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.
Vieste to Peschici Drive: What to Expect
Vieste to Peschici drive takes longer than most visitors expect, with beaches, viewpoints and scenic stops turning a 25-minute journey into one of Gargano’s most memorable coastal experiences. 🌊 The Vieste to Peschici Drive Takes Longer Than Expected On paper, the Vieste to Peschici drive looks quick and straightforward. In reality, it rarely stays that way. The distance is short, but the coastline has a habit of slowing you down, not through traffic, but through constant temptation to stop. The journey quickly becomes about the places between the two towns
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.
Where to Walk in Korčula Town at Sunset
A Korčula Town sunset changes how people use the Old Town. By late afternoon, sightseeing begins to slow and the busy interior lanes start emptying towards the waterfront. People aren’t
Hiking the Mani Peninsula: Stone Paths and Silent Gorges
Hiking the Mani Peninsula means following ancient stone paths through deep gorges, remote mountain villages and wild coastal landscapes where history, solitude and dramatic scenery combine to create some of
Who Is Tulum Really For?
So, who is Tulum really for? Tulum is best suited to travellers who value experiences over convenience. If you enjoy exploring, spending time in nature and discovering destinations at your
Vila do Conde Historic Centre: A Walk Through the Old Town
Vila do Conde historic centre is compact enough to explore on foot, with cobbled streets leading between historic churches, small squares and the River Ave. It feels less like a
The Beach at Vila do Conde: Scale, Wind and Open Sky
Vila do Conde beach is broad, open and shaped by the Atlantic. Long stretches of sand, rocky outcrops and a wide promenade create a coastline that feels spacious even during
Peace and Quiet in the Mani Peninsula: Is It Really That Empty?
Mani Peninsula peace and quiet is one of the region’s defining characteristics. While no destination is completely empty, the peninsula remains noticeably quieter than most of Greece, with peaceful villages,
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
