Oh, to be up in the sky and to enjoy the cool wind and the clouds passing by. Such is the wonder and magic of balloon rides. These exciting rides give you the chance to marvel at the scenes of the city from the superb vantage point of a bird or an eagle.

But whilst you should take the chance and experience a balloon ride at least once in your lifetime, you also should take the necessary precautions to make sure that no harm or danger befalls you or your pals. Read through the following safety measures that you should always keep in mind when going on a balloon ride. Remember that safety and an enjoyable balloon ride always go hand in hand.

1. Make sure that you’re riding a balloon from a reputable company. Do your research and ask for the company’s credentials. Make sure that their pilots are licensed and that they’ve been flying balloons for years. Ask for their experiences, where they’ve flown and how often they replace the materials of their balloons. Inquire about their accreditation and certifications of the pilots and the balloon itself, so that you have peace of mind when you finally decide to go up on their balloon.

2. Make sure that the weather won’t be stormy or too windy. The most favourable weather for a fun balloon ride is a nice, sunny and clear day, with light winds. The pilots should call a local weather service to check on the climate and weather conditions in the area. Never agree to fly in a hot air balloon if there are ominous clouds in sight or if the weather has been forecasted to be cloudy, windy, rainy or stormy.

3. Make sure that you and your companions are physically fit enough to ride balloons. Remember that you will be standing for about an hour or so, so those who have leg injuries should refrain from these rides. You should also be able to bend your knees, as the pilot will request that you do so during landing. Those who have had surgeries should divulge medical information to the staff and the pilot of the balloon ride. People who are pregnant or who suffer from vertigo should not go on balloon rides.

4. Listen to the pilot before, during and after take-off and landing. Before you go up, up in the air, the pilot will give a short briefing on what to expect. He will also discuss safety measures and what you should do during emergencies. Listen to his briefing carefully, as well as other instructions he may relay during the ride.

5. If you see something that you think the pilot should know, tell him. Being only human, the pilot might not be able to see other hazardous things like birds and trees. Alert the pilot immediately if you see anything that should be of concern. This includes power lines, as well as tears, snags or damage to the balloon or other equipment.

Balloon rides offer you a totally different and unique experience. Some people have even found these rides to be very romantic. But to be able to enjoy balloon rides to the fullest, you should always heed the safety precautions and measures listed above.

Author Bio: Want to go on balloon rides? Visit our site to check reviews and listings of popular and safe balloon ride in your area.

Category: Travel
Keywords: balloon rides, hot air balloons