No matter which of its nicknames you call it, from “La Bella” (The Beautiful) to the “Capital of Artists” or even “The Cradle of the Renaissance,” “La Città Gigliata” (The City Of The Lily), there’s no disputing Florence, Italy’s long-standing place as one of the world’s top global travel destinations. Michelangelo’s “David”? Check. Botticelli’s “Birth of Venus”? Yup. Gorgeous history, architecture and good weather? Triple check. Not to mention the food …

For all of Florence’s many charms, however, its reputation among travellers appears to be slipping. In the 2025 edition of global travel publication Travel + Leisure’s annual “World’s Best Awards,” which is determined based on voting by international tourists, La Bella has fallen out of the top five. Here are two destinations that outrank it on this year’s list, both of which may fly a little lower under the radar (and one of which doesn’t require crossing an ocean to visit, for those of us in the U.S.).

Jaipur, India

Beating Florence (which ranks sixth on this year’s list) for the number five spot this year is Jaipur, the capital of Rajasthan, India. Full of ornate, honeycomb-inspired palaces and towering forts, Jaipur is, quite simply, an architectural marvel. Founded in 1727, it was one of India’s first planned cities. It received the nickname “The Pink City” in the 1800s due to its distinctive rose-colored sandstone buildings (legend has it that none other than Prince Albert gave it that nickname).

San Miguel de Allende, Mexico

Topping Travel + Leisure’s list this year is a destination a little closer to those of us in the U.S.: Mexico’s San Miguel de Allende. The city’s historic center, designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2008, showcases gorgeous 16th-18th century baroque and neoclassical buildings with their characteristic pink limestone facades and wrought-iron balconies. Cobblestone streets run through oft-photographed marvels such as the Parroquia de San Miguel Arcángel, whose iconic pink neo-Gothic facade was designed by Zeferino Gutiérrez in the 1880s and 1890s. The city center was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2008.

Located about four hours northwest of Mexico City, San Miguel de Allende was lauded by Travel + Leisure voters for its unique cultural atmosphere and affordability. Some key factors that survey participants cited for the city’s popularity were centrally located museums, botanical gardens, a vibrant arts scene and a packed calendar of annual cultural events.

Finally, of course, there’s the weather. With an elevation of 6,200 feet, San Miguel de Allende has a temperate climate all year round. The hottest time of year to visit is May, when the average monthly high is 85, with an average low of 55. The coldest time, on the other hand, is January, when the monthly high is 72 and the average low is 40.

Nestled between the Black Mountains & Brecon Beacons National Park, Wales, Black Mountain Adventure is a family-owned & managed business that offers an exciting range of high-quality, award-winning outdoor adventure activities.

Established back in 1992, Black Mountain Adventure is one of the leading outdoor adventure companies in the Brecon Beacons. 

With more than 30 years in providing outstanding adventure sports, the Black Mountain Team has an exceptional knowledge of both the fabulous mountains & magical rivers. 

The team will give you an adventure day to remember in our beautiful corner of Wales.

Why Choose Black Mountain Adventure?

‘The Brecon Beacons is widely known as one of the best places in all of the UK to enjoy a wide range of outdoor adventure activities. 

‘This special part of Wales is regarded as the go-to place to try out all kinds of land & water-based adventure actives so come & join us.

‘From archery to caving, paddle boarding to gorge walking, land karting to high ropes, & canoeing to mountain biking, there’s a whole host of fun to be had with our highly-qualified team.

‘Whether you’re an adventurous family, a group of work colleagues, a stag or hen weekend, a school party or a couple on a weekend escape, there is something for everyone here at BMA.

‘With more than 30 years-experience in award-winning outdoor adventures, we offer the widest range of activities of all the activity centres. Get in touch with us today to find out more.

‘Give us a call on 01497 847897  or email us at info@blackmountain.co.uk’

Activities:

Archery – Enjoy a fun, challenging & competitive sport that can be enjoyed by everyone.

Canoe / Kayak Hire – Enjoy a relaxing paddle on the River Wye in a canoe or sit-on-top kayak & take in the breathtaking views.

Caving – Explore the world beneath your feet in one of South Wales’ most exciting cave systems.

Clay Pigeon Shooting – Have a go at smashing clays out of the sky in this competitive, exhilerating activity.

Climbing & Abseil Wall – Learn to scale new heights or fine tune your skills on our outdoor climbing tower.

Gorge Adventure – Take an exciting scramble through a deep river gorge where waterfall jumps & a great deal of fun await you!

Guided Canoeing – Paddle down River Wye with an experienced river guide for an enjoyable activity for all the family.

High Level Ropes Course – Test your head for heights with this series of fun, high wired challenges.

Hill Walking – Enjoy a guided hike in the Brecon Beacons and take in some of Wales’s most stunning scenery.

Kayaking – Whether you’re looking to kickstart your kayaking journey or develop your skills we have a session to your needs.

Kids’ Summer Adventure Club 2025

Our Kids’ Adventure Club is back the Summer on selected Thursdays throughout the summer holidays. 

Children aged 8 – 15 years can come along and try out a range of exciting adventure activities under the guidance of our qualified outdoor instructors. 

Book today and give them a summer of fun and new experiences. 

Cost: £45 per child, per day

Ages: 8 – 15 years

Duration: 9:30 to 4:30pm

Location: Black Mountain Adventure Centre, Three Cocks, LD3 0SD

Activity programme

Thursday 24 July – Archery & Stand Up Paddleboarding

Thursday 31 July – High Level Ropes Course, Zip Line & Raft Building

Thursday 14 August – High Level Ropes Course, Zip Line & Stand Up Paddleboarding

Thursday 21 August – Climbing Tower & Canoeing

What to bring:

Packed lunch, snack & water bottle. Change of clothes & waterproofs. Sunscreen & Hat for the sunny days.

Just drop your child off at our activity center at 9:30am with suitable clothing, food & drink for the day. If the weather is less than ideal on the day then activities may be altered to suit but this will be confirmed with you at drop off. 

How to book

Book online today via our calendar below, select the date(s) you want and book, easy! Or simply give us a call 01497 847897

By Menna Saad El Din
Summer 2025 is in full swing, and travelers are more eager than ever to explore. This year’s trends reveal a fascinating mix of classic favorites and emerging “hidden gems,” with a strong emphasis on immersive cultural experiences, outdoor adventures, and a growing desire for sustainable and value-driven travel.

For those dreaming of European escapes, the classics remain eternally popular. France continues to draw crowds with its timeless allure, from the romantic charm of Paris to the sun-drenched lavender fields of Provence and the glamorous French Riviera. Italy is another perennial favorite, with travelers indulging in its rich history, culinary delights, and stunning landscapes, whether exploring ancient Rome, the canals of Venice, or the dramatic beauty of the Amalfi Coast. Greece, particularly its iconic islands, also maintains its strong appeal for those seeking sun, history, and vibrant Mediterranean culture.

However, a standout destination this summer is undoubtedly Portugal. The country has emerged as a truly hot spot, appealing to a wide range of travelers. From its iconic cities to its stunning coastline and charming hidden corners, Portugal offers an incredible blend of experiences.

Lisbon, the vibrant capital, enchants with its historic charm, colorful neighborhoods, and iconic yellow trams, while Porto captivates with its rich history, delicious wine, and picturesque riverside. Beyond the major hubs, the Algarve continues to be a draw for its golden beaches and dramatic cliffs, perfect for a relaxing seaside escape. Portugal’s appeal also extends beyond the well-known. Madeira, often called “The Floating Garden of the Atlantic,” is gaining significant traction for its lush landscapes, invigorating hiking trails, and a year-round spring-like climate, ideal for nature lovers.

Beyond Europe, several other destinations are making a significant splash this summer. Vietnam has seen a remarkable surge in interest, captivating travelers with its UNESCO World Heritage sites, breathtaking natural beauty, and rich cultural tapestry, from bustling cities to serene bays.

Mauritius is trending as a top choice for a luxurious tropical paradise, with its pristine beaches and diverse biodiversity. For those seeking “reversed summer” adventures, Queenstown, New Zealand, is the go-to for outdoor enthusiasts, offering skiing, bungee jumping, hiking, and stunning scenery amidst the Southern Alps.

This summer, the trend is towards more meaningful and diverse travel. Travelers are increasingly prioritizing experiences that connect them with local communities, embrace slower paces, and offer opportunities for mental and physical wellness. Whether you’re yearning for classic European charm, exotic Asian adventures, or the captivating allure of New Zealand, Summer 2025 is proving to be a season of diverse and enriching travel, inviting everyone to discover their perfect escape.