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.
Ragusa Ibla Road Trip: From Capo Cipollazzo Across Sicily
Our Ragusa Ibla road trip began at Capo Cipollazzo near Menfi and crossed Sicily through Sciacca, Agrigento, Enna and Piazza Armerina. Ragusa Ibla was the finale, reached after roughly 250–300 kilometres depending on the roads and detours you choose. It is technically possible to drive across in one day. We would not. The route works because beaches, historic ports, Greek ruins and mountain towns keep changing the journey before Ibla’s Baroque skyline appears at the end. Saving Ragusa Ibla until last gave our journey a natural sense of progression. By
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.
Best Beaches in Paxos: Which Ones Should You Visit?
The best beaches in Paxos were, for me, the small pebble coves with rocky edges and exceptionally clear turquoise water rather than long sweeps of sand. Kanoni was my favourite
Do You Need a Car in Kranjska Gora?
Do you need a car in Kranjska Gora? No, not if you stay centrally and mainly want to explore the village, Lake Jasna and nearby attractions. A car becomes much
Chania in November: After the Tourists Leave
Chania in November suited us because we wanted to explore the city after the summer crowds had largely disappeared. We found the cooler conditions much better for walking around the
Getting Around Holbox: Walking, Bikes or Golf Cart?
Getting around Holbox turned out to be less about choosing one form of transport and more about knowing when each one stopped being useful. Central Holbox felt compact enough to
Visit Cabo da Roca: What Is the Best Time?
I would choose the best time to visit Cabo da Roca by the weather first and the clock second. Early morning can bring quieter viewpoints, but coastal fog is a
Chania Old Town: Why Wandering Here Feels Unlike Anywhere Else
Chania Old Town is best explored by wandering rather than following a fixed route. Its Venetian lanes, Ottoman courtyards, harbour viewpoints and quieter backstreets sit close together, but the experience
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
