Sicily Makes Top 10 Destinations List for 2008

For anyone who thinks that Italy is over-traveled and you can’t find any place in the boot-shaped country that hasn’t been covered extensively by Lonely Planet or Rick Steves, think again. Much of Southern Italy is as-yet undiscovered by the tourist masses, and although some make the trip to Sicily (often in search of relatives), even that famous island remains largely un-visited by most tourists.

Sicily has just shown up on the BootsnAll list of Top 10 Independent Travel Destinations for 2008 – ranked at #4 – noted especially for its beautiful beaches, “exotic and simple” seafood, and plentiful ruins (both Greek and Roman). Sicily is also home to Europe’s “largest active volcano,” Mt. Etna, which either provides a great place to ski or hike (depending on the season), or it’s a cause of much worry when the ground shakes and lava spews out the top. Either way, it’s bound to make your trip memorable.

Certainly, travel within Europe – including Italy – isn’t as cheap as it used to be, especially with the ever-rising value of the euro. So those who are truly on a budget may choose to skip Europe altogether for now. And who can blame them? Still, if you’re really intent on seeing something of Italy, and you’d rather get off the beaten path than walk like so many herded cattle through the Vatican Museums, then take a cue from BootsnAll and book a trip to Sicily. You’ll have to deal with the euro exchange rate, but you’ll pay much less for hotels, hostels, food and other tourist necessities than you will in the north.

Book your trip to Sicily today!