Christmas is just around the corner, and travelers are not hard people to buy for!  Not when you remember that we tend to favor experiences over material possessions. You’ll find that at the top of every travel bucket list is to experience a hot air balloon ride, somewhere in the world, so this Christmas why not invest in the experience!

Here are phenomenal locations for hot air ballooning which will have any traveler jumping for joy!

#1 Cappadocia, Turkey.

Soaring above the fairy chimneys of Cappadocia is truly a thrill, and the extraordinary scenery of the region makes for a spectacular hot air balloon experience.  Cappadocia is the top spot for hot air ballooning in the world, and not to be missed on a visit to Turkey!

#2 Bagan, Myanmar

Ballooning over Bagan is one of the world’s most exotic balloon flights.  Take in the majesty of thousands of ancient ruins and temples and experience the cultural city by air.

#3 Luxor, Egypt

Soaring over the ancient wonders of Luxor is truly a magical experience. Recounting his experience, Dave from Dave’s Travel Corner said:

Temperatures were already in the upper 20’s a 5.30am.  It was going to be yet another hot day. We quickly rose to an elevation of about 1,000 meters and from this height we could easily see the Luxor and Karnak temples as well as all the entrances to ancient tombs which dot the hillsides.

#4 Albuquerque, USA

The annual annual Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta is the world’s premiere balloon event.  Hundreds of balloons in all shapes, sizes and characters lift off into the crisp October air and fill the big blue New Mexico sky.

Time-lapse video by Roadtrippers.

 

#5 Masai Mara, Kenya

Combine two huge bucket list items and take a hot air balloon while on African Safari!

 

#6 Canberra, Australia

 

Canberra is one of the world’s most beautiful cities, and there is no better way to appreciate it’s natural charms than by air. Drift over the Australian Capital Territory and look down over some of Australia’s most famous monuments including Parliament House.

 

#7 Alentejo Region, Portugal

 

Riding the winds over the beautiful algarve coastline and rolling hills of Alentejo is an experience you will remember forever.  Spectacular views of the Portuguese countryside from the air; who could ask for more?!

#8 Napa Valley, USA

 

Of her balloon ride through the Californian countryside, Jennifer Dombrowski of JDomb’s Travels said:

California wine country with a birds-eye-view ballooning over Napa Valley. The breeze gently lifted us, with the help of the burners, and we glided over wine estates as the sun rose. Our very knowledgeable pilot pointed out vineyards below, easily ticking them off by name. It was actually such an incredibly clear morning with such gentle winds that we could easily see all the way to the Bay.

 

#9 Jaipur, India

 

Reliving her hot air balloon experience through Jaipur, Kirsty Bennetts of Kathmandu & Beyond said:

We were floating up, up and across the Rajasthani countryside.   It was an amazing experience.  You don’t fly too high and can still see clearly everything that is going on below – all the curious villagers looking up and as you fly over the rural houses you can see down inside as they tend to be walled courtyards with open air living so you could see people getting up from their beds!  

#10 Utah, USA

 

Break the bonds of gravity and ascended towards the heavens over Arches National Park or the historic mountain town of Park City.