As the undoubted highlight of many holidays to Turkey, the sport of hot air ballooning has become synonymous with the region of Cappadocia. If you're planning a holiday in Cappadocia, looking for inspiration for your next travels, or just curious about how the balloons stay in the air then please enjoy the following ?Q&A? guide.
How does a Hot Air Ballooon work?
Simply because warm air rises above colder air! The balloon itself is filled with enough hot air to lift the weight of the basket and passengers off the ground and above the surrounding, colder air. It is then continually topped up with hot air by the burner positioned at the opening at its base. It is therefore able to rise as much as the pilot wishes as long as he can continue to produce the required heat. In order to create such large volumes of hot air the burner is fuelled by liquid propane, which is stored in containers in the basket.
And you can do this while on holiday in Cappadocia?
No doubt. In fact many people take holidays to Cappadocia specifically for this reason. It's not unknown to have a wedding celebrated by balloon flight! There are many companies offering flights in the cities of Nevsehir, Kayseri, and Nigde as well as in the surrounding towns.
What makes Cappadocia so special?
Firstly, Cappadocia is a uniquely beautiful place. Meaning that as you drift through the sky you can observe a landscape of soft volcanic rock, valleys, pillars, cones and the famous ?fairy chimneys? of solidified ash and basalt. Secondly, it also boasts warm, gentle air currents and reliably clement weather that lessens the risk of having to cancel trips at the last minute.
What does it feel like when you're in the air?
Serene. As the balloon is carried by the air currents you will not notice any turbulence at all, in fact the journey is often likened to the smooth ride of an escalator. If it weren't for the view of the landscape flowing past and around you, you may be forgiven for thinking that you were hanging motionless in the air.
Where do you land?
You will gently set down in any one of the large, open fields that populate Cappadocia. Usually to be met by a ground crew who will transport you and all the equipment back to town.
What should I wear?
Surprisingly, it is rarely much colder in the air than on the ground, so leather gloves and flying goggles aren't a necessity. You may wish to bring a light jacket if it would make you more comfortable.
What time of day do the flights leave?
Almost always before dawn in order to capitalise on the right conditions for an easy take-off and a gentle landing. It also shows the landscape at its best, with the early morning light softly illuminating the shadows and contrasts of the landscape below. Holidays to Turkey can offer no better opportunity to enjoy the country's beauty.
How long does the flight last?
This is the good part. Most flights last around an hour and a half, allowing plenty of time to drink in the splendour of your surroundings. And, as they start so early, you could be back at your hotel by 8.30am, ready to enjoy a leisurely breakfast as the day to continues to dawn around you.
Have you enjoyed rafting or canoing vacations with your friends or family? If you are fond of taking up different adventurous activities, and want to try out something new, then you can also try out hot air ballooning. A simple, but mesmerizing experience is the synonym for hot air ballooning, where you get the chance to fuel your hidden desire of flying like a bird. Those who have experienced it, find it hard to erase the memories of being on top of the world in a beautiful and colorful balloon.
Different Reasons for Hot Air Ballooning
There are different reasons for balloon riders to appreciate and adore this wonderful experience of hot air ballooning. While some of them consider it as an opportunity to view the glory of nature from a different angle, others consider it as a romantic ride, perfectly designed for their first date. Also, hot air balloon rides attract those, who don’t have the courage to participate in tough rafting vacations and other similar trips. Whatever the reason could be, balloon rides are hard to resist for people belonging to different age groups.
Perfect Environment to Enchant You
The hot air balloon ride provides the perfect experience to enthrall you to the maximum. To make it more delightful, hot air ballooning rides are generally organized in early mornings. This is the time, when winds are favorable and there is freshness in the sky, offering a supportive hand to your hot air balloon rides. The balloon elevates high at a moderate speed to allow you to view wonderful picturesque scenes. The experience is comparable to any other adventurous sport like canoeing vacations.
Popularity at a Peak
The hot air ballooning is centuries old, but even today, it has not lost its charisma for influencing your mind and soul. In fact, these wonderful rides are becoming popular with the passage of each day. One of the reasons for the immense popularity of these hot air balloon rides is that these are inexpensive, as compared to other adventure rides. Secondly, there is insignificant risk factor involved in these rides and the fun element is available to a high degree. Most importantly, you may participate in these rides, along with all your family members.
So, if you are planning to go for a hot air ballooning ride then you can contact the different companies which organize these rides. One of the most renowned companies, Real Adventures provides you with the best packages and related information about hot air ballooning as well as hosts different adventurous sports. For more details, you can also log on to their website www.realadventures.com.
Both Shereena Lingiah & Kumari Patel are contributors for EditorialToday. The above articles have been edited for relevancy and timeliness. All write-ups, reviews, tips and guides published by EditorialToday.com and its partners or affiliates are for informational purposes only. They should not be used for any legal or any other type of advice. We do not endorse any author, contributor, writer or article posted by our team.
Shereena Lingiah has sinced written about articles on various topics from Festival Guide, Travel and Leisure and Hot Air Balloons. Shereena Lingiah is the Marketing Manager for Anatolian Sky, a specialist travel company that provide the very best at. Shereena Lingiah's top article generates over 12100 views. to your Favourites.
Kumari Patel has sinced written about articles on various topics from Vacation, Recreation and Sports and Hot Air Balloons. Kumari Patel is an independent writer who loves to write on the topics like ,. Kumari Patel's top article generates over 8100 views. to your Favourites.