Few Experiences Beat a Balloon Ride

The whole experience of a balloon ride from inflating the balloon to packing it away - and, of course, the flight itself - is much loved by participants. Enjoy a new perspective on the world with a balloon flight.

It’s thrilling and yet gentle; it’s controlled and yet unpredictable.

Few experiences beat a balloon ride.

From the safety instructions, through helping to inflate the balloon, the flight itself and to the landing and recovery – the whole experience is a wonder.

A balloon flight is different from all other forms of flying; you can see for the full 360 degrees all around you, as well as up and down, and you feel at one with the elements as the breeze takes you where it will – yet you don’t feel it at all as you’re riding with it. You rise up off the ground and the world turns into a model with familiar landmarks taking on new perspectives, and you can often see wildlife. The feeling of peace and tranquillity is unmatched by any other experience you can think of. There really is nothing like a balloon ride.

Most balloon operators enhance your day with a glass of champagne – but that’s only a tiny reason for taking a balloon flight. Much more important are:

• The chance to really get away from it all

• The uninterrupted views of the British countryside

• The sights and sounds from several hundred feet above the ground

• The camaraderie of your fellow passengers in a flight with nature.

In keeping with the best weather patterns for ballooning, a <a onClick="javascript:pageTracker._trackPageview('/outgoing/article_exit_link');" href="http://www.virgin.com/VirginProducts/TravelAndTourism/HotAirBalloonFlight.aspx"> balloon ride</a> would normally take place at dawn or dusk, and booking can be taken for individuals, pairs or groups. Booking online for balloon flights is now commonplace and you can reserve your place within minutes of finding a balloon website and a take-off location near you.

Passengers are not put off by helping to inflate the balloon and pack it away after landing. In fact, they say, that’s all part of the wonderful experience.

Balloon flights make wonderful gifts for special birthdays, anniversaries or corporate outings. Take them beyond the four corners of the earth. What a way to impress!