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.
Chocolate Hills Independently or Tour?
If you’re deciding whether to visit the Chocolate Hills independently or on a tour, independent travel offers the greatest flexibility, while organised tours are usually the easiest option for first-time visitors and anyone with limited time. Most travel guides focus on the Chocolate Hills themselves rather than the journey. In reality, the way you choose to get there has a significant impact on your day. It affects how much you can see, how long you spend travelling and whether the experience feels relaxed or rushed. ✈️ Why your travel method
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.
Visiting Baia delle Zagare in October
Baia delle Zagare is at its most rewarding in October if you enjoy dramatic coastal scenery, quieter beaches and a slower pace than the peak summer season. Visiting Baia delle
Chania Beyond the Old Town: Discovering Hidden Corners
Chania beyond the Old Town begins where most visitors stop looking. Beyond the Venetian harbour lie quieter neighbourhoods, working olive groves, hidden beaches and experiences that reveal a more authentic
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
Panglao vs Anda
If you’re comparing Panglao vs Anda, Panglao is the better choice for most first-time visitors, while Anda suits travellers looking for quieter beaches, slower days and a more relaxed holiday.
Sitia and Palekastro: Exploring Far East Crete
Sitia and Palekastro sit in the far eastern corner of Crete, where the island becomes quieter, emptier and noticeably less shaped around tourism. Beyond Agios Nikolaos, the roads thin out,
How Gargano Puglia Weather Changes Beach Days
Gargano Puglia weather influences far more than the temperature on your holiday. While many visitors focus on sunshine forecasts, it’s usually the wind and sea conditions that have the biggest
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
Series 2: The full guide of Comporta
Series 3: Discover the hidden gems in Korcula
The Person Behind the Path
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
