A Quick Guide to Hot Air Balloon Photography: Capturing Beauty From the Skies

Written by: www.AerogelicBallooning.com

 If you're heading out on your first hot air balloon ride and intend to capture it all from the skies, here's how to nail hot air balloon photography...

Hot air balloon festivals are a breathtaking display of beautiful colors and fire. If you're heading to one soon, it's only right that you capture the event.

Don't feel discouraged about hot air balloon photography. Even though there are many moving parts and moments move by fast, you can still get amazing photos. We have compiled a quick guide to hot air balloon photography below so you can get amazing shots. 

Make Sure You Have Enough Storage Space 

The worst thing that could happen is you're taking photos and videos of your ride, but they can't save due to a lack of storage space. To get around this, make sure to pack extra memory cards for your camera.

Since they are small you can throw them in your camera bag and be on your way. When the time comes to reload make sure you know exactly where it is so you don't miss any shots. 

Extra points if you also pack an extra battery. Pro photographers never leave home without an extra battery, and you shouldn't either

You Should Have the Correct Lens to Get the Perfect Shots

You will be thousands of feet about the ground. To take good pictures at this level you will need a lens between 50 and 200 mm. 

Having a wide-angle lens in your camera bag isn't a bad idea also. This will come in handy when you want to take wide, sweeping photos of the landscape and sky. 

Some photographers even say that packing a long telephoto lens is a good idea. These will get you a perfect photo of objects from up in the air.

Know What Settings Your Camera Should Have to be Prepared

To get the perfect hot air balloon photographs you should have a rough idea of what settings on your camera will need to be adjusted. Of course, these settings will need to be adjusted at the time of capture, but knowing what they are will help to save time.

Shutter Speed To Help Prevent Blur

Even though balloons move slow, they are still moving. If your shutter speed is too slow then the balloons will be nothing more than motion blurs in your photos. 

The key to balloon photography is to have a fast shutter speed. This is ideal for taking hot air balloon photos at any opportunity. 

If you're taking a hot air balloon photo from the ground or in the sky, a fast shutter speed will fight against any amount of blur and give you a crisp image. It will even help fight against blur from your shaky hands that, let's face it, everyone has.

ISO Will Help You Achieve Perfect Lighting

Usually balloons lift off early in the morning or early in the evening. This is great for your ISO because it won't need to be adjusted multiple times.

At these times of the day, an ISO between 400 and 800 is ideal for the right lighting. This range will also help you achieve a fast shutter speed. 

All in all, ISO depends on the photographer and what type of photo they want. Don't let our recommendation get in the way of your artistic flow. 

Aperture Helps Create Some Cool Photos

Aperture is going to be something you change frequently when taking pictures of hot air balloons. You can even get creative with your pictures by changing the aperture to fit your artistic needs.

A lower aperture, like f/2.8, will help blur the background and focus on a close object. If you increase it to f/11 or f/16 everything will focus nicely. 

Be Creative With Your Hot Air Balloon Photography

To achieve cool hot air balloon pictures, you should be thinking outside of the box. Here are some creative photo ideas to nail some awesome pictures:

From the Air

You can hop in a hot air balloon and start shooing pictures from the air. You will get some cool photos of the landscape and any buildings from above.

Even taking a picture as all the hot air balloons rise would be a beautiful photo opportunity. Try to even snag a picture of other ballots at different heights.

Inflating

It's mesmerizing to watch hot air balloons inflate. Why not take photos of this amazing event? 

If it's evening the fire will create an amazing contrast against the background. Even taking photos of the inflating process could be nice as collage. 

From the Ground

Who said that all the best hot air balloon photos were taken from above? No one because great pictures can be taken from ground level.

When you're walking around take photos of all the different balloons deflated on the ground. You can even snap a shot of all the balloons as they take off into the sky. 

Panoramic Shots

Taking a panoramic shot can be done from inside the balloon's basket or from the ground. If you're at ground level, take a panorama of the balloons deflated or as they are all inflating.

From above you can get creative and take one of the balloons in the air. Even try to capture a picture of the clouds and landmarks around you. You're seeing the world from a perspective that not everyone has seen, use it to your advantage.

You Are Now a Hot Air Balloon Photo Pro

From knowing what equipment you should bring to ideas for different shots, we have provided you with the ultimate hot air balloon photography guide. Now it's time to start researching the event to see what conditions you will be shooting in.

We look forward to seeing your amazing photos! 

For more information on photography be sure to check out our blog. 

Book Now for your amazing photo-ops at https://www.aerogelicballooning.com/reservations/ or call 602-402-8041

Hot Ads: How Air Balloon Advertising Can Benefit Your Business

Written by: www.AerogelicBallooning.com

Hot air balloons have long been used as a prominent method of advertisement. We share how hot ads can benefit your business.

The costs of digital marketing are higher than they have ever been.

This can be attributed to a host of factors that include increasing demand for digital marketing services.

As a matter of fact, digital marketing spend in 2019 will account for more than 50 percent of all ad spend in most developed countries.

While digital marketing can be effective, there are some innovative traditional marketing techniques that can pass the message quickly and effectively.

Have you heard of hot ads?

Innovative ideas are bound to capture the attention of most people, which is what you need to effectively promote your brand or products.

As such, it is imperative that you examine your business landscape and think out of the box. This can enable you to come up with a strategy that will create buzz around your brand. Hot air balloon advertising is such an idea.

Hot air balloons have long been used as a prominent method of advertisement. This article will describe how hot ads can benefit your business.

Why Hot Ads?

Hot air balloons were a popular advertising tool in the mid-20th Century. However, with the advent of television, radio, and now the internet, they took a backseat to modern media.

But here’s why they can still be effective for your brand:

1. They Are Big

A hot air balloon can be seen miles away.

As such, even if a person is not able to clearly make out the name of your brand or the products being advertised, it will pique their curiosity enough to make an effort to know what the balloon is all about.

As such, their big size makes them one of the most ideal ways of reaching a larger audience, especially if most of your target audience is local. You will be able to reach people on the highways as well as those walking the city streets.

What’s more, those locked up in their office cubicles in high-rises won’t be safe from your advertising as well.

2. They Are Unique

In the present day, hot air balloon advertising is a novel concept. People do not expect to see a balloon when they walk out of their homes. As such, they have the X-factor that catches people attention very easily.

Additionally, their novelty factor ensures that the message on the brand is likely to be stuck in people’s memories for longer than other types of advertising.

3. Help in Branding

It might surprise you to know that the image you are having right now of a hot air balloon is not the only shape there is of hot air balloons. They can be shaped in several different ways.

In fact, specialized advertising balloons can be designed to take the shape of the product being advertised.

This way, your target audience does not need to actually make out the name of your brand or product for them to know what is being advertised.

Using the appearance of your product to create awareness about it is one of the most effective branding strategies out there.

4. They Are Mobile

Unlike other conventional types of advertisements, such as billboards, TV, or prints ads, hot air balloons are mobile. As such, they do not need to be fixed at one vantage point as a billboard would.

And in the cases where they need to be tied to one location, so they do not drift away, an advertising balloon still has the advantage of being visible from multiple directions.

5. They Are Cheap

While it may not appear as so, an advertising balloon is actually cheaper than a billboard.

Thus, when you consider that it is able to reach a bigger audience than a billboard would or magazines, an advertising balloon will give you a better return on your marketing investment.

6. Creating Excitement and Buzz

As mentioned earlier, a balloon has that ‘wow’ factor going for it. Just seeing a giant balloon floating around will be enough for people to want to chase after it to see what it is all about.

That is exactly the kind of attention that any brand wants to create in the public.

And in the current era of social media where people whip out their phones to document the latest excitement, your brand will find its way to the eyes of users who were not anywhere close to your location.

7. You Have No Competition

Unlike other types of advertising where your ad tends to be just another one among a sea of other ads, advertising balloons offer you exclusivity.

As such, you do not have to worry where your company’s name falls in search engine results pages.

Your business will be the only name flying in the sky.

8. Versatility

The flexibility of a hot air balloon allows you to even geo-target your audiences. As such you do not have to settle for floating your balloon just over your premises.

You can get creative and float it in locations where there is high traffic so that your advertisement is hard to miss.

This is something that static forms of advertising cannot offer you.

9. Suits All Sorts of Businesses

Both large and small companies can use advertising balloons. A small business with a tight budget will find that a balloon will work perfectly for them since they can use it for many years.

If the message or brand changes, all they will have to do is update the balloon.

Larger businesses will love balloons since they offer a quick and effective means of garnering attention. They can use the balloons in events such as product launches, grand openings, and festivals.

Getting Your Message Out There

Hot air balloons have been with us since the 3rd Century AD. Since then, they have found a myriad of uses ranging from traveling to war to advertising.

As mentioned earlier, marketing is not effective unless it is impactful. And that is the exact effect hot air balloon adverting has.

If you haven’t tried hot ads yet, it is probably time to give it a shot.

Call Shane now for a quote 480-991-4260

Phoenix Hot Air Balloon Rides: The First-timer Experience

Written by: www.AerogelicBallooning.com

On September 19, 1783, the Montgolfier Brothers were the first to send aviators aloft in a hot-air balloon. Those aviators? A sheep, a duck, and a rooster!

In the 1950s, Ed Yost began development of the modern hot-air balloon which took flight in 1960. 

Today, hot-air balloons take flight all over the world.

The largest and most exciting balloon event takes place in Albuquerque, New Mexico each year in October. It features over 500 balloons all launching from one field. 

If you're trying ballooning for the first time, you're in for a real treat! Phoenix hot-air balloon rides are a great adventure. 

Wondering what to expect for your first ride aloft? There are a few things you should know.

Read on for information about this unforgettable experience!

Be Flexible

Hot-air balloon flights are different from other types of flight. The pilot is at the mercy of the weather. 

A storm that's 250 miles away can affect the weather in your area. Balloon pilots fly under FAR 91.155. These are visual flight rules with no instruments. 

If the weather is the slightest bit unpredictable, the pilot cancels.

If you're planning your balloon flight while you're on vacation, schedule it early in the trip. If your flight is canceled, you'll have time for rescheduling. 

Balloons can't fly in strong winds. What looks like a light breeze to you may be too much for the balloon. 

Timing Is Everything

Hot-air balloon rides happen early in the morning or right before sunset. During the middle of the day, the sun heats the ground and causes thermals.

Thermals are powerful rising air currents that are dangerous for balloons.

They're not a danger until the sun has been up long enough to heat the ground. Due to asphalt parking lots and varying terrain, the ground heats in an uneven manner. 

Wind is also a factor since it picks up during the day.

Most areas, though not all, are too windy for evening flights. Expect to get up early to meet your balloon pilot and other passengers. 

It's possible you'll meet your pilot as early as 4 a.m. Don't forget to set your alarm, and don't hit the snooze button!

There's no set take-off site for hot-air balloons. The pilots look at the weather and wind direction and set out looking for the best launch spot. Sometimes it takes a little while. 

Wear Layers

Take note of the weather as soon as you get up. Many places are chilly in the morning and get warm when the sun rises. Dressing in layers is a good idea when you're going ballooning. 

Depending on how high your pilot takes you, it'll be cooler when you're aloft. The temperature, on average, decreases about 3 degrees Fahrenheit per 1,000 feet. It might be about 10 degrees cooler in flight than on the ground. 

By the time you land, the sun's up. If it's warm, take off the outer layers. And don't forget your sunglasses!

How Does a Hot-Air Balloon Work?

Hot-air balloons are giant fabric "envelopes." They're made from Dacron or ripstop nylon. The top of the balloon is coated with a flame-resistant material.

The fabric is attached to a huge wicker basket with heavy-duty steel cables. 

The basket holds propane tanks that power the burners for flight. 

When you arrive at your launch destination, the pilot and crew remove the envelope and basket from the truck. 

The crew removes the envelope from its bag and stretches it out across the field. The wicker basket lays on its side. The crew attaches the cables to the basket. 

The crew holds the edges of the skirt open while a huge fan inflates the balloon. Upon full inflation, the pilot lights the burner. Be ready! The noise is loud and often startles people.

As the pilot sends plumes of hot air into the balloon, it slowly rises to a standing position. Most balloons stand about seven stories tall with about 90,000 cubic feet of hot air. 

Once standing, the crew helps the passengers into the balloon. You're ready for takeoff!

You're Flying in a Wicker Basket

Yes! You're flying thousands of feet above the ground in a wicker basket. It's helpful if you're a people person because you're going to get close to the people flying with you. 

There's little room for moving around when you're in a hot-air balloon basket. Depending on the size of the balloon, there could be up to 29 other passengers with you. 

But most balloons hold from 4-15 passengers. You can't bring a lot of stuff on board with you. But don't forget your camera!

Don't worry about air sickness. The balloon floats gently with the wind, so you won't notice much movement. And you'll be so fascinated, you won't think about getting sick. 

It's a quiet, gentle experience, except for the sound of the burner. But the burner isn't going all the time, only when the pilot needs to add hot air to the envelope. 

The Landing

Landing in a hot-air balloon is sometimes an adventure of its own. The wind plays a big part. If the wind picks up and the balloon is coming in fast, the landing is exciting. 

But don't let it scare you. Most of the time, the balloon stays upright upon landing. But sometimes the basket falls over.

Don't lock your knees, but brace yourself and protect your camera gear!

The Celebration

After landing, most companies offer a champagne celebration. It includes the recitation of the Balloonist's Prayer:

"The winds have welcomed you with softness. The sun has blessed you with its warm hands. You have flown so high and so well that God has joined you in laughter and set you gently back into the loving arms of Mother Earth."

Don't be surprised if the pilot "christens" you with champagne!

Phoenix Hot-Air Balloon Rides Are a Blast

Now you're ready for Phoenix hot-air balloon rides! Start your day with a fun adventure. Remember to set your alarm and dress in layers. 

Be flexible in case weather disrupts the scheduled flight. Bring your camera and have a blast!

A balloon ride costs around $200 dollars per person, but it's well worth it. Ready for your first balloon ride? Schedule one here. https://www.aerogelicballooning.com/reservations/

Hot Air Balloon Phoenix: 10 Sites to See from the Air

Written by: AerogelicBallooning.com

Phoenix has many beautiful sites to see from the basket of a hot air balloon. Here is your guide to hot air balloon Phoenix attractions.

Grand Canyon from a hot air balloon

The first flight technology that allowed a man to travel in the air, was the hot air balloon! It has been over 230 years since the first voyage in a hot air balloon. 

If you are looking for an unforgettable experience, consider riding across the sky in the basket of a hot air balloon in Phoenix. This is one experience you will not regret taking part in. Each ride has its own unique breathtaking view, which means no two hot air balloon rides are the same. 

The journey a hot air balloon takes you on is often described as surreal and peaceful. Some may even consider it to have a romantic feel, and be inspired to plan a proposal.

Hot Air Balloon in Phoenix 

One of the most popular attractions for hot air balloon rides is watching the sunrise or sunset. The view from the basket in the sky is spectacular, and like nothing you've experienced before. 

As the sun rises or descends, you can watch as the colors change and crawl across the sky. 

Sunrises and sunsets aren't the only things to see with a birdseye view. Arizona is a beautiful state, with many stunning landscapes. 

Sonoran Desert Preserve

Hot air balloon ride Phoenix

Sonoran Desert Preserve is one of the most common attractions for hot air balloon rides in the Phoenix area, and for good reason. There are 1000's of species of fauna, flora, and wildlife.

The preserve boasts over 30 miles of trails, and more than 9,600 acres of land, in mostly undeveloped and wild desert terrain. You may be able to see Dixie Mountain, Apache Vista, or Ridgeback Overlook.

You may get a chance to see the Sonoran pronghorn or a mule deer prancing around. Keep your eyes open for bobcats and coyotes too!  

Grand Canyon 

The Grand Canyon can easily overwhelm our senses through its beauty and immense size.

The Grand Canyon sports unique combinations of geologic color. It has erosional forms that decorate its landscape. The Grand Canyon river is 277 miles long, and up to 18 miles wide. 

As you float across its landscape you may find yourself catching your breath. You may be able to see elk, bison and bighorn sheep in the Grand Canyon National Park. 

Route 66 

Route 66 is actually known across the world.

In Arizona, Route 66 crosses a desert painted with vibrant hues. It passes through the Badlands, which is often considered more picturesque than the Grand Canyon. 

Don't forget the stark contrast of the red plateaus against the blue sky. This famous road travels by petrified forests and past forests filled with vibrant life. 

Sedona Red Rock Country 

Red Rock Country is one of the most popular tourists’ sites in the United States. 

It is home to many beautiful formations like Cathedral Rock, Bell Rock, and the centerpiece of Red Rock Country - Oak Creek Canyon. 

It offers an incredibly diverse scenery that ranges from red desert rock to ponderosa pine forests and is actually part of the Coconino National Forest.

The breathtaking natural sites in Sedona will create a unique visual experience for a hot air balloon ride. 

McDowell Mountain Regional Park

The picturesque McDowell Mountain Regional Park will give you the perfect scenic views from the hot air balloon. 

The vibrant green of cacti contrast the browns and reds of the rock formations. This regional park is also home to an incredibly diverse list of wildflowers. From bright oranges to luscious violets and magentas, the landscape is painted with unrestrained vibrancy. 

Camelback Mountain

The name of Camelback Mountian comes from the shape of the mountain, which resembles the back of a kneeling camel. 

Camelback Mountain has an elevation of 2,704 feet. It is formed from two separate red sedimentary rock formations. 

Camelback Mountian is primarily known for it's hiking trails. You may catch a glimpse of hikers on either of the two main trails. 

Phoenix Metro Valley

Phoenix Arizona balloon ride

Enjoy an aerial view of the city of Phoenix as you float along its skyline. This unique view of the city will give you a perspective that few are able to see.

Watch as the sunrise reflects off the mirrored glass of the 3300 North Central Avenue building or the Arizona Center. 

Look for the Cityscape, which is a highrise mixed-use development area in Downtown Phoenix. Cityscape consists of hotels, offices, residential, and retail spaces.

Tempe

The city of Tempe is just East of Phoenix. Another stunning aerial view of a metro area. Tempe is also home to beautiful botanical gardens, as well as geological clusters of rock. 

Keep your eye open for the Hayden Butte, which is a mountain in Tempe dotted with centuries-old rock art.

Tempe Town Lake 

The City of Tempe is also known for its lake. The Tempe Town Lake is an artificial perennial reservoir and it is located just north of Tempe Butte. This means that its an irrigation tank that is replenished by perennial rainfall. 

This artificial reservoir is at the junction of the Salt River and the Indian Bend Wash in Tempe, Arizona.

Queen Creek

Queen Creek hot air balloon ride

Queen Creek has many historical buildings that have been preserved. Keep your eye open for the Old Rittenhouse Elementary School or the Railroad Water Tank on Rittenhouse Road.

This city also has many cultural attractions. Look for the Queen Creek Olive Mill, which is a family-owned company the produces high-quality extra virgin. Or look for the Horseshoe Park & Equestrian Centre, which holds many events on its grounds. 

Planning Ahead for Your Hot Air Balloon Ride

Make sure to plan ahead for your ride in a hot air balloon in Phoenix. If you have a sunrise tour, they tend to leave quite early. Make sure to plan to get their early so you don't get left behind.

Also, be aware that it does get very warm being in the sun for a couple of hours. Plan on dressing accordingly (and get that sunscreen on too!).

Don't wait! Get your hot air balloon ride booked today!
Just click reserve now here www.AerogelicBallooning.com

Hot Ads: How Air Balloon Advertising Can Benefit Your Business

Hot air balloons have long been used as a prominent method of advertisement. We share how hot ads can benefit your business.

Written by: www.AerogelicBallooning.com

The costs of digital marketing are higher than they have ever been.
This can be attributed to a host of factors that include increasing demand for digital marketing services.
As a matter of fact, digital marketing spend in 2019 will account for more than 50 percent of all ad spend in most developed countries.
While digital marketing can be effective, there are some innovative traditional marketing techniques that can pass the message quickly and effectively.
Have you heard of hot ads?
Innovative ideas are bound to capture the attention of most people, which is what you need to effectively promote your brand or products.
As such, it is imperative that you examine your business landscape and think out of the box. This can enable you to come up with a strategy that will create buzz around your brand. Hot air balloon advertising is such an idea.
Hot air balloons have long been used as a prominent method of advertisement. This article will describe how hot ads can benefit your business.

Why Hot Ads?

Hot air balloons were a popular advertising tool in the mid-20th Century. However, with the advent of television, radio, and now the internet, they took a backseat to modern media.
But here’s why they can still be effective for your brand:

1. They Are Big

Verizon Hot Air Balloon

A hot air balloon can be seen miles away.
As such, even if a person is not able to clearly make out the name of your brand or the products being advertised, it will pique their curiosity enough to make an effort to know what the balloon is all about.
As such, their big size makes them one of the most ideal ways of reaching a larger audience, especially if most of your target audience is local. You will be able to reach people on the highways as well as those walking the city streets.
What’s more, those locked up in their office cubicles in high-rises won’t be safe from your advertising as well.

2. They Are Unique

In the present day, hot air balloon advertising is a novel concept. People do not expect to see a balloon when they walk out of their homes. As such, they have the X-factor that catches people attention very easily.
Additionally, their novelty factor ensures that the message on the brand is likely to be stuck in people’s memories for longer than other types of advertising.

3. Help in Branding

It might surprise you to know that the image you are having right now of a hot air balloon is not the only shape there is of hot air balloons. They can be shaped in several different ways.
In fact, specialized advertising balloons can be designed to take the shape of the product being advertised.
This way, your target audience does not need to actually make out the name of your brand or product for them to know what is being advertised.
Using the appearance of your product to create awareness about it is one of the most effective branding strategies out there.

4. They Are Mobile

Unlike other conventional types of advertisements, such as billboards, TV, or prints ads, hot air balloons are mobile. As such, they do not need to be fixed at one vantage point as a billboard would.
And in the cases where they need to be tied to one location, so they do not drift away, an advertising balloon still has the advantage of being visible from multiple directions.

5. They Are Cheap

While it may not appear as so, an advertising balloon is actually cheaper than a billboard.
Thus, when you consider that it is able to reach a bigger audience than a billboard would or magazines, an advertising balloon will give you a better return on your marketing investment.

6. Creating Excitement and Buzz

As mentioned earlier, a balloon has that ‘wow’ factor going for it. Just seeing a giant balloon floating around will be enough for people to want to chase after it to see what it is all about.
That is exactly the kind of attention that any brand wants to create in the public.
And in the current era of social media where people whip out their phones to document the latest excitement, your brand will find its way to the eyes of users who were not anywhere close to your location.

7. You Have No Competition

Unlike other types of advertising where your ad tends to be just another one among a sea of other ads, advertising balloons offer you exclusivity.
As such, you do not have to worry where your company’s name falls in search engine results pages.
Your business will be the only name flying in the sky.

8. Versatility 

The flexibility of a hot air balloon allows you to even geo-target your audiences. As such you do not have to settle for floating your balloon just over your premises.
You can get creative and float it in locations where there is high traffic so that your advertisement is hard to miss.
This is something that static forms of advertising cannot offer you.

9. Suits All Sorts of Businesses

Both large and small companies can use advertising balloons. A small business with a tight budget will find that a balloon will work perfectly for them since they can use it for many years.
If the message or brand changes, all they will have to do is update the balloon.
Larger businesses will love balloons since they offer a quick and effective means of garnering attention. They can use the balloons in events such as product launches, grand openings, and festivals.

Getting Your Message Out There

Hot air balloons have been with us since the 3rd Century AD. Since then, they have found a myriad of uses ranging from traveling to war to advertising.
As mentioned earlier, marketing is not effective unless it is impactful. And that is the exact effect hot air balloon adverting has.
If you haven’t tried hot ads yet, it is probably time to give it a shot.

For more information call Aerogelic Ballooning 480-991-4260 

Let's Fly Away: The History of Hot Air Balloons

Hot air balloons make for an amazing experience to ride, but what's the history of them? Read on to learn all about the history of hot air balloons.

Posted by: www.AerogelicBallooning.com

Imagine a sea of vibrant orbs begins to swell everywhere, as the sun rises. In less than a few minutes the sky is overtaken by a technicolor migration, with shapes of all sizes and forms. From the ground, you spot rainbow-like patterns and people waving down.

Albuquerque Balloon Festival
www.AerogelicBallooning.com

Or if you're looking for a more exclusive experience you spend time observing the staff get everything ready for you. As you glance around there's only you, a nervous family member or partner smiling back to you, and a hot air balloon. You look at the ballon. You admire the striking pattern, as it inflates before you: a swirl of purples, oranges, reds, and blues. And it inspires wonder.
If you feel like concluding your bucket list by admiring specks of the horizon and celebrate the oldest form of aviation, book a balloon ride. You won't regret it. What began as a 15-minute ride in France that included passengers like a sheep, a duck, and rooster is now one of the most popular outdoor activities in the world.
The history of hot air balloons is one worth reading. Across centuries, scientists and engineers became fascinated with the idea of inflating a craft using paper, cloths, and adhesive tape. Can you believe that the first balloon ride was powered by burning chopped wool and dyed horse manure?
Today thousands of people travel to famous locations around the world to experience the wonder of flying. If you feel like learning more about the history of this fascinating air technology keep reading below.

History of Hot Air Balloons 

It's still not clear who or where the first hot air balloon was invented, but historians point to three countries around the world, for possible origins. It said that in the 3rd century in China "sky lanterns" were developed and used as military signaling.
Although they were unmanned, and no archaeological evidence has been found, the lanterns supposedly helped solve problems of aerial navigation. Soon after, the Mongolian army studied the technique and used it during the battle of Legnica during the Mongol invasion of Poland in 1241.
7,951 miles away from China, is Peru a country were, according to a 1667 Mexican newspaper issue, Nazca Indians used hot air balloons to create the famous Nazca Line Drawings. This fact draws us back to the period 700 B.C. to 200 A.D. Talk about going back in time.
For centuries scientists and philosopher wrote about the physics of law to try and understand how gaseous elements could fill a balloon to the point of inflating it and making it rise up into the air. Among the designers of the hot air balloon is Jacques Charles whom with the help of Anne-Jean and Nicolas-Louis Robert constructed a lightweight, airtight gas bag.
On the 23rd of August 1783 in the Place des Victoires, Paris, the Robert brothers and Charles filled the worlds first hydrogen balloon. Soon daily progress of the inflation began to spread, attracting a crowd that included Benjamin Franklin as an onlooker.
Yet, it wasn't until June that the first hot air balloon was flown with the first (non-human) living creatures in a basket attached to the balloon. The passengers included a sheep, a duck, and a rooster.
Wealthy brothers and papermakers  Joseph-Michael and Jacques-Etienne Montgolfier named their unmanned craft Aerostat Réveillon. The hot-air balloon flight lasted eight minutes and covered two miles, obtaining an altitude of about 1,500 feet.
After experimenting with unmanned balloons and flights with animals, the Montgolfier brothers' attempts pushed the scientists Jean-Francois Pilatre to test out the first flight with human passengers. So in November Francois and a French soldier, Marquis Francois rose to almost 50 feet on the balloon. The two men traveled just over five miles in 25 minutes.
Not long after the trip, on December 1st Professor Jacques Charles made the first gas balloon flight from Paris and stayed on the air for two hours, traveling at a height of up to 2,000 feet. Soon after his successful landing, balloon flight became an attraction. People began to look for sponsors to finance the construction of balloons with the promise of profit from spectator tickets sold to view the launch.

Crossing Countries on a Hot Air Balloon  

Jean-Pierre Blanchard considered the be a pioneer on the flight made the first manned flight of a balloon in the United States on January 10, 1793. After crossing the English Channel, Blanchard's hydrogen-filled balloon took off from a prison yard in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
And guess where the flight landed? In Gloucester County, New Jersey! Even President George Washington was amongst the spectators that witnessed the famous takeoff. Gas balloons were the most common type of craft until the 1960s. Since pilots wanted to control directions they came up with a new design.
In no time pilots began using steerable balloons powered by steam engines.
But, the process slowed down the balloons so balloonist opted for internal combustion engines. This technology made dirigibles very practical. In 1972, a German engineer, Paul Haenlein flew the first internal combustion motor-powered balloon.

Challenges and Achievements in the Air 

There are many pivotal points in the history of hot air balloons that inspired courageous people to reach new heights. Here are a few events worth remembering:
1. New Altitude Record: In 1932 Swiss scientists Auguste Piccard was the first person to reach the Stratosphere. He reached a height of 52,498 feet.
2. Crossing the Atlantic: In 1978 A balloon by the name of the Double Eagle 11 was the first one of it's kind to cross the Atlantic. The model was helium-filled, and it carried three passengers. Their flight lasted 137 hours.
3. Crossing the Pacific: Three years later four pilots launched a balloon from Japan. The Double Eagle V landed 84 hours later in Mendocino National Forest, California.
4. Spirit of Freedom Around the World: On July 3rd, 2002, Steve Fossett became the first person to fly around the world alone, without stopping. He launched the balloon Spirit of Freedom from Western Australia on June 19th and returned two weeks later. The duration of his solo flight was 13 days and 20,482 miles were flown, to mark the record of the longest distance achieved in a balloon.
We've come a long way since the first flight--and modern riders are happier for it!

Specks Across The Horizon  

Today thousands of people travel to famous locations around the world to experience the wonder of flying on hot-air balloons. The trips turn more exciting when you learn a little about the history of hot air balloons and how the activity is practiced today. If you want to take advantage of human creativity and progress look no further than the U.S.
Make sure you take hot air balloon rides in places like Phoenix, Arizona. The city of the "Valley of the Sun" has over ten balloon ride expeditions that offer you a unique view over the youngest and wettest desert in the world. Be an onlooker as the balloon departs, and see how everything you know just becomes smaller and smaller. At that moment you too become a speck across the horizon.

Written by: www.AerogelicBallooning.com

Top 8 Countries to Go to For Hot Air Ballooning

Top 8 Countries to Go to For Hot Air Ballooning

Are you looking to go hot air ballooning overseas? Read on to learn about the best countries for hot air ballooningwritten by, www.AerogelicBallooning.com

Serengeti Balloon Safaris

What do a sheep, a duck, and a rooster have in common?
Let us tell you.
These animals all took part in the very first hot air balloon flight in 1783. That’s right, on a fair-weather day in France, Pilatre De Rozier sent these animals to their fate. For a thrilling 15 entire minutes, these favored farmyard animals hung in space, suspended by nothing but a basket of hot air.
The first manned flight came soon after. And the rest is history.
Hot air balloons have come a long way since then. Humans, like Felix Baumgartner, have even taken them into space! Of course, not everyone goes to such extremes.
Nonetheless, hot air balloon rides are now common around the world. But some countries boast better rides than others! Which are the best places to go hot air ballooning?
Keep reading to find out!

 

1. France

France is the homeland of hot air ballooning.
That strong heritage means there’s an abundance of opportunity to enjoy a ride. France is a country of diversity: from the sun-soaked sands of the south to the awe-inspiring French Alps. There are incredible opportunities to see it from the air.
The Loire Valley is one particular location to enjoy from a height. Chateaus, vineyards and picturesque little villages stretch all around. You won’t know where to look first.

2. Tanzania

Fancy seeing the Serengeti National Park?
Well, there’s no better way to enjoy it than from a hot air balloon. Look out from your basket to the wildlife below. Giraffes, hippos, wildebeest, lions, and zebras all walk the plains. Spotting them from the air offers a unique perspective that you won’t forget in a hurry.
Your trip will be tailored to ensure to see the best in the park. You can guarantee an experience that will blow you away…in more ways than one!

3. Kenya

Let’s stick with Africa for a second.
Kenya offers another National Reserve that’ll blow your socks off. The Maasai Mara Reserve offers year-round wildlife to embrace from the air. Time your trip for between July and October. At this point, the enormous herds of wildebeest have crossed into the reserve over the Mara River.
You won’t forget this sight in a hurry.
It’ll be like you’re in the Lion King. Except at hundreds of feet in the air, drifting seamlessly with the sun setting in the distance over endless desert plains.

4. United States of America

Phoenix Hot Air Balloon

The USA is huge. You can go hot air ballooning all over it.
However, you should head to Albuquerque, New Mexico, for an extra special experience. It’s another match made in heaven for hot air balloon enthusiasts.
The open expanses of land, and 300 days of fair weather present the perfect opportunity for balloons to hit the sky. And that’s exactly what happens at the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta. Every year, up to 500 balloons take off at once in ‘mass ascension events’.
Phoenix, Arizona is another mecca for hot air balloon lovers. Hot air ballon rides in Phoenix let you experience the epic beauty of the American Southwest from a bird's eye view! There is nothing quite like watching the sun rise or set over the Sonoran Desert while floating peacefully in a hot air balloon.
It’s not to be missed!

5. Turkey

The golden hues of Turkish light will enchant you from a few thousand feet.
Cappadocia is a particularly special part of the country to do it. You’ll be transported to a different world. Limestone buildings that blend into the landscape will scatter far beneath your feet.
Enjoy the history and natural beauty with a bird’s eye view. The famous spires and chimneys of the region are counterbalanced beautifully by the barren landscapes around.

6. Chile

South America has a whole host of hot air balloon opportunities.
But in the interest of time, we’ve settled on Chile to represent this incredible continent.
The Atacama Desert is a location that deserves special mention. This is the driest place in the world. Seeing the rocky, barren landscape from the air is nothing short of spectacular. Best experienced at sunrise, the dazzling colors of the land below will change before your eyes.

7. United Kingdom

You might not have expected the UK to make this list.
After all, the weather doesn’t really compare to some other countries we’ve included!
However, there are numerous well-known spots to go hot air ballooning here. Bristol, in the South-West, is one of them. You’ll often look up from the hip vibes of town to see a balloon hanging in the air above you.
Moreover, there’s an annual hot air balloon festival. It takes place in the summer. People come from around the world to enjoy the giant colorful balloons hitting the air.

8. Myanmar

Myanmar, previously known as Burma, is our final hot air balloon recommendation.
This is definitely a ‘last but not least’ situation.
You may even have seen pictures of the hot air balloons here. It’s hard to forget the sight of dozens of hot air balloons rising over the temples below.
Imagine being suspended above an ancient city, with the golden sun setting around you. Hundreds, maybe thousands, of years of history lies beneath your feet in the form of 2000 monuments and temples. That’s exactly what you get in Bagan, in the Mandalay Region.
You won’t forget a hot air balloon ride here in a hurry.

Time to Go Hot Air Ballooning!

There you have it: the top 8 countries to go hot air ballooning.
The countries we’ve discussed above represent some of the best ballooning opportunities. The festivals, landscapes, sights, wildlife, and weather all add up to unforgettable experiences.
Hopefully, we’ve whetted your appetite to try it sometime!
Did you like this piece? Be sure to check out our other travel related articles!
www.AerogelicBallooning.com,Want to go for your own amazing hot air ballooning excursion just click the link above or call 1-602-402-8041

Hot Air Ballooning Phoenix