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.
Sitia and Palekastro: Exploring Far East Crete
Sitia and Palekastro sit in the far eastern corner of Crete, where the island becomes quieter, emptier and noticeably less shaped around tourism. Beyond Agios Nikolaos, the roads thin out, towns become smaller and beaches sit further apart. The two places make very different bases. Sitia gives you a proper harbour town with restaurants, shops and evening life, while Palekastro puts you closer to the peninsula’s beaches, Vai and the roads towards Zakros. Understanding that difference makes exploring Far East Crete considerably easier. 🏙️ Sitia: The Best Town Base 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.
Beautiful Places Around Sintra
The beautiful places around Sintra are spread across mountains, forests, clifftop villages and winding coastal roads. Understanding how they fit together before you arrive changes how much you get from
Lefkada in May: What the Island Is Like Before the Crowds Arrive
Lefkada in May offers warm spring weather, quiet beaches and lush green landscapes before the peak summer season begins. Most attractions are open, the roads remain uncrowded and the island
Holbox Whale Shark Tour: Is the Experience Worth It?
A Holbox whale shark tour can be one of the most memorable experiences of a Mexico trip, but it is not an easy wildlife encounter. Expect a substantial boat journey,
Mani Peninsula in Autumn: Harvest, Empty Roads and the Return of Rain
Mani Peninsula in autumn brings warm seas, quieter roads, olive harvest activity and the first return of rain, making October especially appealing for travellers who prefer slower journeys and fewer
Visiting the Mani Peninsula: How Much Time Do You Really Need?
Visiting the Mani Peninsula deserves more than a quick stop. Two nights let you experience its villages, coastline and slower rhythm, while three days provide enough time to explore without
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
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
