Up, up & away!

Thinking about embarking on your first hot air balloon ride? Get ready to soar to new heights & experience the world from a breathtaking perspective!

Read more about my itinerary in Arizona.

As you prep for the journey, there are a few key things to keep in mind. Ensure your hot air balloon adventure is nothing short of magical. From pre-flight prep to savoring the serenity of the skies, let’s dive into the essentials!

Dress for the Skies, Not the Ground

Before you take flight, consider the weather conditions at higher altitudes. While the ground may be warm & sunny, temperatures can drop as you ascend. Dress in layers to stay comfortable, and bring a hat – not just for style but to shield yourself from the heat or cold. I took a sunrise ride, and the ground temperature was cooler than in the air, but I still wish I packed some hot hands!

Early Bird Catches the Balloon

Hot air balloon rides typically take place during the early morning hours when the winds are calm and the air is stable. I was set to take a sunset ride but it was cancelled because of the weather and I decided to hop on the sunrise ride because it’s true, early mornings are a lot more calm. Set your alarm clock a bit earlier than usual (I got to my flight at 6:00 am SHARP!) to catch the sunrise and make the most of the ideal flying conditions. Trust me, the view from above as the world awakens is worth the early rise!

Embrace the Adventure, Leave the Fear

Floating in a basket thousands of feet above the ground might sound daunting, but fear not! Listen closely to your pilot’s pre-flight instructions, follow safety guidelines, and allow yourself to embrace the excitement. Our pilot had a lot of jokes, but I felt completely safe for the adventure and he supplied answers to all my random questions as we flew. It’s a serene and peaceful experience that will have you forgetting any initial jitters. LIKE SERIOUSLY. LOOK AT THE VIEWS!

Capture the Magic, But Not Too Much

It’s natural to want to document every moment of your hot air balloon ride, but remember to strike a balance. Take pics, take some video, but don’t forget to put your camera or phone down occasionally to fully absorb the landscape’s beauty and enjoy the tranquility. Remember maybe a pop socket or something because I would hate for you to drop your phone from so high up!

Cherish the Landing as Much as the Takeoff

When I was did my research before deciding to take a ride, I didn’t see much about landing. I knew the balloon was untethered and it’s in the air but I truly had no idea how we were gonna get on the ground. To be honest, the best part was the landing. I hadn’t laughed that hard from my belly in a long time.

As the balloon gracefully descended back to the ground, I really did relish the final moments of the airborne adventure. My pilot informed us that we would hold on to this handle and bend our knees like we were setting up to twerk. (LOL) Then as the basket hit the ground we dragged and skip hopped until it completely stopped and we toppled over. Hence the giggles!

With these five tips in your basket, you’re well-equipped to make the most of your first hot-air balloon ride. So, buckle up (figuratively!), let go of any fears, and get ready for an awe-inspiring journey that will elevate your love for adventure!