Active / Adventure: Hot-Air Balloon Vacations

Hot air ballooning in South Africa is arguably the best way to take in the landscapes of this beautiful country. Floating high above the ground, you have a spectacular, uninterrupted view of the gorgeous countryside below. Described as a somewhat magical experience, hot air ballooning is one of the oldest forms of flight known to man. Nowadays tailored to meet the needs of the public, hot air ballooning in South Africa has become a highly sought after activity. In South Africa, hot air ballooni...

Our wake-up call came before dawn, and the instructions were to dress very warmly. I took that advice very literally, wearing two undershirts, two sweaters, two pairs of socks, in addition to a down jacket, scarf, gloves, and a Polartec beanie. Comfort is definitely more important to me than elegance!

Each fall, pilots, crews and spectators from all over the world come to the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta, the world's largest hot air ballooning event. For nine days during the first full week of October, hundreds of colorful balloons float above the city each morning as dawn breaks over the Sandia Mountains. It's no wonder this visual feast is said to be the world's most photographed event...

Hot air balloons are unique from all other forms of flight because there is no physical sensation of movement or perception of wind. You are traveling with the gentle air currents that layer the sky. In contrast to standing on a building or structure, there is no fear of height, because your eyes have no linear perspective to judge distance from the ground. Balloons usually travel at heights of 150m to 450m, similar to the surrounding hill tops. The feeling is one of peace and tranquility as the...

The perfect way to start a day! Rising before dawn, I looked with much anticipation to my first ever balloon flight, to make it even better I was going on my maiden flight in the middle of the outback of Australia!