If you’re up for experiencing hot air ballooning, read this article to the end. It will give you all the information about the world’s best hot-air ballooning destinations.
Hot air ballooning is a unique way to experience a place. Something similar to what a drone shot would feel like in real life. While the adventure sport has found plenty of takers in countless places worldwide, some places are simply unmatched. It’s safe to say that these places are synonymous with hot air ballooning.
So, if the adventurer in you has been looking for a place to experience hot air ballooning at its best, read on. This article will teach you about the world’s best hot-air ballooning destinations.
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1. Albuquerque, New Mexico, USA
Albuquerque’s sunny weather throughout the year makes it one of the favorite destinations for hot-air ballooning enthusiasts. While you can visit the city at any point in the year to experience hot air ballooning, it’s best to visit it during the International Balloon Fiesta – an annual event. The fiesta sees some fiercely competitive hot air ballooning with mass ascents that add to the thrill. In addition, if you’re an enthusiast, you’ll get to meet and talk to some hot-air ballooning pros.
2. Serengeti National Park, Tanzania
Hot air ballooning is a fantastic adventure in itself, but something that makes it even more remarkable is spotting wildlife going about their lives from the skies. This is exactly what Tanzania’s Serengeti National Park has to offer. You can spot a diverse array of local wildlife from the hot air balloon, from giraffes to hippos to lions. The hot air ballooning experience highlights watching the zebra and wildebeest migrations. But, of course, the natural beauty here is also quite stunning.
3. Luxor, Egypt
Egypt will forever be an enigma because of its ethereally barren natural landscapes associated with the pharaohs. Taking in this breathtaking beauty from a hot air balloon makes for a once-in-a-lifetime experience, and in Luxor, you can experience it at its finest. In all its glory, the Valley of the Kings is a joy to behold, with the highlights being the Colossi of Memnon and the Temple of Hatshepsut.
4. Cappadocia, Turkey
Turkey’s Cappadocia is a magical destination and undoubtedly one of the world’s best hot-air ballooning destinations. Home to some picturesque hillside downs and the ancient ‘fairy chimney’ rock formations, Cappadocia captivates and leaves you wanting more. The best thing about hot-ballooning here is that you’ll find providers that curate experiences for every budget. If you’re on a tight budget, you can opt for group tours, but if money is no object, you can splurge on the more memorable private tours.
6. Chateau-d’Oex, Switzerland
Our list of the world’s best hot air ballooning destinations wouldn’t be complete without a mention of the Chateau-d’Oex region in the Swiss Alps. In January every year, the region becomes a land of contrasts, as the snowy mountains provide a pristine backdrop for the colorful hot air balloons during the International Hot Air Balloon Festival. Like Albuquerque’s International Balloon Fiesta, this is a 9-day affair, and the event has become a proud tradition here since its inception in 1979.
7. Queenstown, New Zealand
New Zealand’s Queenstown is akin to a paradise for adventurers; hot air ballooning is one of the best adventures to experience here. The landscape is out of this world, but you’ll find something familiar if you’ve seen The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings movies. Lush greenery, emerald blue lakes, and towering mountains are a treat for nature lovers.
8. Bagan, Myanmar
Last, we have Myanmar’s Bagan, one of Asia’s finest hot-air ballooning destinations. An ancient city with UNESCO World Heritage Site status, Bagan is dotted with ancient temples and surrounded by forests. The Irrawaddy River is also a treat as it meanders through Myanmar’s central plains. As you make your way up towards the skies in a hot air balloon, you’ll also spot some quaint villages near the site and their people going about their days.
If you enjoyed this article, check out our other similar articles! If you want to connect with other travelers who have gone hot-air ballooning, explore our community, talk with travelers who have gone, and have some tips and tricks as you plan your next trip.