Few things from the eighteenth century are still popular now, but 236 years after French inventors first took to the skies in a handmade balloon, hot air balloon rides are still in style. The experience is even better when you’re soaring over a gorgeous landscape like the rolling hills and vineyards of Temecula’s wine country. If you haven’t been up in a hot air balloon before—or if it’s been a while—here are 9 reasons why you should book a flight in Temecula, CA soon:

1. The feeling of floating 

Everyone has had at least one dream where they’re flying, and you can finally achieve something close to that exhilarating feeling on a hot air balloon flight once you reach the maximum altitude, which is usually a few thousand feet.

2. The magic of lift off

The actual flight in a hot air balloon is unmatched, but the feeling of lift off has its own magic, a thrill that’s similar to the first rise on a roller coaster—without the steep drop, of course.

3. Therapeutic benefits

If you have a mild fear of heights, there’s no better way to help overcome that fear than a hot air balloon ride. The ascent is slow and gentle, giving you the chance to acclimate to the elevation easily and without the vertigo and turbulence common with airplane flights.

3. Incredible views

Touring Temecula’s wine country from the ground has its benefits—wine tastings would top that list—but there’s nothing like seeing the picturesque landscape from above. On clear days, you might even be able to see all the way to the ocean.

4. The sound of silence

One of the most underrated joys of hot air balloon rides is the amazing silence—aside from the pilot turning the burner on to regain altitude here and there. Without the sounds of traffic or everyday noise so far up in the air, the silence is soothing.

5. A whole new take on sunrise or sunset

Even if you’ve witnessed the sunrise or sunset countless times, you’ve never truly experienced it until you’ve seen it from thousands of feet up. The higher up you are, the more of the horizon you can see, including the first—or last—rays of sunlight creeping in or out from a distance.

6. Gorgeous photos for the ‘gram

On-the-ground selfies can be a dime a dozen, but how many Instagram stars feature selfies from the serenity of a hot air balloon ride? With phone cameras able to take professional-looking shots, documenting the beautiful views and your thrilling ride is sure to score plenty of likes on the social media platform of your choice.

7. Checking off the bucket list

Unlike some items on your bucket list that will probably remain unchecked—like climbing Mount Everest—taking a hot air balloon ride is an item that’s easy to cross off. All you have to do is select a date, schedule a flight, and prepare for one of the most memorable experiences of your life.

8. A proposal to remember

If you’re looking for the most ideal romantic spot to pop the question, you can’t do much better than thousands of feet up in the air as the sun begins to set. Most hot air balloon companies offer customized assistance for proposals, including flying to strategic locations and providing champagne to celebrate.

9. The perfect gift

If there’s someone on your holiday gift list who has everything, consider gifting them with the one-of-a-kind experience of hot air balloon ride. Whether it’s your significant other, a beloved family member, or a dear friend, the gift of flight is always a winner.

Hot air balloon rides in Temecula, CA

A trip to Temecula’s wine country isn’t complete without views from below and above, so if you’re planning a wine tasting weekend, be sure to book a sunrise or sunset hot air balloon ride as well. Compass Balloons promises an experience you’ll never forget.

For more information or to schedule your flight, give us a call today at (760) 704-7407.