Hot Air Ballooning - UK or Europe with the family

Hot Air Ballooning - UK or Europe with the family

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Discussion

jazzybee

Original Poster:

3,056 posts

251 months

Thursday 23rd April 2009
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Something I've always wanted to do and looking for some advice. I am thinking about doing a Hot Air Balloon ride with the family - I live in West London and would travel out West for a good trip in the UK, but could wrap it into a Euro short break if there is a better value and greater experience. Any recommendations? experiences?

steve.c

11,185 posts

211 months

Thursday 23rd April 2009
quotequote all
Have been up in a balloon a few times and it is a fantastic experiance! can't comment on where would be the best place for price or view though as a friend has his own balloon so I repay by helping out when he takes others for a ride.

anonymous-user

56 months

Friday 24th April 2009
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One from left field.....

How about Morrocco? My wife and I did a baloon ride over the desert outside of Marrakech, saw the sun rise over the Atlas mountains - a truly wonderful and magical experience.

And it's easier/much cheaper to get to than you might expect, Easy Jet and Ryan Air both fly there, as does Atlas blue (Air Maroc low cost wing) who are normally as cheap with much better service and who we normally use when we're down there. Only 2.5 hours flying, and plenty to see and do for the family (my kids love the place)in Marrakech. It is a world apart in terms of culture, but really very close.

If you're interested I can dig out who we balooned with.

blondemoment

712 posts

256 months

Friday 24th April 2009
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Another suggestion - drive to Fere-en-Tardenois near Reims to the Chateau de Fere, and take a balloon ride from the castle grounds over the Champagne Vineyards early in the morning after enjoying a beautiful Hotel for the night. A 3 hour drive from Calais.

ewenm

28,506 posts

247 months

Friday 24th April 2009
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We get balloons over Bath morning and evening on every good day from now until October. Seems to be well organised and popular.

yellowbentines

5,400 posts

209 months

Friday 24th April 2009
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I went on a hot air balloon in the US on my honeymoon, I hate heights and was st scared in the run up to the trip, but it's honestly one of the best travel experiences I've had, once you're up its so quiet and tranquil you quickly forget you're in a wicker basket hundreds of feet in the air!

Do it!

jazzybee

Original Poster:

3,056 posts

251 months

Friday 24th April 2009
quotequote all
Some great suggestions. Thanks. Morocco sounds very interesting but would need some planning. I'm likely to be in the US with the family (Maryland/Penn/Virginia) over the summer holidays - so that may work out quite nicely as well. If anyone has some recommended companies here and abroad that would be great

anonymous-user

56 months

Friday 24th April 2009
quotequote all
jazzybee said:
Some great suggestions. Thanks. Morocco sounds very interesting but would need some planning. I'm likely to be in the US with the family (Maryland/Penn/Virginia) over the summer holidays - so that may work out quite nicely as well. If anyone has some recommended companies here and abroad that would be great
These are the chaps we flew with in Marrakech;
Ciel d'Afrique
15, Rue Mauritanie, Guéliz- Marrakech
Morocco

www.cieldafrique.info

Tél : +212 (0) 24 43 28 43
Fax : +212 (0) 24 43 28 47
GSM : +212 (0) 61 13 70 51

And here's a couple of piccies from that flight....




(that's me with the denim jacket on hanging over the corner)