| Perhaps the only adventure sport in the world | | | | noticed on the ground begin to take their place |
| that is perfect for both thrill seekers and the | | | | among whole ranges of peaks and valleys and |
| more faint-hearted alike, hot air ballooning is | | | | intricate networks of waterways as you rise |
| gaining increasing popularity among all sectors of | | | | further into the sky. |
| society. Appealing to both young sportspeople | | | | The Gift of Flight |
| looking for the next competitive adventure and at | | | | Given the appeal of hot air ballooning and the |
| the same time attracting more placid personalities | | | | peaceful exhilaration that comes with it, it is |
| on account of the pure tranquility and relaxation it | | | | perhaps not surprising that balloon flights have |
| offers, ballooning is something that everyone | | | | become so popular as gifts. It's becoming very |
| really should try at some stage in their lives. The | | | | popular to give experience gifts instead of |
| thrill of launching is quite unlike anything else and | | | | material objects, perhaps partly due to the |
| even seasoned air travellers will find that the | | | | large-scale reassessment of our materialistic |
| experience of leaving solid ground from an open | | | | culture in the aftermath of the recent financial |
| basket with a 360 degree view of your | | | | crisis. Moreover, a unique day out doing something |
| surroundings is simply incomparable to the abrupt, | | | | different will last much longer in the memory than |
| mechanical take-offs associated with airplanes. | | | | any more tangible gift ever could. |
| A Lot of Hot Air | | | | So next time you want to treat someone special |
| To really get the most out of your hot air | | | | to a once in a lifetime experience that will change |
| ballooning adventure, it is well worth spending | | | | the way they see their world, why not treat |
| some time before launch chatting to the crew | | | | them to a hot air balloon flight from one of the |
| and developing a basic understanding of how the | | | | many picturesque locations that the British |
| device actually works. This will not only enhance | | | | countryside has to offer. Flights take place at |
| your appreciation of the flight experience itself but | | | | dawn or dusk when the air is at its most stable, |
| will also quickly settle any worries among nervous | | | | making for a smoother journey. Luckily these |
| flyers when you realise how controlled and safe | | | | times also offer the most spectacular views as |
| the journey will be. Moreover, it may be helpful to | | | | the low sun provides the best light to appreciate |
| note that even those that usually feel a little wary | | | | the vibrant colours of the world below. |
| of heights tend to report that the serenity of | | | | The whole trip will last around three hours, |
| balloon flight is so calming that they actually never | | | | including plenty of time to meet the crew and |
| felt anxious in the least. | | | | help with preparations for take-off. After the |
| Before the journey begins, you can meet the pilot | | | | flight the lucky recipient will have an opportunity |
| and even assist the crew in preparing and inflating | | | | to toast their safe return to land with a glass of |
| your balloon ready for departure. The science | | | | champagne in the company of his or her fellow |
| behind hot air balloon travel is based on an | | | | passengers. The sight of a balloon flight is quite |
| extremely simple and ancient principle: hot air rises | | | | spectacular so even spectators are sure to have |
| faster than cold air. When the air inside the balloon | | | | a wonderful time so go along and watch your |
| becomes warm, as the propane burners | | | | special gift in action. |
| underneath take care of, it becomes lighter than | | | | Of course hot air ballooning is very weather |
| the air outside allowing the balloon to rise through | | | | dependent as you might expect, but fortunately |
| the denser cool air and lift its cargo along with it. | | | | you don't have to worry about sending someone |
| Of course each cubic foot of heated air can only | | | | out in stormy weather as when you purchase a |
| lift a small weight, which explains why passenger | | | | balloon flight, whether it is for yourself or as a gift |
| balloons are so delightfully enormous. | | | | for someone special, you are entitled to rebook |
| Bird's Eye Views | | | | an alternative date or even location should the |
| Rising gently into the clouds from the sturdy | | | | weather prevent your initial flight from going |
| basket you will feel like you're being carried by a | | | | ahead. |
| graceful bird taking to the air; the thrill of releasing | | | | So whether you're looking for a gift to celebrate |
| the ropes that tie you to the earth can be really | | | | someone's success at work and want to send |
| quite exhilarating and contributes to the overall | | | | the high flyer flying high, or you would like to take |
| feeling that you are floating away from all your | | | | a special person for a romantic excursion with a |
| earthly troubles. Gazing down from your | | | | difference, hot air ballooning might just be exactly |
| suspended lookout point as everything below gets | | | | what you're looking for. Perfectly combining the |
| smaller and smaller you can take in the panoramic | | | | thrill of flight with an opportunity for tranquil |
| views of the lush, green countryside below. | | | | reflection, a trip in a hot air balloon really is ideal |
| First time balloon passengers soon discover that a | | | | for all personalities. It's a once-in-a-lifetime |
| bird's eye view gives them a whole new | | | | experience that provides a whole new view of |
| perspective of the world and even areas that you | | | | the world, making a balloon flight an ideal gift for |
| thought you knew well take on a whole new | | | | people that seem to have everything. Giving the |
| appearance from above. The unique vantage point | | | | gift of special memories is so much more valuable |
| you get from the combination of heights of up to | | | | than material objects and will last far longer in the |
| 5,000 feet and the smooth, leisurely pace of the | | | | recipient's mind. So show someone just how |
| balloon, gives you a unique opportunity to slow | | | | much they mean to you and take them on a trip |
| down and really appreciate the world around you. | | | | that is truly out of this world. |
| Single streams and hilltops that you may have | | | | |