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.
One Day in Chania: How Much Can You Really See?
One day in Chania was enough for us to experience the city properly, but only because we kept the plan simple. We concentrated on the Venetian harbour, wandered through the Old Town and made time for a relaxed Cretan lunch rather than trying to turn a short visit into a sightseeing marathon. If I had the same limited time again, I would make exactly the same trade-off. The harbour and Old Town give you a genuine feel for Chania; beaches, museums and longer trips beyond the city are better saved
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.
Milos Beach, Lefkada: The Hike That Earns Its Views
Milos Beach is reached from Agios Nikitas by a signed footpath over the headland, taking us around 20 minutes at a comfortable pace. The route uses stone steps, pine trails
Beaches Near Vai Beach
The best beaches near Vai Beach are Itanos for swimming, Vai for its palm-fringed setting and Kouremenos for space and windsurfing. I would not choose just one. They are close
Is Kranjska Gora Worth Visiting? What Should You Expect?
Is Kranjska Gora worth visiting? I think it is, especially if you want an easy base for exploring the Julian Alps. The town itself felt more developed and resort-like than
Fly or Ferry to Bohol?
Should you fly or ferry to Bohol? I would usually fly if Bohol were my main destination, especially on a short first trip. If I were already in Cebu, I
Is Antipaxos Worth Visiting?
Is Antipaxos worth visiting? Yes. As a day trip from Paxos, it gives you clear turquoise water, beautiful beaches and several hours built almost entirely around swimming. There is little
Driving in the Mani Peninsula: Roads, Turns, and What to Expect
Driving in the Mani Peninsula is the best way to explore its mountain villages, dramatic coastline and remote beaches. A car gives you the freedom the region really needs, but
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
