Exploring Dubai’s vast desert in a hot air balloon is an amazingly thrilling and at the same time, a very peaceful experience. As you float high above the spread of golden sand dunes, taking in the stunning views of the desert and Dubai city is absolutely blissful. There are some important things to know before you book your hot air balloon ride in Dubai.
Important Things to Know Before Booking a Dubai Hot Air Balloon Ride
Going on a hot air balloon ride above Dubai’s desert is a once-in-a-lifetime experience, one that stays with you forever. Here are 10 top things you need to know before booking a ride.
Best Time to Book
For much of the year, Dubai is very hot and humid and it gets quite unbearable during the summers. That said, the weather in Dubai is quite pleasant between the months of October and April when the temperatures range between 15 degrees Celsius and 25 degrees Celsius. This is the best time of the year to book a hot air balloon ride over the Dubai Desert.
Duration of the Ride
Typically, a hot air balloon ride is 60 to 90 minutes long. The ride may be slightly shorter or longer depending on the weather conditions. Dubai’s hot air balloon ride can be a pretty lengthy affair of 3 to 4 hours including the transportation to the site, the safety briefing and the celebrations after the ride. Make sure that you set aside enough time so you can enjoy the experience to the fullest.
Safety First
For all hot air balloon ride operators in Dubai, safety is a top priority. Only certified pilots conduct the flights and they are thoroughly trained in handling the flight in different weather conditions. Before you hop on to the basket, you should know what to expect during the ride. That’s why a safety briefing is conducted explaining the nitty gritty of the flight to you. Moreover, the balloons are equipped with all necessary safety gear for a safe and comfortable flight.
What to Wear
During the ride, you often experience rapid fluctuations in temperature. Especially during the winters, the mornings can be pretty chilly. Therefore, you would do well to wear layers. You should also wear a hat, closed-toe shoes and clothes you’re comfortable in. Since you have to climb on to the basket of the balloon, avoid wearing skirts or dresses. Avoid tight clothing as well so you feel comfortable during the ride.
What the Package Includes
Make sure you have checked what is included in the package when you book a hot air balloon ride in Dubai. Most balloon ride operators offer an all inclusive package that provides transportation from your hotel to the take off site, refreshments before the ride and a celebratory drink after the ride’s over. Some of the packages include add-ons like photography or videography so your special moments during the ride are captured forever.
Age and Health Restrictions
While people of all ages can generally go on a hot air balloon ride, there still are some restrictions. In most cases, the minimum age required is 5 years. For obvious safety reasons, pregnant women, those with heart conditions and those with vertigo (fear of heights) are not allowed to take the flight. Before taking the ride, it’s best to confirm with the operator what health conditions might make taking the ride risky.
Group Versus Private Rides
You’lll have other people in the basket during the ride since in most cases, a hot air balloon ride is a group experience. If however, you seek a more intimate experience, you can book a private hot air balloon ride. While such rides are more expensive, you have the luxury of having the balloon entirely to yourself so you can enjoy it exclusively with your family and friends. It’s like enjoying a Dubai city tour in an exclusive vehicle.
Weather Conditions
Weather conditions greatly affect a balloon ride. If there are strong winds or the possibility of rains, your balloon ride could be rescheduled. Therefore, it’s important that you remain flexible with your bookings and set aside 2 to 3 days on any of which you can take the ride.
Booking in Advance
Hot air balloon rides are very popular in Dubai. Since the demand is high, the rides are booked very fast indeed. Therefore, you must make your bookings early so you get to choose a date and time that suits you. Early bookings can also get you early bird discounts.
Photography Opportunities
The views you get to enjoy from the hot air balloon are simply breathtaking. Do remember to bring your camera so you can capture them forever. You could also take the services of a professional photographer so you can focus on enjoying the ride instead of reaching out for your camera everywhere now and then.
Conclusion
A hot air balloon ride over Dubai’s desert is such a thrilling experience! Only the best of the tourist places in Dubai could match it. The views are simply stunning and the desolation of the desert is so very soothing. Hop on and make the most of your flight with the tips above.
:
https://in.pinterest.com/travelsaga/