One of the trending experiences now that travel is back in place is hot air ballooning. A hot air balloon ride gives the freedom to experience sights from a bird’s eye view. This different perspective can be advantageous when trying to see diverse landscapes, whether in the US, in Africa, or while sailing over the fairy chimneys of Cappadocia, Turkiye. Here are some of the locations to put on your bucket list to consider:
Goreme, Cappadocia, Turkey
It is probably one of the most memorable balloon rides to not only experience but also witness, as most will fly at the crack of dawn, giving photographers some unique photo opportunities. Back in the basket, travellers fly over Cappadocia’s mesmerising moonscape, a fairy-like landscape.
Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Away from the bustle and hype of Dubai, one can relax and set off on a balloon ride across the sand dunes that dominate this part of the world and make out the different landscapes that are reflected in the Arabian backdrop.
Loire Valley, France
Across Centre-Val de Loire, France, you will be enchanted by the Loire Valley’s offerings, including tucked-away villages, vineyards and turrets of castle and manor homes. Some of the scenery, with the Loire River running through, gives a fascinating glimpse of what few can appreciate from the ground.
Luxor, Egypt
This remains one of the most underrated balloon rides you can experience. The ancient sites, the Valley of the Kings, floodplains and villages have remained untouched for years. It is certainly one to consider for the bucket list if you ever travel through Egypt.
Marrakech, Morocco
If Marrakech is mindboggling as you travail its hundreds of alleyways, then a balloon ride will give you a different perspective of what that looks like from the sky. A balloon ride gives you vibrant colours, crazy angles of streets, and the backdrop of the Atlas Mountains and Berber villages in its wake.
Albuquerque, New Mexico
One of the top balloon adventures for any traveller is the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta, which takes place every October. It allows you to see the region and its diverse landscape from the air, while on the ground, you can immerse in concerts and various events.
Angkor Watt, Cambodia
Floating across the UNESCO World Heritage site of Angkor Watt in the country’s north will probably live long in the memory as much as trying to conquer the ancient 500-acre site by foot. As the base of the ancient Khmer Empire’s Capital, it is also one of the best ways to glimpse from the air.
Serengeti, Tanzania
A balloon ride is supposed to give a completely new insight into what’s on earth And here, you can float above the natural habitats and get a grip of the vast landscapes that some of the world’s best loved creatures have to endure and thrive in. Seeing the likes of lions, zebra, hippos and giraffes in their natural habitats is probably better than being carted round in vehicle with hundreds of tourists in toe looking for an elusive glimpse of an animal.
Conclusion
Professional balloon rides are becoming increasingly popular for travellers as they can traverse wide open spaces and achieve the same aim, making it more memorable. Seeing the world from a different angle and hundreds of metres up in the air will create fantastic snapshots of your adventures and family talking points for years to come.
Andy Probert is an independent journalist based in Turkey. He writes about travel, aviation, new tech and business. His work has appeared on the BBC, in The Daily Telegraph, Hurriyet Daily News and other newspapers worldwide.
