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.
Is Paxos Worth Visiting?
Yes, Paxos is worth visiting if you enjoy relaxed Greek islands, beautiful coastal scenery and the feeling of discovering places rather than being entertained by them. Travellers looking for nightlife, large resorts, shopping districts or a packed itinerary may find it too quiet. Whether you love Paxos or leave slightly disappointed usually comes down to one thing: your expectations before you arrive. That might sound obvious, but it explains why reviews of the island can vary so dramatically. Some visitors describe Paxos as one of the most beautiful places in
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.
Vasiliki Lefkada: A Southern Bay with a Character All Its Own
Vasiliki Lefkada is a relaxed fishing village on the island’s southern coast, famous for reliable afternoon winds, a sheltered horseshoe bay and easy access to some of Lefkada’s finest beaches.
Marina di Ragusa: Strolling Along the Coast Below the Hill
Marina di Ragusa is a relaxed seaside resort where wide sandy beaches, a lively promenade and clear Mediterranean water provide a complete contrast to the historic streets of Ragusa Ibla.
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
Are the Tulum Ruins Worth Visiting?
Are the Tulum Ruins worth visiting? For most travellers, yes. While they aren’t the largest or most impressive Mayan archaeological site in Mexico, their spectacular clifftop setting overlooking the Caribbean
Can Anda Be a Day Trip?
If you’re wondering can Anda be a day trip, the answer is yes. It is perfectly possible to visit Anda from Panglao in a single day, but the journey is
Why Gargano Puglia Beach Days Start Early
Gargano Puglia Beaches Work Better in the Morning Gargano Puglia beaches often reward early starts more than late afternoons. That becomes obvious after a few days on the peninsula. The
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
