It’s time to start dreaming of your next trip. Here’s six must-visit hot-air balloon destinations around the world.
Soak in Cappadocia, Türkiye’s, chimney-like landscapes and sunny skies on a hot-air balloon ride. Many tours offer premier experiences with hotel transfers, light bites and even Champagne. Cappadocia is best known for its distinctive rock formations in Monks Valley and Göreme, as well as Bronze Age homes carved into valley walls. © Elenatur | Dreamstime.com
A popular way to witness the sunrise loom over the West Bank’s ancient Egyptian monuments is on a hot-air balloon over Luxor. Ideal in early morning, these trips soar over the Valley of the Kings and Temple of Hatshepsut. © Chandu09 | Dreamstime.com
Albuquerque, New Mexico, hosts one of the largest ballooning events in the state, the Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta, where dozens of brightly colored balloons fill the sky. Balloon rides are also available through companies like Rainbow Ryders, which offers sunrise and private sunrise rides. © Tim Pleasant | Dreamstime.com
At dawn, when winds are calmest and temperatures the coolest, hot-air balloons take to the skies around Napa Valley, California. Rise above the picturesque region and see vineyards, the coastline and the valley from new heights. Many top-rated balloon companies operate in the area. © Francesco Carucci | Dreamstime.com
Dubai offers unique hot-air balloon flights, where the desert’s grandeur and the dunes’ magnificence are elevated with in-flight falcon shows. Watch as a trained falcon soars alongside the balloon. Sunrise rides are also very popular. © Vladwitty | Dreamstime.com
How many people can say they’ve taken a hot-air balloon over Tanzania’s Serengeti? Balloon safaris in the Serengeti travel over the African savannah, offering glimpses of the Ngorongoro Highlands, Lake Victoria and wildlife. Sometimes, dramatic thunderstorms can be spotted in the far distance, too. © Jezbennett | Dreamstime.com
Read This Next
7 Must-See Sites in Detroit, Michigan
Slideshow
Apr 14, 2026All Reads on This Topic
Read Them All
#TrazeeTravel
Insta FeedHotel
Apr 16, 2026Kimpton Era Midtown New York Officially Opens
Kimpton Era Midtown New York is now open, in a 33-story, ground-up skyscraper.
Sponsored Content
Your Cruise Adventure, Protected from Booking to Boarding
Wave season is here — the prime moment when travelers secure the year’s best cruise deals and start planning everything from warm‑water escapes to once‑in‑a‑lifetime, around‑the‑world cruising. Whether you’re dreaming of sun‑filled island stops, panoramic river sailings or a globe‑spanning expedition, wave season is the ideal time to turn those plans into reality.
Destinations / North America
Apr 16, 2026Have a Mediterranean Summer in the United States at This California Destination
The glitz and glam of a Mediterranean-style vacation can be appealing, but long-haul flights, extensive planning and high prices can be intimidating. But what if you didn’t have to leave the country to experience one? Enter: Catalina Island. This island is just an hour boat ride from Los Angeles and features all the things a Mediterranean trip would, such as stunning harbor views, hillside towns and a walkable seaside village.
Offers
Apr 15, 2026Xanterra Travel Collection Offers Spring Deals, Tours and More
Xanterra Travel Collection celebrates spring with a host of special travel experiences, discounts and tours.
Sponsored Content
Experiencing Gorilla Forest Lodge
Perched high within the UNESCO World Heritage site of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, home to more than half of the world's remaining 1,000 mountain gorillas, Gorilla Forest Lodge occupies a position unlike any other as the only luxury accommodation inside the park gates. The complete transformation has elevated the property into an intimate, 10-suite sanctuary where guests can wake to the symphony of the rainforest, trek alongside gorillas in their natural habitat, and return to exceptional comfort that exists in harmony with conservation and community.
Destinations / North America
Apr 15, 20263 Expert-Approved Glamping Sites for 2026
Just because you’re camping in an RV doesn’t mean you have to rough it. Opt for a glamping luxury RV campsite for more amenities and creature comforts. The pros at RVTrader recommended a few of the best across the United States.
ShareThis