Imagine drifting on the breeze, watching the world drift below in all its beauty and splendor, buildings and vehicles looking like toys. Dream about leaving all of life's problems behind as you spend the most fabulous morning or evening imaginable on a hot air balloon flight.
Begun in the 1700s by several Frenchmen, building and flying hot air balloons has really not changed that much over the years, except that hot air ballooning is safer and more popular than ever!
The basket is comfortable and the experience is exhilarating. No matter what terrain you fly over, or how many flights you have taken, each experience is a once in a lifetime event. You and nature seem to be one as the world glides beneath you.
If you think hot air balloon rides are expensive and hard to find, think again. In fact, it is very affordable, and hot air ballooning is becoming more and more prevalent all over the world. There's probably a hot air balloon flight service close to you, just waiting to take you on the ride of your life.
Educate yourself and be prepared when booking a hot air balloon flight. Most launch either at dawn, or just before dusk, due to the winds being at their most favorable at those times of day. Dress comfortably in light layered fabrics, and bring a hat and sunglasses, as well as a light jacket. It can be very warm in the basket, but you will be surprised how much cooler the air is a few thousand feet off the ground! And don't forget your camera, to capture those magical panoramic views from high above the earth.
Most hot air balloon flights last about an hour, and you will be picked up by the "chase crew" who follow the balloon in a vehicle and meet the balloon upon landing to collect the equipment and passengers.
Because nobody can be absolutely sure where you will land in a hot air balloon, a side trip by car after the ride is often an added bonus. Most flights finish with a champagne toast, and you generally receive a
flight certificate to commemorate the event.
If you've never been on a hot air balloon ride, you are in for a treat! Most flights are extremely smooth and gentle, balloon pilots must be FAA certified, and all equipment is examined and safety-checked thoroughly before passengers are ever taken aboard. Hot air ballooning is a safe, exciting, and fun activity for the entire family!
