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.
Visiting the Cíes Islands From Vigo
The Cíes Islands look straightforward on a map. Visiting the Cíes Islands often begins with a short ferry crossing from Vigo, followed by a few walking routes, famous beaches, then back by evening. In practice, the day becomes shaped almost entirely by timing. Ferry schedules dictate when you leave the city, how quickly you move once on the islands, and how relaxed the return journey feels later in the afternoon. Travellers who enjoy the experience most tend to embrace that slower rhythm instead of forcing the trip into a strict
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.
What a Day in Korčula Town Actually Looks Like
The Town Gate is the right place to start, and morning is the right time to do it if you want a day in Korčula Town to feel manageable from
Lefkada in May: What the Island Is Like Before the Crowds Arrive
Lefkada in May is quieter, greener and cooler than summer. It is a good time to visit if you want the beaches without the pressure. The island connects to the
The Drive Between Vieste and Peschici
The Vieste to Peschici Drive Takes Longer Than Expected The Vieste to Peschici drive looks short on paper. In reality, it rarely stays a simple transfer between two towns. The
How Challenging Is the Samaria Gorge Hike?
The Samaria Gorge hike is long, steep at the start, and uneven underfoot for most of its length. It is not a technical climb, but it is also not a
Korčula Town’s Busy Times and When It’s Quieter
When the fast-ferry docks. This is one of Korčula town’s busy times. The crowd moves, and within a few minutes most of it is heading toward the Old Town gate.
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
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
