Hot Air Balloons

When you’re using an airplane as your method of transportation, the word “flight” probably doesn’t bring any excitement to your day. In fact, to some of you, the word “flight” may cause your face to contort into a grimace, possibly followed by a slew of angry thoughts.

I’d like to encourage you to take a different kind of flight: Take a ride in a hot air balloon. I am lucky enough to have an uncle who is into aviation and was able to connect us with a flight. He also served as our pilot. We took off in a small park only two blocks from my grandparent’s house and, an hour later, landed gently in a grassy area 10 miles from there. The sight above the city and rolling landscape was spectacular. What’s special about a hot air balloon trip is that you can never know exactly where you’re going. (Of course, the pilot knows the general direction of the wind, can make a decent prediction for a destination, and would never take a passenger on a flight that might lead to danger.) It was an exciting experience, and I would not turn down an offer for a second chance.

A ride like the one I described might cost about $200 per person. It may seem like a high price but is truly an unforgettable experience. I’ve heard that it is even possible to arrange flight trips that can last a couple days. Wouldn’t that be a cool honeymoon?

If such a cost isn’t within your budget, you should consider visiting a hot air balloon festival. You wouldn’t believe your eyes. Perhaps the most famous festival is the one held in Albuquerque, New Mexico. It is the largest festival in the world and has about 750 balloons. Don’t forget, Albuquerque isn’t your only option. My sister attended a festival near Metz, France, that included “only” 200 balloons, and the event was still unbelievably majestic and magnificent.

So, consider a hot air balloon trip on your next vacation, and then maybe the word “flight” will trigger a happier emotion you weren’t previously familiar with.

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