Two Hot Air Ballons Over San Diego
Hot air balloon rides are an incredible experience, but it’s important to be prepared before you go. Here are some tips to help you make the most of your San Diego aerial adventure.
Dress Accordingly
One of the most important things to keep in mind on any hot air balloon ride is to dress appropriately. Even if you’re on a luxury tour, operators still typically recommend casual attire to keep you comfortable.
Temperatures can fluctuate in the air, so it’s always helpful to bring a lightweight jacket that you can take on and off. Even if it’s warm on the ground, the wind might make things a bit more chilly once you depart.
Additionally, you may want to wear a hat or some other type of head cover to protect your hair and keep it in place. Finally, be sure to bring sunglasses, as the sun can be very bright when you’re up in the air.
Be Flexible
Your hot air balloon ride will need the right weather in order to launch. While San Diego has consistently good weather, it is still possible to get rained out. Being flexible with your tour dates can help if you end up needing to reschedule.
Booking a Tour
The easiest way to book is directly through your hot air balloon provider. Be sure to share your preferences and ask questions ahead of time so you make the most of this once in a lifetime experience.
Keep Your Belongings Safe
It’s incredibly important to keep all of your belongings safe and secure while you are up in the air.
All valuables should stay securely attached to your body in some way to make sure that they don’t fly away. Crossbody bags or fanny packs are great ways to ensure that all of your essentials stay secure.
If you’re bringing a camera, consider using a neck strap to keep it in place.
Plan Transportation Ahead of Time
When booking your flight, you’ll want to consider how you’ll get to the Del Mar area. Driving is the quickest option - if you’re coming from Downtown San Diego, it should take just 30 minutes to get there. It’s also easy to get there using a ridesharing app like Uber or Lyft.
If you prefer to take public transit, the Coaster commuter train runs from Downtown San Diego through to Del Mar and other North County towns. Keep in mind that you may still need to take a public bus once you get off the commuter train, depending on which hot air balloon provider you are working with. This option also takes a bit longer, sometimes as long as an hour.
Prepare To Make Friends
If you’re taking a group ride, prepare to make friends while on your trip. Hot air balloons are quite small, so you will likely end up in close proximity to other tour members.
Luckily, these tours have a very social atmosphere, so it’s quite easy to get to know your fellow passengers.
Safety Comes First
Throughout the hot air balloon ride, be sure to listen to your pilot and other crew members. Their instructions are for your safety and can also help you feel more comfortable up in the air.
You should also be sure to check your provider’s safety regulations before you book. It generally isn’t safe for pregnant women to ride, and most providers will require children to be at least 5 years of age as well.