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.
Best Korčula Town Swim Spots Without Overthinking It
Swimming here works differently from most places. There’s generally no main beach to aim for and no single best spot. You leave the old town walls, follow the rocky edge, and get in where the entry looks right. What the shoreline actually looks like The coastline around the old town is almost entirely rock and cut stone. Walking it feels continuous: flat limestone slabs at varying heights, old stonework sitting right at the waterline, the occasional concrete platform or set of steps where people clearly get in regularly. You don’t
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 Tulum the Best Base for Cenotes?
Is Tulum the best base for cenotes? Yes, for most first-time visitors it is. Tulum has one of the highest concentrations of cenotes in the Riviera Maya, with dozens located
Best Time of Day to Visit Combarro
The best time to visit Combarro depends less on opening hours and more on how you want the village to feel. The atmosphere changes noticeably through the day. Early mornings
Mirabello Bay and the Beaches Near Agios Nikolaos
Beaches Near Agios Nikolaos are easy to reach, but they are not all worth the same amount of your time. If you are staying in Agios Nikolaos and want a
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
Egremni Beach Lefkada: The Walk Down and What Waits Below
Egremni beach is one of the most beautiful beaches in Greece, a long stretch of white pebbles and crystal-clear turquoise water on the south-western coast of Lefkada island, reached by
Who Travels to the Mani Peninsula – and Why
Mani Peninsula travel has a self-selecting quality that most destinations lack. People don’t stumble here. The road south narrows, the villages thin out, and somewhere around the point where 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
