Breathtaking balloon journeys from around the world -

When you think about it, floating serenely up in the air is actually one of the best ways to discover historical and beautiful places around the world, without having to battle all the crowds!

From wine regions and ancient burial grounds to national parks and deserts, there are no shortages of stunning landscapes where you can make some of the most incredible balloon flights in the world.

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Yarra Valley, Australia - Experience the magic of Australia's Yarra Valley at dawn as you float silently above the vineyards.

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Yarra Valley, Australia - Taking an early morning balloon ride is the best way to absorb the breath-taking beauty of this wine region, which lies to the east of Melbourne. /

Tip: Basket sizes vary and can carry between 10 and 24 passengers.

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Vang Vieng, Laos - What better way to marvel at Laos's magnificent karst mountains than from above?

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Vang Vieng, Laos - You can take balloon rides in Vang Vieng either at sunrise or at sunset. On foot, check out the stunning natural scenery, including caves and waterfalls. /

Tip: Sunrise balloon trips are usually better as locals burn their trash in the evenings, impeding the views!

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Teotihuacan, Mexico - Viewing the ancient city of Teotihuacan from the air will save you a lot of legwork, as it is vast! The City of the Gods, as it is also known, is a UNESCO World Heritage site.

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Teotihuacan, Mexico - Drift over the magnificent ruins of the Moon and Sun Pyramids, and take in views that very few tourists get the chance to see. /

Tip: You'll also be able to glimpse surrounding volcanoes, valleys, and mountains—so keep an eye out!

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Namib-Naukluft National Park, Namibia - As you float over the red dunes of the Namib-Naukluft National Park at sunrise, you'll be witnessing one of Namibia's most breathtaking scenes.

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Namib-Naukluft National Park, Namibia - Watch as red rocks loom out of the clearing mist and enjoy the calmness and vastness of this Namibian desert. /

Tip: Balloon excursions last between 2-3.5 hours and are always carried out early in the morning, when temperatures are cooler.

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Serengeti National Park, Tanzania - Did you know that safari rides don't always have to be on the ground? At the Serengeti National Park, you can witness some of Africa's best wildlife from the air.

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Serengeti National Park, Tanzania - Watch herds of elephants roaming through Serengeti's vast expanses of savanna, or lone lions stalking their prey.

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Serengeti National Park, Tanzania - It's a great way to see wild creatures in their natural habitat without disturbing them, or getting too close for comfort!

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Serengeti National Park, Tanzania - A small section of the Serengeti National Park stretches over into neighboring Kenya, where it is known as the Maasai National Park. Here you can enjoy the same incredible nature experiences from the air! /

Tip: Take a good camera and long-range binoculars—these are sights you will not want to miss!

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Queenstown, New Zealand - In New Zealand, spectacular scenery unfolds beneath you near Queenstown. You can float calmly over the stunning Lake Wakatipu and Alpine scenery.

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Queenstown, New Zealand - Enjoy breathtaking views of the Southern Alps and Lakes, all year round. /

Tip: If you're a Lord of the Rings fan you'll be able to see sites from the movie trilogy, including the Pillars of the Kings, Dimrill Dale, the Ford of Bruinen, and the Gates of Argonath.

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Napa Valley, US - Hot air balloons usually launch at dawn over California's Napa Valley. You'll be able to watch as the sun rises over the dew-wet vineyards.

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Napa Valley, US - The 360-degree views over verdant swathes of vines are truly unforgettable. And that's even before you've sampled a glass of the local wines! /

Tips: The rides usually last an hour, but you'll need more time to allow for balloon inflation, check-in, and transportation.

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Luxor, Egypt - From the early morning sky gaze out over the majestic Valley of the Kings, the resting place of Ancient Egypt's New Kingdom pharaohs.

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Luxor, Egypt - This illustrious burial site was used for about 500 years and includes the famous Tutankhamun's tomb. It lies on the west bank of the Nile near Luxor, the site of the ancient city of Thebes.

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Luxor, Egypt - You'll also see the Valley of the Queens, the Luxor and Karnak temples, and swathes of the fertile Nile delta. This is an Egyptian trip you won't want to miss! /

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Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve, Dubai - Drift across the sandy dunes of this 225-sq-km nature reserve in Dubai, which is best seen in the early morning.

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Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve, Dubai - Balloon rides usually run from September through May, and provide a unique opportunity to enjoy stunning sights of the Arabian desert from above. /

Tip: Some balloon companies also offer the chance to fly with Peregrine falcons!

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Chateau-d’Oex, Switzerland - Switzerland is one of the best places to take a balloon flight—you'll be able to enjoy stunning views over the alps, from Mont Blanc to Matterhorn!

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Chateau-d’Oex, Switzerland - Chateau-d’Oex is also host to the annual Festival International de Ballons or "International Hot Air Balloon Festival," each January. It's a colorful event that doesn't fail to impress visitors.

Tip: The night time show is one of the most popular events of the festival, where illuminated balloons burst into the night sky along with fireworks and music!

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Cappadocia, Turkey - The historical region of Cappadocia is famous for the stunning balloon rides you can take over its distinctive "fairy chimneys" in Göreme valley.

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Cappadocia, Turkey - Göreme valley is also home to numerous caves and even entire underground cities! Today these caves still serve as places of worship, museums, hotels, and even homes. /

Tip: Balloon rides can last from 1-2 hours, depending on how much you wish to pay.

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Bagan, Myanmar - Bagan's balloon-dotted scenery has become iconic in recent years. It's the ideal spot for tourists looking to witness the beautiful Buddhist temples, "stupas," and monasteries from above.

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Bagan, Myanmar - Most balloon trips are offered in the early morning, when cooler temperatures allow you to float closer to the temples' towers. / 

Tip: The balloon season runs from October to May although mid-season (January) tends to offer the best flight conditions.

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Atacama Desert, Chile - Floating over Chile's Atacama desert gives you the opportunity to take in the vastness of this arid region, which is one of the driest on Earth.

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Atacama Desert, Chile - The desert includes mountains, salt flats, and even flamingos! /

Tip: Keep an eye out for Moon Valley, an area with lunar-like landscape that was used as a testing ground for NASA's Mars Exploration Rover.

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Albuquerque, United States - Hosted each year in New Mexico, US, the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta is a festival that takes place in early October. It is also the largest balloon festival in the world! 

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Watching the hundreds of balloons lifting off each day into the early morning sky is a mesmerizing sight. /

Tip: Among the many events at the festival, watch out for the exciting balloon racing and the stunning Twilight Twinkle Glow at dusk.

See also: This glacial lake hides a dark secret

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