Hot air Balloon rides - the most exquisite experience

Treat yourself to a fabulous experience

In my humble opinion, a hot air balloon ride is one of the best experiences you can ever go on. Unfortunately, people often see the price and think “No way it’s too expensive”. However, if you’re not traveling the world this year, you can easily afford to spoil yourself with something truly magical and unique.

Hot air ballooning is one of the oldest forms of flight known to man.

In some countries (like South Africa) it is strictly an early morning sport. Obviously, you need the perfect weather conditions to ensure the flight is safe. So unfortunately it always is a weather-depending activity. But oh my word, if you have a beautiful day with a beautiful sunrise, this is really something you will remember for the rest of your life.

Where to go

Floating in the sky with the most amazing and breathtaking views surely is something you will remember for the rest of your life.

For example: When booking a hot air balloon flight in Cape Town, South Africa you will have the opportunity to soar above the beautiful Cape Winelands. (Also read our article about Fun-Filled Family Outings in Cape Town.)

There are so many options around the world. How about:

Flying over the Cradle of Humankind in Johannesburg
Or the Okavango Delta in Botswana
Float above the Danube River in Hungary.
The Loire Valley in France
Bagan, Myanmar – Soar above the ancient temples and pagodas of Bagan for a mesmerizing experience.
Maasai Mara, Kenya – Experience a hot air balloon safari over the iconic Maasai Mara during the Great Migration.
Tuscany in Italy
Serengeti National Park, Tanzania – Enjoy a balloon safari over the vast plains of the Serengeti, witnessing wildlife below.
Lazio outside of Rome
Istanbul in Türkiye
Napa Valley, California – Explore the picturesque vineyards and landscapes of Napa Valley from the sky.
In Phoenix, Arizona the ride goes over the Sonoran Desert.
Bali in Indonesia
Château-d’Oex, Switzerland – The International Hot Air Balloon Festival in the Swiss Alps is a spectacular event.
Uttar Pradesh, India, with a view of the Taj Mahal
Attend the Albuquerque famous annual International Balloon Fiesta

Either way, you will be rewarded with stunning photo opportunities and breathtaking moments.

But the most stunning of all – you might think – is Cappadocia in Türkiye (a bit more on this destination below)

Balloon festival in Catalonia, Spain

The European Balloon Festival is the largest hot air balloon festival in Spain, and one of the largest in Europe according to Wikipedia. The festival takes place every year in Igualada, Catalonia, Spain.

The festival attracts thousands of spectators. Taking off early in the morning and again late afternoon, weather permitting. The afternoon flights have some spectacular “night glow” balloons.

Another wonderful experience in my view is the “night glow” balloons is the Bristol International Balloon Fiesta. Balloons lighting their fires in time to a music soundtrack and ending the festivities with fireworks. Simply spectacular.

These festivals normally last for a few days, giving you enough time to plan and attend.

Central European and International Airshow in Szeged

During September each year the Central European Cup hot air balloon competition, The Szeged Ballon Cup fiesta, and the Szeged International Airshow are held in Szeged, Hungary. This offers everyone in Hungary a spectacular view of hundreds of balloons in the air.

I believe everyone has a secret travel wish list. Taking a hot air balloon ride allows you to see landscapes from unbelievable angles. Experience mountains, waterfalls, deserts, and rivers like you have never before. It is a once-in-a-lifetime experience for some of us.

The perfect gift for a honeymoon...

Book a hot air balloon ride in Cape Town

See the sunrise over Cape Town and experience Table Mountain in a whole new way.

Loads of excellent photo opportunities
And a knowledgeable guide

Hot Air Balloon Flight Over The Beautiful Cape Winelands

(Viator has a ‘Book now and pay later option’.)

This is a must-do in Cape Town. “Experience an amazing Hot Air Balloon Flight in Africa’s most spectacular winery region, with outstanding vineyards and mountains in the Cape Winelands. Let the breeze usher you along the corridors of grapevines and green pastures as you lose yourself in the breathtaking views of mountains that surround the valley.” – Viator

You can easily book online:

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Cappadocia Hot Air Balloon Festival - Spend June in Türkiye

In June the skies in Türkiye, get filled with hot air balloons. A spectacular sight indeed. A three-day international hot air balloon festival kicks off in Türkiye’s picturesque Cappadocia region. At the end of the festival, there is an evening concert and a light show of hot air balloons. This is a unique experience and very special.

Cappadocia is a UNESCO World Heritage site famous for its rock formations, hot air balloon trips, underground cities, and beautiful hotels which are carved into the rocks. As it is also one of Türkiye’s biggest tourist regions, it is no wonder that there are quite a few hotels with prime locations for this event.

However, you’ll have to book way in advance as these places fill up very quickly: