The Thrill of a Hot Air Balloon Ride: Why It's Worth Every Penny

No matter how many adventures you embark upon you’ll never forget a ride in a hot-air balloon.

There’s no feeling of speed or ascension. It’s as if you’re your basket is resting on an invisible people mover gliding over the countryside below.

What to expect

You’ll have to get up REALLY early. The weather is usually milder in the early morning making it safer to balloon. You’ll have to get up when it’s still dark. And though you’ll be groggy, when you see the sunrise from your perch in the sky you’ll be really glad you dragged yourself out of bed.

Your pilot will tell you all that you need to know: You’ll be assigned to a balloon with a pilot who will go over all the safety rules and what you can expect during the flight which will last about an hour. Baskets range in size to hold 12-16 people depending on the number of reservations they’ve booked, and unless you’re part of a large group you’ll probably ride with other travelers.

Watching the balloons inflate is part of the fun

When you get to your departure point, you’ll find a lot of activity as workers prepare the balloons for inflation. Once the pilots engage the burners to heat the air it takes about 30 minutes for the balloons to fill and rise above the baskets. Surprisingly, the process is thrilling to watch.

The view is beyond words

Imagine if you were standing on the top of a huge mountain with a 360 degree view. The world spread out beneath you in every direction. That’s the closest you’ll get to what it’s like in a hot air balloon.

The whole shebang ends with a champagne breakfast: Champagne after a flight is a worldwide tradition, but the size and bounty of the spread varies. I’ve enjoyed everything from yummy muffins and pastries to a full sit-down breakfast.
Kenya - Why Everyone should Try Hot Air Ballooning

Unfortunately, a hot air balloon ride is not cheap

It can run anywhere between $250-$450 per person but it’s worth the pre-trip penny-pinching. Trust me.

If you have an adventurous spirit than a ride in a hot air balloon is tailor-made for you. Lets face it, it’s not everyday you get to see the forest for the trees. In a balloon you’ll see it all at once.

Have you ballooned someplace fabulous? I’d love to hear about it.