Sunday, April 10, 2011

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.