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.
East Crete Travel Guide
East Crete works best as a road trip rather than a holiday based in one resort. Agios Nikolaos is the easiest all-round starting point, but I found the region too spread out to explore comfortably from one town. With seven to ten days, a car and two or three bases, the north coast, far east and quieter south become much easier to combine. The map initially made those distances look manageable. On the road, they felt different. Mountain crossings, coastal detours and slower final approaches to beaches meant that moving
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.
Is Korčula Town Worth Visiting for a Short Stay?
Is Korčula Town worth visiting? Yes, especially if you enjoy historic places without needing several days to explore them. The compact walled Old Town fills a narrow peninsula, putting stone
Modica and Ragusa: From Chocolate to Cathedrals
Modica and Ragusa worked particularly well together for us. Only about 15 kilometres of road separate the two Baroque towns. The drive usually takes around 20 minutes in straightforward conditions.
Can Anda Be a Day Trip?
Can Anda be a day trip from Panglao? Yes, but I would only do it knowing that the return journey takes a substantial chunk out of the day. If time
Where To Stay In Paxos: Gaios, Lakka Or Loggos?
Where to stay in Paxos usually comes down to Gaios, Lakka or Loggos. I would choose Gaios for convenience, Lakka if beaches and coastal scenery mattered most, and Loggos when
East Crete Travel Guide
East Crete works best as a road trip rather than a holiday based in one resort. Agios Nikolaos is the easiest all-round starting point, but I found the region too
Is Isla Holbox Worth Visiting? What Should You Expect?
Is Isla Holbox worth visiting? Yes, I think it is, if I want a laid-back Mexican island with shallow turquoise water, sandy streets and a distinctly unpolished feel. I would
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
