
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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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…
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Idaho Botanical Garden in Boise: What to Know Before You Visit
If you live in Boise long enough, like me, the Idaho Botanical Garden becomes one of those places you return…
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15 Best Restaurants in Boise (Updated 2026)
I am a big foodie and love finding the newest and hottest restaurants in Boise (the largest city in Idaho)…

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 Best Things to Do in Vail, Colorado in Summer
If you’re craving a mountain getaway with the perfect mix of adventure, relaxation, and that unbeatable Colorado charm, Vail should…
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12 Stress-Free Planning Tips for Summer Travel
Summertime is here, folks! And that means it’s the season of travel and a time when most people’s travel plans…
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The Ultimate Palm Springs Bachelorette Party Guide
Palm Springs, California is one of the most popular year-round destinations and is the PERFECT place for a bachelorette party…
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The 20+ Best Things To Do In Idaho in the Winter
Idaho, in the winter, is a magical place, and as an Idaho local, I love Idaho in most seasons, but…
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How to Find Cheap Flights – My Top Tips
I’ve had a lot of people ask me how I’ve found cheap flights to fly around the world. Since this…
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55 Fun Facts About Idaho
Idaho is a state that is famous for a lot of things, including potatoes! Since I’m a 6th-generation Idahoan, I…
