We live by the saying that you should go on a hot air balloon ride at least once in your life. It offers a tranquil and scenic experience like no other—the rustic vibes, the breeze, and the feeling of flight are immaculate!
So if you want to add riding hot air balloons to your bucket list, read on! We have all the tips to make your ride a breeze and the best destinations for fantastic views.
Hot air balloon rides let you see the horizon in a new light! Credits: Samuel Wong on Unsplash
How to prepare for the trip
Best time to go
Hot air balloons often happen in the wee hours of the morning for two reasons: you witness the sunrise (which is even more spectacular on air), and the wind conditions aren’t as strong as the rest of the day, making for a more pleasant ride. Just remember: hot air balloon rides are sensitive to the weather, so if the wind is stronger than usual, they may be canceled for safety reasons.
Book in advance
It’s essential to book your trip in advance so you can assure you’ll have a spot. Hot air balloon rides are pretty popular, so booking early is best.
Wear the right gear
Wearing a hat or cap, especially when you’re near the gas jets, is highly recommended. It can get really hot there, so the extra layer of protection is a big help.
Flights are different each time
There are no fixed routes for hot air balloon rides; this means your pilot will follow where the wind condition is best, and flights are different each time. So you might wonder, but where will we get picked up after the flight? The hot air balloon company’s vehicle will follow you and meet where you land!
Best hot air balloon destinations
Sydney, Australia
Soar over the verdant Camden Valley on this hot air balloon ride.
If you happen to be in Sydney, hot air balloon rides are a great break from the hustle and bustle of the busy city. Head over to Camden Valley, just an hour from Sydney’s CBD. On the sunrise flight in Camden Valley, get stunning views of the lush countryside and witness the sun rising from the horizon. After the exhilarating 3.5 to 4.5-hour flight, you can munch on the complementary gourmet breakfast (or brekkie, as the Aussies say)!
Melbourne, Australia
If city skylines are more your speed, then explore Melbourne on air!
If you’re up for an epic view of the city skyline, then this Melbourne hot air balloon flight is for you. Watch the sunrise over the skyscrapers of Melbourne and keep your eyes peeled for sights such as the Yarra River, the Australian Open Tennis Centre, and the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG)! For this ride, you can opt for a package with or without breakfast.
Bali, Indonesia
Have a tropical lunch, afternoon tea, or dinner in idyllic Bali
Another excellent destination for hot air balloons is Bali, Indonesia. This tropical paradise is not just breathtaking on land but also air. You’ll be flying specifically in Ubud, soaring over verdant rice paddies, tropical rainforests, and other natural landscapes. You can choose between a sunrise or a sunset package. The sunrise package has breakfast, while the sunset package can have either afternoon tea or dinner!
Dubai, UAE
Appreciate the marvelous desert landscape of Dubai from up above!
Fly over the magnificent and vast Arabian Desert on this hot air balloon ride in Dubai. Watch the sun rise over this opulent city and across the sandy desert. Plenty of treats await after the ride, the first being breakfast. Then you can enjoy a falcon show and a camel ride for a complete experience!
Whether you’re riding a hot air balloon in Australia, Bali, or Dubai, it’s definitely an experience worth trying! So get your caps and cameras ready and prepare to soar.
