My bucket list is long and full of adventures. But like writing, the process of generating ideas for future activities always begins the same way: Dreaming.
One of my dreams is to ride in a hot air balloon. Preferably when the leaves are in peak color.
In my imaginings, M and I climb into the basket, clasp hands and kiss as the balloon gently departs terra firma. The quiet of the dawn is punctuated by the occasional hiss and roar of the heated air that encourages the balloon to soar. Once in the sky, we’ll enjoy the unique experience of seeing the land that we love (Vermont) during our favorite time of year (autumn) from an entirely new perspective (way up there). Although we might take a photo or two, I expect we will spend the majority of the flight just seeing the sights and making a memory.
This trip would have come true long ago if not for the cost. A private balloon ride for two people is more than $1,200, which is a lot of dough for an hour in the air. Why for that same price, I could take a plane to Scotland (you know, if I still flew in planes). However, I remain hopeful that one day we’ll come into a bit of mad money and splurge on such a excursion. Also, that’s it everything I always dreamed and more.
4 Comments
Emily X
So a crazy thought came to me: Does it really cost $1200 for a one-hour hot-air balloon flight everywhere in the world???
The answer is no. It can be a lot cheaper, depending on where you are.
On a whim, I looked up what it would cost in Scotland, and Google did not disappoint. Check this out:
https://websteradventures.com/balloon-flights.html#buy_flights
I still think an aerial view of Vermont’s autumn color would be gorgeous, but the Scottish landscape is just as beautiful in its own way. Maybe someday you could fly there for $1200 and then book your balloon ride there.
Courtney Mroch
Holy crumb that’s a lot of dough for a hot air balloon ride…for just an hour! I had no idea! I’ve never really wanted to go up in one, but you wrote so poetically about it that if I could experience that, I would! But here’s hoping you will come into some mad money so you and M can make that dream come true!
Jade Walker
It costs less if you want to ride with strangers, of course. But I thought it’d be more romantic with just the two of us and the pilot. May have to relent on that!
Jade Walker
You are brilliant. Bookmarking that site 🙂