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.
Vila do Conde: What This Atlantic Town Actually Feels Like
Vila do Conde is a working Atlantic town just north of Porto, where a long sandy beach, a fishing harbour, a monastery and one of Portugal’s most impressive aqueducts all sit within easy walking distance. Vila do Conde feels less like a resort and more like a place that has simply continued living beside the sea. Only around thirty minutes from Porto, the town rewards visitors who slow down. The beach, river, harbour and historic centre each reveal a different side of Vila do Conde, creating a destination that’s far
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.
Who Is Tulum Really For?
So, who is Tulum really for? Tulum is best suited to travellers who value experiences over convenience. If you enjoy exploring, spending time in nature and discovering destinations at your
The Mani Peninsula in Spring: Fewer Crowds and Softer Light
Mani Peninsula in spring brings greener hills, quieter roads, cooler walking weather and softer coastal light, making April and May ideal for travellers who value scenery and space over guaranteed
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
Lefkada Town: What the Island’s Capital Actually Looks Like
Lefkada Town is the island’s working capital rather than a beach resort. Sitting beside the causeway from mainland Greece, it combines a lively marina, pedestrian shopping streets, earthquake-shaped architecture and
The Diros Caves: What the Visit Is Actually Like
The Diros Caves combine a 1,200-metre underground boat journey with dramatic limestone chambers, cool temperatures and long summer waits, making early arrival essential. The road into this part of the
How Many Days in Gargano Puglia Is Ideal?
🚗The Right Trip Length Depends on How You Like to Travel If you’re wondering how many days in Gargano Puglia is enough, the answer depends less on distance and more
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
