About Us

Our Goal At Soft Footprints

When I started Soft Footprints, my main goal was simple: to give you clear and helpful tips for places to visit and things to do when exploring a destination.

I wanted to cut through the noise and give you the info you need, without any extra fluff.

Destination Guides
Travel Itineraries
Accommodation Recommendations
Transportation Advice
Packing Lists
Travel Insurance and Safety Tips
Budgeting and Saving Tips
Cultural Insights
Travel Gear and Gadgets
Responsible Travel

Welcome

I’m Ian Howes – a snorkelling enthusiast, travel researcher, anti-litter campaigner, and lover of all things Greek.

For as long as I can recall, I’ve had a deep passion for combining my love of reading with exploring new destinations. My ideal travel experiences leave me with lasting joy, minimal hardship, and ample opportunities to interact with locals.

In my early travels, I would book the cheapest flight available and embrace whatever destination awaited me. While those spontaneous trips were incredible adventures, they also taught me an important lesson – the value of a little research before embarking on a journey. This realisation fostered my love for reading about new travel destinations and ultimately led to the creation of Soft Footprints.

Destination Selection

I choose the places I write about based on what makes me curious and what I think will interest you. I enjoy sharing spots I love (and being open about the ones I don’t like as much).

But I’m always looking forward to my next big trip. If a hidden beach, historic wonder, snowy escape, or stunning view catches my eye or yours, I’m ready to explore!

That’s when things get exciting. I jump in, looking for the best activities and places to see. I’m talking about local restaurants you can’t miss, views that’ll amaze you, and experiences you’ll never forget.

I do the research for you with my guidebooks, online reviews plus my local guides and insiders for the real story. I want to find those secret spots only locals know, so you can experience each place like someone who lives there.

Local Insights

Over the years, I’ve learned that a little local knowledge can make a big difference in your travel experience. By tapping into insider insights, you can shift from being just another tourist to becoming a welcome visitor, truly appreciating and respecting the places you explore.

That’s why I prioritize working with local guides whenever possible. This gives me a genuine, on-the-ground view of each destination and lets me support and contribute to the local economy. It’s a win-win.

By adding these local insights and “recommended tours” into each guide, I believe I can help you gain a deeper appreciation for the places you visit. When you understand a bit about a destination’s history and culture, your conversations and interactions with locals become more meaningful and enriching.

Why Soft Footprints?

You’ve probably seen those signs reminding us to only leave our footprints. Well, that simple message sums up my beliefs about travel. But it goes deeper – it’s also about how I treat our planet, our local environments, and the people I meet.

I won’t dive into a long talk about sustainable tourism here (though it’s definitely a topic I’m passionate about!). Instead, I want to focus on the small, everyday actions that can make a big difference.

Don’t Be a Litter Tosser

Think about a trip to the beach. When it’s time to go home, make sure you take your trash with you and throw it away the right way. Recycle what you can, and leave the beach as clean as when you got there. It’s a small thing, but it shows you care about the environment and the people who live there.

A Positive Impact

And don’t forget how our travels change things for others. When you take a vacation in another country, you’re not just making memories for yourself – you’re also helping people in that place keep their jobs. When you travel in a way that’s thoughtful, you can make people feel proud and strong. That’s worth a lot.

So, no matter where you go, remember to tread softly. Leave only good things behind, and take only happy memories (and maybe some cool photos!). That’s the idea behind Soft Footprints, and it’s something I hope everyone who joins my community will do.

Why Have Ads?

And I’m sure you understand, running a website like this isn’t free. By including some ads, I can generate a small income that helps cover the costs of hosting Soft Footprints. But I promise, my main focus will always be giving you valuable, authentic content that enhances your travel experiences.

My Personal Journey

In 1983, a trip to the Greek island of Chalki changed my life. UNESCO had just named Chalki the “island of peace and friendship,” and this would shift my view on the world and travel.

There I was, alone on an island where Brits go to pretend to be Greek. It was my first solo trip abroad, and I didn’t know it would spark my love for Greece and all things Greek. More importantly, it ignited my passion for finding new places, having new experiences, and making lasting friendships.

Each morning brought a new adventure, and I woke up with a huge smile. The sun shone, and I had my favourite shorts, a comfy t-shirt, and my trusty Ray Bans, letting me see the world in the clearest, most positive light.

I treasured the connections I made with other travellers and locals, like George, who owned the charming harbour spot where I had breakfast. And those walks of discovery, where anything could happen, became the best part of my days.

Since that trip, I’ve been on a mission to find new adventures that match the magic of those early Chalki days. And now, through my travel guides and tips, I hope to inspire and help you plan your own unforgettable journeys.