The Wicked Balloons Journal
Ballooning stories, history & how-tos
Everything about hot air ballooning — from the very first flight in 1783 to planning your own sunrise ride over New England.

How Fast Do Hot Air Balloons Travel?
Ever wonder how fast do hot air balloons go? Find out why speed depends entirely on the wind, and why that makes…

Jean-Pierre Blanchard and the First Balloon Flight in America
The first balloon flight in America lifted off in 1793 with George Washington watching. Here's the true story of Jean-Pierre Blanchard's historic…

Corporate Outings and Team Events by Balloon
Plan a corporate hot air balloon ride for your next offsite or client event, with tips on group size, timing, and weather…

The Best Views from a Balloon Over New England
Discover the best hot air balloon views New England has to offer, from sunrise farmland to fall foliage, on a Wicked Balloons…

The Piccard Family: Ballooning to the Stratosphere
How an Auguste Piccard balloon reached the stratosphere in 1931 and launched three generations of Piccard family exploration.

Mass Ascension: When Hundreds of Balloons Launch at Once
What a hot air balloon mass ascension really involves, from launch-field logistics to the calm morning air that makes it possible.

Renting a Balloon for a Photo or Film Shoot
Planning a hot air balloon for photoshoot or film work? Here's how tethered and flight sessions work, what to plan for, and…

Why Brands Use Hot Air Balloons for Marketing
Discover why balloon advertising for business still outperforms billboards and digital ads, and how custom shapes turn heads at every event.

How Do Hot Air Balloons Land Safely?
Curious how do hot air balloons land without steering or brakes? Learn the wind-reading, timing, and teamwork behind every safe touchdown.

Morning vs. Evening Flights: Which Should You Book?
Weighing the best time of day for a hot air balloon ride? Compare calm sunrise flights and golden sunset flights before you…