The most spectacular balloon festivals

Hot air balloon flight is a great way to get an unforgettable experience for a lifetime. Numerous international balloon festivals take place around the world every year, when dozens of colorful "balloons" soar into the sky. This is a unique opportunity to see familiar places from a height, take great photos and enjoy the amazing scenery.

The International Balloon Festival in Albuquerque, New Mexico.

This 2—day festival is the largest in the world. Here you can see up to 750 balloons. The festival takes place in the first week of October.

Balloon Festival in Cappadocia, Turkey.

Unique geological formations make this place one of the most beautiful to admire from a height.

The International Balloon Festival in Chateau d'Eau, Switzerland.

This 9-day festival takes place at the end of January. The night lights on the amazing backdrop of the Alps cannot be missed.

International Balloon Festival in Putrajaya, Malaysia.

This is a small and relatively new festival, which takes place for only the sixth year in a row, but it's definitely a great way to look down on the city.

Bristol International Balloon Festival in the UK.

It takes place in August. A great way to see the British countryside from a bird's-eye view.

Gatineau International Balloon Festival in Quebec, Canada.

Almost 200,000 visitors and 300 shows and performances, and of course, magnificent balloons — that's what you can see during this festival in Canada.

Taiwan Balloon Festival in Taitung.

Although this event began to be held only in 2011, the mountain landscape makes it one of the most beautiful.

The European Balloon Festival in Igualada, Spain.

If you get to Barcelona in early July, be sure to go to Igualada for one of the largest balloon festivals in Europe.

The International Balloon Festival in Pampanga, Philippines.

This is a celebration not only for balloon lovers — it is also the largest air show in the Philippines, attracting about 60,000 spectators every year.

Balloon Festival in Canberra, Australia.

Balloons at this festival rise into the air from the lawn of the old Parliament building and fly very close to the buildings of the Australian capital.

International Festival in Velikiye Luki, Russia.

The festival started in 1996 and is one of the main in Russia.

Balloon Festival in Colorado Springs, USA.

This free event takes place over the weekend and is one of the best ways to explore the Rocky Mountains.

View from inside the balloon.

Stop sitting on the couch — let's all ride balloons!