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.
Driving in the Mani Peninsula: Roads, Turns, and What to Expect
Driving in the Mani Peninsula is the best way to explore its mountain villages, dramatic coastline and remote beaches. A car gives you the freedom the region really needs, but narrow village roads, frequent bends and slower-than-expected journey times mean you shouldn’t plan your days around distance alone. The roads themselves aren’t generally difficult or dangerous when driven sensibly. The bigger adjustment is accepting that getting somewhere quickly isn’t really how driving in the Mani works. 🛣️ Why Does Driving in the Mani Peninsula Take So Long? The first surprise
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.
East Crete Travel Guide
East Crete is best explored as a multi-base road trip rather than from one resort. I found that splitting my stay between the north coast, far east and south coast
Ragusa Ibla Road Trip: From Capo Cipollazzo Across Sicily
Ragusa Ibla Road Trip planning worked particularly well for us when we made the town the finale of a west-to-east journey across Sicily. We moved from quiet beaches and historic
Vila do Conde Festival: Nossa Senhora dos Navegantes
Vila do Conde festival traditions remain closely connected to the fishing community of Caxinas, where Nossa Senhora dos Navegantes is celebrated on the first Sunday of August. Local fishermen and
Kranjska Gora or Lake Bled: Which Is the Better Base?
Kranjska Gora or Lake Bled: which would I choose as a base? I would choose Lake Bled if iconic sightseeing, easier connections and a broader first-time Slovenia itinerary mattered most.
Sivota Lefkada: Why This Sheltered Bay Beats the Beaches
Sivota Lefkada suited us when we wanted peaceful harbour life rather than a conventional beach resort. Its naturally sheltered bay was filled with sailing boats, while waterfront tavernas and unhurried
Holbox or Isla Mujeres: Which Island Is Better for You?
Holbox or Isla Mujeres comes down, for me, to atmosphere versus convenience. I would choose Holbox for sandy streets, quieter days and a stronger nature focus. I would choose Isla
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
