At Aerosaurus Balloons, we’ve been fortunate enough to embark on balloon flights all over the world and experience some of the very best balloon flight locations. Whether it’s flying high above the River Nile in Egypt, taking in the breathtaking views served up by Serengeti or floating over a luscious white blanket of snow in the Swiss Alps, there really some truly jaw-dropping rides to experience on planet Earth.
Come with us as we share some of our favourite balloon flight locations in the world and provide some information as to why we rank them so highly. Of course, there are plenty of other well-known and hidden ballooning gems out there but we’ve focused on these in particular this time. So, let’s get into our list of the best balloon ride destinations!
An other-worldly balloon flight that sees passengers take in the mountains and desert of Albuquerque, New Mexico. During this balloon flight, passengers also get to take in the wildlife in their natural habitat as they quietly glide above. You may already know that, each year, Albuquerque – New Mexico is the scene of the world’s biggest hot air balloon festival and race. Hundreds of balloonists take to the skies during the festival, in the calm air and perfect flight conditions of Southern America. One of the best balloon flight locations in the world, whether at the time of the festival or not.
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One of the most revered balloon flights anywhere in the world. Flying in the Cappadocia region of Turkey is a truly unique experience. Those that have done it would have taken in the prominent fairy chimney rock formations – an astounding natural landscape. These are cone-like rock formations and caves, which look particularly special when viewed from the basket of a hot air balloon. The balloons ascending over this historical landscape is also a sight to behold from those viewing from the ground. Definitely a balloon ride that will live in the memory and a landscape perfect for capturing for your Instagram audience! The ride in Cappadocia, Turkey, also features in our article Most Awe Inspiring Balloon Rides.
Next up in our list of the best balloon ride experiences, we focus on a flight in Egypt and more specifically, an ascent over the Colossi of Memnon, Luxor. On this flight, passengers absorb the wonderment of the Valley of the Kings, also known as the Valley of the Gates of the Kings. These rock-cut tombs were constructed over a period of 500 years, for the pharaohs of Egypt. The Valley of the Kings really is a splendid spectacle and seeing it from above enables passengers to experience the incredible detail. All of this can be enjoyed as the sun rises against the backdrop of the vast desert and the colourful River Nile.
Starting close to home and a collection of balloon flights that are close to our hearts at Aerosaurus Balloons! A Devon balloon flight really is a jaw-dropping, memorable experience, whichever season you are flying in. We say a ‘collection of balloon flights’ because there are so many areas of Devon to see and flights that are offered from all four corners of the English county.
Take our South Devon balloon flights, on which you’ll get the opportunity to take in the granite slopes of Dartmoor, rich colours of the vast landscape and a variety of famous architecture, such as tors and castles. Alternatively, you could embark on a balloon ride in Mid & East Devon, on which you’ll get to enjoy parts of the Jurassic Coast World Heritage site and the immersive natural beauty of the landscape. There really is nothing like soaring high above the Devon countryside and coastline.
New Zealand in general is a country of great natural beauty, which bodes well for balloonists. A particular balloon flight in Queenstown makes our list of some of the best balloon flights in the world because of the melody of natural features and colours that are there to enjoy on the ride. Whether it’s the bright bodies of water, dramatic mountains or resplendent greenery, the assortment of natural elements is spellbinding. Queenstown is the sporting home of New Zealand and, while some opt to skydive, bungee jump or seek adrenaline filled thrills elsewhere, the sunset balloon rides are not something to be missed.
The Serengeti, a fabulous region that spans Northern Tanzania, delivers some magical views on a balloon ride. Those that choose to fly in this destination can take in the remarkable wildlife spectacle at Serengeti National Park, as the lions, elephants and many more animals live it up in their natural habitats. These balloon rides are run by Serengeti Balloon Safaris and, despite the lofty price of the ride, we would highly recommend it each and every time we’re asked about it. This really is a once in a lifetime experience.
Old Bagan is an ancient city and UNESCO World Heritage Site located in the country of Myanmar (formerly known as Burma). This location is steeped in history and the balloon flights that are available in the area are some of the most memorable out there today. So, what can you expect when flying in Myanmar? You’ll be treated to a marvellous sunrise or sunset, views of architectural gems such as temples and the vast plains of Bagan. If you are considering travelling to Old Bagan and embarking on a unique balloon ride, we recommend checking out the companies Oriental Ballooning and Balloons Over Bagan.
Flying in The Alps, particularly the Swiss Alps, is an experience that you’ll treat fondly, should you be lucky enough to embark on a balloon flight here. The Alps have made our list of the top balloon flight locations because of the sweeping birds-eye views of the mountains and opportunity for alpine crossings. When thinking of booking a balloon ride here, consider flying over ski resorts such as Verbier, Gstaad and Zermatt. We have experienced many balloon flights in the Swiss Alps, so do get in touch with our team if you want to learn more about ballooning in this part of Switzerland.
A balloon flight in the Namib Desert, Namibia, reveals the true scale of the vast desert. Set off just before sunrise and watch as the colours of the desert alter before your very eyes. This particular balloon ride is so serene and calming, yet you’ll touch back down knowing that you have something to shout about when telling others about your experience flying in this amazing region. Those that are lucky enough to fly over the Namib Desert will also have the chance to take in the rock formations of the Naukluft Mountains.
The second US location to make our list of the best balloon ride locations in the world is Napa Valley, situated in California. With rolling hills, glorious mountainous views and hillside vineyards for as far as the eye can see, this part of America really is worth seeing from up in the basket. Yes there are other US destinations that are great to fly in – New York, Arizona and Nevada all spring to mind in this consideration – but there is just something so special about flying over Napa Valley!
Is there a better way to absorb Australia’s Red Centre than at 3,000 feet in the air? If so, we’d love to hear about it! Red Centre in Australia, which is also known as Alice Springs, is a vast outback region situated in the Northern Territory. Flying over this attraction is a visually pleasing and extremely colourful affair that will leave your mouth wide open in amazement. On this balloon flight, expect to see kangaroos prancing beneath you, intriguing rock formations and a desert landscape like no other – it’s a shame that you may only have an hour at a time to view all of this!
A melody of golden green hills and medieval architecture awaits you in the historic city of Tuscany. Viewing the buildings and countryside landscape from the ground is exciting but seeing all of this from soaring heights takes things to the next level. If you’re planning on popping the question, would like a romantic getaway or would like to woo someone in a romantic setting, look no further than a balloon ride in Tuscany.
We hope you have enjoyed our run through of some of the best hot air balloon flight locations on planet Earth. If you wish to book a balloon ride in Devon, or indeed any of our other listed flight locations, please contact us for more information. You will also find a range of balloon flight vouchers on our site, should you wish to book your flight online today.
