Why Do People Fear Flying?
There are various occasions when people travel in a plane, like a vacation trip, business programs or for any other personal reason. It is believed that air traveling is safer than any other medium. The number of road and rail accidents is way bigger than the number of plane crashes. When you are in a taxi on your way to the airport, you don’t fear (though the chances of accidents are greater), but the minute you enter the airport premises, your heartbeats increase. Why does this happen? What’s the reason for this fear? I suppose, it has to specifically do with two things; the take off and the landing of the plane.

Majority of us have a phobia of heights and this could be one of the strongest reasons for the flying anxiety as take off and landing are closely associated with height. Mostly, the anxiety occurs when you are boarding a plane for the first time. Another thing that makes you anxious is the experience of the people around you. Some or the other time a friend of yours for instance, had an experience of traveling in a plane and he/she must have shared it with you. Obviously, if it was a fearful experience, it will be stored in your mind forever and you will automatically remember it when you are in that situation. You can even get affected by hearing the news around you about the flights and their dangers. All these reasons are more than enough to make you nervous about flying. The following segment will help you to manage your anxiousness and tell you how to remain calm while flying.

How Turbulence Fuels Flying Anxiety
Tips to Remain Calm While Flying

Just like take off and landing, turbulence is another factor responsible for developing flying anxiety in a person. Turbulence is caused because of the disturbance in the normal flow of the air. Almost always, the pilot is aware of the turbulence in advance and knows how to avoid it. What you can do is, go and ask the pilot about the occurrence of the turbulence. It is always better to know the danger in advance rather than experiencing it suddenly. You also feel relaxed because the pilot knows it in advance and is prepared to tackle it. Given below are easy ways to make you feel relaxed and be calm while flying.

Practical Tips for a Calmer Flight
Reach the airport before the actual time of departure. If you are late, you will become more anxious about losing the flight and it would become difficult to restore peace.
Your seat in the plane is a crucial part to be considered if you are fearful of flying. You should try and ask for a seat in the front of the cabin because the turbulence has greater effects at the back of the plane.
Let the flight attendants and the passengers around you know about your fear. There is no need to feel embarrassed because it is very common to all. The attendants will be prompted to keep a constant check on you and help you in an emergency.
Pull down the window shade at the time while taking off and landing. Seeing the plane actually leaving the ground and reaching a height, and again coming back to earth can increase the fear and allow the panic to set in. Once the plane becomes stable, you can release the shade and take a look at the view outside. It will refresh you.
Engage yourself in a conversation with the person sitting beside you. You can talk about your favorite places, food, latest happenings in the world, politics, etc. These are the most interesting topics and also never-ending. This will divert your attention from the take off.
If you are traveling with your family, hold the hand of any member of your family. It will keep you calm, but if you are traveling alone hold your own hands tightly. Do not bother about looking funny because you are the one who is scared and want to let it pass away.
We tend to hear the non-existing voices out of fear and even the normal noises in the plane sometimes scare us because we don’t know what causes those noises. Listen to your favorite music while closing your eyes and block the unwanted noises out of your ears. This will make you concentrate on the music, and by the time the song gets over, you would have taken off!
Avoid drinks like coffee or tea as they can increase your anxiety. You can have other liquids like juices because dehydration also can contribute to fear. It is recommended that one should drink wine to calm the nerves but, avoid over drinking.
Take deep breaths as often as you can and concentrate on counting them. This will give you a specific point of concentration and divert your mind from the take off.
Avoid looking at the graphic details at the time of turbulence and focus on the news and other media items.
Think of your destination and what you are going to do there. Do not think over how you’re going to make it to your travel destination, instead, just think only about the actual place.
Recollect your sweet and happy memories; think about your loved ones. It will divert your mind from the take off.
Final Thoughts on Flying Anxiety
Do not get affected by experiences of other people and incidences anymore. Rather, you convince them that there is no need to be a fearful flier. Try and imbibe the above simple tips to stay calm and relaxed in a flight. Happy journey.

What Makes an Airport Dangerous?
An ideal location for an airport is endless flat ground, favorable winds, and great visibility; but in reality, the world lacks such ideal locations. Hence, engineers are forced to work with what they have and make sure they have created the safest possible structures. After a lot of hard work that goes into making an airport with limited resources, it is bound to be called an architectural marvel, and most of them indeed are. However, some airports, despite their amazing structures are considered dangerous, most likely due to their topographical placements; when they are nestled in rocky mountains, unpredictable climatic changes that surround them, or short runways, like in most cases. Pilots have to face grave challenges for successful landings and takeoffs of the aircraft. It may seem thrilling and adventurous for us, but a lot of accuracy and sound technical knowledge is required to overcome these serious hurdles. In this Buzzle article, explore the world’s most dangerous airports.

Most Dangerous Airports In The World

Ice Runway
Madeira International Airport
Kansai International Airport
Lukla Airport
Princess Juliana International Airport
Toncontin International Airport
Aspen Pitkin County Airport
Barra International Airport
Gustaf III Airport
Shimla Airport
Courchevel Airport
Juancho E. Yrausquin Airport
Paro Airport
The World’s Most Dangerous Airports, One by One
#1 Ice Runway

Where:

Ross Island, Antarctica

Why is it Dangerous:

Ice Runway is one of the major airstrips out of the three in the continent that helps researchers get to Antarctica’s McMurdo Station. There are no paved runways; just long stretches of ice. Since there is no human settlement there, the station has ample amounts of space for super-sized aircraft to make their landings. However, the problem is that the weight of the aircraft can cause the plane to sink into the soft snow. Therefore, it is a challenge for pilots to get the correct judgment while landing the aircraft. During early December, when the ice begins to break, the aircraft are directed to the other two runways, which serve the continent.

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#2 Madeira International Airport

Where:

Madeira, Portugal

Why is it Dangerous:

Madeira International Airport controls national and international traffic of the small island Madeira, which is a little away from the Portugal coast. The airport was once surrounded by high mountains and had shorter runways, which posed a problem for even the most experienced pilots while landing. Later however, the runway was extended. It was built on a series of 180 columns, the height of each being 70 meters. The airport is considered to be an architectural marvel and has won an award for the same. Yet, this airport is considered dangerous for its singular approach and comparatively short runway, even today.

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#3 Kansai International Airport

Where:

Osaka, Japan

Why is it Dangerous:

Although the infrastructure of the airport seems to be impressive, it definitely accounts as one of the most dangerous airports too. The airport is built in the Osaka Bay. Engineers have however taken into consideration the various threats like earthquakes, dangerous cyclones, and an unstable seabed and only then gone ahead to build this structure. But today, the changes in climate and the rising sea levels can pose a real threat to the airport’s very existence. If the temperature happens to rise with such a rapid pace, some meteorological consultants warn that this airport might submerge in the next 50 years.

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#4 Lukla Airport

Where:

Khumbu, Nepal

Why is it Dangerous:

The Lukla Airport is surrounded by huge mountain terrain, thin air, and highly unpredictable climate. Apart from all these shortcomings, the short, sloping runway of the airport makes a pilot’s job all the more challenging. Due to the changeable weather, sometimes flights are delayed or the airport is closed for the day. Some pretty nasty accidents have occurred ever since its inception; however, in the recent one on October 12, 2010, a Sita Air Dornier Do 228 lost braking control during landing and damaged its nose. Thankfully, all the passengers and crew members survived without any injuries.

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#5 Princess Juliana International Airport

Where:

St. Maarten

Why is it Dangerous:

Princess Juliana International Airport is famous for its short landing strip. Due to this, the planes approach the island flying extremely low; right over the beach. Also, while landing, the plane makes an incredible amount of noise. Despite all these challenges, there have been no major accidents at the airport. However, with such an infrastructure, it is very likely that the pilots may misinterpret the altitude, which can lead to erroneous landings and takeoffs.

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#6 Toncontin International Airport

Where:

Tegucigalpa, Honduras

Why is it Dangerous:

Toncontin International Airport is a civil as well as a military airport. This airport is built on a plateau in the city and boasts of a short runway. As the airport is surrounded by mountains, the pilots have to weave through them to approach the runway. Moreover, the planes have to take a last-second 45-degree turn, for successful landings. It is a tricky landing for any pilot, but on successful landings, they are definitely considered heroes.

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#7 Aspen-Pitkin County Airport

Where:

Colorado, United States

Why is it Dangerous:

Aspen-Pitkin County Airport is nestled in the Rocky Mountains, which makes landing tremendously difficult. Pilots are sometimes forced to make high-angle descents due to the topography of the airport, leading to many nasty accidents. Such rapid descents change the air pressure in the cabin, resulting in discomfort among the passengers and in some cases, damaging the nose of the aircraft. The airport is undergoing a runway extension project to fight all these hurdles and it is expected to be completed by November 30, 2011.

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More Airports That Challenge Even Experienced Pilots
#8 Barra International Airport

Where:

Barra, Scotland

Why is it Dangerous:

The Barra International Airport is unique in a way that it is the only airport where planes land on a beach. There are three runways, each marked by wooden poles at their ends. During high tides, the runways are underwater; therefore, the flight timings vary with the tides. Moreover, if you happen to land in the evening or if there is an emergency landing at nighttime (since the airport is not licensed for night use), a couple of cars’ lights are used to illuminate the strip and the reflectors laid on

to the runway.

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#9 Gustaf III Airport

Where:

St. Bart

Why is it Dangerous:

Gustaf III Airport

aka

Saint Barth’lemy Airport or St. Jean Airport is located on the Caribbean Islands. This is a small airport with a short runway which is surrounded by mountains, both these aspects being major hurdles of flying. The runway begins at the base of a gentle slope of the hilltop and at its end, lies St. Jean Beach. The arrival of the planes is extremely steep. Which is why, only experienced pilots are required to land the aircraft. Also, the ground clearance is so low, that planes taking off have the tendency of flying over the heads of sunbathers (of course, sunbathers on the beach are advised not to lie at the end of the runway).

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#10 Shimla Airport

Where:

Shimla, India

Why is it Dangerous:

The Shimla Airport is situated 6988 feet above sea level, therefore, this airport has also made it to the list of the most dangerous airports in the world. The airport sits in the crest of huge mountains and changing climate. The weather here is foggy; for more than half of the year, pilots have to face tricky landings while flying the airplanes in and out of this airport. Moreover, during heavy rains, there is every possibility that the aircraft may skid, miss the runway, or crash into the mountains. Due to such tight conditions, only smaller airplanes are allowed to land here.

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#11 Courchevel Airport

Where:

Courchevel, France

Why is it Dangerous:

Courchevel Airport is located in the French Alps; the largest linked ski area in the world. This airport is home to a relatively shorter runway, about 1700 feet long, and has a large hill towards the middle of the strip. The runway is so short that pilots have to land on an inclined strip to slow down the aircraft’s speed, while the pilot has to takeoff on a decline to gather enough speed for a successful take off. Pilots are required to obtain certification before they even attempt to conquer this dangerous runway.

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#12 Juancho E. Yrausquin Airport

Where:

Saba, Netherlands

Why is it Dangerous:

Juancho E. Yrausquin Airport, situated on the Caribbean Island of Saba, is famous for having the shortest runway in the world; about 1300 feet long. In addition to that, the topography of this airport is such that it is flanked by high hills on one side with the runway’s ends dropping into the sea. This creates a possibility that an airplane can face major problems while landing or during a takeoff. It can either wind up in the sea or crash into the mountains. Hence, serious training is required for the pilots to successfully takeoff and land the airplanes.

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#13 Paro Airport

Where:

Paro, Bhutan

Why is it Dangerous:

Paro Airport is situated in a deep valley on the banks of the river, Paro, at an elevation of 7300 feet. The airport is flanked by high peaks on all sides, making it one of the most challenging airports in the world. Only eight pilots around the world have been certified to land at this airport, as it requires accurate judgment and unique flying skills. The airplanes at Paro are allowed only during the daytime, as it is dangerous to negotiate the Himalayan mountains and icy peaks during nighttime.

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This was all about the world’s dangerous airports. What a challenge it is for the pilots to land or even takeoff from any of these airports! How exhilarating it must be to be a pilot and come out as a hero everyday after each successful landing and takeoff, despite the unavoidable hurdles.

White sandy beaches, gondola rides in the moonlight and trekking are some of the exciting items on the ‘things to do’ list of a travel lover or even someone who just wants a break from their mundane, often stressful, lives. But if the rising trends in tourism are to be believed, villages in developing countries and places which have been adversely affected by natural disasters are the newly frequented ‘tourist spots,’ for those with an inclination towards doing good during holidays.

What Is Voluntourism?
What is Voluntourism

Voluntourism or Volunteer Tourism is about killing two birds with one stone – traveling and volunteering. You get to visit new places, meet new people, learn new cultures and experience new things along with making a difference in the place you visit and in the lives of the people you meet. Voluntours are made to place where there is a need, and voluntourists are people who are willing to spend their hard-earned money, vacation time and energy to meet those needs. Often, people choose voluntourism to use their skills for a worthy cause rather than the usual monetary gain.

Voluntourism gives you an opportunity to explore another side of the world you live in. One tour as a volunteer among people with struggles far greater than yours, has the power to permanently change your perspective on life. According to recent statistics, voluntourism is the new rage in the tourism industry. The Travel Association of America has been following this trend since 2005 and has only seen an increase in its popularity.

Voluntourism Pros and Cons

Though voluntourism trips have garnered a lot of attention, not all of it is focused on the bright side. While some consider voluntouring a blessing, others consider it a curse in disguise. The reasons behind this difference in opinion are not very hard to see. Voluntourism pros and cons can be seen on two aspects – one from the individual point of view and the other from the local community’s point of view.

Pros of Voluntourism
Pros of Voluntourism

Individual Benefits of Voluntourism

Gets to volunteer and travel
Gains an insight into ‘another world’ and gets a break from the ordinary, regular life
Gets to learn from placements and experience new things
Gets an opportunity to use skills for sustained services
Eye-opening experience related to third world development, progress and living conditions
Satisfaction of making a difference in lives and fulfills altruistic desires
Finds a new zeal and purpose for life
Inspired for long-term volunteering and creates advocates or donors for a worthy cause
Health benefits – alleviates depression, different cures and treatments are acquired (according to Corporation for National and Community Service report)
Community Benefits of Voluntourism

Many types of productive services are received.
There is an increase in tourist income.
There is an influx of special and expert skills.
Cross-cultural understanding and mutual respect are promoted.
People get glimpses of better living conditions and touchstone for their own development.
Sustainable tourism is encouraged.
Social and physical conditions are improved.
Immediate concerns are addressed.
Local Government and Administration are pressed to act.
Cons of Voluntourism
Cons of Voluntourism

Individual Harms of Voluntourism

Less of leisure and more of work
Ineffective use of skills (because of rash decisions or faulty attitude)
Dissatisfaction with personal role (due to wrong choice of project or high expectations)
Exploitation by fraudulent voluntour agents and organizations
False sense of self-importance as a result of ego polishing
Disillusionment with life and increased cynicism after witnessing the dark side of life
Bad experiences that give rise to pessimism and distrust
Community Harms of Voluntourism

Poor screening of voluntourists leads to reduced effectiveness and opens avenues for harmful activities.
Short-term development, dependent solely on voluntourist, gives rise to ‘new colonists’.
It highlights the differences and hence, widens the rift between the developed and the developing communities.
Creates ‘market of orphans’ in case of orphanage projects (some organizations hire ‘orphans’ from their parents to invite donors.).
It hinders self-development.
Ill-considered projects have less or no usefulness.
There is adverse effect on local employment and markets.
As can be seen, voluntourism can be as harmful as it is useful, if the voluntours and voluntourists are not well-organized with well-targeted projects. That’s why, a lot of thought should be put into decisions of becoming a voluntourist and choosing a voluntourism project. One effective way of doing this, is by bearing in mind, the voluntourism harms and benefits.

How to Prepare for a Voluntour
Voluntourism Trips or ‘Voluntours’

A voluntour is a great option for those who want to do something more useful than getting sun-burned on a Greek island. But in order to increase the effectiveness and benefits, while reducing the ill-effects and harms of your voluntour, you will have to make a fair amount of preparation for it.

Personal Preparations for a Voluntour Purpose: The first stage of going on a voluntour is knowing your reason or purpose of being a voluntourist and then finding a voluntour that will meet your purpose. There are many number of reasons why people want to leave leisure and luxury of normal tour trips, and join a volunteer tour which requires them to give mostly more than what they will receive. These reasons can be generalized into few categories:

Philanthropy
Adventure
Hands-on Experience in International Aid
Find Purpose in Life
Self-exploration
Break from Routine
Fill the Gap Year
Career Enhancement
Depending on your purpose and your idea of how you think it will be satisfactorily met, you could choose a voluntour or a normal tour. It is also this purpose that determines how good a voluntourist you will be. Deciding to be voluntourist just because you have nothing better to do or you want to make your CV look better is not a good enough reason. You will not be able to give fully if you have self-interest as a priority. Keep in mind that the place you would be going to, is where real people with real needs and real emotions live. Your services are going to impact not only their present, but possibly even their future.

Budget and Time Planning for a Voluntour
Budget:

How much do you want to spend on the voluntour? Like for any other thing, you could choose to voluntour on a small budget or be willing to spend huge bucks. Out of this, decide on a specific amount for things.

Travel expenditure

Amount you want to spend on yourself (accommodation, food and shopping)

Amount for the project (donation or funds for required materials)

Spare amount for emergency Time Division: This includes only two things:

Percentage of time for touring

Volunteering Your Role: To be an effective voluntourist, you need to decide your role in the volunteering project. Ask yourself these questions:

Which of my skills do I want to use for voluntouring?

What kind of project do I want to be involved with? (medical, building, orphanage, etc.)

How deep do I want to get involved in a given project?

Will I be okay working under another person (maybe a less qualified local) or do I want to be the leader?

Do I want the project I choose to be completed before my departure, or is it okay if it was continued by others?

How to Choose a Voluntour Organization
Choosing a Voluntour Once you have found your reason, hunt for genuine

voluntours, whom you think will meet your criteria. A thorough research on the organization and its project is a must. Get in contact with people who have gone on voluntours before. A good voluntour organizer will be more interested in meeting the needs of the community they will work for, than meeting the superfluous demands of the volunteers. Your services as a volunteer should be beneficial, not harmful, for the local people. It is best to make a list of things you would want to do on a voluntour and the impact you want the project to have on the community there. Your list of criteria for voluntours could be something like the one given below.

Project Requirements for a Voluntour

Affiliations
Details of previous voluntours and projects
Project type (medical, educational, building etc)
Approvals from concerned authority
Reasons behind the choice of project (Were the local people consulted? Is it really needed?)
Ethical legitimacy of the project (Does it respect the customs and beliefs of the local community? Will it have positive influence in the lives of those involved?)
Local involvement (For a lasting impact, a project should be locally led.)
Sourcing of skills and material (Will material and skills available locally be used or ignored?)
Time period (Is the project short-term or long-term?)
Impact on the community (include both positive and negative points)
Personal Requirement

Budget (Ask for detailed cost split up)
Refund in case of cancellation
Means of communication (how will you be able to contact back home?)
Safety Measures
Your role in the project
In addition to these, you need to include other things like identification proof, travel insurance, medical necessities (e.g., appropriate vaccinations and allergy treatment) in your itinerary. For choices of places for voluntourism, there are many agents and organizations which offer voluntours to various countries, mostly to countries that are developing or underdeveloped (e.g., Haiti, Cambodia, Thailand etc.). Two very famous and recognized websites on voluntourism trips are ‘voluntourism.com’ and ‘voluntourism.org’.

Having an open mind, learner’s attitude, and a team spirit will go a long way in making you an effective voluntourist. Voluntours that are carefully chosen and rightly executed, gift a lifetime of happy memories and friendships to everyone who is involved – the organizers, voluntourists and the local community.

What It Feels Like to Ride in a Hot Air Balloon
Flying high in an endless sea of clouds, one amongst the birds, with a cool breeze brushing past you, the occasional gust of wind playing through your hair, raw and pleasant sun-rays gently settling upon your body, and your eyes wandering off as far as they can see, with nothing to obstruct your view

… If this is not what being on top of the world means, then what does? This was only but a brief description of what you feel and experience when you are riding in a hot air balloon. It is almost as if you are weightless, drifting along with the wind in extreme silence, except the occasional fire bursts inside the balloon. The feeling is surreal, one of a kind, nothing short of what would feel like magic.

The whole point of taking a trip to the skies on a hot air balloon is to get a bird’s-eye view of the scenic locales, lush landscapes, snow-capped mountains, and rivers snaking through the valleys. You will appreciate the sunrise/sunset (depending on the time of day when you take the trip) in a totally different light after you have witnessed one during your flight. The world is aplenty with beauty, and there are many places that are just apt for flying in a hot air balloon. Here are some of the most amazing places that guarantee breathtaking views from a hot air balloon. Take your pick and get packing already!

Describing and reading about it, is only feeling a fraction of what it actually feels like. It can only feel as beautiful as one’s imagination is. Actually, being afloat on a hot air balloon is the only thing that wholly justifies its awesomeness and the magic that it creates.

Best Places in the World for Hot Air Balloon Rides
Queenstown, New Zealand

Queenstown, also known as the ‘Adventure Capital of The World’, is a resort town in Otago, New Zealand. It is cozily settled on the banks of Queenstown Bay, an inlet on Lake Wakatipu. The snow-covered mountain tops, the serenity of Lake Wakatipu, the lush greenery bordering the lake, and the vast blue skies, all form part of a beautiful view, which leaves you speechless and breathless. It gets infinitely better when this view is enjoyed from atop a hot air balloon. No wonder it was an inspiration for Peter Jackson to direct his Lord of the Rings movie series with this dainty and picturesque town as the backdrop.

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Apart from hot air balloon rides, the added attractions that Queenstown has to offer are skiing, sky diving, bungee jumping, paragliding, and some other land and river adventures. For those interested in spending quiet, quality time, you can take part in events that involve art, culture, history, wine tasting, nature and sightseeing around town.

Cappadocia, Turkey

The Cappadocian region that comprises of steep hills, rugged and profound valleys, conspicuous canyons and magnificent rock formations, is settled in Central Anatolia, Turkey. Hot air balloon rides are the best way to experience one of nature’s self-created, most amazing cities of Cappadocia. It is a popular tourist attraction in Göreme. It is an experience within an experience to noiselessly glide over this imperial stretch of the city, and watch the enormity of the rocks, houses carved within rocks, ancient churches caved within huge monolithic rocks, set against a bold backdrop volcanic landscape. Be fascinated by tiny pigeonholes hewn within the monumental rocks, infinite fairy chimneys strewn across the region, vineyards that form a part of fertile valleys and orchards that add a pop of bright colors to the scene, lighting up your day.

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When viewed from above, it looks as if you are flying over the moon, literally! The landscape of the Cappadocian region appears very moon-like. Also, the underground cities formed here are a major attraction.

Bagan, Myanmar (Burma)

Bagan is an area in Central Myanmar, famous for being home to the largest number of Buddhist temples, ruins, pagodas and stupas. Nestled on the banks of the river Ayeyarwady (Irrawaddy), engulfed by a dense cover of lush greenery, this region is a beautiful combination of raw nature, ancient culture, rich heritage, serene spirituality, and a touch of modern architecture. Such a combination lends it a distinct aura and mentally appeals any tourist.

Riding in a hot air balloon over the scenic beauty of Bagan, will only make you realize how the grandness of the heritage, the calmness surrounding you and the magic unfolding in front of your eyes, could make it the adventure of your lifetime.

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Few know that Marco Polo described Bagan as ‘one of the finest sights in the world’. As the sun rises over the horizon, the tombs of temples and stupas and the Bagan pagodas form outstanding silhouettes against the reddish-pink hue of the morning sky. Spread over an area of 16 square miles, the entire landscape is dotted by at least 5000 architectural structures, historical ruins, religious temples, pagodas, and stupas. Look as far as you can, and not once will the view disappoint you.

Gstaad, Switzerland

Nestled cozily in the village of Saanenland, Gstaad steals the show with its unspoilt snow-capped Swiss Alps, lush green landscapes, modern art and culture, contrasting ancient historical heritage, exotic dining options, and conventional shopping centers. Gstaad is known for being a traffic-free center, shadowed by tranquility and peace so surreal that it feels like heaven on Earth. As if this wasn’t enough, a hot air balloon ride over the ice-crowned, and heaven-reaching alpines, will leave you awestruck and make you put your life in a perspective or two. The dewy grass-filled highlands, tiny wooden houses dotting the steep mountain slopes, and the snow-covered white mountain tops glistening like jewels on a crown in the morning sun, all form a spectacle that is visually enthralling and just sweeps you off your feet.

Gstaad’s prodigious micro-climate and exceptional flying conditions is the icing on the cake, which makes it an ideal location for hot air ballooning.

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Every year, in the last week of January, during the International Balloon Festival in Chateau d’Oex, the Gstaad sky is filled with tons of bright and bold-colored balloons, that loom overhead and create a visual spectacle in itself. Also, the village livens up during the winter when its annual winter sport festival is scheduled. So, ideally, winter would be the best time to visit Gstaad, so that, along with hot air ballooning, you get to experience other characteristic events too.

Istria, Croatia

Istria is the largest peninsular region in the Adriatic Sea. It is a part of three countries: Croatia, Slovenia and Italy. Istria is surrounded by deep blue seas, enigmatic green hills that roll out into eternity, architecture that explains ancient Russian culture and heritage beautifully. All this enveloped in the perfect continental, Mediterranean climate, makes Croatia the best place to unwind yourself and get back to life with a fresh perspective, if you are looking for one. The hot air balloon rides here are a treat for the eyes, your body, your mind, and your soul. You cannot help, but be in awe of Istria’s spellbinding beauty and magnificence. Whether it’s an early morning dawn flight, or a late evening dusk flight, hot air balloon rides over this wonderful piece of Earth will leave you breathless, and asking for more.

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Floating over peninsular Istria, watch out for ‘Green and Blue Istria’. Green Istria is the region formed by olive groves, vineyard stretches, deep valleys, and rolling hills. Blue Istria is the coastal region which houses beautiful islands, bays and coves. It is extremely silent when you are flying high in a hot air balloon. Listen for waves splashing against the rocks in the sea waters beneath you and discover music that touches your soul.

Albuquerque, New Mexico

Welcome to the largest city in New Mexico, America. A city where hot air ballooning is taken so seriously, that a hot air balloon festival is celebrated with utter enthusiasm and pomp, every year! The ‘Cosmic Carnival’, an annual event that takes place in October at the Albuquerque Balloon Museum, is the largest hot air balloon event in the world. It is a sight that will blow your mind. Hundreds of balloons rise up in the air, gliding effortlessly, illuminating the sky with thousands of colors and the minds of the spectators with pure ecstasy and joy.

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The Sandia mountains that border the eastern side of Albuquerque are something that should be enjoyed from a hot air balloon. They appear reddish in color and are hence, believed to be named Sandia, which is Spanish for watermelon. Laid against the sky’s gentle blue backdrop, the Sandia crest is an amazing natural creation, formed due to uplifting. As the balloon glides past the entire dimension of the mountain range, observe that the western face is extremely rocky, whereas it slopes gently on the east.

The Serengeti National Park, Tanzania The Serengeti was first discovered by Stewart Edward White. This national park is spread over a straggling 5700 square miles. Its name comes from the term siringet

, which means ‘the place where the land runs forever’. The hot air balloon ride in the Serengeti National Park, gives you a chance to look at forests, landscapes, sunrise and sunset, wildlife, and nature from a completely different and fresh perspective. The balloon rises with the rising sun, and floats where the wind takes it. Regarding wildlife spotting, it would be better to go on a hot balloon safari with an open mind, sans any preconceived notions. After all, it is better to be surprised than be disappointed. On a lucky day, which is most of the days, you can spot one or more kind of wildlife that includes hippos, lions, hyenas, tigers, cheetahs, elephants, zebras, antelopes, giraffes, various exotic birds, and also the varied plant life that includes the gorgeous acacia trees.

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A secret tip – The best time to go hot air ballooning in the Serengeti is when The Great Wildebeest Migration happens (October to August). Hundreds of thousands of zebras and wildebeests migrate from the Serengeti to the Maasai Mara reserve in Kenya. An awe-inspiring spectacle, the great migration is a sight that is sure to send a shiver down your spine. It should definitely not be missed while hot air ballooning in the Serengeti.

Sedona, Arizona

Sedona, also known as the ‘Red Rock Country’, is a dainty little city set in the northern region of the US state of Arizona. Set against a massive, rocky backdrop of reddish brown mountains and monoliths, Sedona is famous for being a place where there is something for everyone. It entertains a tourist’s spiritual, historical, contemporary, and even adventurous interests. There will be no time left for you to get bored here.

Hot air ballooning over the picturesque Sedona presents a view in front of you so beautiful, that it leaves you enchanted by the beauty of Mother Nature. The changing color of the rocks, with the change in the intensity of the sun’s rays, is a spectacle that leaves you awestruck. Just sit back and relax in the cozy balloon basket, as you gently rise off the ground along with the rising sun, feeling as light as a feather, as tranquil as the silence of the night, and as excited as a little child, all at the same time. Enjoy the breathtaking view that presents a sharp contrast of green trees against the red rocks, with the river snaking through, to provide a mildness to the contrast.

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As you fly over the Arizonian landscape, make sure you get a good look of the Chapel of the Holy Cross, the Vortex Schmortex, and the Oak Creek Canyon, amongst other stand-outs. Hot air balloon rides offer a mesmerizing panoramic view of the entire expanse.

Lake Champlain, Vermont

Lake Champlain is a natural freshwater lake in North America within the boundaries of The United States of America. Hot air ballooning over the sparkling shores of Lake Champlain can be dubbed as the experience of a lifetime. The thrill experienced while the balloon drifts leisurely over the cool and glossy waters is unmatched with anything. Plush landscapes, embellished with the greenery of Green Mountains, border the shores of Lake Champlain for as far as your eyes can see. Keep all worries aside for sometime and dedicate this trip to yourself, cleanse your soul, love yourself, feel happy and allow the scenic beauty of Vermont to sink in as you look at vast fields, looming mountains, fully bloomed trees, and the clear waters. On a lucky day, when the skies are clear and cloudless, you will be able to see as far as Canada and Montreal.

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It’s the little things that matter the most. Whilst flying over the countryside, and not very high, you can actually get whiffs of smokes from houses that pass by beneath you during the flight. You might get the aroma of cooking! Also, when flying at tree-top level over the forests, you will sometimes be able to spot beautiful wildlife like turkeys and deer.

Wadi Rum, Jordan

The timelessness, endlessness, vastness, magnificence, mystique and silence of Wadi Rum is sure to stun you to the core, leaving you breathless, a tinge of humbleness and insignificance hovering about you. Wadi Rum has been declared the most stunning, gorgeous, and engaging desertscape there ever was. Also known as ‘The Valley of The Moon’, Wadi Rum, located at the south of Jordan, is actually a continued series of valleys which are approximately 2 km wide, and are sprawled for about 130 km N-S. It covers almost 720 km of desert area, with enormous sandstone mountains and huge granite rocks jutting out from the sand shores.

Gliding through the crisp desert air in a hot air balloon over the eternal sands of Wadi Rum, you feel a certain calm reside over you. The shifting positions of the sun create an effect that feels as if the mountain rocks and the sand change colors throughout the day. This effect tends to arise myriad moods within you and make you ponder over the mystery that life is. You cannot come to Jordan and not go to Wadi Rum; it is a must-visit.

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The Burdah Rock Bridge, standing 35 m tall above the ground, is considered to be one of the highest natural arches in the world. Naturally-formed huge monolithic rock structures, Seven Pillars of Wisdom, Bedouin camping, the sunrise and sunset in the desert, and many other wonderful, captivating sights are some things that will keep you engaged whilst you lose track of time, sense and other worldly cares.

Napa Valley, California

Dubbed as one of the premier wine regions of the world, Napa Valley is an American Viticulture Area in California, United States. Its most famous attractions are the closely knit vineyards spread across acres of land. When viewed from a hot air balloon, the vineyards seem like one huge sprawling stretch of a lush-green grass blanket. Panoramic view that encompass the magnificent rolling hills and valleys, and gorgeous hues and colors of the sky merging during the setting or rising of the sun, are a feast for your eyes. You couldn’t agree more that few places on Earth take you into a trance and make you wonder,

“Is this what Heaven is like?”

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There is something for everyone here. Based on your interests, you can go wine tasting, fine dining, spa hopping, hot air ballooning or just sit back, relax and soak in the striking beauty and calmness of the valley.

The Outback, Australia

The Outback is a desiccated, dry and arid desert region on the outskirts of the Australian subcontinent. It is also known as ‘Never-Never’, ‘back of beyond’, or ‘back o’Burke’. Owing to the typical climatic conditions, which are unsuitable for the survival of life, this region is extremely thinly populated. It does, however, boast of a wide variety of wildlife such as dingoes, emus and red kangaroos. Hot air balloon rides in The Australian Outback, allow tourists to observe the wildlife at its best, and appreciate the greatness and immensity of the Outback. You can opt for either the dawn or the dusk flights. Night flights are mesmerizing, as the Outback night sky is the best place to stargaze, and get the best possible and uninterrupted views of endless seas of stars, constellations and even some planets. If you are lucky and your flight takes off at the scheduled time, you even get to experience the Australian Outback sunset – a delicate yet empowering and harmonious melange of soft, beautiful, and unexplained colors over the horizon.

A dawn flight is just as much enjoyable and delightful. It starts with the balloon taking flight just as the sun starts to rise. As the balloon rises higher and higher, you can see silhouettes forming against a backdrop of the brightest and boldest of sunrises, which fills up the morning sky with shades and hues of the colors of the sun.

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The Outback is the only place in the world that has the largest fossilized dinosaur stampede. Hundreds of thousands of dinosaur footprints have been immortalized in mud stone near Lark Quarry. These can be clearly observed from your hot air balloon. Also, you might just come across the original and traditional Australian Aborigines, who still continue to live by the ancient ways of life. Many cattle stations (some as big as Belgium itself!) are something that cannot be missed and are a great sight to watch from the balloon.

Final Thoughts on Hot Air Ballooning
Riding on a hot air balloon makes it to almost everybody’s bucket list. But, striking the activity that you have wanted to do all your life off the list by doing it at the right place, that is the trick. This isn’t something that you do everyday, this will be a once in a lifetime opportunity. The adventure that you are ready to embark on, is going to make a memory that will stay with you for the rest of your life. It is important that you create the best memory possible. A memory which is capable of making you relive the actual experience, a memory at which you will look back in fondness, happiness, ecstasy, and pure joy.

And happier it will certainly be. This probably is the most fabulous thought to kick start a new year. And since celebrations are in order, what could be a better means of expression than fireworks? Some amazing cities in the world pay a rather scintillating send-off to the year that has been, in the best manner possible.

New Year’s Eve Fireworks in New York and London
New York

If you need a lengthy explanation about how New York celebrates New Year’s Eve, you’ve probably spent your entire life in a cave. So, for all the dear cavemen, this is how New Yorkers ring in the new year, each year: New Year’s Eve. Times Square. Ball Drop Ceremony. A million people.

The sparkling Waterford Crystal Times Square New Year’s Eve Ball is the focus of attention in the evening.

At 11:59 p.m. EST (Eastern Standard Time), on December 31, the ball is lowered 77 feet (23 m) down a specially designed flagpole, as people chant the countdown to the new year in unison. As the ball drops, a shower of confetti weighing 2000 pounds rains on the Square, and a series of blazing fireworks light up the sky.

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Firework displays take place all over New York; with the Grucci family fireworks lighting up the sky above the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island. The best viewing locations include Battery Park and Wagner Park.

London

As the clock strikes 12, the Big Ben will bellow the onset of the new year with its old hat bongs. What will follow is a stunning display of pyrotechnics from the EDF Energy London Eye on the famous South Bank. The sky will light up, and you’ll be blinded, but it would certainly be an unforgettable New Year’s Eve.

The festivities on the South Bank, with live music will carry on until 12:45 am (yes, the Brits even time their festivities), after which you can tail a faithful ol’ Londoner to a nice pub, singing ‘Auld Lang Syne’.

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Hit South Bank by 7 or 8 p.m. at the most (with food and drinks, possibly), as the police tend to close the area once it gets too crowded.

Fireworks Celebrations in Sydney and Moscow
Sydney

With due apologies to London and New York City, there is a large section of human population which opines that the world’s best New Year’s Eve firework display happens at Sydney.

The iconic ‘Sydney Harbour’ (the Aussies do spell ‘harbor’ like that) sees a frenzied rush every year, with people clamoring up on every bit of space they can find.

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The Birchgrove Park is a vantage point par excellence, with a spectacular view of the Harbour Bridge. The site is spacious, and allows alcohol (within limits).

Moscow

Watch the snow-covered city of Moscow dazzle during New Year’s Eve, with the party centered in the historic Red Square.

Moscow may probably be the only city in the world where the visuals of the backdrop just seem far more brilliant than the lights that shine over it. You have The Kremlin, Lenin’s Mausoleum, Saint Basil’s Cathedral, and the Kazan Cathedral.

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The Red Square, without a shadow of doubt, is your best option. But if loud crowds are not your scene, you can take a stroll along the Moskva River and find a cozy spot for yourself, amidst the freezing temperature, which warrants the presence of a hip flask full of vodka. What else do you need?

New Year’s Eve in Rio de Janeiro and Dubai
Rio de Janeiro

Riotous, simply riotous. This is the word that best describes Rio’s partying spirit.

The people of Rio are undoubtedly proud of their festivities, and why not? Don’t take it the wrong way – after all, these are the people who have the most ‘awesomest’ (if there could be a word like that!) Carnival in the world. Copacabana is where you need to head to, for that is where the party is.

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The Copacabana Beach and the area around it holds around 2 million people on December 31st, so jostling is definitely in order. But the sheer scale of the fireworks means that you can view them from any of the bylanes leading up to Copacabana. Alternatively, there are quite a few cruise boats that have a midnight stopover here in order to view the fireworks.

Dubai

If ostentatious is what defines you, Dubai is where you should be heading.

Dubai is the city where one would even suspect that their fireworks would have showers of dripping gold and diamonds, rather than the regular sparkles. Watching fireworks from The Atlantis, The Palm, or the Burj Al Arab will cost you worth their weight in gold.

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If you cannot afford to step into the heavenly hotels, you can still watch their splendid displays from the rooftops of smaller hotels around these biggies, which host events at an affordable price. The free fireworks show happens at the Burj Khalifa, which you can view from anywhere in the downtown area.

Fireworks Displays in Singapore and Barcelona
Singapore

The world’s favorite holiday destination has a great display of fireworks over the Marina Bay.

Singapore’s skyline is simply magical, and with perfect balmy weather, this can be a great place to spend New Year’s Eve with all your family and friends.

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The ticketed area of the Marina Bay is The Float. The free venues are numerous, surrounding the rest of the Bay, including the Merlion Park and The Promontory at Marina Bay.

Barcelona

Firework displays in Barcelona are the best unofficial displays in the world.

The sparkling festivities in Barcelona don’t really have a specific venue, or even a specific sponsor, but they are quite dazzling nevertheless.

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The tradition here dictates that one should eat 12 grapes at midnight, one on each chime of the clock. Thousands of people head to Plaça de Catalunya to perform this ritual and soak up the atmosphere. The Torre Agbar in Plaça de les Glòries Catalanes have a fabulous show of fireworks, as do some of the hotels that line the Barceloneta Beach.

Ringing in the New Year in Bangkok and Edinburgh
Bangkok

While Bangkok may have several cough earthly delights cough to offer you on New Year’s Eve, their firework displays also are one of them.

Bangkok has some of the world’s most dazzling display of fireworks. The CentralWorld shopping plaza is the hub of activity here.

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The CentralWorld Square sees a lot of people gather on New Year’s Eve to witness the classic display of fireworks. And there’s more―they also have a large TV screen that beams the best NYE events from all across the globe, as they happen.

Edinburgh

The Edinburgh’s Hogmanay is the largest new year party in the world, seeing as it goes on for a full three days.

The Street Party in Edinburgh is enormously popular, so don’t expect a welcome if you waltz in at, say, post-11 in the night. The best part about the festivities here is that unlike other cities, there are smashing firework displays at 9 p.m., 10 p.m., 11 p.m., and of course at midnight.

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Below the Edinburgh Castle is where you want to be, as the crackers explode just above you. If a long range view is what you’re looking for, Calton Hill is a good option.

So at the stroke of midnight this New Year’s Eve, get tipsy, kiss your beloved; and we hope to bump into you at one of the destinations mentioned above.