The View From Above – Ballooning
A serene hot air balloon ride gives you the opportunity to see some of the world’s best spots from 6,500 feet up! Enjoy that feeling of soaring in the wide blue yonder and gain a different perspective on the landscape below you.  Here are a few extra special places where you can enjoy this exciting and exilerating experience and all of them are easy – with lots of flights available online.
Vilnius, Lithuania
Vilnius is a beautiful European city and it has the unusual bonus of being one of the few capitals that allows hot air balloons to drift directly above a city. Look down on the Old Town and enjoy the key landmarks across this city, a UNESCO site of cultural heritage! Whether you choose to fly over the city, the Trakai lakes and Castle or over the grand lagoon, this delightful trip can be booked up any time of year.
Cappadocia, Turkey
Float over central Turkey and soak up the serene majesty of this region; Cappadocia is widely regarded as one of the best places in the world for this sport. The stunning scenery of sandy desert and limestone rock combined with a astonishing backdrop of tall sand chimneys and stone houses makes this landscape unique. The best flying weather is from April to October when there are clear open stretches of blue sky and light winds.
Masai Mara, Kenya
A visit to the Masai Mara game reserve is one to be savoured. From the safety of your balloon, you will soar above the treetops for a panoramic view of the wildlife moving around below, from scampering gazelles and wildebeest – and if you’re lucky, lions or giraffes. Let the lush savannah scenery unfolds as far as the eye can see – perfect for those camera worthy moments! You’ll need an international flight to get you there – and then onto a slower paced flying experience.
Wadi Rum, Jordan
Sandstone and granite mountains of awe-inspiring beauty will greet you as you climb to an altitude of 7,000 feet; the scenery that unfolds is breath-taking, it’s an exhilarating trip with magnificent views! The valley is possibly best known as the location of Lawrence of Arabia’s base of operations in 1917. Combine your visit with an overnight stay in a Bedouin tent for an authentic taste of desert living!
Queenstown, New Zealand
Queenstown built along the shores of Lake Wakatipu, so you are guaranteed views across gorgeous terrain taking in lakes, rivers, a national park, ski resorts and mountains – not bad for one balloon ride. Flights take off at dawn to give you the best experience of the sun rising as you float across some of the best of New Zealands stunning landscapes – a great way to start to any day.
