Why Hot Air Balloon Rides Are Fun for Everyone

Do you want to fly? Do you want to enjoy flying? Ditch the noisy engine and clip the speed hungry wings. Fly like it was intended, smooth, floating and almost in a whimsical manner. There is something about hot air ballooning that can calm even the most petrified of heights. Here is why hot air balloon rides are fun for all.
Among all air adventures, hot air balloon rides can be considered the most relaxing of all aerial activities. Everything is so subtle and easy going. But don't let this characteristic dampen your yearning for thrills. Balloon rides boast of excitement entirely based on a more tranquil setting.
Engaging in a hot air balloon flight is also experiencing an activity that has a rich heritage and interesting history. The whole activity is very interesting to watch as the fabric is unloaded and while you are given a short briefing on ground, you can see the balloon being inflated on its side. As you go along this endeavour, you will know the principles involved in making this colourful balloon ascend and take you up on a splendid ride.
Once the balloon is ready, you board a basket made out of wick, and aside from being light the basket adds a nostalgic feel to the whole activity. Everyone can easily get on board the wick basket; even participants who have disabilities will have no problem boarding. Take offs and landings are gentle and no sudden jerks or power thrusts are there to add to the anxiety of those who fear height or flying for that matter.
Everyone on board will have access to the most relaxing flight that showcases the most invigorating scenery that flying can give. There is something magical about balloons being combined with the principle of being airborne. This alone can bring excitement and awe to different heights.
Hot air balloon rides can be a romantic getaway, the horizon and breath taking scenery as your backdrop a love proposal will always be right aloft a dreamy balloon ride.
It is also a great incentive activity for your top employees as the flight will give them a well-deserved break, with the fantastic scenery that the activity provides; your employees will surely be refreshed and recharged.
A balloon ride can be a great school activity. Hot air ballooning is a great way for children to learn about the simple law of gravity and the principles of how the activity works. It is also a great venue for nature appreciation and discovery.
Balloon rides are best appreciated when done with good company and undoubtedly you will never have a hard time inviting your friends and loved ones on this trip. By far the simplest and gentlest form of flying, hot air balloon rides have all the characteristics of an air bound adventure that everyone will be interested in. Nothing too fast and not bit too slow, it is just the right venture of taking off to the air, and enjoying the gentlest of breezes and the most splendid array of spectacular views all from a different point of view.

Harold Gorton is a lover of hot air ballooning. He is also an experienced writer and enjoys sharing information and tips on hot air ballooning with other like-minded people. Harold Gorton has experienced and tried hot air ballooning all around Australia and recommends anyone interested in hot air balloon rides to give it a go!!

How to Make a Solar Balloon

Solar balloon technology uses the heat of the sun to help a simply constructed air-inflated structure gain the buoyancy to fly. As the air inside the balloon is warmed by the sun's radiation it expands, and because the air inside has a lower density than the surrounding air, it helps the balloon rise and stay afloat. Using a lightweight dark material to help absorb heat, solar balloons are a great introduction to the concept of how the power of the sun can be utilized.

Instructions
.
1) Use scissors to cut the sealed seams off each of the trash bags.

2) Tape the ends of each bag together to form a long tube structure. Ensure that you overlap the edges of each bag by ½ an inch before taping.

3) Seal the bag at the top of the tube with tape and then turn the structure inside out, like you would do with a sock.

4) Taper the open end of the tube with tape leaving a hole of approximately 5 inches in diameter. Add a loop of tape to hang below the mouth of the tube before reinforcing with another layer of tape around the mouth of the tube.

5) Attach approximately 5 feet of angling twine to the loop to act as a tether for the balloon.

6) Put a few medium-sized pebbles in a small plastic bag and tie to the loop of tape. These will act as stabilizers to keep your balloon upright.

7) Place the hair dryer at the opening of the mouth of the balloon and switch on the hot air mechanism, making sure you move it around constantly so as not to melt the plastic.

8) Tether the balloon once it has been filled with hot air, add or take away pebbles until the structure has a good balance.

9) Unfurl the twine once the tube is stable and fly your solar balloon.

Tips & Warnings

The ideal weather conditions for flying your solar balloon is a cloudless day of full sun with very little wind and slightly cool air. Keep in mind that the colder the outside temperature, the better your balloon will fly.

feelings with a hot balloon

There are all kinds of ways to seek thrill and adventure in life. Some do it in the traditional way of roller coaster rides and hot air balloon flights, while others do it in more meaningful ways, like telling someone they love them, or picking up and moving to an unknown land.
The thrill: roller coaster ride; The risk: losing your lunch!
Amusement parks are a great way to spend a summer's day. Some believe that amusement parks are just for kids but I beg to differ. They are fun at every age and stage of life. You get to experience all aspects of life, the ups, the downs, the twists and turns. There is little risk when it comes to roller coaster rides. They are generally tested and very safe. Just make sure not to eat or drink too much before hand!
The thrill: hot air balloon ride; The risk: enjoying yourself too much
Hot air balloon rides are a safe way to enjoy a bit of thrill and a lot of beauty. Best to go up on a clear day when you can profit from the stunning views that surround you. Float through the skies in a basket with the ground beneath you and the heavens above. There isn't any risk involved in hot air ballooning. A pilot will take you up and take care of everything for you, all you have to do is enjoy.
The thrill: telling someone you love them; The risk: having your heart broken
Unlike roller coaster or hot air balloon rides, there is a risk when you tell someone you love them. Admitting how you feel to someone you care about can be an amazing thing. For starters you're being honest and that's always a good thing. Then of course if the feeling is reciprocated there couldn't be anything better. Of course there is always the risk that they won't say it back and then you'll have just poured your heart out and are left with nothing other than the gutted feeling of vulnerability, rejection and disappointment.
The thrill: moving to a foreign land; The risk: not liking it
A little bit like telling someone you love them, moving somewhere you don't know well is risky. There is always the possibility that you may not like it, have difficulty getting accustomed to their way of life or language or have trouble making friends and settling down. Of course there is always the chance that you will fall in love with a new place, a new people and a new life.
No matter what the risks involved are, taking a leap of faith matures you in a way that few things can. Go for it, brave the unknown and trust that it will embrace you.

Up, Up and Away in Your Beautiful Balloon

Hot air ballooning is growing in popularity as both a leisure activity and as a pastime to get involved in. The best way to experience hot air ballooning is at a dedicated festival.
Participating locations about town can provide you with festival tickets if you do not want to wait for the entrance ticket booth. This let's you know how the balloons are numbered. In November 1783, they launched the first manned hot air balloon flight. Pilate de Rozier and the Marquis d'Arlandes were the pilots of the silk-and-paper balloon, and the two stayed aloft for about 25 minutes, ascending approximately 500 feet and traveling about 5 1/2 miles from their origination point in a Paris park. Etienne studied as an architect, but also returned to the family business when his father retired. If you want to be near the action VIP camping is nearer the launch sites.
Then at night balloons light up against the dark sky in the Balloon Glow and in the Night Magic Glow exhibitions. Joseph went to a private school and later started a chemical business before returning home to work in the mill with his father. Today there are about 5000 balloon pilots in the University ballooning scene. This year the National Hot Air Balloon Championships were held in Michigan.
Typically, the cost for entrance into the Temecula Balloon Festival is between $15 and $18 for adults, which generally depends on the day of attendance Two brothers, Joseph Michel and Jacques Etienne Montgolfiere, launched the first successful hot air balloon in September of 1783 with an odd trio of passengers - a sheep, a duck, and a rooster. The first manned flight in a hot air balloon was quickly followed by the first gas balloon ride.
In the end, participants and visitors leave with extraordinary fun on their mind and cherished memories tucked inside their pockets. The king and his court turned out to see the spectacle, and they were not disappointed. This is one reason why balloon twisting is becoming more popular. In the beginning, only a few wineries and vendors participated, but the coming years would soon see various venue changes and musical performances, such as the Beach Boys and the Coasters.

Ballooning Adventure Tours in Rajasthan

You've ridden in tour buses, walked on guided tours, and floated along on river cruises. When you're yearning for something new, try looking up. Hot air balloons are quickly becoming the preferred mode of tourism in India, particularly in the desert state of Rajasthan. Unlike planes, balloons are elegant and silent-the perfect way to witness a new, ancient culture.

No matter where you go ballooning in Rajasthan, you'll see the state from a whole new perspective. In Jaipur, for example, you can appreciate how the city has been laid out according to the ancient Hindu principles of Vastu Shastra, a system of design based on directional alignments. The sophistication of the city's layout was far ahead of its time, particularly considering it was founded during an age of war and conflict.

Gliding above Ranthambore's famed Tiger Park gives you the opportunity to capture some truly unique photos of the park's abundant wildlife including tigers, leopards, striped hyenas, deer, macaques, jackals, and so much more. An ancient fort also lies at the heart of the park, and hot air ballooning provides a unique panorama of this heritage site.

Countless palaces and temples await discovery in the city of Udaipur, also known as the Venice of the East. Drift above the romantic gardens and lovely lakes of the city once called home by Rajasthan's royals. Whether you're a historian, adventurer, or nature lover, Rajasthan's diverse balloon tours will appeal to people of all ages and backgrounds.

Balloon tours in Rajasthan don't start up in the air. These deluxe tours begin when you're picked up from your hotel and taken to the launch site. Enjoy light refreshments as the crew prepare the balloon for take-off. Internationally experienced pilots are the guides on your balloon adventure. Relax as your balloon slowly ascends over forts, glides over lakes, and circles ancient palaces. If you've never seen India from the air, this unique perspective can be a life changing experience.

A variety of tour packages available for every taste and purpose. For example, the romance package includes champagne, flowers, and more. You can even hang a special message from the balloons. Can you imagine a more romantic or clever way to propose? Or consider combining several small tours into one unbelievable aerial tour. When it come to touring India by balloon, the sky is truly the limit.

How Long Do Balloons Stay Inflated?

Balloons are a classic choice for party decor. But the sight of half-deflated, withered balloon bouquets can be a drag. With a little planning---and some careful timing---your balloons can look fresh as long as you need them to.

Balloon Types
Balloons come in two main varieties: rubbery balloons made of a substance called latex, and foil balloons made with Mylar. Latex balloons, which are more porous, allow air to escape faster, and therefore don't stay inflated as long as Mylar balloons do.

Balloons can be filled with either air or helium. Helium has smaller molecules than air---that's what allows it to float---and the smaller molecules are released from the balloon faster, causing the balloon to deflate more rapidly than an air-filled balloon would.
Time Frame
Though many factors can influence the inflation time of a balloon, The Fun Ones, a party rental company in Chicago, estimates that an 11-inch latex balloon inflated with helium will remain in the air for 18 to 24 hours. An 18-inch foil balloon filled with helium, the company says, could stay up for three weeks.

Air-filled balloons can retain air for much longer, often remaining inflated for weeks or months.
Other Factors
Size plays a major role in the inflation time of a balloon. A 16-inch helium-filled latex balloon can remain filled for up to 30 hours, while a 9-inch balloon can stay afloat for approximately 8 hours.

The quality of the latex balloons also plays a role. The higher quality they are, the less air the balloons allow to escape and the longer they remain full.

The temperature and humidity on the day of an event can also affect balloon inflation. Cold weather particularly can cause molecules to shrink and make balloons smaller, while hot weather can speed up molecule movement and cause air to escape from balloons more quickly.
What You Can Do
To help prevent your helium-filled latex balloons from falling, you can treat the inside of them with a material called Hi-Float before inflating them. Hi-Float coats the inside of balloons to prevent air from escaping and can increase float time by one or two days.

In addition, buy the highest-quality latex balloons you can find, and avoid under-filling them. The less air they have to begin with, the more quickly they will wilt. Tie a tight knot in the inflated balloons to prevent any extra air from escaping.

If the weather is going to be particularly hot and humid, opt for larger balloons with a longer float time to make up the difference.
Warning
If you'll be using balloons for an event, use conservative estimates for their inflation time, and wait as long as possible before the start of the event before inflating the balloons. That way, you'll be sure not to have droopy decorations at the end of the party.

balloon ride is an interesting experience

Hot air balloon rides are the perfect adventure for the entire family when on holiday. From offering the best in site seeing, to giving the family an awesome escape, a flight in the sky can give the entire family memories that will last a lifetime. For the adventure lover, the thrill of lift off might be the highlight; while for the sentimental one among you, looking out over the rolling hills below might be the part they'll never forget. Whatever part one sees as most thrilling, a balloon ride is the experience that will appeal to everyone.

One rarely finds any part of their holiday that can be described as both exhilarating and serene, but a hot air balloon flight is just that. It seems to be the best of all thrills, leaving all aboard with mouths agape from the sheer beauty of the journey. In the early morning flights, the family can enjoy seeing their surroundings in first light, and all the peace and beauty that comes with it. Most find the dawn flights to be the perfect start to a day on holiday. The dusk flights offer an awesome way to wind down the day. Lifting off into the sky just before dusk, the delicate light that surrounds the passengers are both breath taking and calming, and not to be forgotten.

From adventure-seekers to relaxation-addicts, balloon rides certainly do offer the best of both worlds. The exhilaration of rising into the clouds is unforgettable and will impress all aboard. What better way to compliment a fun family holiday than with a journey in the sky? Plus, since flights take only about an hour, the family is left with plenty of time to enjoy so much more on their holiday. If a hot air balloon flight isn't for everyone in your crew, watching the rest of the family ride the waves of the sky from the safety of the ground below is fun as well.

Whatever you and yours are seeking on your holiday escape, a balloon flight might just be the perfect thing to add to your agenda. Both fun and relaxing, a ride is something everyone in the family can enjoy and is a memory that will last for years to come. No matter what the destination is, vouchers can be found for a number of accredited balloon flight services offering fun for the entire family

Up, Up and Away in Your Beautiful Balloon

Hot air ballooning is growing in popularity as both a leisure activity and as a pastime to get involved in. The best way to experience hot air ballooning is at a dedicated festival.

Participating locations about town can provide you with festival tickets if you do not want to wait for the entrance ticket booth. This let's you know how the balloons are numbered. In November 1783, they launched the first manned hot air balloon flight. Pilate de Rozier and the Marquis d'Arlandes were the pilots of the silk-and-paper balloon, and the two stayed aloft for about 25 minutes, ascending approximately 500 feet and traveling about 5 1/2 miles from their origination point in a Paris park. Etienne studied as an architect, but also returned to the family business when his father retired. If you want to be near the action VIP camping is nearer the launch sites.

Then at night balloons light up against the dark sky in the Balloon Glow and in the Night Magic Glow exhibitions. Joseph went to a private school and later started a chemical business before returning home to work in the mill with his father. Today there are about 5000 balloon pilots in the University ballooning scene. This year the National Hot Air Balloon Championships were held in Michigan.

Typically, the cost for entrance into the Temecula Balloon Festival is between $15 and $18 for adults, which generally depends on the day of attendance Two brothers, Joseph Michel and Jacques Etienne Montgolfiere, launched the first successful hot air balloon in September of 1783 with an odd trio of passengers - a sheep, a duck, and a rooster. The first manned flight in a hot air balloon was quickly followed by the first gas balloon ride.

In the end, participants and visitors leave with extraordinary fun on their mind and cherished memories tucked inside their pockets. The king and his court turned out to see the spectacle, and they were not disappointed. This is one reason why balloon twisting is becoming more popular. In the beginning, only a few wineries and vendors participated, but the coming years would soon see various venue changes and musical performances, such as the Beach Boys and the Coasters.

10 Great Locations Where You Can Go Hot Air Ballooning

With all the available aircrafts that come with technological advancement, one would think that hot air ballooning is an extinct activity. Overpowered by jets, gliders, helicopters and every imaginable aero extreme sport that man can think of. All for that rush, thrill, and excitement. With the fast paced life that we all live, sometimes taking things slow and going back to basics is as refreshing as a tall glass of lemonade on a hot summer's day. Hot air ballooning is still out there and all you need to do is look for them to discover that it is all you need for that refreshing escape. Here are some locations where you can find this one of a kind relaxation activity.

1. Cairns. Every sensation is unique as you get on board a hot air balloon and scale over the Atherton Tablelands. Dawn, the perfect time of the day to start off fresh and welcome as the sun shines over vast open landscapes. Nothing but the tranquillity of a new morning with a spectacular horizon where the sun starts to peek out from.

2. Tasmania. Catch the perfect horizon as the sun sheds light on the marvellous Meander Valley simultaneously. Amaze at the spectrum of light as the rays hit the waters of the Western Tiers. Drift along the magnificent Tasmanian landscape and see the world below from a whole new perspective.

3. Brisbane. Float in your hot air balloon along the Brisbane river and view the city scape like you never have before. It's Brisbane from a whole new view point. Have the amazing Glasshouse Mountains, Gold Coast and Border Ranges as your back drop over the horizon and refresh your optics with the cooling views of Moreton Bay and the islands.

4. Perth. Dawn's gentle wind signals the start of a new day as you have a spectacular vision of the world coming to life as the sun sheds light on the most spectacular views you will ever set your eyes on. Avon Valley is just more magnificent to view from a bird's perspective and more magical at dawns first light. Breakfast awaits to complete this morning adventure with a sparkling champagne to toast your successful balloon flight.

5. Northern Territory. There is just no other way to explore the vast beauty of Alice Springs, Northern Territory than on a hot air balloon. A desert launch at dawn is the perfect time to start a new sightseeing adventure. Have an optical feat as the morning sheds light on the majestic MacDonnell Ranges. See the great Outback come to life as the new day signals another beginning on the land below. Kangaroos run with you as you glide gracefully in the atmosphere over mulga scrub and cattle stations. At the end of your flight, enjoy a delectable breakfast in the desert and top it off with the perfect chilled champagne.

6. Melbourne. Explore the city in the most relaxed way possible. Surf the air over the CBD, parks and gardens as Port Philip Bay is just over the horizon. Head out to the spectacular Yarra valley and glide over the wineries which will also provide the perfect landing spot as sparkling champagne awaits to put a toast to your trip.

7. The Hunter Valley. Beyond the Brokenback Ranges, and over the vast vineyards you will find the peace and tranquillity that only a relaxed balloon flight can give you. Bask in the sun's first light as a spectacular view is unveiled to you.

8. Canberra. One of Australia's most beautiful cities is presented to you as the day unfolds and a new image of an old location is discovered. 45 minutes is all you need to re discover Canberra at its most spectacular angle ever.

9. Broome. Experience Broome and the vast Australian Outback in the best way possible. You will have more time to absorb the awe of the magnificent vista you are about to encounter. Slow, easy going gliding over the area will recharge your senses and captivate you.

10. Sydney. Soar over Sydney's best kept secret. Hawkesburry Valley nestled at the foot of the Blue Mountains has the most stunning and picturesque scenery that will captivate your heart and send your senses soaring. Captivating farm lands, valleys and a landscape so breathtaking and perfect for hot air ballooning.

Flying at its simplest form has much more than ordinary rewards. Find yourself; find that peace in one of aviation's most historic way of taking flight.

Harold Gorton is an experienced writer that is also a massive fan of hot air ballooning. He has enjoyed the sport from the moment he learned to hot air balloon through to his many hot air ballooning adventures across Australia. Harold Gorton thinks everyone can participate in hot air ballooning and hopes that more people participate in the sport. If you are interested in hot air ballooning you should find out more today and before you know it you'll be enjoying your very own balloon flights.