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.
Kathisma Beach Lefkada: Long, Loud and Hard to Leave
Kathisma Beach is one of Lefkada’s easiest major west-coast beaches to reach, with a fully paved road, parking above the shore and only a short walk down. The roughly kilometre-long beach mixes pale sand with fine pebbles, has full seasonal facilities and offers classic Ionian scenery without the long staircases required at Porto Katsiki or Egremni. That easy access shaped our experience. Kathisma felt livelier than Lefkada’s harder-to-reach beaches, especially around the central beach clubs. We accepted the extra people because we could move along the shore when we wanted
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.
A Day in Korčula Town: What it Actually Looks Like
The best time to explore Korčula Old Town in summer is early morning, before the stone lanes heat up, then again from late afternoon into evening. Midday is the least
Is Tulum Too Expensive?
Is Tulum too expensive? It certainly can feel that way. The expensive version appears quickly around the Hotel Zone, where beachfront accommodation, restaurants and repeated taxi journeys can make an
Porto Katsiki Beach: Towering White Cliffs Meet Ionian Blue
Porto Katsiki was worth visiting for us, but the cliffs rather than the beach itself made it exceptional. That first view explained the reputation immediately. Once we reached the shore,
Best Time to Visit Nassau: When Should You Go?
The best time to visit Nassau depends on what we want from the trip. We choose March or April for the strongest overall balance, May when value matters more, and
Summer in the Mani Peninsula: Heat, Light, and Daily Rhythm
Summer in the Mani Peninsula is hot, dry and intensely bright, but I found that the heat didn’t make it a poor time to visit. It simply changed how we
Modica and Ragusa: From Chocolate to Cathedrals
Modica and Ragusa worked particularly well together for us. Only about 15 kilometres of road separate the two Baroque towns. The drive usually takes around 20 minutes in straightforward conditions.
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
