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.
What Is the Best Time to Visit Nassau?
If you ask ten people what is the best time to visit Nassau is, you’ll probably hear ten different answers. Some will say winter for the sunshine. Others prefer spring for the balance of weather and crowds. Budget travellers often choose late spring or autumn, while experienced visitors deliberately avoid the busiest cruise periods. The truth is that there isn’t one perfect month. The best time depends on what matters most to you: This guide helps you choose the right time for your holiday rather than simply recommending the driest
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 Tulum the Best Base for Cenotes?
Is Tulum the best base for cenotes? Yes, for most first-time visitors it is. Tulum has one of the highest concentrations of cenotes in the Riviera Maya, with dozens located
How Many Days in Tulum?
How many days in Tulum? For most first-time visitors, three to four days is the ideal amount of time. That gives you enough time to enjoy the beaches, visit several
Egremni Beach Lefkada: The Walk Down and What Waits Below
Egremni Beach rewards those willing to make the journey. Reached by a long cliffside staircase or by boat, this spectacular stretch of white pebbles and crystal-clear Ionian water feels quieter
Planning Mistakes Around Sintra & How to Avoid Them
Most planning mistakes around Sintra begin with the same assumption: everything looks close enough together to fit comfortably into one day. On a map, that seems reasonable. In reality, steep
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
Getting Around Holbox: Walking, Bikes or Golf Cart?
Getting around Holbox is usually easiest on foot, with bicycles useful for longer beach runs and golf-cart taxis filling the gaps. Where you stay matters enormously: central Holbox is highly
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
