Great Adventures Around the World | Hot Air Balloons, a Great Adventure? You Bet!

Every year, for one week in October, thousands of people flock to Albuquerque, New Mexico to attend the annual Balloon Fiesta. Right about now you may be thinking….hot air balloons…..a great adventure? You’d better believe it! To many, the thrill of floating across the sky while standing in a wicker basket that is attached to a beautiful, brightly colored balloon is second to none.

The Balloon Fiesta began with the launching of thirteen balloons back in 1972. Today over 700 balloons participate in this festival and it is the most photographed event on earth! It is also the largest balloon festival on the planet…imagine that!

One of the most popular events (especially among children) at the Balloon Fiesta are the balloon races. Talk about entertainment! For those of you who need more than just hot air balloons to keep you enthused, the festival also includes a wide variety of food vendors, a car show, wood carving contests and, of course, more balloon merchandise than you could ever imagine (so bring a lot of money!). Speaking of money….this event will cost you $6.00 per person (twelve and under are free!). What a bargain!

If ballooning isn’t your speed, New Mexico has plenty more to offer. While you’re near Albuquerque, take a trip to the top of the spectacular Sandia Mountains and visit Sandia Crest. The view is simply stunning and, at 10,678 feet, will give you a taste for what those hot-air heads are enjoying in their rides. The mountains are equally spectacular viewed from the ground, particularly in the morning hours when waves of clouds sometimes wash over the range.

While Albuquerque offers plenty of Native American art, Santa Fe, to the Northeast, is a hotbed of artistic expression and a definite must see. Galleries abound. Why not update your own personal collection and purchase some of the amazing art available?

To the Southeast, a staple of American lore is Roswell New Mexico. If your trip takes you near it, make a detour to the epicenter of American UFO lore. It’s a central theme of tourism in this state (if not the entire country).

Finally, New Mexico offers hiking and camping through some of the country’s most primitive and breath-taking landscape. Be sure to read our previous post on Llama Trekking for a unique way of experiencing the amazing wilderness New Mexico has to offer.

But this post isn’t just about New Mexico, it’s about ballooning and Balloon festivals such as “Balloon Fiesta” in New Mexico, are quickly rising in popularity…especially among families! Hundreds of balloon festivals take place each year in all parts of the world. I don’t know about you, but ballooning across New Zealand or Russia would most certainly be considered a great adventure in my book! In fact, stop by our post on Hershey Park to read about this great theme park. The Hershey Park Balloonfest will be held October 22nd through the 24th!

Be sure to add this adventure to your to-do list!

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