Most of us are familiar with Hot Air Balloons from our childhood, after reading (or watching one of the many film adaptations of) Jules Verne’s “Around the World in 80 Days”. Maybe we won’t experience the same difficulties as Phileas Fogg -after all we won’t have to worry about the clock ticking- but we will definitely experience the same excitement of a Hot Air Balloon flight with the 21st century’s amenities.
Meet your traveling companions just before sunrise, get into the balloon basket and wait for your experienced F.A.A. Certified Pilot to take care of the rest. The launching varies, as it depends on the direction of the wind, but is always within a 15 mi/24 km radius of Traverse City.
The balloon flies as high as 2000-3000 ft/610-914 m or more. You will be able to see East and West Grand Traverse Bay, the Chain-o-lakes, as well as the alluring northern Michigan landscapes. A small camera or hand-held video camera may come in handy to capture the amazing scenery, while you’re in flight. Upon landing, the experience ends with the traditional Champagne Celebration.
In Cappadocia Region, in Central Anatolia, in Turkey, a small town, Göreme is famous for its incredible rock - volcanic formations and the numerous colorful air balloons crossing the sky over the city.
South Lake Tahoe is located on the California–Nevada border, El Dorado County, California, USA.
Perth is the capital city of Western Australia, located on the Swan River. The climate here is classified as Mediterranean, with hot and dry summers and cool and wet winters. Immerse yourself in the unique combination of stunning natural surroundings, beautiful beaches with clear waters, greenery park-lands and outstanding city architecture that attract visitors all year long.
Mammoth Lakes is located near Mammoth Mountain, in California’s eastern Sierra about 100 mi/161 km south of Nevada State Line, 9 mi/14.5 km northwest of Mount Morrison, at an elevation of 7880 ft/2402 m, Mono County, California, USA.
Adelaide, the liveliest city in Australia, is the capital of South Australia state and is situated on the Adelaide Plains and more specifically at the north side of Fleurieu Peninsula. It is built next to Torrens River and is surrounded by the Mount Lofty Ranges and the Gulf St Vincent.
Limpopo is the northernmost province of South Africa and named after the second biggest river in Africa, River Limpopo. It borders with Botswana to the West, Zimbabwe to the North and Mozambique to the East. Characterized by primeval indigenous forests, majestic mountains and unspoilt natural setting, it is an adventure seeker's haven.
Traverse City is a city in the state of Michigan and the county seat of Grand Traverse County, located at the south end of Grand Traverse Bay, a 32 mi / 51 km long, 10 mi / 16 km wide and up to 620 ft / 190 m deep in spots bay of Lake Michigan. Combining varied natural attractions for adventure and/or relaxation, Traverse City is a four-season visitor’s destination.
Chicago is the seat of Cook County, Illinois, USA. It is the third most populous city in the US and the most populous city in both the American Midwest and Illinois. Nicknamed as The Second City or Windy City, Chicago is situated on the southeastern shores of Lake Michigan, in the northeastern Illinois.
Located in Michigan's Upper Peninsula, St. Ignace is the connecting node between the Upper and Lower Peninsula at the northern end of the Mackinac Bridge. Saint Ignace is the second-oldest city founded by Europeans in Michigan and the third oldest continuously inhabited city in the U.S. It is inhabited by Native Americans, Europeans and is rich in history. With its pristine beaches, water filled activities, entertainment, history and annual events St. Ignace is a great vacation destination for all.
Chicago is the seat of Cook County, Illinois, USA. It is the third most populous city in the US and the most populous city in both the American Midwest and Illinois. Nicknamed as The Second City or Windy City, Chicago is situated on the southeastern shores of Lake Michigan, in the northeastern Illinois.
Lake Huron is the second-largest of the Great Lakes and the third largest fresh water lake on Earth, with more than a thousand wrecks being recorded. At least eleven of these shipwrecks are contained in the Straits of Mackinac Shipwreck Preserve. 3 mi/4.8 km east of Mackinac Bridge lies what's left of the Cedarville. Being in a very good condition, because of its close proximity to the surface, the shipwreck has much to explore.
Grand Traverse Bay is a 32 mi/ 51km long and a 10 mi/ 16 km wide bay, divided in two parts by the old Mission Peninsula. The Grand Traverse Bay Underwater Preserve, founded in 2005, holds the wrecks of many ships lost in the area the previous years.
Saint Ignace, located in Michigan's Upper Peninsula, is the second-oldest city founded by Europeans in Michigan and the third oldest continuously inhabited city in the U.S. Inhabited by Native Americans, Europeans and rich in history, it is mostly known for its ferry service to Mackinac Island and as being the home to Straits State Park. Furthermore, the Huron Boardwalk, a number of waterfront parks, the virgin beaches and the St. Ignace – Trout Lake Trail make St. Ignace a great vacation destination for all.
Chicago is the seat of Cook County, Illinois, USA. It is the third most populous city in the US and the most populous city in both the American Midwest and Illinois. Nicknamed as The Second City or Windy City, Chicago is situated on the southeastern shores of Lake Michigan, in the northeastern Illinois.
