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HERE’S SOMETHING NEW: THE WORLDS BEST HOT AIR BALLOON RIDES:
Photos of the Week: 3/14/2019: The most incredible places in the world for hot air balloon rides:
The world from new heights
There’s nothing quite like a jaw-dropping view. We seek them atop skyscrapers in the world’s greatest cities, or from hotel balconies on sublime coastlines. But for those with a head for heights, hot air ballooning is the ideal way to get the best vistas. Gliding smoothly through the air, with no sound but the wind whipping past your ears and the occasional blast of flames from the engine, is a truly serene experience. If that sounds like your kind of adventure, here are the world’s best places to get high in a hot air balloon.
Dubai’s desert, the UAE
Well away from the bright lights and big city of Dubai lies a barren, golden desert. A beautiful retreat from the flashy hotels and expensive malls, here you can stay in a tented Berber-style camp, then see the sunrise from the ultimate vantage point: a hot air balloon. From the skies you’ll see Arabian oryx and gazelles trotting across the sand, and the rising sun will light up the dunes, transforming them into a glittering golden, ocean-like landscape. It’s a far cry from the vistas available from the world-famous Burj Khalifa, and it’s all the better for it. This is a side of Dubai you certainly won’t forget.
Photo by: Gareth Lowndes /Shutterstock
Konopiště Castle, Czech Republic
Get an aerial view of the last residence of Archduke Franz Ferdinand with a hot air balloon flight in the Czech Republic. Konopiště Castle is a truly impressive place – with four wings and three stories, and turrets to rival any fairy-tale castle, it was originally built in the late 13th century and has withstood a number of sieges. Today it’s open to the public, with a small museum showcasing the bullet that killed Franz Ferdinand, but by far the best view is from above. Jump in a hot air balloon and float above the forested landscape, which gives way to eventually reveal this beautiful castle.
Photo by: Michael Pix/ Shutterstock
Yarra Valley, Australia
Let the breeze guide you along the rolling vineyards of the Yarra Valley, one of Australia’s top wine regions. Balloon flights here take off at dawn, when a morning mist still shrouds some of the lowest parts of the valley and the landscape changes color as the sun rises in the sky. It’s a wonderfully peaceful experience, and the perfect start to a day of wine and food tasting in this wonderful gastronomic region.
Photo by: FILED image/ Shutterstock
The Serengeti, Tanzania
Bring a whole new meaning to the concept of flying safaris with a balloon flight over the Serengeti in Tanzania. This huge national park is rife with wildlife, from lions and leopards to elephants and buffalo. Float over the Seronera River and you might spot crocodiles lying in wait for their prey, or see a pride of lions feeding on their kill. This unique vantage point offers an opportunity to see areas the ground vehicles can’t access.
Photo by: Lubomir Chudoba / Shutterstock
Cappadocia, Turkey
Cappadocia is one of the world’s most famous destinations for ballooning. Images, like this one, of multiple balloons hanging in the sky above the mystical landscape are used in many a tourist brochure – and for good reason. It really is a stunning way to see the “fairy chimneys” – a set of unique rock formations shaped by erosion and volcanic activity – and the cavern architecture in its historic town. Come at any time of year to see this otherworldly place, but book onto Intrepid’s Turkey Winter Discovery tour and you’ll find it’s particularly romantic when the rocks are set against a snowy backdrop and the summer crowds are long gone.
Photo by: Intrepid Travel
Jaipur, India
See the sprawl of one of Rajasthan’s most exciting cities from above with a balloon ride over Jaipur. On its Northern India Highlights tour, Intrepid offers the opportunity to gaze down at the spectacular forts and palaces of the Pink City – named for its pink-hued sandstone buildings – from the peaceful vantage point of a hot air balloon. Starting from outside the city, you’ll drift over rural villages and traditional homesteads, before reaching the impressive Amer Fort, a 16th-century structure still standing up to the test of time. Just prepare for the crowds of locals who will greet you upon landing – the excitement of flight isn’t just for those in the basket.
Photo by: Thrithot/ Shutterstock
Photo by: Sonoma County
Sonoma, California, USA
Sip, Cycle and Soar tours in Sonoma County offer an alternative way to experience the beauty of California wine county from both land and air. Once you’ve explored the county’s many vineyards by bike and sampled some of the finest wines on offer, take to the skies and soar above picturesque rows of vines at sunrise for a totally new perspective on the region. After a 45–60-minute flight over vineyards, farms and highways, the experience ends with brunch and a glass of bubbles. There may be no better way to experience Sonoma County.
Bristol, UK
Europe’s largest hot air balloon event sees more than 130 of these inflatables take to the skies over Bristol each year (8–11 August in 2019). Launching at dusk and dawn from Ashton Court Estate’s beautiful grounds, the balloons glide over the city and the famous Clifton Suspension Bridge. The free event is an incredible spectacle and attracts hundreds of thousands of spectators each year, but if you want to get up there with the rest of them, you’ll have to pay handsomely. Local operators offer balloon flights from around $266 (£200) per person.
Photo by: Pixels/ memoirs / Shutterstock
The Dolomites, South Tyrol, Italy
The Italian Dolomites are a stunning range of precipitous peaks and gorgeous grassy valleys. In winter, they’re covered in snow and make for fantastic skiing territory; in summer, the hiking is spectacular. But come in mid-January and you’ll find there’s more than just skiing available here. Get your thrills in the air, soaring above the peaks in a hot air balloon during the Dolomiti Balloon week, when dozens of them float amid the snowy mountain scenery. For those who prefer to have solid ground beneath their feet, the festival offers an array of activities including live music and delicious, traditional South Tyrolean food and drink.
Photo by: BalloonFestival / Alexander Strobl
Melbourne, Australia
Many hot air balloons take flight over areas of natural beauty, but soaring above a city is just as exciting. In Australia, you can take off from the suburbs of Melbourne and glide straight past the city’s skyscrapers and above its biggest landmarks, from stadiums to the grand Melbourne Museum. See the roads slowly get busier as commuters make their way to work, spot the Grand Prix circuit and the Olympic Park, and wave at residents as you glide past apartment buildings close enough to see what’s for breakfast
Photo by: timallenphoto/Shutterstock
Lake Geneva, Switzerland
Glassy Lake Geneva is a stunning sight from any angle, but from above it is truly spectacular. Straddling the border between France and Switzerland, the Lake Geneva region has some spectacular countryside and glorious peaks. You’ll take off amid the mountain scenery to enjoy the sight of the lake’s royal-blue waters, and the many UNESCO-protected vineyards of the Lavaux, all from the basket of a hot air balloon. This is a spectacular way to explore one of Europe’s prettiest places.
Photo by: Saul Borges Photography / Shutterstock
Kissimmee, Florida
Located on the headwaters of the Everglades in Florida and just a 30-minute drive away from Orlando’s world-famous theme parks, Kissimmee is the ideal location to experience a hot air balloon flight – and it’s a far quieter way to get your adrenalin fix than among all the screaming riders at Walt Disney World. Spot alligators in the Everglades swamps, soar alongside bald eagles and see the thrilling theme parks from the air with Bob’s Balloons.
Photo by: Experience Kissimmee
The North Pole
For extreme adventurers, hot air ballooning in the North Pole has an added challenge: getting there. Whether you decide to take the long, cold, arduous trek, or take the easier route via helicopter, the journey is all part of the fun. Once you find yourself at 90 degrees north, jump in Quark Expeditions‘ hot air balloon to admire the top of the world from above. A white expanse will slope away beneath you as the balloon climbs, and you’ll really get a whole new perspective on the vast, white Arctic.
Photo by: loongstyle/ Shutterstock
Sonoran Desert, Arizona, USA
The vast Sonoran Desert covers much of southwest Arizona and is characterized by a landscape of cacti and rocky hills. On a hot air balloon flight with Rainbow Ryders, you’ll float over these Wild West worthy vistas, gliding above impeccably straight, often empty highways and grassy plains as the sun rises to the east. Look out for native wildlife such as jackrabbits, coyotes and burros scurrying on the ground beneath your feet.
Photo by: Rainbow Ryders
Atacama Desert, Chile
If you’ve ever dreamed of travel to Mars, the Atacama Desert might be the next best thing. This arid landscape of reddish dunes and ochre rock formations is as close to the Red Planet as you can get right now, and seeing it all from the basket of a hot air balloon is a thrilling experience. If the winds are in your favor, you might even fly over the ancient Pukará de Quitor – a stone fortress built in the 12th century by pre-Columbian natives.
Photo by: Jose L. Stephens
Tenerife, Spain
Tenerife is best known for its beautiful beaches and bustling resorts, but the island’s interior has a striking landscape ripe for exploration. The main draw is Mount Teide, a large volcano right in the island’s center, which has spectacular views out to the ocean. But if you don’t fancy climbing Teide, take a balloon flight instead for equally breathtaking views without the physical exertion.
Photo by: Olena Tur / Shutterstock
Teotihuacan, Mexico
It’s somewhat difficult to get your head around the scale and history of ancient Teotihuacan, a pre-Columbian city in the center of Mexico. That’s why a hot air balloon flight is the ideal way to see it. Marvel at all of its ruins from the ultimate vantage point and you’ll really be able to understand just how huge this city was. You’ll see the three-mile-long Avenue of the Dead, connecting the two major pyramids, and the sprawling modern town of San Martín de las Pirámides.
Photo by: Teotihuacan, Mexico
Champagne, France
Plenty of balloon flights offer bubbles on board, but there may be no better experience than in the home of fizz itself. If you fancy taking luxury ballooning to the next level, hop into the basket of one of the many balloons that fly over the Champagne region in northeast France. Admire the sloping rows of vines from above, ideally at sunrise when a golden light makes the region even more beautiful, then set down in an open field and pop open some fizz to toast the day.
Photo by Miki Studio / Shutterstock
Namib Desert, Namibia
Namibia’s topography is astounding. As one of the world’s driest and oldest deserts, with some of the tallest sand dunes and some of the planet’s most exciting wildlife, it’s a land of superlatives, for sure. But it’s hard to comprehend how it all comes together by staying on the ground. Float over the Namib desert in a hot air balloon, though, and you’ll see a spectacular expanse of arid, orange sand that meets the wild, blustery Atlantic. Spot zebra and oryx from above as they trot along the dunes, and if you head towards the coast, see shipwrecks dotted along the beaches.
Photo by: Lucas Bischoff Photography / Shutterstock
Tatra Mountains, Slovakia
Get up to 8,000 feet in the air above Slovakia’s Tatra Mountains for a truly spellbinding view. The deep valleys and tall peaks of the Tatras are stunning from any angle, but from above, caked with snow in winter, they are seriously impressive. Glassy blue-green lakes dot the landscape, and skiers slide down the slopes as you glide above the mountain resorts and forests. Be sure to layer up – it gets even colder in the air, but the view is well worth the chills.
Photo by: Valentina Photo / shutterstock
Ottawa, Canada
Forget the open-top bus rides or walking tours in Ottawa – the most exciting way to see the Canadian capital is by balloon. Following the Rideau Canal, you’ll glide peacefully above the city’s buildings and along to the stunning Parliament Hill complex. These striking, castle-like buildings were originally opened in 1866, but were mostly destroyed by fire in 1916. Rebuilt by the end of the 1920s, the complex is one of Canada’s most impressive architectural feats, and nothing quite compares to admiring it from the air.
Photo by: Russ Heni / Shutterstock
Meteora, Greece
An astonishing landscape of towering rock formations topped with precariously perched monasteries, Meteora is a magical place for a hot air balloon ride. Taking off from an open field, you’ll climb gracefully before gliding over the enormous natural pillars, where monks have lived in monasteries on the cliff edges since the 14th century. Only from this vantage point can you really appreciate the determination and strength it took to create such communities atop Meteora’s enormous plinths all those years ago.
Photo by: PicPanda Photography / Shutterstock
Patagonia, Argentina
If walking on glaciers isn’t your thing, perhaps try flying over them? In Argentine Patagonia, if you’ve got upwards of $2,000 (£1.5k) and a few days to spare to wait for the right conditions, you can soar high above the Perito Moreno Glacier in a hot air balloon. You’ll fly over sparkling lakes and snow-capped mountains, and be able to see the icy ridges of one of the only advancing glaciers in the world. Plus, you might even spot the odd guanaco, a southern cousin of the llama.
Photo by: Maciej Bledowski / Shutterstock
Bagan, Myanmar
Over 2,000 Buddhist structures dot the plains of Bagan, and the sight of hot air balloons rising at dawn to take in the landscape is truly memorable. Join one of those balloons, and you’ll get a stunning overview of the vast area, where crumbling stupas and monasteries, many of them around 1,000 years old, stand tall amid lush green scenery. It’s just as evocative on the ground too, so once you’ve seen it all from above, walk among the ruins to see the Bagan of old up close
Photo by: BigBoom / Shutterstock
Ngapali, Myanmar
A wonderful alternative to the hugely popular Bagan balloon flights, Ngapali is a spectacular location for aerial exploration. This southern coastal area has striking white beaches to rival some of Asia’s finest, but far fewer crowds and certainly none of those brash Full Moon parties. And beyond these beaches lies a thick rainforest, teeming with wildlife but inaccessible on foot, ripe for exploring from above. Take a balloon flight with Inside Asia and you’ll spot exotic birds flitting between the trees and monkeys swinging in the forest canopy.
Photo by; moins/ Shutterstock
Amsterdam, the Netherlands
Every spring, the fields just outside Amsterdam glow with reds, pinks, oranges and yellows. Tulip season in the Netherlands is a must-see, and what better way to admire the country’s most famous flower than from above? See the patchwork of colors in the fields around Keukenhof (around a half-hour drive from Amsterdam), neatly laid out in stripes and geometric patterns. Come in to land, then take to two wheels and explore the tulip trail by bike.
Photo by: Michael Warwick / Shutterstock
Queenstown, New Zealand
Queenstown has to be one of the most beautifully situated towns in the world. On the shores of the azure Lake Wakatipu, surrounded by New Zealand’s Southern Alps, it’s a magnificent location for a hot air balloon ride. Get high above the peaks at dawn and you’ll enjoy views over the area’s forests, lakes and even the odd golf course. Once you’ve been up in the balloon, try out one of the many thrill-seeking activities on offer, from bungy jumping to whitewater rafting.
Photo by: TomP37 /Shutterstock
Maasai Mara, Kenya
There can be no better way to see the spectacular Maasai Mara than from above, and certainly no more peaceful way than to float across the African plains in a hot air balloon. With this excursion by Serena Hotels, you can spot giraffes, zebra, wildebeest and more from the skies. You might even spot a stalking cheetah, or a leopard in a tall tree. Come between July and October, though, and you’ll be spoiled with an aerial view of the great wildebeest migration, when thousands of the animals trek in huge herds across the plains.
Photo by: Serena Hotels
Chiang Mai, Thailand
The verdant countryside of Chiang Mai is a stunning hot air ballooning location, with undulating wooded hills and shimmering rice terraces. Take flight here at sunrise and you’ll get to watch rural Thailand wake up as you float over small villages, farms and the odd tourist resort. Look out for colorful temple complexes, and finish off the experience with a champagne breakfast at one of the many spectacular resorts in the area.
Photo by: Krunja / Shutterstock
LOOKING AT ALL THESE PHOTOS, I THINK I WOULD LOVE TO GO TO ALL OF THESE PLACES! AND TO SEE THEM FROM A HOT AIR BALLOON WOULD JUST BE A PHOTOGRAPHERS DREAM. HERE IS ANOTHER ONE FOR THE BUCKET LIST, RIGHT?
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THE CRAZIEST ROADS IN THE WORLD:
SOME OF THESE ROADS ARE LONG, SOME OF THESE ROADS ARE JUST WINDING ROADS, SOME ARE JUST LOCATED IN THE MOST BEAUTIFUL AREAS EVER, BUT, WHATEVER THE CASE….. YOU MIGHT WANT TO TRY THEM:
Millford Road, New Zealand
Built by workers hard hit by the Great Depression, Milford Road, a New Zealand state highway that connects Southland Gore with Milford Sound, is one of the highest — and most dangerous — roads in the world, with a peak elevation of over 3,000 feet. Avalanche hazards are a constant issue and at times can keep the road closed.
Ruta 40, Argentina
Mythical Route 40, which crosses Argentina longitudinally and runs 3,100 miles, provides an unusual glimpse into the country’s climates and cultures across three regions: Patagonia, Cuyo and Northwest. Traversing the lonely, mostly unpaved route could be the trip of the lifetime, especially in Patagonia, which runs from the Lake District to El Calafate.
Amalfi Drive, Italy
Don’t make the mistake of driving this route at night — you’ll want to absorb every minute of this impossibly beautiful landscape dotted with small coastal towns. Positano is especially dreamy, with its whitewashed houses sloping perilously down to the pebble beach, as is Ravello, which looks like the backdrop for a Slim Aarons photo.
Historic Columbia River Highway, Oregon
The first scenic highway in the U.S. to earn the distinction of National Historic Landmark, this highway, designed in 1913 to take advantage of the area’s waterfalls, represents a great feat of engineering. And it’s quite stunning: From Multnomah Falls to the cliffs above the river, it’s impossible to take a bad photo here.
The Atlantic Roadway, Norway
Voted Norway’s “Engineering Feat of the Century” in 2005, the Atlantic road “connects Averøy with the mainland via a series of small islands and inlets spanned by a total of eight bridges,” according to VisitNorway.com. Blissfully free of tolls, the stretch is loaded with coastal scenery, making it ideal for a warm summer day.
Blue Ridge Parkway, Virginia
Operated by the National Park Service, the Blue Ridge Parkway, which runs through the heart of Virginia’s Blue Ridge Mountains, offers spectacular views of the mountains. Stretching 469 miles, it’s also a gateway to plenty of outdoor activities such as hiking the Buck Mountain Trail, mountain biking, birding and kayaking.
Cabot Trail, Canada
Located on Cape Breton, one of the world’s most beautiful islands, the Cabot Trail is a spectacular 186-mile long highway that offers incredible climbs and views of canyons, highlands and coastlines. Water lovers can go sailing, fishing or kayaking, while artsy types can check out the galleries in the Highlands.
Route 89, U.S.
Covering 2,000 miles one way from Canada to Mexico, Route 89 is a mountain lover’s dream. Some recommend going between summer and early fall, when the weather is moderate and the parks in Wyoming and Montana are open. Among the many national parks that 89 passes are Zion, Grand Canyon and Saguaro.
The Garden Route, South Africa
You’ll see a variety of wildlife and vegetation on this 186-mile stretch of road, which passes deserted beaches, gorges, bush land, lakes and lagoons. Extremely popular among European tourists, the Route, which starts at Mossel Bay, is ideal for outdoorsy types, especially surfers dreaming of Jeffrey’s Bay and mountain bikers aching to visit Harkerville Trail.
Beartooth Highway, U.S.
Stretching 68 miles through the Beartooth Corridor, the Beartooth Highway was built between 1932 and 1936. Today it holds the distinction of being an All-American Road, which is fitting since it abuts Yellowstone National Park, one of the country’s great wilderness destinations. In the Beartooth Corridor, visitors can go skiing in June and July.
Pacific Coast Highway, California
This storied 123-mile route is just as scenic as everyone tells you — just watch for sharp drop-offs and narrow shoulders when pumping the gas. Here you’ll see the real California, all adobe buildings, art galleries and houses perched on cliffs above the sea. Be sure to hitch a bus ride to Hearst Castle to visit the opulent Neptune Pool.
Grossglockner High-Alpine Road, Austria
You won’t find a mountain in Austria more impressive than Grossglockner, which reaches 12,460 feet. There’s plenty to explore along the road, from meeting the marmots watched by innkeeper Herbert Haslinger to the panoramic views from the access road and the snow-laden Johannisberg. Be sure to drive to the top of the mountain.
North Yungas Road, Bolivia
They don’t call it “Death Road” for nothing. Not only do cars drive on the left in a country where they drive on the right — allowing them to view the edge of the road — drivers are likely to encounter large groups of cyclists, unpaved sections and rains and fog. Did we mention there’s a 2,000-foot drop?
Guoliang Tunnel, China
Carved into the Taihang Mountains in 1972 by more than a dozen locals, the Guoliang Tunnel is one of the steepest roads in the world. Before it existed, a path in the rocks was the only route connecting Guoliang with Huixian, Xinxiang, Henan Province of China — a treacherous set of steps no one wanted to take. Today the tunnel is wide — and high — enough for spectators to marvel at the views from their cars.
Passage du Gois, France
Linking the island of Noirmoutier with the mainland at Beauvoir-sur-Mer, the nearly three-mile causeway is only accessible during low tide, according to its site. A popular spot for beach combers, the region offers plenty of opportunities for hiking, golfing, sunbathing and more. The historic city of Nantes, with churches and museums, is only an hour away.
Khardung La, India
Built in 1976, this mountain pass in the Ladakh region is home to several expeditions, from motorbiking to mountain biking. From October to May, the road is usually closed due to snow, and it’s known for long delays caused by traffic. The road is well kept, but watch out for snow melt, washouts and falling rocks.
Dalton Highway, Alaska
To call this 414-mile dirt road rough would be an understatement — even professional truck drivers don’t like it. Opened in 1995 to the public, it has only one fuel stop at Coldfoot, almost halfway to Deadhorse, Alaska, and local car rental companies would prefer you didn’t take it at all. Fortunately, you’ll get ample moose and caribou sightings — just look out for bears.
“Road of Bones,” Siberia
Named for the poor soul whose bones were buried under the roadbed, this road, which runs from Yakutsk to Magadan, is the epitome of desolation. Aside from motorcycle riders, you’re unlikely to meet anyone here, and even in decent weather, the road is impassable. Unless you’ve got a Land Rover, it’s best to avoid it.
Tuktoyaktuk Winter Road
Linking the town of Inuvik to the small village of Tuktoyaktuk, which sits on the Arctic Ocean, the Dempster Highway, an actual ice road, makes for an epic adventure. It passes through tundra and all kinds of extreme weather, which gives it an otherworldly feel. But be careful: Unpredictable snowstorms and blizzards can turn that snow globe fantasy into a nightmare.
I-45, Texas
Ranked in 2016 by Value Penguin as the second deadliest road in the U.S., I-45, which runs between Galveston and Dallas, is known for serious gridlock, especially in Houston. That’s not surprising, given H-town’s reliance on cars and reputation for DUI-related crashes, but it’s best to check the conditions before taking this route.
HOW A CONCERT PHOTOGRAPHER GOT BANNED
All serious photographers, please read this carefully. You will need to see how this turned out:
Article by:
BY SUNNY SHRESTHA
How often have you been approached to be paid in terms of “exposure”? Happens a lot, right? But exposure doesn’t put food on the table. Many professional photographers depend on the earnings they make by selling rights to their images. Recently, one of the works of concert photographer J. Salmeron was used by a company to promote themselves. And when Salmeron asked them for compensation, the band Arch Enemy ended up banning him from their concerts:
While covering the FortaRock metal festival in the Netherlands, Salmeron took an image of Alissa White-Gluz, the lead singer of Arch Enemy. When he posted the image on Instagram, it quickly grew popular.
And taking advantage of the popularity was a company called “Thunderball Clothing”. The company re-posted the image that Salmeron took with the purpose of promoting themselves. They didn’t even bother to get permission from Salmeron to use the image.
“…legally taking some else’s work and using it without permission is in principle infringing.”
The company clearly used his image for their own benefit, without the photographer getting a cut. When Salmeron approached the company to let them know that he was okay with them using the image if they agreed to donate 100 euros to the Dutch Cancer Society, he was reported to the band’s management. The band’s management told him that the sponsor had the right to use any photographer’s work taken at a show—and that he should be happy for the exposure he was getting.
“Expecting to get paid for my work was such a bad thing, such a disgusting behavior, that I shouldn’t be able to shoot concerts.”
The sad part here is how an artist from the music industry failed to understand that a photographer’s work deserved the same level of protection as theirs.
When Salmeron discussed the scenario with some high-profile music photographers, they agreed that this was terrible. What the band did by banning him was regretful, but the photographers didn’t want to risk getting banned by raising their voices against the action.
“It is certainly disappointing to see that it is a band that sells an anarchist image that has taken this approach. Maybe now that they have attained the fame and money that they so eagerly criticize in others, they fear that there isn’t enough to go around.”
What’s your take on this series of events? Do you feel that Salmeron was treated right by the band?
