Keen for your next airborne adventure? Here's some fast facts about this exhilarating experience:
Keep reading to find out what travel insurance can help you with if you’re planning to go hot-air ballooning on your holiday.
If you find yourself up in the air, we might be able to help:
You won’t be covered for anything arising from your hot air ballooning if:
You don’t even need to see it from the sky to understand how magical it is. Even from ground level in Cappadocia, in central Turkey, the sight of a hundred hot-air balloons soaring over the top of you, these multi-coloured orbs painted brilliantly over the monochrome desert canvas of rocks and dirt and cloudless sky, is enough to fill you with wonder.
Now, imagine being part of that airborne flotilla. Imagine leaving your hotel before the dawn and clambering into the basket of one of these quaint old gadgets. Imagine rising high into the sky as the sun begins to light the world, soaring for hours over the waxwork rock structures that make Cappadocia unique.
That’s what’s on offer in this part of the world, and it’s an experience like no other: hot-air ballooning over the Cappadocia desert.
There are, of course, spectacular balloon flights to be taken in many of the world’s most picturesque locations. In Bagan, the temple-strewn centre of mystical Myanmar, balloonists float across the skyline in the dawn light, taking in the pagodas, the spires, the smoke from cooking fires and the hubbub of people beginning their day. In the Serengeti, in Tanzania, balloons provide a unique look at the Big 5, a way to take in the grandeur of this huge game park from above, to view wildlife without it ever knowing you were there.
There are more great locations, too: Letchworth State Park in New York; the Loire Valley in France; the red rocks of Sedona, Arizona; the rustic beauty of Chateau-d’Oex in Switzerland.
All of these are excellent choices for those who wish to experience the silent wonder of a hot-air balloon flight. However, none are quite as impressive as Cappadocia. Here it’s all about the conical rock formations that point to the sky; about the homes carved into living rock; about the incredible photos of these huge balloons floating through the flawless sky. Magical.
Most hot air balloon companies will never fly if the conditions aren’t right. But it’s important to do your homework and if it seems rainy or overly windy, be appropriately cautious. (Additionally, before you book,check the bad-weather policy of the company to make sure they give you the chance to fly another day if the weather is poor).
If you feel anxiety coming on, remember: birds are scared of hot air balloons and are unlikely to fly in to them. If a burner goes out, it will generally be re-lit straight away. And tests have been done that show balloons can fly even with a small or medium hole.
High-heels probably aren't the best idea. Comfortable, casual clothing that covers you up tends to work best, as well as a hat that covers your head and protects you from the heat of the burner.
Always listen to the pilot and crew when they give out safety reminders before and during the flight. If, in the middle of your flight, they decide to cut it short (due to weather problems), do not despair. Safety of the passengers is always the main priority.
Before you book in your hot-air adventure, do some research about the company you’re using: are they regulated, are they good at maintaining their balloons, and do they have positive reviews from other people who have flown with them? While hot-air ballooning is generally considered a safe experience sport, being informed is a good idea.
There is a provision to claim for Cancellation Fees and Lost Deposits of unused travel arrangements if you have to cancel your trip or your trip is shortened due to claimable events such as injury/illness, and the fees cannot be recouped from the provider.
You would have a provision to claim for cancelled activities due to weather conditions but only if that cost cannot be recouped from the provider.
Provided you are within the parameters stated in the Policy Wording, and you don’t have a Domestic or Frequent Traveller Domestic policy, then the benefit we offer is unlimited. Terms and conditions apply. Please note that we do not cover for Search and Rescue.
In an emergency, get yourself to hospital. As soon as it is possible, we advise that you or a member of your travelling party call our medical assistance team who will be able to liaise with you or the hospital.
We cover 100+ activities. Find out all information you need about what’s covered and what’s not before you go adventuring.
Amongst other places, people go hot air ballooning in New Zealand, China, Europe, the US and even Australia. Find out all about travel insurance on our individual destination pages.
Have a pre-existing medical condition that might affect your hot air ballooning? Pregnant? Or want to know about repatriation? Find out everything you need to know here.
If you have any other questions or queries, please send us a message via our Contact Us page.
If you are experiencing an emergency, please use the details on our Emergency Assistance page.
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