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.
Korčula Town Day Trips That Actually Work
Rest assured, nobody goes on Korčula Town day trips at dawn. I watched the harbour each morning and the pattern was the same: bags packed slowly, coffee finished at the wall, water taxis filling up once the sun was already warm. Mid-morning departures, reliably. That rhythm suited the trips well, because everything worth doing fitted into a half-day out and an evening back in the old town. Badija was visible from the East Port, and that was reason enough to go there first. Badija and Vrnik: The Short Crossings The
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.
Chania in November: After the Tourists Leave
Chania in November is a different city from the one that fills the summer photographs. The structure is identical. The harbour, the lighthouse, the old town lanes. What changes is
Fly or Ferry to Bohol?
If you’re deciding whether to fly or ferry to Bohol, flying is usually the best option for first-time visitors because it’s quicker and simpler. The ferry becomes the better choice
Visiting the Mani Peninsula: How Much Time Do You Really Need?
Most people who visit the Mani Peninsula for a day wish they had stayed longer. Two nights is a reasonable minimum. Three days is where the place starts to make
One Day in Chania: How Much Can You Really See?
One day in Chania covers the Venetian harbour, the old town, and a proper meal. Timing and priorities determine how much you actually see. How to Get to Chania and
A Complete Guide to the Mani Peninsula: Untouched Greece
The Mani Peninsula doesn’t welcome you. That’s not a complaint. It’s a description. Everything else follows from it: the architecture, the emptiness, the quality of light on limestone with no
What Are The Best Beaches In Paxos?
The beaches on Paxos are unlike anything I had experienced before visiting, and there is one thing you should know from the very beginning. Most of them are not sandy.
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
