Hot air ballooning holidays, weekend flights & short breaks
Airborne Adventures
based: North Yorkshire, UK
Hot air balloon operators offering multi-activity ballooning adventures in a number of areas of outstanding natural beauty in Catalonia, in the northeast of Spain. Also offering balloon flight training courses in the Yorkshire Dales.
| ballooning | Spain | England |
Balloon Rides Across America
based: USA
Three and five tour packages in scenic areas of Pennsylvania and Indianapolis, with daily hot air balloon flights, supported by fine accommodations and great cuisine.
| ballooning | USA |
Hot Skies
based: Pays-de-la-Loire, France
Winter ballooning holidays in the Pays de Loire, with accommodation at a French town house in the beautiful village of Mouilleron-en-Pareds. There are lots of relaxed flying opportunities, or how about learning to fly yourself? Offering fully-tailored packages to suit any budget.
| ballooning | France |
Irish Balloon Flights
based: Co. Meath, Ireland
Balloon flights in Ireland including the 'Luxurious Sleepover Balloon Flight' which combines a night at the award-winning, 4-star Trim Castle Hotel (B&B with dinner) with an evening midweek champagne balloon ride.
| ballooning | Ireland |
Wine Country Ballooning
based: NSW, Australia
Weekend and weekday 'Stay & Fly' ballooning packages, staying in an on-site single bedroom cottage which sleeps up to 4 people and is well equipped and self contained; combine with a Wine Country balloon flight in the Hunter Valley.
| ballooning | Australia |
Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta
based: New Mexico, USA
One of the biggest international ballooning events in the world (for entry and hotel packages see the second link above).
| ballooning | USA |
Ballooning Access
based: Gloucestershire, UK
Accessible ballooning for people with a disability, offering wheelchair accessible flights in Gloucestershire, suitable local accommodation list provided.
| ballooning | England |
Balloon the Rockies
based: Utah, USA
Hot air balloon training facility specializing in fast efficient training of prospective pilots.
| ballooning | USA |
Floating Images Hot Air Balloon Flights
based: Queensland, Australia
Various packages that include balloon flights, accommodation and dinner.
| ballooning | Australia |
Smoky Mountain Balloon Adventures
based: Tennessee, USA
Ballooning trips, including romantic getaway packages of accommodation plus private flight.
| ballooning | USA |
Sunrise Balloons
based: California, USA
Balloon flight and overnight accommodation packages in Temecula Valley Wine Country, California.
| ballooning | USA |
Things to consider when booking a hot air ballooning holiday or day flight:
• Watch the weather – remember that balloon flights are very weather dependent and flights will not take place if the weather conditions are not suitable. Most trips will state what will happen if a flight does not take place, they will often offer flight vouchers that can be used at another time, although some may offer a refund on the flight element. Be sure you're happy with the alternative and will be able to use any vouchers.
• Follow the sun – if the flight is the all important element of your break then consider taking the trip in warmer climes where the weather is less likely to thwart your chances of a flight.
• Dressing for altitude? While air does get colder as you get higher, remember you'll have an in-built hot air heater! In general its no colder in the balloon than on the ground. But also remember that early mornings (often the best time to fly) can be chilly, particularly in the UK. The usual recommendation is to dress like you would on a hike in the hills, layers are a good idea so you can adjust as required. Closed footwear is also advised as landing spots are often on rough ground.
• Don't panic! It's not uncommon to land with the basket on its side – according to the BBAC (British Balloon and Airship Club) around 80% of flights end like this and it's perfectly normal!
CATEGORY DEFINITION FOR TOUR OPERATORS WISHING TO BE LISTED:
The travel-quest ballooning holidays, weekends and short breaks section is intended for listing holidays, vacations, weekends away, short breaks and champagne balloon tours, where the main activity and focus is on trips by hot air balloon. These should be multi-day trips with accommodation included; they might be day flights from a base, or a balloon tour travelling from place to place each day. We also list balloon flight packages that include a flight together with overnight accommodation. We can also include fully inclusive, short, residential balloon flying training and pilot courses if they are intended as holiday training rather than commercial, these might be mid-week or weekend courses. Day ballooning is dealt with in a separate section in our Blue Directory. Balloon safaris for game viewing and animal watching are dealt with in our ariel safari section.
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