There are two things in life that I would consider great loves (besides family and friends, obviously) — music and travel. While I am yet to find the perfect job which incorporates both, my current position at Viator is as close as I can get. My days consist of talking about travel, writing about travel, reading about travel - basically immerse myself in travel. To make it even better I can have my iPod almost permanently connected to my head while I do it - music and travel, I’m a happy camper!
As a result it’s easy for my mind to drift away into “fantasy holiday world”, that wonderful place where you get to travel to every corner of the earth without leaving your seat. If you are having a bad day, its that place you can take your thoughts to where you are having exciting adventures or seeing spectacular sites. Today I have spent the day in a hot air balloon over Catalonia. This is the newest addition to our range of things to do in Barcelona and has happily occupied my thoughts for the majority of the day.
There is something very peaceful about floating through the skies in an oversized basket attached to a giant balloon. I have only done it once before (last year in Cairns), and those who are regular readers of the Viator blog will know I’m not a huge fan of heights, but there is something quite serene about the experience. That is when the burners aren’t firing, completely shattering the peace, and if you can get over the fact your feet are an awfully long way off the ground. Never the less, I was surprised at how smooth flying in a balloon is, and amazed at what the sound of nothing is like.
Compared to a helicopter flight, hot air balloons are much quieter and smoother, but you are at the mercy of the winds with a balloon so you pretty much land wherever mother nature wants to take you at the time. In my case, it was the middle of an overgrown muddy field while apathetic cows looked on as if they had seen it all before.
So when embarking on your next vacation, check out our range of hot air balloon activities for a unique perspective of your destination.
June 27th, 2007 at 8:38 pm
I finally had a chance to fly in a helicopter, now a balloon is next on the list. Oh yeah, riding in a blimp has also been on my to-do (to fly in?) list for a very long time!
June 27th, 2007 at 9:29 pm
Hmmm, blimp rides. That’s an interesting one. I’ll ask the people at Viator who track down all the tours and activities (tough job, eh??) if such a thing exists.
Blimp rides. Blimp flights. Blimpies.
Mary Jo, I like it.
July 13th, 2007 at 5:13 pm
Do you offer hot air ballooning over Machu-Pichu ? Since I cannot climb the ruins I would love to see them from above. Planning on going in October.
July 19th, 2007 at 2:38 pm
Ballooning is great fun. It’s like you are a bird in flight. Not noisy as with a helicopter.I have been a member of a balloon chase crew before. Plan to feature a travel story via our Destination site for an upcoming balloon show. The biggest is held every year in Albuquerque. Back in 1999 while there for their Balloon Show, we met James Brown in Old Town while he was shopping.
July 20th, 2007 at 8:34 pm
I might have to add a blimp ride to my list as well, that would be pretty cool. I wonder if it’s scary at all?