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.
Are the Tulum Ruins Worth Visiting?
Are the Tulum Ruins worth visiting? For most travellers, yes. While they aren’t the largest or most impressive Mayan archaeological site in Mexico, their spectacular clifftop setting overlooking the Caribbean makes them unlike anywhere else in the country. If you’re already staying in Tulum, they’re an easy addition to your itinerary. If you’re choosing just one Mayan site during a wider Yucatán trip, however, another archaeological site may suit you better depending on your interests. The Tulum Ruins are among the most photographed landmarks in the Riviera Maya, appearing in
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.
Morning Light and Evening Calm: A Day in Vila do Conde
The town sits at the mouth of the Ave, about thirty kilometres north of Porto, and a single day is enough to walk most of it. The river runs through
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
Capo Cipollazzo to Ragusa Ibla: A Sicily Road Trip
This Sicily road trip from the western coast to Ragusa Ibla covers five distinct stops. Each one offers something different and the route holds together well. The journey moves from
What Are The Best Things To Do In Paxos?
Paxos is the kind of place where the best experiences tend to find you rather than the other way around. Unlike larger Greek islands packed with major attractions and endless
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
Marina di Ragusa: Strolling Along the Coast Below the Hill
Marina di Ragusa is a low-key seaside resort twenty-five kilometres from Ragusa. The beach is wide, the water is clear, and the town is unpretentious. The contrast with Ragusa Ibla
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
