Introduction Hot Air Balloon Ride
So you’re considering booking a hot air balloon ride at sunrise…is it really worth the money? Is it the magical once-in-a-lifetime experience the brochures promise you it will be?Before you make a decision, here are some matters the advertising and marketing brochures received’t let you know that would assist you are making your decision:
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You’ll have to get up at the ass crack of dawn.
We got up whilst it changed into nonetheless pitch black, with a four:45am wake up call we were thinking whose idea this turned into inside the first region… (mind you, four:45am was a gift as compared to my friends who needed to arise at 3:00am to be picked up for his or her dawn hot air balloon ride…) So you’ll need so that you can deal with an early morning begin!
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It’s cold AF.
Without the sun to warm us up, there was frost on the ground and it was -2 degrees Celsius. Eeek! Bundling up in layers was key, may I suggest thick socks and gloves to cushion the blow…
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You have to wait.
Once you get to your take off area you have to anticipate them to refill the new hot air balloon ride (duh). But what you didn’t plan on is how long it takes to do that…and again refer to above “cold AF.” Google AF if you’re not familiar with the term…
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Don’t wear a skirt or heels…
Someone on our tour, who will remain nameless, dressed for her Instagram photo shoot in the clouds. Not only was she freezing but she also flashed us all as she climbed into the basket. As our tour guide said, “there is no lady-like way to climb into the basket,” and he was right.
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Don’t over hydrate.
No restrooms are available on board once you’re in the air. Again, duh. But if you drink too much coffee to help you with that early morning start you’ll be hurting at a high elevation with no bathroom in sight.
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It’s probably not a good idea to go on a hot air balloon ride if you’re afraid of heights.
I know this probably sounds obvious but I’ve never been afraid of heights, ever, but at 3,000 feet above ground…well I looked like my eyes were going to pop out of my head. I was so focused on the excitement of “Oh boy, we’re going on a hot air balloon ride” that I hadn’t ever considered it might be a little scary… after all, you’re free floating in the air with no parachute.
I started to panic at this point since I was thinking of all the worst-case situations. I asked my best friend why she wasn’t freaking out…she said, “I can’t think about it….or I will WIG.” (As in “wig out”). This advice was key, if you just breathe, enjoy the view, and relax you’ll enjoy yourself.
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Your position inside the balloon matters
If you’re going for the best photos in Insta history, like I was, you should ask your driver what side of the balloon will have the best views before you get in. We were given absolutely boned on one aspect with all the other hot air balloon ride on the other facet people. More than a few times I asked people to duck down on their side so I should snap a brief percent. Aren’t you glad we weren’t on the same trip?
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Landing probably isn’t what you had in mind
I imagined landing as softly and lightly as we had taken off, like a balloon gently deflating. False! You’ll be informed to get into “brace role” wherein you maintain on and lock your knees while the balloon slams into the floor. That said, it’s not as scary as you think it’ll be when the ground is racing towards you, but definitely hold on tight!
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Pack it up, pack it in…
If you suspect you’re going to waltz away once you land, you’d be wrong. They want to deflate the balloon and p.C. It back up the identical manner they took it out. I’ll admit I was relieved to find how lengthy it took to deflate thinking about that same large balloon had simply held us 3,000 feet up within the air!
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It’s even more amazing than you’d expect.
Riding in a hot air balloon had always been a bucket list activity for me. I went with my best pal – we each celebrated our 30th birthdays, and it turned into even extra magical than we ever expected. It’s pretty much the handiest manner humanly possible to fly…gliding with the clouds, overlooking high-quality views (we were in Australia’s Hunter Valley wine location). Despite the early start and a few moments of terror it really was an incredible experience.
Why would families want to take a hot air balloon ride?
It is the most amazing kind of flight, in fact. . I have been fortunate to fly in everything from fighter jets, stunt planes, and I have even wing walked on a Steerman Bi-plane… Nothing compares to feeling you get during a hot air balloon ride. Peaceful, floating, and 360 degree views.
Many have it listed a hot air balloon experience as Bucket List object. Just recollect there is a lot of room in the bucket.
Each day brings changes in the weather and conditions. While there can be some similarity, each and every flight in a balloon is different and offers an unique and unforgettable experience.
What should families expect from a balloon ride?
This is not a dress-up occasion. Be prepared in maximum cases to have a arms on enjoy. You may be involved from begin to finish, and it becomes a learning enjoy.
Don’t be frightened of asking the pilot and group questions. The assembly of the balloon at the launch website online – the flight itself – and the touchdown and %-up of the equipment is all part of the a laugh.
hot air balloon rides can vary in altitude. Because balloon pilots use the wind to influence, we’re trying to find unique winds at distinct altitudes to take us where we would like to head. This means most balloon flights are anywhere from a few feet to 1,500 or 2,000 feet off the ground.
What are your favorite hot air balloon destinations?
I’m most familiar with Dubai. Gallup, Albuquerque, and Phoenix are popular ballooning destinations, but Dubai offers a unique and spectacular experience for hot air ballooning. There are many wonderful places to fly throughout Dubai and its surroundings
When choosing a balloon ride, what should families look for?
Some companies don’t allow for the full experience, helping with the set-up, pack-up etc. If that’s something you want, ask the company.
Check out the company you are booking your flight with, including their safety record. How long have they been flying?
Some companies, like mine, specialize in a more individualized experience. Others fly very large balloons that carry 12-16 people. It’s a matter of preference.
Don’t base everything on price. Consider where you want to fly and what type of experience you want for your family.
What is the minimum age for children to take a hot air balloon ride?
hot air balloon ride is normally endorsed for youngsters over the age of 6. Each balloon journey organization will have their very own coverage. Balloon baskets can be forty two inches or taller, making it hard for toddlers to peer over the edge.
I don’t allow anyone who is pregnant to fly and I don’t allow infants to be carried in a flight, even if they are secured in some sort of personal carrying device. hot air balloon ride is a fair climate recreation, however climate can alternate at some point of a flight and a few landings can get bumpy, so holding a infant ought to end up a protection trouble.
If all of us in the own family has any form of persistent scientific condition, awful knees, awful lower back, and many others., check with a doctor earlier than flying.
Please let your pilot know of any health conditions.
What type of weather is best?
All hot air balloon ride are weather dependent. The weather must be fair, with light winds – not only on the surface (what you feel) but also up above the surface. No rain or snow. Visibility must also good.
Hot air Balloon ride pilots know and study weather extensively. It can be difficult to call off a flight when the weather on the surface looks good, but there are many other factors that could come into play. Hot air Balloon ride pilots take a look at what climate can be like some hours after take off, so that we have an concept of what form of conditions we will expect for touchdown.
What should you wear?
Jeans and T-shirts. This is nothing to get fancy about.
hot air balloon ride is regularly achieved on cool/cold mornings and evenings. Dress in layers to make sure you live cushty.
Wear closed-toe footwear – mild hikers are exquisite, tennis shoes are okay. You might be taking walks through brush and getting a bit grimy.
A hat or ball cap is advisable. Don’t forget the sunscreen!
What are your top safety tips?
Pay attention to the pilot’s and his or her crew’s instructions. They are experienced and can give you instruction and safety tips. Just like when you fly on an airline, your pilot should give you a safety briefing before launch.
Your eyes are just as important as the pilots, so if you see power lines, or obstacles that are closer than you feel is comfortable, speak up and let the pilot know. Always prepare for landings through having an awesome grip at the handles provided and springy bent knees.
How much does a typical hot air balloon ride cost?
It will depend from place to place. but generally speaking $250 to $350. Flying during a balloon rally or event could cost more.
What are hot air balloon festivals like? Any tips for families?
There are many across the united states to pick out from. The largest in the global is the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta with well over 500 balloons participating.
The Red Rock hot air Balloon ride Rally in Gallup will mark it’s 39th year in 2018 and I feel it really caters to the family. There is no admission fee charged for any of the occasions. You will best pay a $five parking charge. It has approximately 150 balloons in the scenic red rocks of Gallup. Not as big as some, and you won’t find a huge vendor row like Albuquerque, but it’s fun just the same.
There are lots of balloon rallies all over the country. I would seek one out that allows you to walk around all of the balloons as they get ready for launch or to glow. Make positive you ask pilots for their collectible balloon cards. They commonly are unfastened, pilots love to provide them out and your youngsters may have an high-quality selection to fill a scrap book afterwards.
Conclusion
hot air balloon ride is truly a bucket-list experience that offers a unique perspective on the world below. While there are certainly challenges involved, such as early mornings, unpredictable weather, and the need for proper attire, the breathtaking views and serene flying experience often outweigh the inconveniences. Whether you’re flying over Dubai’s stunning landscapes or participating in a balloon festival, the joy of floating amidst the clouds is unmatched.
For families considering a balloon ride, the adventure is not just about the flight itself but also the immersive experience of participating in the preparation and packing up of the balloon. It’s a wonderful way to bond and create lasting memories, though it’s important to be prepared for the early start and to dress appropriately for the weather.
When selecting a hot air balloon ride, do your research to ensure that the company you choose offers the experience you want, maintains high safety standards, and can accommodate the needs of your family. Despite the challenges, the experience of soaring high and taking in the panoramic views from a hot air balloon is often described as magical and unforgettable.
In summary, hot air balloon ride offers an unparalleled sense of freedom and wonder. By preparing adequately and keeping an open mind, you can make the most of this extraordinary adventure and create memories that will last a lifetime.
