The Most Incredible Hot Air Balloon Packages in the World

The Most Incredible Hot Air Balloon Packages

Before there were prop planes and commercial jets, there were hot air balloons. The hot air ballon is the oldest form of human flight technology, and it was the first method for traveling in the air. The first manned hot air ballon flight was achieved in 1783, and it remained as the only way for humans to “fly” for hundreds of years. Today they are technically a dated means of transportation, as you can only control the elevation of the balloon. While humans now opt for other means of travel by air, the hot air balloon is still very popular and they make for a fun experience. Since they move so slow and are virtually quite, they are one of the best ways to experience the world via air. So, let’s take a look at some of the best hot air balloon packages and trips in the world.

Photo by Marty Melville/Getty Images

10. Yarra Valley – Australia 

Yarra Valley Balloon

The Yarra Valley region of Australia is breathtakingly beautiful, and one of the best ways to experience it is via hot air ballon. Th excursion starts about an hour north of Melbourne where you and your friends will embark on the trip thanks to Global Ballooning, a hot air balloon tour company in Australia. The trips is about $400 dollars, and you’ll get to see the valley, the Yarra River, and all that the area has to offer.

Photo from globalballooning.com.au

9. Teotihuacan – Mexico

Teotihuacan balloon

The ancient, Mesoamerican city of Teotihuacan is extremely vast and amazing, so naturally one of the best ways to take it all in is through a hot air balloon ride. Located just 30 miles northeast of Mexico City, Teotihuacan is truly a wonder of the world. The one-hour flight over the city will provide you the best views of the pyramids and ancient ruins that dot the landscape.

Photo from flickr/Todd Gehman

8. Nappa Valley – California 

Nappa Valley Balloon

Nappa Valley and Northern California are both remarkably beautiful, and you can take in the scenery from the skies. Balloons Above the Valley offers a variety of packages for guests to tour the local area via the air. You’ll see mountains, vineyards, and all the other amazing scenes that define Nappa Valley.

Photo from balloonrides.com

7. Cappadocia – Turkey

Cappadocia Turkey Balloon

The Cappadocia region of central Turkey is truly beautiful and the terrain is like that of an alien planet. Since it’s so difficult to cover on the ground, the best way to experience it is through hot air ballooning. The Royal Balloon company provides a host of different packages that explore the unique landscape, providing guests with incredible views of the incredible rock structures and formations.

Photo from Royal Balloon 

6. Albuquerque – New Mexico

Alburquerque Balloon Festival

Not only is Albuquerque very beautiful and pristine, it also has optimal weather pretty much year round for hot air balloon flights. Due to this fact, Albuquerque is home to an international hot air balloon festival that typically takes place during the month of October. So if you come here during that festival, you’ll get to see thousands of unique hot air balloons dot the skies which makes for a truly unique experience.

Photo from balloonfiesta.com

5. Angkor Wat – Cambodia 

Angkor Wat

Angkor Wat is a massive complex of temples and ruins that date back to the early 12th century. It’s the largest religious monument in the world, and a great way to see it is from the air. Angkor Ballooning offers visitors a chance to experience the ruins from the sky, and you’ll be blown away from just how beautiful the area is.

Photo from Angkor Ballooning 

4. Loire Valley – France

Loire Valley Balloon

200 miles southwest of Paris is the Loire Valley: 170 miles of pristine French countryside. Naturally this makes for a great location for hot air ballon flights and trips. France-Balloons is the company you want to check out for tours here, and on the trip you’ll see amazing farms, beautiful chateaus, rivers, vineyards, and much more.

Photo from France-Balloons

3. Lake Champlain – Vermont

Lake Champlain Balloon

Lake Champlain and the surrounding area in Vermont are extremely beautiful, and they make for a great location for hot air balloon rides. You’ll take in views of the lake, the surrounding Green Mountains, and quaint New England towns that are found throughout the area. Ballon tours are offered almost year-round, and it’s a great place to come.

Photo from baloonvermont.com

2. Gstaad – Switzerland 

Gstaad Balloon

The Alps are undoubtedly one of the most beautiful mountain ranges in the world, so they make for a great location to take a hot air balloon ride. You’ll fly over the various mountains, take in amazing vistas, and see charming Swiss towns that are found throughout the region. The Alps are difficult to travel across via land, so what better way is there to travel than the air (excluding skiing)?

Photo from France-Balloons

1. Serengeti Nation Park – Tanzania 

Serengeti Balloon Safari

If the phrase “hot air balloon safari” captures your interest, then check out the balloon rides over the Serengeti National Park in Africa. These trips will allow you to experience the African wild from the air, and you’ll get to see all of the amazing wildlife that is found within the park. You’ll see gazelles, hippos, giraffes, lions, and other animals in this truly unique and incredible hot air balloon experience.

Photo from balloonsafaris.com

Written by Sebastian Hensiek

From Philadelphia, Sebastian is a fan of music, writing, art, and entertainment.