Growing up I always felt that hot air balloons looked like fun and always wanted to take a ride in one. Back in 2010 I got the chance to do so during a trip to Turkey and it didn’t disappoint.
I didn’t know quite what to expect. Would it be a pricey mistake or one of the most amazing experiences?
When we got to the balloon launch area, it was pretty crazy. There were dozens of balloons being prepared for flight which in itself was an interesting sight to see. Once we lifted off it was pure, amazing fun. Gliding in the air over buildings and while seeing the famous chimneys of Cappadocia, you might just think that you were on another planet!
Hot air balloon rides can be really pricey but after the experience in Turkey, I definitely wanted to go again. We were hoping to go on another balloon ride in Luxor, Egypt the following year but they were temporarily suspended due to safety issues while we were there. This was definitely disappointing.
CNN Travel put together a list of Best Balloon Rides In The World which I was curious to check out.
I knew that Cappadocia would be on the list and I expected to know of 1-2 others ( of which I’d definitely like to do in the future).
Here is the list:
- Melbourne, Australia
- Napa Valley, CA
- Serengeti, Tanzania
- Albuquerque, New Mexico
- Saint-Jean-Sur-Richelieu, Canada
- Cappadocia, Turkey
- Letchworth State Park, New York
- Reno, Nevada
- Bagan, Myanmar
- Colorado Springs, CO
I remember seeing a hot air balloon safari tour on a travel TV show years back. The balloon ride flew low over the Serengeti in Tanzania. I’d love to get the chance to experience the Serengeti by air but from what I recall, this is a ridiculously expensive excursion.
I’d also love to take a balloon ride in Bagan, Myanmar. I could only imagine how amazing it would be to see the pagodas and temples from overhead.
Find out about each of the best balloon rides in the world here. Let us know which ride you’d most like to do!
(Images in post were taken during our trip to the Cappadocia region of Turkey in 2010)
My wife and I did one in Egypt, flying over Queen Hatshetsup’s temple.
I liked that more than the way overpriced Serengeti one.
Steve- Interesting to hear that the balloon ride in Egypt was better than the Serengeti. I’d think that the Serengeti would be much better…