A Guide to the Best Hot Air Balloon Rides in California

If you're seeking the best hot air balloon ride providers in California, then you're at the right place! We've compiled a summary of some of the best places to take a hot air balloon ride in different parts of Cali. Enjoy!

Great American Balloon Company (http://www.greatamericanballoon.com/): This company has locations in Perris Valley, Temecula Valley, and Palm Springs California. You can enjoy low-level flying so that you can see all the beauty of the land below. After your hot air balloon lands, you'll be treated to either wine, champagne or non-alcoholic cider and a picnic. You'll also get a certificate that celebrates your ascension!

Sunballoon (http://www.sunballoon.com): Sunballoon offers hot air balloon rides in the Temecula area, starting at only $99 per person. There are a variety of different sized balloons to choose from for different sized groups. Sunballoon has flown over 111,000 satisfied customers and counting!

== Travel Tips == Air fare idea... A well-known source for airfare deals is on the internet. Travelers should be wary however, of sites specializing in the sale of airline tickets at a discount. These may be genuinely legitimate enterprises, but it is better to book with more well-known discount agents. Most often the problem with these sites has to do with not being able to verify their legitimacy. Never rely on email contact as an indicator of someone's knowledge of the airline industry, visit the office if you can, if that's not possible, telephone to ascertain the agent's knowledge. Query with as many questions as you can, to learn of any likely snags related to their ticket deals, such as stopovers in unattractive parts of the world. It is also important to make sure you know exactly which airline you are flying with.

SoCal Hot Air Balloon Tours (http://www.socalballoons.com/): With locations in Temecula, Perris, Santa Barbara and San Diego, SoCal Hot Air Balloon Tours are some of the most popular in the area. The Perris flights feature skydivers circling around you, while the San Diego flights are only taken during evening hours, where you'll see the majesty of the sunset over the Pacific. There are various packages available, including romantic packages especially designed for couples in love!

Napa Valley Aloft (http://www.nvaloft.com/): This family-owned business has offered premium hot air balloon rides for 20 years now. Enjoy a breathtaking flight over wine country as well as pre-flight refreshments and a luxurious post-flight breakfast celebration complete with champagne! For around $200 per person, you can experience Napa Valley from the air!

Napa Valley Balloons, Inc (http://www.napavalleyballoons.com/): Napa Valley Balloons, Inc. has been featured on the Today show and has the distinction of celebrity customers. For around $200 per person, you can be flown over Napa Valley by an experienced and knowledgeable hot air balloon pilot. You'll enjoy pre-flight refreshments and a champagne brunch after your flight.

== Travel Tips == The obvious consequence of booking your vacations online is that travel agents are used less and less. This gradual turn to travel websites has come about because more discounts can be found and you can book the vacation at any time of the day. Even though I will probably save a few dollars by using the internet, I continue to book my vacations face to face with a travel agent but I do admit to some serious searching on the internet to learn more about where I am going. It is actually much easier to go to your travel agent armed with all the information including costs as it can make it much easier to find what you are looking for.

These are a few of the most popular hot air balloon providers in California today. This article is meant to introduce the reader to the different hot air balloon ride companies, not to suggest one over the other. If you don't see your area covered here, a simple Internet search can lead you to the perfect hot air balloon ride provider! With a little research, you'll be aloft in no time!

Copyright 2006 Jim Sterling - All Rights Reserved

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