What You Should Know Before Riding in a Hot Air Balloon
When you are planning a vacation, one thing that always sounds like fun is a hot air balloon ride. Flying in a hot air balloon through winds enjoying fascinating view. Seems like a dream, right? Adventurous journey in combination with romance and 360 degree view will make your ride unforgettable. The hot air balloon experience is totally different from other flight adventures. You are flying through the air with a great view of everything down below and it seems like nothing could go wrong. However, if you are planning a hot air balloon ride, there are some tips you should keep in mind.
You May Have To Pick a Different Date Then You Planned
Air balloon ride is directly related the weather. However, no one can control the weather. It would also not be wise to fly around in a hot air balloon during bad weather. Make sure when you plan your vacation for the hot air balloon ride to be scheduled near the beginning of the trip. That way, if there is bad weather that day, you don’t have to decide between missing out on the ride or extending your vacation.
Keep In Mind You Will Be Waking Up Early
Since weather plays a big part in these rides, they are scheduled for the early morning and the evening. If you choose a morning ride, it could be scheduled to take off at seven in the morning. You would have to wake up and get ready to the launch site before takeoff. This might be a difficult task if you went to bed late the night before.
Don’t Bring Too Much
You are not going to have a lot of space in the basket especially if you are riding with other strangers so it is recommended to bring what you need. The riding is going to be in the morning or evening when the weather is cool or cold. So, you’ll feel cozy in warm clothes. Also, take sunglasses to protect your eyes and sunscreen to protect your skin. You should also wear a hat or cap if you happen to be tall because you don’t want your head to be near the flame that allows the balloon to fly through the air. What’s more important, don’t forget to bring your camera. It would be waste not to take photos of those great moments.
The Ride Won’t Have Any Turbulence
Any degrees you lose in temperature will be replaced by the flame that inflates the hot air balloon. Also, since this ride is slow but covers a lot of distance, you won’t have to worry if you’re afraid of heights. Because you won’t have enough time to focus on anything below. Not only below, on your left and right and above you, probably, there will be an eye-catching view.
There Are No Bathrooms in the Basket
If you want to take a hot air balloon ride, there are a couple of things you have to consider. You will be standing the entire time and the ride could last up to a couple of hours. Also, there is no way to pause for a bathroom break so it would be wise to use the restroom before the hot air balloon ride begins. If you are traveling with family make sure that your kids also used a bathroom before leaving. Unlike the adults children cannot hold it for longer time.
Sudden Bad Weather May Not Cancel Your Ride
The company would never start a ride if the weather was too dangerous. However, if the weather becomes too bad suddenly, pilots will wait to see if the weather clears up before canceling the ride. If you are forced to wait though, it might be cold which is why bringing an extra sweater would be advisable.
Listen Carefully to Instructions
Before the flight the instructor and the crew will give the travelers some important instructions and safety tips. Listen to them carefully and follow them, because the pilot is experienced and knows best what travelers worry about more and what they need to do in different situations. Don’t be afraid of asking questions to the crew; also let the pilot know about any health condition beforehand.
Give up If You Afraid of Height
It takes courage to decide to fly in a hot air balloon. Usually balloons can reach an altitude of 1500 to 5000 feet. Needless to say that if you have an acrophobia or phobia of heights you won’t be able enjoy your trip. So, better give up than having a nightmare ride.
What About the Price for Hot Air Balloon Ride?
The price for hot air balloon ride is not cheap, so get ready your wallet. From place to place the price will differ, but approximately the cost is in range between 150$ to 350$ per person. If you want to take part in ballooning festival or rally it would be more expensive.
When booking an air balloon flight don’t base everything with price, also ask for years of experience and safety record. Besides, some companies specialize in a more individualized ride, while others have balloons that carry about 20 people. Pay attention to this point also.
Best Destinations for Riding in a Hot Air Balloon
Here are for some best places around the world for the hot air balloon ride:
1. Albuquerque, New Mexico.
2. Cappadocia, Turkey.
3. Luxor, Egypt.
4. Serengeti, Tanzania.
5. Bagan, Myanmar.
6. Napa Valley, California.
7. Queenstown, New Zealand.
8. Sedona, Arizona.
9. Loire Valley, France.
10. Angkor Wat, Cambodia.
These are some tips you should remember if you are planning a hot air balloon ride and it’s your first experience. While these rides are fun, they can be a bad experience if you’re not prepared. But if you remember these tips, then your next hot air balloon ride should have no problems.
Recommended articles:
