10 places for an unforgettable hot air balloon ride | Inspire Me | Wanderlust http://www.wanderlust.co.uk/planatrip/inspire-me/lists/10-places-for-a...
1 iš 6
www.wanderlust.co.uk
4th June 2015
Escape the crowds and experience the thrill of seeing the world from above by taking to
the skies in a hot air balloon... Here are our favourites
Hazel Plush
1. Jaipur, India
The forts and palaces of the Pink City are impressive enough, but getting an aerial view from a
lofty balloon trumps a walking tour every time. Peer over Hawa Mahal (Palace of the Winds),
Amber Fort and City Palace (to name but three of the city's architectural treasures), before
floating over rural villages and remote stone temples. Book a flight for sunrise, and you'll see
Jaipur come to life...
Make it happen
For a 60-minute flight, try On the Go's Balloon over Jaipur bolt-on (pictured above); it's
compatible with any of the company's Golden Triangle tours.
Hot air ballooning over New Zealand (Shutterstock)
2. Canterbury Plains, New Zealand
The Canterbury Plains stretch out like a green patchwork quilt, unrolling from South Island's
Southern Alps to the Pacific Ocean. The river-rich area is an agricultural hotspot; indeed, its fields
of herbs, grazing grass and sunflowers make up roughly 80% of New Zealand's grains and crops.
To appreciate the scale and beauty of the area, it's best to take to the skies. Floating above the
2015.07.01 08:15
10 places for an unforgettable hot air balloon ride | Inspire Me | Wanderlust http://www.wanderlust.co.uk/planatrip/inspire-me/lists/10-places-for-a...
2 iš 6
turf reveals the myriad hues of the landscape, and offers a tantalising view of the snow-capped
Southern Alps beyond...
Make it happen
Audley's 17-day Luxury New Zealand trip includes a scenic hot air balloon ride over the
Canterbury Plains – and a helicopter trip over Fiordland National Park, for even more aerial thrills.
Hot air ballooning over Cappadocia, Turkey (RF: iStock)
3. Cappadocia, Turkey
Surreal rock formations and velvety green vineyards make Cappadocia a magical spot for hot air
ballooning. Marvel at the colourful landscape as you bob above the rugged limestone peaks of
the iconic 'fairy chimneys' – even more dramatic when you fly at sunrise or sunset. Each season
offers its own treasures, so you'll be in for a treat any time of the year, whether it's blankets of
snow in the winter, poppies in the springtime, flowers in the summer, or the golden hue of
autumn.
Make it happen
Hot air ballooning is a popular fixture on many itineraries that include Cappadocia.
Cash-conscious travellers should look to G Adventures' Turkey on a Budget, or if all those Lira
are burning a hole in your pocket, look to Abercrombie & Kent's Connections Turkey.
Hot air ballooning over Namibia (Shutterstock)
4. Namib Desert, Namibia
An aerial cruise through the heart of the Namib Desert reveals the scale and drama of this largely
empty land. Begin your adventure just before sunrise and watch the colours of the desert
transform before your eyes. Drift silently over the stunning orange and pink sand dunes of
Sossusvlei, the peaks whipped into razor sharp edges, and marvel at the unique rock formations
of the Naukluft Mountain massif.
Make it happen
2015.07.01 08:15
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Cox & Kings' Namibia Untouched self-drive itinerary includes an optional early-morning hot air
balloon safari from Swakopmund.
Hot air ballooning at Albuquerque, US (Michael E Halstead/Shutterstock)
5. Albuquerque, US
Every year, one of the most impressive hot air balloon gatherings can be spotted above New
Mexico, as hundreds of brightly-coloured orbs take to the air. Welcome to the Albuquerque
International Balloon Fiesta, which attracts hundreds of ballooning fans from all over the world to
enjoy the perfect weather conditions and calm air of southern America. As the sun rises over
Albuquerque, so do the balloons – a surreal yet magical sight, whether you're in the air or on
solid ground.
Make it happen
The International Balloon Fiesta takes place in October every year, although you'll find plenty of
locally-based ballooning companies all year round.
Hot air ballooning over Masai Mara, Kenya (Shutterstock)
6. Masai Mara, Kenya
The Masai Mara National Reserve in Kenya is renowned for playing a central role in the annual
Great Migration. Just over a million zebras, gazelle and wildebeest travel through the park in
search of food and hot air balloonists get an unparalleled bird-eye-view of this phenomenal
wildlife spectacle. It may be one of the more expensive aerial experiences but for wildlife-watching
it's one of the best!
Make it happen
If it's a luxury safari experience you're after, Audley's Mara & Mahe Explorer includes the
opportunity to soar above the Mara in a private balloon. Absolute Africa's Masai & Migration
overlanding trip is a more budget-friendly option, with the option of a balloon safari.
2015.07.01 08:15
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Hot air ballooning over Vilnius, Lithuania (Shutterstock)
7. Vilnius, Lithuania
Vilnius is one of the few European cities that allows hot air balloons to fly right over the top –
allowing you to spy the Old Town's Gothic and Renaissance spires from above, marvel at the
scale of Vilnius's two rivers, and feel smug that you're escaping rush hour below. A treat for city
breaks – especially when combined with a bubbly breakfast...
Make it happen
Intrigued? So was Lyn Hughes when she visited Lithuania's capital – read her short break in
Vilnius guide here. You'll find balloon carriers galore offered online and in the city: ask at your
hotel for a recommendation.
Hot air ballooning over Bagan, Burma/Myanmar (Shutterstock)
8. Bagan, Burma/Myanmar
Drift over thousands of pagodas in the ancient city of Bagan for a truly unique hot air ballooning
experience. Mostly constructed between the 11th and 13th centuries, the pagodas sit in silent
contemplation on a plain next to the Irrawaddy River – a unique sight in this mysterious country.
For an unrivalled view of Bagan take flight in the soft light of dawn or dusk.
Make it happen
You'll be spoiled for choice – many tour operators have caught on to the magical appeal of Bagan
by balloon. Itineraries from Eastern Safaris, G Adventures, Cox & Kings, Buffalo Tours and
Abercrombie & Kent are particular favourites, so there's no excuse not to take to the skies...
2015.07.01 08:15
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5 iš 6
Hot air ballooning over Northern Territory, Australia (Supplied: NT TB)
9. Red Centre, Australia
Hot air ballooning is an exhilarating way to see Australia's Red Centre. Viewing the landscape
from above will help you appreciate the phenomenal scale of this striking red desert, punctured
only by millennia-old rock formations and the odd dust cloud-trailing 4x4. Watch kangaroos
bounce below or eagles swirl above, and marvel at the grandeur of Uluru and the nearby Kata
Tjuta.
Make it happen
There are plenty of flights available, from budget trips to luxury experiences complete with
breakfast and Buck's Fizz or barbecues and sundowners. Take your pick from the Northern
Territory's recommended operators...
Hot air ballooning over Luxor, Egypt (Shutterstock)
10. Nile River, Egypt
Escape the swarming crowds, and enjoy a peaceful flight above the Nile with unbeatable views of
some of Egypt’s most prominent and ancient monuments, juxtaposed with rural landscapes. Rise
in the dawn to witness the tranquil majesty of the pyramids and Luxor's famous temples, as the
sun breaks the horizon. Experience a different, little-seen side to Egypt as you pass over children
playing in the river, and women working in the slowly-swaying fields.
Make it happen
In 2013, a fatal balloon accident prompted local operators to cease trips for almost two months.
Today, trips remain popular, and safety standards are carefully monitored. On The Go's Luxor
balloon bolt-on is popular with travellers on its small group and tailormade Egypt itineraries.
MAKE IT HAPPEN
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