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.
Hot Air Balloons in the Movies: An Iconic History
From Around the World in 80 Days to Up, explore the iconic history of hot air balloons in movies and why filmmakers…
Fall Foliage Balloon Rides in Massachusetts
Plan a fall foliage hot air balloon ride over Massachusetts: peak color timing, sunrise launch windows, and what to expect from the…
The Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta: A First-Timer’s Guide
Planning your first Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta? Here's what to know about Mass Ascension, Special Shapes, and getting the most from your trip.
Are Hot Air Balloons Safe? What the Statistics Say
Are hot air balloons safe? Here's what the safety record, FAA rules, and rare accidents actually reveal about ballooning risk.
How Much Does a Hot Air Balloon Ride Cost?
Wondering how much is a hot air balloon ride? Here's what shapes the price, shared vs. private flights, and how to fly…
Breitling Orbiter 3 and the Record That Stunned the World
The Breitling Orbiter 3 made history in 1999 as the first balloon to circle the globe nonstop. Here's the story behind the…
Ballooning in Cappadocia, Turkey: Everything to Know
Planning a Cappadocia hot air balloon flight? Here's what to expect, when to go, and how to choose an operator for this…
How Custom-Shaped Balloons Are Designed and Built
Curious how are special shape balloons made? Go inside the design, fabric-cutting, and sewing process behind custom hot air balloons.
What to Expect on Your First Hot Air Balloon Ride
Wondering what to expect on your first hot air balloon ride? Here's exactly what happens from sunrise launch to landing and champagne…
The First Nonstop Balloon Flight Around the World
The true story of the first balloon around the world, the 1999 Breitling Orbiter 3 flight, and what it still teaches every…