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.
Vila do Conde in Winter: Quiet Coast, Resident Life
Vila do Conde in winter is a working Atlantic town running at its own pace, without the summer visitor layer on top of it. The beach is open, the historic centre is accessible, and the town functions normally. Winter temperatures sit roughly between 8 and 15 degrees Celsius. Rain is a consistent part of the season, arriving in periods that can last several days before clearing. The pattern is grey stretches punctuated by sharp clear windows, and the town reads differently in each. What Changes and What Stays The seasonal
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.
Is Gargano Puglia Worth Visiting in October?
October Changes the Rhythm of Gargano Gargano Puglia feels noticeably different in October. The summer crowds thin out quickly across the peninsula once September ends. Beach clubs start stacking chairs.
Lefkada in September: After the Peak Season
Lefkada in September offers warmer sea, quieter beaches and a pace the island rarely gets to show in August. You cross from the mainland on a causeway rather than taking
What Is Tulum Really Like?
So, what is Tulum really like? Tulum feels very different from most Mexican beach destinations. Instead of large resorts and busy promenades, it combines boutique hotels, jungle roads, Caribbean beaches
Milos Beach, Lefkada: The Hike That Earns Its Views
Why the Walk Is Part of the Experience Most beaches on Lefkada’s western coast are either reached by car or by a staircase bolted into a cliff. Milos sits behind
Paxos Or Corfu: Which Greek Island Is Better?
If you are trying to choose between Paxos and Corfu, the good news is that there is no wrong answer. The bad news is that they offer very different holidays.
Do You Need a Car in Tulum?
Do you need a car in Tulum? Most visitors don’t. If you’re staying for a few days and mainly plan to visit the beach, Tulum Pueblo and nearby cenotes, you’ll
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
