SOFT FOOTPRINTS
TRAVEL GUIDES

A collection of first hand travel guides by Ian Howes: where to go, how to get there, and the details the big sites leave out. Ian covers the places that most travellers just pass by.

This Month's Guide

Updated every month, we handpick one of our most-read guides and place it at the forefront of the site for all our readers to enjoy.

Stone terrace beside a Baroque church facade, with a curved iron balustrade and a hillside town spreading across the valley below.

Discovering Ragusa Ibla: Stairways, Squares and Hidden Corners

Ragusa Ibla is best explored on foot, where stairways, quiet squares and hidden lanes reveal a historic town that’s designed to be discovered slowly rather than rushed through. 🪜 How the Walk Through Ragusa Ibla Actually Works Ragusa Ibla is a town that naturally encourages you to slow down. Rather than following a single obvious route, its streets twist around the limestone ridge, connecting stairways, churches and small piazzas in a way that rewards curiosity more than careful planning. The journey quickly becomes part of the attraction. The Stairways Connect

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Explore Guides by Region

Discover some of Ian’s favourite regions, with plenty of insider knowledge, practical advice and travel inspiration.

Discover the best of Spain, from lively cities and historic landmarks to beautiful beaches, traditional towns and authentic Spanish culture.

Discover Portugal through practical travel guides covering vibrant cities, coastal escapes, local food and some of the country’s best places to visit.

Explore Greece travel guides, from historic cities and beautiful islands to traditional villages, beaches and unforgettable places to visit.

Explore France with travel guides covering iconic cities, charming towns, beautiful countryside, coastal destinations and memorable local experiences.

Soft Footprints

So, what are you waiting for? Join me on this incredible journey, and let's discover the world together, one Soft Footprint at a time.

Ian's Most Recent Travel Guides

Explore six of Ian’s latest travel guides in one place. These feature destinations he has recently visited, along with newly updated guides from previous trips.

Woman poses at the Chocolate Hills viewpoint, a top stop when planning how many days in Bohol

How Many Days in Bohol?

If you’re wondering how many days in Bohol you really need, four days is the ideal choice for most first-time visitors. It gives you enough time to experience the island’s

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Unsure Where to Next? Start With a Series

Deciding where to visit next? Explore the destinations Ian has written about most extensively, with guides covering almost every aspect of your trip.

Series 1: Everything you need to know about Paxos

The Person Behind the Path

Picture of All Guides Are Written by Ian Howes

All Guides Are Written by Ian Howes

Ian Howes is a travel writer and the founder of Soft Footprints, a publication focused on lesser-known destinations, local culture, and experiences that most travelers overlook. His approach centers on slow, intentional travel and first-hand research, shaped by time spent exploring regions beyond mainstream tourism routes.

Ian’s interest in meaningful travel began after a formative stay on a small Greek island, which reshaped how he engages with destinations and local communities. Since then, he has built extensive on-the-ground experience across diverse regions, with a focus on local traditions, overlooked landscapes, and sustainable travel practices.

Through Soft Footprints, Ian provides practical, experience-based guidance for travelers seeking authentic, off-the-tourist-path journeys. His work emphasizes accuracy, cultural respect, and responsible exploration, helping readers develop a deeper understanding of the places they visit.

Leave nothing but soft footprints