Up, Up and Away - Best Places around the World for a Hot Air Balloon Ride
What better way to explore your holiday destination than with a 360 degree view from your very own hot air balloon ride? Escape the crowds and observe the sights from a unique perspective, whilst drifting where the wind takes you. Booking.com, the global leader in connecting travelers with the widest choice of incredible places to stay, explored it’s more than 130,000 destinations around the globe to discover the best places for an unforgettable hot air balloon ride, a truly serene and serendipitous way to travel.
Cappadocia, Turkey
Famed for its ‘fairy-like chimneys’ Cappadocia’s beauty is best appreciated from above. This is a magical spot to marvel from a hot air balloon, whilst taking in the stark contrasts from old-world rock formations to lush green vineyards. On any given day, countless hot air balloons drift over Cappadocia in a kaleidoscope of color. This destination is loved by Chinese, Russian and British travelers as these were the top nationalities who visited in 2017. Top endorsements for Cappadocia by Booking.com travelers are horseback riding, photography and archaeology and the most popular accommodations booked include hotels, guest houses and bed and breakfasts.
Where to stay: The luxurious Asuwari Suites Cappadocia are located in Urgup and boast spacious rooms with a palatial essence, as well as a terrace, perfect for watching the colorful hot air balloons drift by.
Napa Valley, USA
Known all over the world for its picturesque vineyards, explore the region from a different perspective and trade a chilled glass of wine for an adventurous hot air balloon ride. Top nationalities visiting Napa Valley over the past year include British, Brazilian and Chinese and the top types of accommodation booked include hotels, resorts and motels. It’s no surprise that top endorsements by Booking.com travelers for Napa Valley include vineyards, shopping for wine and wine travel.
Where to stay: Nestled in the scenic Napa Valley is the exquisite SENZA Hotel. Go for a refreshing dip in the outdoor pool or hot tub and feel at home in your fluffy bathrobe whilst watching the hot air balloons from the sun deck or your private patio.
Yarra Valley, Australia
Known for world class wineries and just an hour drive from Melbourne is the picturesque Yarra Valley. Travelers will be spoilt for sights from their hot air balloon with the rolling hillsides and distant mountain peaks, orchards, vineyards to the working farms and roaming animals. Top nationalities visiting Yarra Valley over the past year include Singaporean, British and Chinese and the top types of accommodation booked include hotels, motels and bed and breakfasts. Top endorsements by Booking.com travelers for the Yarra Valley are vineyards, wine travel and chocolate.
Where to stay: Located in the heart of the Yarra Valley are the Yering Gorge Cottages, a perfect home away from home stay. Overlooking the Eastern Golf Club and the Yarra River, guests will feel at home in the self-contained and luxurious cottages. Including a living room, fully equipped kitchen, large private deck and floor-to-ceiling windows providing serene views of the surrounding countryside.
Gstaad, Switzerland
A wintery hot air balloon ride can still be dreamy with the Swiss Alps as your backdrop and Gstaad will not disappoint. Plan your visit for the last week in January to experience the International Balloon Festival in Chateau d’Oex. Gstaad is loved by the British, French and German as these were the top nationalities who visited in 2017. Popular accommodations include hotels, apartments and bed and breakfasts and during your stay, appreciate the scenery, mountains and relaxation as these are all top endorsements by Booking.com travelers.
Where to stay: Located in the Bernese Alps is the HUUS Gstaad, offering a sauna, sun bed, steam bath and indoor pool. For a day off the slopes an 18-hole golf course is a short drive from the property and once you have worked up an appetite, savor Swiss Raclette and fondue at the two on-site restaurants.
Albuquerque, USA
A list of top picks for a hot air balloon ride would be incomplete without Albuquerque, home to the largest gathering of hot air balloons in the world. Witness the awe-inspiring vista of hundreds of colorful dots floating in the sky. Schedule your trip in October to watch this spectacular sight at the International Balloon Fiesta, one of the most photogenic festivals in the country, where you can also watch concerts and fireworks throughout the day and night. Top endorsements for Albuquerque by Booking.com travelers include old towns, hiking and food.
Where to stay: Guests will be thoroughly entertained whilst staying at the Isleta Resort & Casino, with an on-site casino, bowling alley and a spa, featuring a hot tub, beauty treatments and an indoor and outdoor pool. Eat until your heart (and stomach) is content at Bow Tie Bistro serving a selection of pastas and pizzas, or for something a little more premium, Embers is the onsite steakhouse.