"The winds have welcomed you with softness. The sun has blessed you with his warm hands. You have flown so high and so well, that God has joined you in your laughter, and has set you gently back again into the loving arms of Mother Earth."
Here are the best hot air balloon destinations in the world.
1. Jaipur, India
The forts and palaces of Jaipur are impressive, but getting an aerial view from a hot air balloon surely beats a walking tour every time. Peer over Hawa Mahal, Amber Fort and City Palace, before floating over rural villages and remote stone temples. Book a flight for sunrise, and you'll see Jaipur come to life.
2. Namib Desert, Nambia
A hot air balloon ride through the heart of the Namib Desert reveals the scale and beauty of this largely empty land. Begin your adventure just before sunrise and watch the colours of the desert transform before your eyes. Drift silently over the stunning orange and pink sand dunes of Sossusvlei, and marvel at the unique rock formations of the Naukluft Mountain massif.
3. Albuquerque, New Mexico
Every hot air balloon aficionado will love to attend the annual Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta which occurs each year in October, where more than 500 balloons lift to the sky! The most photogenic event in the country!
4. Masai Mara, Kenya
The Masai Mara National Reserve is known for the Great Migration. Here, hot air balloonists can get a birds-eye-view of this wildlife spectacle migrating across the Mara River. Best viewing time is usually between July and October.
5. Napa Valley, CA
Take a break from wine tasting and treat yourself to sweeping views of beautiful vineyards, rolling hills, Mt. St. Helen and on a clear day you may even see San Francisco.
6. Sedona, Arizona
Sedona's glowing, red sandstone provides the perfect backdrop for a hot air balloon ride. Gliding over this red rock country, the views are simply incredible and the wildlife sightings will delight you!
7. Atacama Desert, Chile
Chile's Atacama Desert is one of the most spellbinding destinations on earth. It is also the driest spot on the planet. A sunrise ride, you will see this landscape transition through colors.
8. Bagan, Myanmar
Known for its high concentration of Buddhist Temples and stupas, Began has a flat landscape dotted with though sands of glittering spires. A hot air balloon ride with give you a stunning ride over this landscape above the temples and nearby villages.
9. Serengeti National Park, Tanzania
Tanzania sees the migration of thousands of animals every year. Take to the skies for a hot air balloon safari to see the expansive plains of this UNESCO world heritage site. Witness the migration of thousands of wildebeests, zebras and gazelles.
10. Queenstown, New Zealand
See some of New Zealand's most breathtaking natural landscape. Witness remarkable mountain ranges rising in the distance above the waters of Lake Wakatipu. The area best known as the filming location of the Hobbit.
11. Chateau d'Oex, Switzerland
The fairy tail villages of Chateau d'Oex and the surrounding Swiss Alps, make up one of the world's few four season balloonscapes. It is most picturesque when the region hosts the Semaine Internationale de Ballons a Air Chaud.
12. Loire Valley, France
Take in the bucolic beauty as you float over the "Garden of France," two hours south of France it is now a UNESCO World Heritage site. View the picturesque villages, winding river, sweeping greenery and stately residences.