If you are preparing for your inaugural hot air balloon adventure across the scenic UK landscapes, then you are in for a treat of magnificent proportions! Before you take to the heavens, we have compiled an exhaustive list of tips and tricks to ensure a delightful and seamless experience. Ready? Let’s set sail!
Choosing the Right Outfit
Stepping into the basket, you’re not just boarding a vehicle, you’re dressing for a party in the sky. Let’s make sure you are dressed to the nines:
Comfortable clothing: Layering is your best friend here, adapting easily to the shifting temperatures as you ascend and descend. Breathable fabrics will keep you comfortable, so you can focus on enjoying the breathtaking vistas.
Flat shoes: Heels are a no-go for this adventure. Opt for closed-toe, flat shoes that promise stability and comfort as you stand to admire the awe-inspiring views from the sky.
Packing Essentials
Packing right is halfway to enjoying your journey without a hitch. Here are a couple of things you shouldn’t forget:
Sunglasses: A good pair will shield your eyes from the sun’s glare, letting you enjoy the landscape without squinting.
Camera: Make sure to have a fully charged camera or smartphone to capture the majestic views; extra points if you clear your memory to have ample space for hundreds of snapshots.
Timing Your Ride
Timing is everything, especially when it comes to a hot air balloon ride. WonderDays provides this by scheduling hot air balloon rides morning and evening, seven days a week during the UK ballooning season, which typically runs from March to October. This dedication to timing opens up a variety of opportunities to witness the British landscape in different shades of beauty:
Sunrise or sunset: These times not only promise cooler temperatures but adorn the sky with hues of orange, pink, and purple, creating a perfect canvas for your adventure.
Weather check: Keep an eye on the weather forecast; clear, calm weather ensures a smoother, safer ride, and keeps those dreaded cancellations at bay.
Health and Safety
Safety always comes first; however, it doesn’t mean compromising on enjoyment:
Hydrate: Keep yourself hydrated, but not overly so to avoid frequent washroom visits. It’s all about striking the right balance to remain comfortable throughout your flight.
Medications: Consider carrying medications for motion sickness, ensuring nothing comes between you and your enjoyable flying experience.
Engaging with the Pilot
Your pilot is a wellspring of knowledge and experience, here’s how you can make the most of it:
Questions: Be curious! Your pilot can share exciting tidbits and facts about hot air ballooning, enriching your journey with stories and expertise.
Listen actively: The pre-flight safety briefing is your primer to a safe flight, providing you with essential knowledge to navigate your adventure in the sky safely.
Post-flight Celebration
Touching down is not the end but the beginning of the celebration:
Champagne toast: Celebrate your successful flight with a glass of champagne, a tradition rooted in the history of ballooning, giving a perfect closure to your skyward adventure.
Certificates: Collect your certificate, a tangible memory of your celestial voyage, something to show your friends and family as a badge of honour.
Be Mindful of Your Surroundings
As you are afloat, there’s a silent symphony of landscapes unfolding beneath, soak it in:
Silent moments: Allow yourself to have silent moments, where you just breathe and take in the panoramic beauty that stretches as far as your eyes can see.
Spotting landmarks: Engage in a friendly contest of spotting and naming landmarks; it’s not just fun but a great way to familiarise yourself with the UK from a bird’s eye view.
Booking and Vendors
The right vendor can be the distinguishing factor in your ballooning experience:
Research: Do a thorough research on vendors, reading reviews, and maybe even reaching out to past customers to get firsthand accounts of their experience.
Package deals: Opt for packages that provide extra amenities like photographs or pick-up and drop-off services, adding convenience and luxury to your adventure.
Safety Briefings
Staying safe is paramount, and it begins with being well-informed:
Pre-flight briefing: Attend it without fail to understand all the safety protocols, ensuring a hassle-free experience.
Safety gear: Familiarise yourself with and correctly use the safety gear provided to ensure a secure journey.
Souvenirs
Bring a piece of your adventure back with you:
Merchandise: Many providers offer exclusive merchandise such as badges, caps, or mugs; snag one to have a physical memory of your journey.
Photo package: If offered, grab the photo package to receive stunning snaps of your journey, a professional keepsake of your heavenly adventure.
Armed with these insights, you are more than ready to embark on your first hot air balloon, set to be a magical journey stitched with golden threads of sunrise or the soft pastel tones of sunset.
