Kicad: How do just drill holes and have solder pads for external connections to a PCB?
I typically use the footprint for a 0.1 inch pitch "pin header".  You can then use either male or female connector strips, or just solder wires directly to the pads if you don't need to use a connector.  But using the header/connector provides a convenient place to show where the external connections are in the schematic and on the board. But it does not compel you to actually use connectors (or headers) if you don't need them.

If you want to use connectors, the male pin headers are available in strips of ~40 pins and you can just snap off however many pins you need.  And you can make female connectors (with however many pins) yourself.  I find it rather compact, convenient, and low-cost solution.