For those who have ever taken a hot air balloon ride, there’s nothing quite like it. Some report feeling that even though they have a fear of flying, this is different – a wonderful, serene experience. If a hot air balloon ride is on your bucket list, here are some of the most beautiful places around the globe to soar above the landscapes.
The Yarra Valley is one of Victoria’s most spectacular wine-producing regions. Here you’ll soar high above the mountains and valleys where some of the country’s best produce is grown and be able to soak in the quintessential Australian landscape. It’s a one-hour drive from Melbourne’s CBD so it’s not a lot of effort to get there, either, and makes for a perfect day out in the countryside.
You’ll very rarely see a vista of Cappadocia without dozens of hot air balloons flying overhead. It’s so popular for balloon rides as the landscape is otherworldly. Ancient Cappadocians carved homes, churches and mosques out of the soft rock on the landscape which is formed in whimsical cone and cylinder shapes, resulting in many people describing it as a fairlytale landscape.
Luxor has been described as the world’s greatest open-air museum as it’s the site of the Ancient Egyptian city of Thebes. There are many incredible temple complexes and ruins here and immediately opposite is the Nile, where the Valley of the Kings is. After wandering and discovering the sites on foot, gain a whole new perspective and appreciation for them from air.
Easily one of France’s most picturesque regions, the Loire Valley is the perfect example of the beauty of the French countryside with rolling green pastures dotted with castles and palaces and the impressive Loire River in between. It’s so significant that it is a World Heritage Site, with a great climate all ‘year round.
Read more: 7 fairy-tale castles in France
While Nevada is famous for its largest city – Las Vegas – the state is a beautiful, largely desert and semi-arid landscape which is best appreciated from up high. Spectacular pinks, purples and reds will mesmerise travellers, and it will put the madness of Las Vegas all into perspective. Much of the landscape is wild, with roads cut in between, nature and humankind meet.
New Zealand is famous for its gorgeous landscapes, so it’s no surprise Queenstown makes the list. Soar over frigid lakes and snow-capped mountains, lush hills and city below which is set on the lakeside. Queenstown itself is the perfect place for a holiday full of adventure.