Breathtaking Hot Air Balloon Rides

Ride in one of the gentle giants of the sky in a hot air balloon. Go up, up and away to experience the world from a new perspective when you take part in a tranquil journey in these seven breathtaking destinations:

1. Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu, Quebec, Canada

Fly over Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu’s gorgeous countryside and the beautiful Richelieu River. This Canadian city, just 25 miles southeast of Montreal, hosts an annual International Balloon Festival during the late summer months that features more than 100 balloons, performances and contests. Book your stay at one of Quebec’s 15 Best Western Hotels & Resorts locations.

2. Cappadocia, Turkey

Travel to Cappadocia to experience one of the most popular locations in the world for ballooning. Every morning, hundreds of balloons fill the sky and dance above fairy chimneys, valleys and Turkish vineyards – leaving both onlookers and participants in awe. It’s no wonder why this destination is on so many bucket lists. Discover Turkey’s Best Western locations.

3. Monument Valley, Utah

This iconic desert landmark is sure to spark memories of movies all about the Wild West. Located on the Arizona-Utah border, Monument Valley is a treasure of the American Southwest and has been relatively unchanged for more than 30,000 years. Hot air balloon across the valley to watch the desert sky erupt into a colorful sunset across towering buttes and sunbaked canyons. Plan your visit to one of the 37 Best Western locations in Utah.

4. Bagan, Myanmar

The ancient city of Bagan is known for its 2,000+ Buddhist monuments that tower over Myanmar’s green plains. Marvel at these ancient temples by taking a hot air balloon ride during a misty Myanmar morning and gaze at the beautiful landscape below. Travel tip: be sure to pack warm clothes, as temperatures in the sky can be drastically lower than those on the ground. Book your stay in magical Myanmar.

 5. Albuquerque, New Mexico

Known as the “Hot Air Balloon Capital of the World,” Albuquerque is New Mexico’s largest city and offers a number of rides in the sky for you to take a birds-eye look at the desert plains below. Visit this Southwestern city in the fall to experience the “International Balloon Fiesta.” Started in 1972, the event now features more than 700 balloons (making it the largest ballooning event on earth, the most photographed event on earth and the largest annual international event held in the U.S.). Discover Albuquerque when you stay at one of the city’s four Best Western locations.

6. Canterbury Plains, New Zealand

At the foot of New Zealand’s emerald Hundalee Hills lies a patchwork quilt of flower fields, grasslands and farms. There is truly no better way to experience the beauty of the region and the numerous rivers that interlace the area than by viewing it from above. Travel tip: when packing for your trip, keep in mind that this destination is located in the Southern Hemisphere, where the seasons are flipped. Plan your visit to one of New Zealand’s Best Western locations.

7. Lake Geneva, Wisconsin

In between Milwaukee and Chicago lies beautiful Lake Geneva, Wisconsin. Flights over this midwestern city showcase the Wisconsin countryside, adorned with 19^th-century Victorian houses and farms. Watch the summer sunlight shimmer across Lake Geneva and Lake Como when you soar over this destination on a hot air balloon. Book your stay at one of the 41 Best Western locations in Wisconsin.

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