
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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27 Best Places to Travel in the Fall
It’s almost that time of the year again! The summer sun sets a little earlier, and the sweltering heat becomes…
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Avoid the Hassle: Here’s the Easiest Way to Get to Neuschwanstein Castle
Neuschwanstein Castle is one of the most stunning castles in the world, located in the heart of Bavaria, Germany,…
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10 Cheap Places to Eat in Boise
Many of you have seen my favorite restaurants in Boise, but not all of these are great for the pocketbook.…
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A Guide to Hiking The Inca Trail To Machu Picchu in 4 Days
Hiking the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu in Peru is on many travelers’ bucket lists and is one of the…
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14 Best Idaho Backpacking Trips
As an Idaho local, I can honestly say that Idaho has some of the most beautiful terrain for hiking and…
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City Guide: What to Do in Paris
City Guide: What to Do in Paris Traveling to Paris anytime soon? Well, you’ve come to the right place because…
