Thirsty for some adventure? How about hot air ballooning! The real aficionados love not only the breathtaking sites from above, but the whole ritual as well: waking up early, preparing for the trip, breakfast and champagne after it. Here are ten choices of ours. Which is your favorite?
10. Bristol, UK
The hip city in England might be an unexpected choice for hot air ballooning, but it has a very nice annual festival. The international fiesta attracts balloonists who entertain spectators with their colorful and creative balloons.
Why to go there?
Bristol is a scenic city. Many entertaining attractions at the balloon fiesta.
When to go there?
Flying season is March to October. Bristol Balloon Fiesta will take place from 7th to 10th August 2014.
Read more: Bristol Balloon Fiesta
Photo by Syed Zaidi
Photo by Doc Snap
Photo by Adam Gasson
9. Mount Bromo, Java, Indonesia
The sport is becoming more and more popular in Indonesia. International Festival in Bogor has popularized hot air ballooning in the country. Hopefully, the business will develop successfully, since the opportunity to see unearthly landscape of Mount Bromo from above is highly anticipated.
Why to go there?
The surroundings of the volcano are breathtaking.
Photo by Anek S
Photo by Unknown
Photo by Unknown
8. Hot Air Ballooning in Switzerland
The astonishing landscapes of the country is a real treat for the aerostiers. The adventurers can choose from over 50 different places to go hot air ballooning. Festival in Château-d’Oex attracts aerostiers from all around the world.
Why to go there?
Various sites and destinations, striking Alpine sites.
When to go there?
Anytime. Château-d’Oex festival takes place in January.
Read more: Château-d’Oex Festival
Photo by Peter From
Photo by Sayantan Chowdhury
Photo by Cedric Favero
7. Tuscany, Italy
Tuscany is a gorgeous part of Italy, with amazing landscapes: green valleys, villas, vineyards and historic towns, that attract visitors from all around the world. These amazing panoramic views are best observed from above.
Why to go there?
Amazing sites, the ballooning company additionally serves champagne and breakfast.
When to go there?
From late spring to early autumn.
Read more: Picturesque Landscapes of Tuscany, Ballooning in Tuscany
Photo by Giuseppe Peppoloni
Photo by Daniel Řeřicha
Photo by Silvio Rugolo
Photo by Mauro Maione
6. Bagan, Myanmar
Ancient city is the main tourist destination in the country. Over 2000 historic monuments, stupas and pagodas look fascinating from above. Hot air balloon company even picks up tourists from their hotel, pilots are friendly, professional and the experience is unforgettable.
Why to go there?
Amazing views; the experience includes breakfast and champagne.
When to go there?
From October to April.
Read more: Eastern Safaris
Photo by Anuparb Papapan
Photo by CS-Tjandra
Photo by Navalarp Teratanatorn
5. Yarra Valley, Australia
Just an hour drive from Melbourne, Yarra Valley is a famous wine region. Uninterrupted hilly valley, Yarra river, hopping kangaroos, vineyards – the trip offers some amazing sites. And in autumn (March to May) it gets covered in colorful foliage.
Why to go there?
Beautiful Australian landscapes, good service.
When to go there?
All year round.
Read more: Yarra Valley Ballooning
Photo by Unknown
Photo by Unknown
Photo by Unknown
Photo by Unknown
4. New Mexico, USA
The surface is very versatile here – from mountains to prairies, to deserts. There are various places, where balloon festivals take place in New Mexico. White Sands, Shiprock, Albuquerque and other balloon fiestas attract millions of visitors every year.
Why to go there?
To admire the biggest balloon rallies in the world.
When to go there?
The festivals take place from September to January.
Read more: New Mexico Ballooning Events
Photo by Randall Roberts
Photo by Dave Shultz
Photo by Richard Silver
3. Serengeti National Park, Tanzania
One of the greatest and most exciting national parks in the world invites to have a hot air ballooning experience. The amazing trip includes “Out of Africa” breakfast and champagne served outdoors under the trees.
Why to go there?
A wonderful wildlife experience, great service.
When to go there?
All year round.
Read more: Balloon Safaris, Serengeti National Park
Photo by Roie Galitz
Photo by Darcy Michaelchuk
Photo by Damien Tachoires
2. Cappadocia, Turkey
The rugged rocky landscape in Cappadocia is breathtaking. The historic site is a popular attraction for the hot air ballooning. The famous fairy chimneys, valleys, orchards and vineyards are best observed from above.
Why to go there?
Fun experience in a truly wonderful place. You can even get a private hot air balloon tour.
When to go there?
All year round.
Read more: The Best Place to Go Hot Air Ballooning, Ballooning in Cappadocia
Photo by Vitaly Afanasyev
Photo by Kani Polat
Photo by Anuparb Papapan
Photo by Natapong P
1. Ballooning in the Arctic
Canadian company offers the most exciting hot air ballooning! The aerostiers get to see captivating icy landscapes, polar bears, whales, migrating caribou and muskox. The company also offers other polar adventures and safaris.
Why to go there?
Certainly an amazing adventure in this remote place.
When to go there?
Anytime: you have to schedule a trip in advance.
Read more: Arctic Ballooning
Photo by Michelle Valberg
Photo by Unknown
Photo by Unknown