My Hot Air Balloon Ride in Dubai: What I Wish I Knew Beforehand

I had ever dreamed to see the desert wake up out of the sky. However, nothing had prepared me on how calm, out of this world and surprisingly emotional our morning in the clouds would have been. Being a parent, I am constantly in need of finding something that is magical and meaningful to do with my kids when we travel. Our hot air ballooning in Dubai was just that - something more than just the thrill. It was still, soft, and so deeply impressive, that it seemed not to need the sun to be noticed.

Before we booked, I skimmed a few hot air balloon Dubai reviews, but now I wish I had read more of them with a parent’s perspective. There are little details that I did not know, things that I would have packed, prepared, or had a better explanation to the kids. Therefore, in case you are organizing your own ride, here is all that I would have liked to know in advance.

What I Would Have Liked to Know

1. The Early Start Is Not A Joke

We were taken away at around 5 a.m. and I must say that it takes a strong person to wake up kids at such an early time when they are on vacation. And then out we went into the cool desert darkness, and something changed. It was soothingly quiet, the stars were still visible and the expectancy made everyone a bit more cooperative. I also wish that I had taken one more snack, but the excitement was compensation to the absence of breakfast.

2. The Takeoff Is Weirdly smooth

I had anticipated a thrilling ascension, but the balloon ascended so imperceptibly, that we were scarcely aware that we were in the air. My boy gasped as he discovered that we were already floating. Turning about, we could observe dunes that were becoming dark bronze and then gold as the light was being dispersed over the horizon. Our hot air balloon ride in Dubai was already providing more than we could have fathomed and we had not even seen the sun yet.

3. Do not Overpack-You Do Not Need Much

I had a feeling that I was a smart person because I had jackets, snacks, wipes, and cameras. The thing is though, the basket is snug and once you are up there, you are too hypnotized to want anything except the view. All you require is a light covering, a phone to take photos and your eyes wide open. I even stowed away the majority of our stuff after the take off and never bothered to open it again.

4. The Cold Goes Quickly

You arrive at the launch site when it is cold. My daughter grumbled all the way, and was in her hoodie. However, when the balloon came up and the sun struck the desert we were all taking off clothes. Go light and easy layers, especially if you have kids, and tell them it won t be cold long. When you are not worried about frostbitten hands, it is easier to enjoy the ride.

5. Landings can be Rough

We were surprised in this part. We had a fine pilot, but the landing was somewhat off, and the basket got a jerk. Neither was injured nor frightened, but it was one of those, hold on tight and laugh it out, moments. I should have told the kids before that landings are not always smooth- it might have avoided a few stares of wide-eyed awesomeness and elbows clasped.

6. It Turns Out To Be More Emotional Than Expected

I was hoping to get entertainment and some nice pictures. What I would not anticipate is inactivity, silence, and that warm sensation of experiencing something really special. My son said, it was something as though in a dream, flying, and I was quite the same. It was a desert, sunrise, floating feeling it made something that I was not expecting to get out of a tourist activity. We were not merely looking at something new. We were experiencing it.

Conclusion

Looking back, I would’ve taken the time to read more in-depth hot air balloon Dubai reviews from families. Such additional understanding would have made me better prepare the kids and myself. The hot air balloon ride Dubai was definitely worth it, even without the perfect preparation, but also because of the connection that it triggered. It was serene, surprising and unforgettable. When you are thinking about it, jump because you are going to have a ride that will never leave your memory even after you have set your feet on the ground.