California Travel Tips
Hot Air Ballooning is a Blast
Published on: September 19, 2018
Balloons Over California! Montague Balloon Fair Sept.21-23, 2018.
Have you ever ridden in a hot air balloon? There are several fall balloon festivals in California this year. While they may or may not offer rides during the event, you can book a hot air balloon ride any time. I did so and my trip was a blast — literally!
Riding above Temecula wine country, I shared the gondola with a handful of strangers (tour averages 8-14 guests, plus the pilot.) Things you may not know before you go:
- The heat. Like me, you may be standing close to the propulsion source, often a propane tank and burner which can operate safely up to 250 degrees. This means your head, shoulders and upper body can get a little hot. It literally is a blast — of heat.
- Crowding: There’s hardly room to turn around in place as a successful ride for the tour operator means filling the gondola to capacity. Think sardines.
- Standing room only: You must stand in place for an hour.
- Bathrooms not available: You don’t want your stomach to flare up, so if you’re feeling queasy consider opting-out.
- Weather dependent: The conditions have to be right or the pilot will not fly.
- Getting in and out of the wicker basket: They offer a step stool to climb in and out, and the ground crew assists. But you should be mobile enough to handle this. Several seniors on my trip had trouble and were unhappy.
- Safety factor. There have been very few accidents resulting in death or serious injury. Your pilot must be licensed and balloons must pass inspections regularly.
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