Hot air ballooning

cazs

Appreciate that this is a bit of a niche question but need to get a nice wedding gift and this might be a bit more memorable than a toaster.

So thinking of getting hot air balloon experience - has anyone done this and can say a particular company was good or bad. I know there's several gift experience companies that you can book it through but any pointers would be helpful.

Thanks

Caroline_a

You need to check that the recipients are ok with heights - personally I wouldn't thank you for it!

meer53

It's not something i would appreciate either ! It's a very personal thing to do.

gettingtheresometime

Also it can be a pain in the bum to organise especially if the weather starts to turn.

zagfles

Yes in the UK it's very weather dependant, and so tends to be quite expensive as they have to cater for frequent postponements. It's really something best done in a country with more reliable weather.

Great experience though, and it's not as scary for people scared of heights as other altitide experiences as the basket is quite high and it's very relaxing, still and quiet when they turn the burners off and you just float.

cazs

gettingtheresometime wrote: »

Also it can be a pain in the bum to organise especially if the weather starts to turn.

I think you normally get a year or so to use it so not so much worried about that.

I am not particularly aware of a fear of heights - it's tough to think of something really nice that isn't quite mundane.

suki1964

Years ago before they built the big wheel on the Thames , there used to be a tethered helium ballon.

So the kids wanted to go on it

So we went

I'm totally petrified of heights plus have vertigo

It was the worst 30 mins of my life

Never ever again would you entice me on a balloon

Oh and yes when the wheel opened I went on that as well. No where near as bad as that balloon

Lily-Rose_3

cazs wrote: »

Appreciate that this is a bit of a niche question but need to get a nice wedding gift and this might be a bit more memorable than a toaster.

So thinking of getting hot air balloon experience - has anyone done this and can say a particular company was good or bad. I know there's several gift experience companies that you can book it through but any pointers would be helpful.

Thanks

Caroline_a wrote: »

You need to check that the recipients are ok with heights - personally I wouldn't thank you for it!

cazs wrote: »

I think you normally get a year or so to use it so not so much worried about that.

I am not particularly aware of a fear of heights - it's tough to think of something really nice that isn't quite mundane.

Sounds like a lovely gift, but I agree that you will need to fish a bit to find out if it's something they'd want. I had one for my 45th birthday and absolutely loved it. It was one of the best experiences of my life. However, my hubby said he would rather poke his eyes out with a needle than do it! :eek:

My balloon flight was bought via VIRGIN; sometimes it's best to go direct to them as if you go to WH Smiths or something - it will cost you about 25% more. You get a voucher to give them, and THEY book it at a convenient time for them. You do normally get 9 months to a year to use the voucher. There is a fairly decent chance that the day they book it will be OK weather. If not, they can postpone.

But yeah, do check with someone first, if it's what this couple would want. Not everyone likes the same things.... eg; if someone ordered a strippergram for me, I would HATE it and would run a mile, and would never speak to that person again! I cannot think of anything worse than a sweaty naked man flapping his bits in front of my face! :eek:

Some people would feel the same about a hot air balloon flight. A fear of heights is a very powerful phobia.

Oh one last pointer, there is a weight limit on it, usually 17 stone. So if either one of the couple - or both - are fairly obese, it may not be the best idea to book a balloon flight, as they won't be allowed on it!

AnnieO1234

We went direct with one in Cornwall but were able to transfer to a local (ish) one in Derbyshire although ended up back in Cornwall the following year. Absolute pain in the rear end with false starts up to and including wifhhe balloon in the field.

The in air experience is amazing but the landing can leave a lot to be desired (we crashed into a field leaving massive dents with a sideways basket, we had run out of land). Oh and you're expected to help pack away the balloon too.

The baskets aren't easy to get into either.

Definitely an experience, I'm glad we did it but I do not think I would do it again personally. Xxx

itsanne

I'm absolutely hopeless with heights, getting dizzy as well as disliking them, but had no problem at all in a hot air balloon flight. I loved it, as did OH who hadn't been too bothered one way or the other beforehand. However, as others here have shown, not everyone would appreciate it, so it might be worth checking that the couple st least don't hate the idea rather than presenting them with a surprise.

We were lucky and managed the first date booked, but others had had several flights cancelled because of the weather.

onlyroz

My mum bought us a Segway ride for Christmas a few years back and that was brilliant.