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.
Souda Bay to Chania: Getting to the Old Town
Souda Bay to Chania is a straightforward transfer of around 20 minutes, with public buses, taxis and cruise shuttles connecting the cruise port with the edge of Chania Old Town. For most independent visitors, the public bus offers the best balance of cost, convenience and reliability. A taxi is the more direct option if you want to remove the wait, but the short distance means transport from Souda Bay need not take a significant chunk out of a day ashore. The useful thing to know before arriving is that 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.
Swimming in Korčula Town: Where to Get in the Water
Swimming in Korčula Town means changing what you think of as a beach. There is no single main stretch of sand beside the Old Town; instead, rocky coves, limestone platforms,
Ragusa Ibla Road Trip: From Capo Cipollazzo Across Sicily
Our Ragusa Ibla road trip began at Capo Cipollazzo near Menfi and crossed Sicily through Sciacca, Agrigento, Enna and Piazza Armerina. Ragusa Ibla was the finale, reached after roughly 250–300
Is Tulum Worth Visiting?
Is Tulum worth visiting? Yes, but the answer became clearer once Tulum stopped behaving like the simple beach destination I had pictured. Caribbean beaches were only one part of the
Ragusa Ibla at Night: Quiet Streets and Baroque Views
Ragusa Ibla at night was when the old town felt most atmospheric to us. Illuminated Baroque buildings, quieter streets and far fewer visitors changed the experience completely, while the cooler
Sado Estuary Dolphins Near Comporta: What to Expect
Sado Estuary dolphins are unusual because the bottlenose dolphins found here are resident rather than seasonal visitors. They live and feed within the estuary throughout the year, making dolphin watching
Gargano Puglia Weather: How it Changes Beach Days
Wind can completely change which Gargano beach works best, even when the forecast is warm and sunny. I found exposed beaches could become uncomfortable as the wind built, while a
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
