There’s something romantic and old-school about a hot air balloon that makes for an elegant adventure. It’s actually man’s oldest passenger flight technology. It debuted in France, when the Montgolfier brothers launched a balloon over Versailles in 1783. That first flight had a sheep, duck and rooster for passengers, but the next month two humans braved the basket. We’ve been firing up the burners and floating into the wild blue yonder ever since. While other gravity-defying vessels have been developed since then, hot air ballooning as a scenic thrill ride is still going strong. Need some uplifting inspiration for your travel wishlist? Come up, up and away as we highlight 8 ultimate hot air balloon adventures around the world.
1. Aerial Views in Cappadocia, Turkey
A birds-eye view over this distinctive Turkish terrain makes one of the most spectacular balloon rides on the planet. The twisted rock formations, limestone fairy chimneys and eroded cave dwellings are unreal. It’s a worthy splurge in Cappadocia, and several companies offer scenic 60 or 90 minute flights of fancy above the rocky pillars and spires. Try Royal Balloon or Goreme Balloons and let your spirits soar.
