Taking a scorching air balloon journey is a pleasant approach to actually see the sights, making even a well-known panorama look brand-new. It’s a “surreal sensation,” Journey and Leisure mentioned, delivering the “uncooked and exhilarating feeling” of floating within the crisp air. Able to go up, up and away? Soar over one in every of these celebrated ballooning locations, the place the recent air balloons may be fired up all 12 months lengthy.
Albuquerque, New Mexico
The Albuquerque Worldwide Balloon Fiesta is the largest competition of its sort
(Picture credit score: Maddie Meyer / Getty Photos for Lumix)
You possibly can journey in a scorching air balloon in Albuquerque any outdated time. However watching the mass ascension on the Albuquerque Worldwide Balloon Fiesta, when each taking part balloon slowly launches into the air, is magical. The occasion is held yearly in October and offers individuals the “uncommon alternative to be inside arm’s attain as the large balloons are unpacked and inflated,” The Related Press mentioned. Greater than 100 balloons fill the sky in the course of the competition, which began in 1972 and now features a drone present, dwell music and dance performances, chainsaw carving and skydiving.
Cappadocia, Turkey
Cappadocia’s otherworldly panorama appears even cooler from above
Cappadocia is a “fairy-tale kingdom” in Turkey, Journey and Leisure mentioned, a “rocky panorama of pure wonders” full of hoodoos (tall, skinny spires) formed by volcanic eruptions and erosion. Seeing the panorama from above in a scorching air balloon is a deal with, with two flight choices: customary or consolation (these flights run longer and have fewer individuals within the basket). A balloon competition is held in Cappadocia each summer time, which can also be the perfect time to go to.
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Chateau-d’Oex, Switzerland
The Worldwide Balloon Pageant in Chateau-d’Oex dates again to 1979
For the final 4 a long time, the beginning of a brand new 12 months has signaled it’s time as soon as once more for the Worldwide Balloon Pageant in Chateau-d’Oex. The occasion “enthralls” hundreds of spectators, Reuters mentioned, who flock to this Alpine valley “famend for winds that make for notably good flying.” In the course of the competition, revelers can watch air reveals, pilot competitions and concert events, and naturally go up in a balloon (there are tethered flights for youths 5 to 12). All year long, morning scorching air balloon rides can be found in Chateau-d’Oex, climate allowing.
Luxor, Egypt
The Colossi of Memnon are among the many items of historical past scorching air balloons fly over in Luxor
(Picture credit score: Christopher Pillitz / Getty Photos)
In Luxor, you possibly can “attain new heights” in a scorching air balloon, The Impartial mentioned, flying excessive above the “banks of the crocodile-peppered Nile.” Amid a “sea of vibrant scorching air balloons” floating over historical wonders, you possibly can take within the Valley of the Kings, Valley of the Queens and Colossi of Memnon “from a “new perspective.” Most of the tour operators additionally serve a conventional tea and breakfast for company to take pleasure in throughout their tour.
Serengeti Nationwide Park, Tanzania
The broad open plains stretch out under balloons within the Serengeti
Time a visit to the Serengeti proper, and also you might be able to witness the Nice Migration from a scorching air balloon. Everytime you do the journey, take in the “infinite plains” and “extraordinary array of wildlife not like anything on the earth,” Lonely Planet mentioned. The balloons rise at daybreak, and riders watch because the “solar surfaces slowly into view” and “hundreds of antelope, warthogs, zebras, lions, rhinos and elephants wander about as they begin their day.”
Temecula, California
You possibly can go from the recent air balloon to a vineyard or tasting room in Temecula Valley.
(Picture credit score: George Rose / Getty Photos)
That is Southern California Wine Nation, and seeing the vineyards from a scorching air balloon is a spectacular sight. Temecula Valley is a “laid-back paradise for individuals looking for a vibrant, unpretentious” expertise, Sundown mentioned, and that extends to the leisurely balloon rides. In late spring, the skies get just a little extra colourful above the area, because the annual Temecula Valley Balloon and Wine Pageant takes place. Come for the balloon rides and wine tastings and keep for the music from a wide range of acts — current performers included Stone Temple Pilots, Lynyrd Skynyrd and Brad Paisley.
