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 Nassau Worth Visiting?
Planning a trip to the Bahamas often starts with one question: Is Nassau actually worth visiting? The short answer is yes, for most travellers. Nassau combines beautiful beaches, historic landmarks, luxury resorts, boat excursions and some of the best tourism infrastructure in the Bahamas. However, it’s not the perfect destination for everyone. Some visitors arrive expecting deserted tropical islands and are surprised to find a lively capital city with busy cruise days, shopping districts and large resorts. The key is understanding what Nassau does exceptionally well and where it may
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.
Lefkada Town: What the Island’s Capital Actually Looks Like
Lefkada Town is the capital of Lefkada, sitting at the northern tip of the island where the causeway crosses from the Greek mainland. It is not a resort. It functions
Is Atlantis Bahamas Worth It?
Atlantis is one of the Bahamas’ biggest attractions and one of its biggest expenses. But is Atlantis Bahamas worth it? Some visitors describe it as the highlight of their entire
Tremiti Islands Day Trip: How to Plan the Perfect Visit
A Tremiti Islands day trip is one of the best island excursions in southern Italy, offering crystal-clear water, beautiful beaches, scenic boat trips and fascinating history in a single day.
How Many Days in Bohol?
If you’re wondering how many days in Bohol you really need, four days is the ideal choice for most first-time visitors. It gives you enough time to experience the island’s
Visiting Baia delle Zagare in October
Baia delle Zagare is at its most rewarding in October if you enjoy dramatic coastal scenery, quieter beaches and a slower pace than the peak summer season. Visiting Baia delle
How Many Days in Tulum?
How many days in Tulum? For most first-time visitors, three to four days is the ideal amount of time. That gives you enough time to enjoy the beaches, visit several
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
