Cappadocia, Turkey

The Cappadocia high plateau is adorned with rock formations formed as a result of volcanic eruptions shaped by thousands of years of wind and rain. The rocky limestone towers known as the "Fairy Chimneys" were home to the region's earliest human inhabitants. Later inhabitants carved ornate temples and underground cities into the rock. Hot air balloon flights are popular here and operators are highly experienced, often cruising deep into the valleys for baskets to get a close-up view of the rocky structures.

Yarra Valley

An hour's drive from Melbourne, the Yarra Valley is best known for its world-famous wineries. A hot air balloon ride offers visitors a safe and quiet flight over the undulating hills, views of the Big Divide hills and colorful vineyards such as orchards, vineyards and farms. Hot air balloon rides are a popular pastime in the Yarra Valley. Most operators start and end their flights at local wineries, where visitors toast to their unforgettable experience with their favorite wine.

Dubai Desert Conservation Park

It's no surprise that hot air balloon rides offered outside the luxury city of Dubai are some of the most luxurious in the world. Passengers are collected at dawn from hotels near Burj Khalifa and brought to the departure area, where they receive a security instruction before the hour-long flight. Balloons float from a height of 1200 meters over the dunes and lush wilderness where visitors can spot camels, gazelles and the iconic Arabian Oryx.

Teotihuacan

Located 50km northeast of Mexico City, the Teotihuacan Pyramids are astonishing archaeological remains of what was once North America's largest city. A hot air balloon flight offers visitors a bird's-eye view of the area known as the "City of the Gods". While the route of a typical one-hour flight is determined by the breeze, passengers can enjoy views of the Quetzalpapalotl Temple and the massive Sun and Bear Pyramids, as well as Avenue of the Dead.

Albuquerque

Home to the largest gathering of hot air balloons and balloon enthusiasts in the world, Albuquerque is the ideal place to witness the awe-inspiring beauty of hundreds of balloons floating in the clear Midwest air. New Mexico's largest city hosts the Albuquerque International Balloon Festival every October, which includes concerts, fireworks, and day and night balloon flights. Many people attend the festival just to watch it from the ground, but the city provides licensed operators with an hour-long flight with visitors during the festival.

Serengeti

Home to the largest migration of mammals in the world, the Serengeti stretches from Tanzania to the Masai Mara National Park in Kenya. A hot air balloon ride over the Serengeti guarantees an abundance of animals in all seasons. In addition to the more than two million wildebeest, gazelle and zebra that passed through the region during the Great Migration, lions, hippos, giraffes, elephants and other "Big Eight" animals abound. The best balloon operators use low-noise burners that allow balloons to float above hard-to-see wildlife.