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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Things to Do in Bratislava, Slovakia: A Complete Guide
I visited Bratislava after a weekend in Vienna, Austria, and didn’t know what to expect from the city at all!…
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10 Important Tips for Spring Camping in Yosemite
Yosemite National Park is one of the most visited parks in the United States and arguably one of the most…
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5 Tips for Planning a Russian River Float Trip
Floating the Russian River is one of the most exciting things to do in the summer in the Sonoma County…
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20 Best Coffee Shops in Boise (Local Guide)
Looking for the best coffee shops in Boise? As a Boise local who spends a lot of time working from…
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Top 15 Things to Do in New York City in Summer
New York City in the summer is incredible. After visiting once, you’ll realize there’s enough here to explore during your…
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Swim with Manatees in Florida: Everything You Need to Know
Let’s be real; the main reason I went on my trip to Florida (and to escape the Boise cold) was…
