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.
Marina di Ragusa: Strolling Along the Coast Below the Hill
Walking in Ragusa gave us two completely different experiences depending on whether we stayed among the steep historic streets of Ragusa Ibla or headed down to Marina di Ragusa. On the coast, Baroque stairways and enclosed lanes gave way to level streets, sandy beaches, open sea views and a promenade facing the Mediterranean. What struck us first was how open Marina di Ragusa felt. Low buildings spread out instead of climbing the hillside, and almost everything seemed to pull us towards the waterfront. 🏖️ Where Marina di Ragusa Fitted Into
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.
Gargano Puglia Weather: How it Changes Beach Days
Gargano Puglia weather can change the character of a beach day even when temperatures remain warm and skies stay clear. Wind and sea conditions often matter more than sunshine alone,
Chocolate Hills in Bohol: Independently or Tour?
Chocolate Hills in Bohol can be visited independently or as part of an organised tour, and the better option depends on how much flexibility you want. Independent travel gives you
Where to Stay in Kranjska Gora: Jasna or Podkoren?
Where to stay in Kranjska Gora depends on what matters most to you. Choose the centre for maximum convenience, the Lake Jasna side for scenery and easy walking, Podkoren for
Exploring Ragusa Sicily: Walking Between Upper Town and Ibla
Exploring Ragusa Sicily made far more sense to us once we experienced both halves of the city. Ragusa Superiore and historic Ibla felt strikingly different, and walking between them turned
Where To Stay In Paxos: Gaios, Lakka Or Loggos?
Where to stay in Paxos usually comes down to choosing between Gaios, Lakka and Loggos. Gaios is the most convenient base, Lakka puts beaches and coastal scenery closer to the
Baroque Ragusa, Beaches & Modica Chocolate
Baroque Ragusa gave us far more than historic architecture. We could spend one day among UNESCO-listed streets, another on the nearby coast and another tasting Modica’s celebrated chocolate, which made
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
