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.
Anatomy of a Balloon: Envelope, Basket and Burner
Explore the parts of a hot air balloon, envelope, basket and burner, and how these three simple pieces work together to fly.
Ed Yost and the Birth of the Modern Hot Air Balloon
Who invented the modern hot air balloon? Meet Ed Yost, the Nebraska engineer whose 1960 flight created the design every balloon still…
What to Bring on a Balloon Ride: A Checklist
Not sure what to bring on a hot air balloon ride? Our simple checklist covers clothing, cameras, snacks, and what to leave…
A Local’s Guide to Ballooning Around Worcester
A local's guide to hot air balloon Worcester MA flights: best seasons, launch sites, what to expect, and tips for your first…
Escape Over the Iron Curtain: The Berlin Balloon Story
The true story behind the Berlin Wall balloon escape of 1979, when two families built a homemade balloon to fly to freedom.
12 Bucket-List Balloon Destinations Worldwide
From Cappadocia to New England, explore 12 of the best places for hot air balloon rides worldwide and start planning your own…
Hot Air Balloons in Advertising and Music Videos
Why a hot air balloon in commercials and music videos still stops viewers cold, from custom-built brand balloons to what film productions…
Corporate Balloon Events: Grand Openings and Beyond
Planning corporate hot air balloon events? Here's how grand openings, anniversaries, and brand launches use balloons to draw a crowd.
Meet the Chase Crew: The Team on the Ground
Discover what a hot air balloon chase crew does, the skills it takes, and why this ground team is essential to every…
What Happens at a Balloon Launch, Step by Step
Curious how does a hot air balloon launch really work? Follow the full sequence from cold inflation to liftoff with the Wicked…