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Italy’s heel was ranked second best value destination in Lonely Planet’s ninth annual roundup of best destinations around the world for the upcoming year.

The survey was based on "scores for topicality, excitement and that special x-factor," as determined by their in-house experts and outside writers.

Here’s what Lonely Planet had to say about the southern �������� regions of Puglia, Basilicata and Calabria: “If you’ve ever rubbed shoulders with billionaires on the Amalfi Coast or spent the weekend in Venice, you’ll know that Italy can drain travel budgets. This year, look south. Italy’s heel has arguably the best beaches in the country, hilltop towns and ancient sights. But what makes Puglia, Basilicata and Calabria such good value is not just the financial side of being in this part of the country. It’s the fabulous food – cucina povera (poor man’s food), simple, tasty and cheap – and the relaxed pace of life even in peak season, coupled with good-value accommodation for all budgets.”