Hot Air Balloon First Ride Ever In Costa Brava, Spain Adventure Travel!

Have you dreamed of taking a hot air ballon ride in Costa Brava? Well, for the brave (and not so brave) here is my experience.

Travel has taught me many life lessons and one of the most important of all is to embrace the unknown by being willing to step outside of your comfort zone. I’m excited to try new foods, visit new places and experience cultures. However, my fear of heights is real and something I’ve been dealing with my entire life.

Although I’ve never allowed it to get the best of me in terms of not getting on a plane or crossing a bridge, I’ve carefully tailored my travels to be more adventurous in terms of my taste buds as opposed to doing things such as bungee jumping.

Hot Air Balloon Experience in Costa Brava

When faced with the option of experiencing a hot air balloon ride in Costa Brava, Spain for the first time, my default initial reaction was to pass on it. After-all, it is not as though I was getting from point A to B by balloon. I could just sit this one out and resume the rest of my travel itinerary with the group.

That would have obviously been the easy decision; however, something inside of me decided not to let my fear of heights get in the way of what could be one of the most scenic flights of my life. I mean, we would be flying over ancient volcanoes and seeing the Pyrenees off in the distance; that’s not a view you get to see every day!

Experience in a Hot Air Balloon

Those waving goodbye at us became tiny dots; we were rising fast. Without articulating it out loud I was panicking inside. I instantly imagined all of the worst case scenarios possible; however, it wasn’t long before I started to relax. It helped that a few others were nervous and that I wasn’t the only person slightly terrified to be up that high in the sky.

The ride itself is smoother than flying in a plane or a helicopter. You don’t feel any turbulence whatsoever. In fact, it doesn’t even feel like you’re really moving in any direction at all.

I’d be lying if I said I was relaxed in say the same way I would be lounging on a couch back home, but I did start to feel more comfortable. It wasn’t long before I took out my camera and really started to enjoy my surroundings.

The views were simply stunning and we couldn’t have asked for a more optimal all weather solution. Below us, we had La Garrotxa Volcanic Zone Natural Park which features 45 dormant volcanoes situated in between the Pyrenees Mountains and the coastline.

I Would Do It Again (Hot Air Ballon Ride)

By around the halfway point of our journey (most rides are 1.5 hours long) I relaxed even more. It was around this point in time when I felt impatient that the pilot brought out cake and cava. Watching the sunrise while drinking cava and eating cake was the moment I realized it was all worth it. I felt more at ease and I realized I had conquered my fear of hot air ballooning.

No, I’ll never totally get over my fear of heights but I was ‘okay’ with being up in the air at that moment.

And then came the descent so smooth and gentle, that we hardly felt a thing when we touched the ground. The landing much like the rest of the balloon ride was graceful. I had survived my first hot air balloon ride and I didn’t fall out of the basket! 😉

Moreover, although I was glad to be back on solid ground I was already thinking that I could do another ride in the future. Had I decided to let fear get in the way I would not have experienced all of those magic moments in the sky nor would I have felt good about myself for skipping out.

Challenging yourself is the only way to grow as a person and I’m glad the hot air balloon ride in Costa Brava reminded me of how important it is to never stop doing that.

How To Arrange Your Flight: Planning your Hot Air Balloon Ride:

Booking Your Flight

• Choose a Reputable Company: Vol de Coloms in La Garrotxa offers departures between 7 and 8 AM, providing a perfect opportunity to experience the area in the soft morning light.
• Duration and Details: Flights typically last about 1.5 hours, offering ample time to enjoy the sights and sensations of floating above Catalonia.
• Location: The take-off site is located at Afores s/n, 17811, Olot, España, easily accessible from most parts of Costa Brava.

Planning Tips

• Book in Advance: To secure a spot, especially during tourist season, booking in advance is recommended.
• Dress Appropriately: Mornings can be chilly, and it’s warmer near the burner, so dress in layers.
• Check the Weather: Balloon flights are weather-dependent, so it’s good to have a flexible schedule in case of delays.

Tips For Overcoming Fear Of Riding A Hot Air Balloon

So, you’ve been dreaming about floating in the sky, touching the clouds, and witnessing the world from a bird’s eye view. But, there’s a tiny problem – the very thought of stepping into a hot air balloon sends shivers down your spine. Fear not! I’ve been there, done that, and guess what? I lived to tell the tale. I was honestly terrified. But I didn’t let it stop me from doing it. So, let’s dive into some tried-and-true tips for overcoming that fear of riding a hot air balloon. Ready to conquer the skies?

1) Educate Yourself About the Safety

Hot air ballooning is one of the safest forms of air travel. Before your ride, take some time to learn about the safety measures and the reliability of hot air balloon technology. Knowing how balloons operate and the rigorous safety protocols in place can reassure you that you’re in good hands.

2) Choose a Reputable Company

Always book your ride with a reputable company. Check reviews, ask about their safety records, and find out how experienced the pilots are. Companies with solid reputations prioritize safety and are often very accommodating to nervous flyers.

3) Talk to Your Pilot

Before taking off, have a chat with your pilot. Ask any burning questions you might have about the flight, what to expect during the journey, and the pilot’s own experiences. Understanding what will happen at each stage of the flight can help reduce fear of the unknown.

4) Bring a Friend

Everything’s better with a friend! Having a buddy with you can not only be comforting but also distracting. Sharing the experience can help keep your mind off your fears and focus more on the fun aspect of the adventure.

5) Focus on the Scenery

Once you’re up in the air, try to focus on the breathtaking views rather than your fears. Bring a camera and take photos, or engage in light conversation with other passengers. Focusing on the beauty around you can help shift your attention away from anxiety.

6) Practice Breathing Techniques

Learn some basic breathing techniques before your flight. Deep breathing can help manage anxiety and reduce stress. Practice these techniques before and during the flight to keep yourself calm.

7) Start with Shorter Rides

If possible, start with a shorter ride. Some companies offer varying lengths of flight time. A shorter trip means less time in the air, which might be more manageable for first-timers.

8) Accept and Face the Fear

Sometimes, just accepting that you’re scared and facing it head-on can be empowering. Remind yourself why you chose to embark on this adventure and focus on the positive aspects of overcoming your fear.

Riding in a hot air balloon is an exhilarating experience that shouldn’t be marred by anxiety. By preparing yourself mentally and physically, choosing the right company, and using techniques to manage your fear, you’re setting yourself up for a fantastic flight. Remember, it’s okay to be scared, but don’t let fear keep you from enjoying one of the most majestic rides of your life!

This post was brought to you as a result of the #EuroFoodTrip campaign, created and managed by iambassador in partnership with Costa Brava & Girona Pyrenees and Emilia Romagna Tourism. As always, all thoughts remain my own.