If you find yourself fascinated by the phenomena of flight then chances are you have pictured yourself floating above the treetops in a hot air balloon. Those who enjoy hot air ballooning will tell you that there is nothing quite like the experience. Perhaps thats why hot air ballooning has retained such a loyal following after all these years. The first successful hot air balloon flight took place in 1783 in Paris, France. That makes it the oldest form of human aviation transport in inexistence. While its popularity has ebbed and peaked since those early years, it has always retained a strong core of followers.

There is no question that the appeal of hot air ballooning lies in the fact that it is the only type of aviation that takes place without the assistance of mechanical propulsion. That means that you are able to fly without the aid of and engine or propellers. This is what enables hot air ballooning to be so silent and, as a result, so alluring.

Most hot air ballooning adventures take off at dawn so that they can take advantage of the most favorable wind currents. Early morning and around sunset provide the best flying conditions. You will climb to 2,000 to 3,000 feet above the ground. The pilot will use a burner to heat the air inside the balloon so that it becomes denser than the air outside it. This enables the balloon to rise. Once the pilot has reached the proper altitude the burner will be turned down and you will be on your way. Steering is done by releasing air from the balloon or adding a little more heated air. This causes the balloon to rise and lower and ride the air currents.

Hot air ballooning pilots must be trained not only in how to launch and land the balloon but in how to use the wind currents for steering. You will travel at the same speed as the wind. Using the wind in this way means you will suffer no turbulence. Instead you will fly above the ground as the landscape below seems to gently undulate below you. All in all, hot air ballooning is a tremendously relaxing and peaceful experience.

Hot air ballooning experiences are an excellent gift for special people in your life. There are a variety of different excursion packages offered so you are sure to find something that suits your taste and style. It is quite common for men to choose to purchase a romantic package and use the opportunity to propose to his special lady while floating above the treetops. You many even find yourself on board with a hot air ballooning wedding. That is not to say that hot air ballooning adventures are reserved only for lovers. On the contrary,--hot air ballooning rides are appropriate for just about any one and you can find outings designed just for families as well as those designed for adventure lovers.

Now is the perfect time to book a hot air ballooning adventure and youll find out first hand why this unique form of aviation has retained its allure for all these years. It is truly a timeless activity for you or for a loved one.