your next travel destination? If so, I have some in-flight travel essentials…
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You Haven’t Been to Pride Unless You’ve Been to SF Pride
A HUGE milestone happened today when the Supreme Court of the United States ruled in favor of same-sex marriage in…
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The 6 Best Belfast Attractions
Northern Ireland….WOW! Literally…. WOW! Talk about a sight for sore eyes. I decided to go to Northern Ireland after a…
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Why I Love Stand Up Paddle Boarding in Sausalito (SUPing)
Stand Up Paddle Boarding in Sausalito I was super duper freaked out to go stand up paddle boarding for…
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Why Alsace is My Favorite Region in France
Why Alsace is My Favorite Region in France The Alsace region of France is located in the North East part…
