Dubai Private Hot Air Balloon Tour: A Detailed Review

So, you are looking at taking a hot air balloon ride over the Dubai Desert? That, in a way, is something pretty special. If you happen to be thinking about that private tour option, this is almost everything you might want to know before booking. We will cover what it is like, what to expect, and, well, if that expense makes any kind of sense for you. After all, ballooning, right over the sandy dunes, is an awesome experience; making it private, and truly memorable, might just be that touch of magic you did not even realize you wanted.

What Makes a Private Hot Air Balloon Tour Different?

First, what are you truly getting that is different, if you decide to pay extra? Think of this; it’s very much your exclusive bubble drifting serenely above everyone else. It’s just your group – it could be your family, could be that special someone, or a small set of pals – in the basket. You will not be squished together with strangers, which happens to be very common in shared tours. It seems pretty simple: you get room to breathe, that little bit of space to appreciate your experience. It also includes a greater amount of personalization. You, very, get more say regarding the trajectory (weather permitting, of course), perhaps a more dedicated pilot to answer your inquiries, and more time taking in all the wonderful sights, so it makes it easier to see. It seems great, right?

What You Can Expect: The Experience in Detail

Okay, so picture this: the adventure tends to begin very early. Seriously early. That’s when they typically collect you from your hotel. It’s a dawn thing because the air is generally at its calmest, and the lighting is just awesome for photos. The drive to the desert just happens to be part of the excitement. As you drive away, you get that first glimpse of the dunes as the sun starts to make everything glow. The balloon prep is fairly impressive. It takes a large amount of teamwork. Watching this giant thing get filled with air is exciting. The moment of truth is next! As you go up, it tends to be surprisingly smooth. You find that the desert down below starts to open up, and then the vastness hits you. The colors just get more intense as the sun peeks over the horizon. On the ground, you see these tiny specks which will, in all likelihood, be wildlife like gazelles or camels. With a private tour, you almost certainly get an opportunity to ask your pilot loads of questions, learning about the history, or the wildlife, and probably how hot air balloons actually operate. The landing is very well managed, followed by a trip back to camp where a yummy breakfast is normally served. It might be slightly touristy, yet it seems a great way to wrap up your trip.

The Scenery: Is It Really Worth Waking Up Early?

Honestly, that landscape makes all the sleep deprivation worthwhile. The Dubai Desert might seem like miles of sand, and in a way, it might be, yet that early sunlight transforms this to gold, and amber, and deep shadows which go on, very much, forever. You get a bird’s-eye view that’s quite breathtaking. From above, those dunes, they become waves. They become sculptures which are shaped by wind. If you do happen to have good eyesight, you might just be able to make out different animals moving. Also, keep an eye open for those desert oases; these bits of greenery are very welcome among all of that sand.

Photographing the Experience: Tips and Tricks

Capturing those moments will almost certainly require a bit of planning. First, bear this in mind; the basket moves a bit, plus it may be breezy up there, so secure everything. Use your phone. It’s the most simple solution. But make certain it is either on a lanyard or has a seriously secure case. So, what setting works best? Landscape is great, however, honestly, videos work great, too, as it is possible to capture sounds as well as views. If you happen to use a real camera, take more lenses. Something wide will capture loads of scenery, whereas something zoom lets you focus on animals that might be down below. You might get some sun glare, very, so keep your lens shaded. Most importantly, remember this: appreciate where you happen to be instead of only seeing it via your camera’s screen!

The Cost Factor: Is a Private Tour a Good Value?

Let’s be real; those private hot air balloon flights come at a cost that is, really, rather hefty compared against a shared tour. Is that increase worth it? Very much, that depends upon your own preferences. So, what kind of things would push you to consider splurging? If you want an event which is very intimate – suppose you are planning a proposal, maybe celebrating a special anniversary – that added privacy can make all the difference. Very often, shared tours have upwards of twenty individuals squeezed in one basket, which isn’t romantic, so it’s nice to consider. Perhaps you want more input with that balloon flight’s path or wish to have a more in-depth chat to the pilot. Then again, a private tour delivers additional flexibility. Do consider your budget; make sure that the extra expenditure will not stretch things too much, alright?

What to Wear and Bring

What do you really want to wear on this sky high adventure? It might be useful if we looked at the weather in more detail. While down on the ground the desert tends to get very warm throughout the day, up in that air it tends to be very chilly, especially early on. Layers tend to be great, so a jacket you may easily remove is most useful. Choose comfortable shoes since you will be standing up during that whole trip. Do not forget your hat plus sunglasses; even at dawn, sun glare can be rather intense. You also want sunscreen to safeguard against the sun’s rays, so it’s also vital. Remember to take water because, you might feel dehydrated following your flight. Lastly, don’t forget any camera. That is, obviously, vital!

Safety Measures You Should Know About

Safety is, clearly, the most important element when you decide to fly up in the air inside of a hot air balloon. Look for reliable operators; look into their safety credentials along with their track record before you go ahead. Professional companies have pilots who are skilled plus ground staff that happen to be highly trained to handle just about everything. Balloons should be inspected often, well, to ensure that those are in top shape. Take note during any safety briefings and follow those guidelines from the staff, which are vital to keep you safe, actually. Pay attention as they give you info such as brace positions for the landing. Lastly, you need insurance to ensure, as an example, if an incident did occur, you will be covered.

Potential Drawbacks and How to Handle Them

While, for the most part, flying inside a hot air balloon is quite dreamy, some possible negatives do occur. One such thing might be weather. Hot air balloons are not able to take off in high winds or when it’s rather stormy. In the event that your flight gets cancelled due to the weather, reliable companies will reschedule or, potentially, give you back your money. You might experience a bit of dizziness or, maybe, motion sickness as you ascend/descend, so it is important to avoid big meals ahead of the trip, or take motion sickness pills. People scared of heights might feel uneasy, and so it is vital to prepare yourself, potentially, by watching some footage from past rides and relaxing.

Booking Tips: Making Sure You Get the Best Deal

Are you ready to secure your trip? Let me share a few strategies which will, ideally, help you get the best value. Early booking often gets better rates and makes sure you get the time frame you want. Check for packages or discounts, because a number of tour companies work together with resorts in that local area so that they are able to bundle balloon rides together with lodgings or some other attractions. Look over all reviews of potential tour companies because honest reviews frequently mention hidden expenses or services. Check their cancellation policies carefully before you book because you ought to be very certain you may change things in the event you’re faced with a sudden issue.