What do the tourist brochures not tell you? Here are tips to get the most out of your balloon flight in Cappadocia, Turkey.
So, what traps should you avoid when taking that bucket list balloon flight in Cappadocia? Firstly, it's Instagrammer's heaven, so don't expect the reality to live up to the hype. So here is what we learned from our experience.
This is overtourism at its finest. Just over 160 balloons fly each day, with an average capacity of 20 people—that's 3,000+ people per day.
So here are our tips to make the most of your ballooning experience in Cappadocia.
Flexibility is key. Be prepared that balloon flights are subject to the weather. Out of our two-week stay in Cappadocia, there were only three days when ballooning could occur.
The cheapest will be the worst; it's a simple factor: a balloon holding 20+ people will mean you won't be standing in a spot in the balloon that is not behind another person.
It's a sunk cost just getting to Cappadocia, so don't skimp on the balloon; anything more significant than an eight-person balloon means you risk experiencing a balloon flight while looking at the back of someone's head.
We got talked out of an eight-person flight and got a twelve-person flight. This means three people in a one square metre area. Unfortunately, we had an overweight man who took up half of that space, so I got to chat with the pilot (with no view) for the flight while having a heavily overweight man's body pressed against me.
Safety is lacking. Be prepared for the world's shortest safety briefing. Most people were not in the correct landing position, and one gust of wind would have broken several bones.
People walk around the balloons, guide ropes, and vans rushing to ferry guests to drop points without understanding the risks involved.
We've flown in Dubai (excellent) and Australia (unique), both completely different experiences that captured the magic of ballooning and will get you hooked on this travel experience.
We even had one 'influencer' ask the pilot to set the balloon down to take photos during mid-flight. Yes, we are serious, whilst we were flying at 1,000 feet!
Now, don't get me wrong. Ballooning in Cappadocia is a bucket list activity. Go in with your eyes open. Anything over eight people in a balloon will disappoint. Spend the extra euros and have a truly magical experience (we paid €120 for each). Even better, take the personal balloon that hosts two people. You will be guaranteed the flight you were hoping for.
The smaller balloons can go right down into the canyon, allowing you to touch the rock formations, put your camera away for a while, and be in the moment. Enjoy the sensory overload and wonder of Mother Nature. It truly is a magnificent landscape.
The post-flight balloon experience is a non-event. Be very careful to find out what it means. Based on the certificates handed out, the one parent company owns most balloon companies, and the champagne breakfast is a cheap bottle of non-alcoholic grape juice.
Kudos to our pilot from Anatolian Balloons. He was incredible and provided the best experience possible. He was very experienced and could even land the balloon on the trailer.
To the couple that selected the balloon flight for two, Sally and I envy you; next time, that will be our choice!
With the above tips, you will create new travel memories, and Cappadocia will be a highlight. It is a magical town.
Be sure to rise early at sunrise to capture the essence of ballooning over Cappadocia. Watching 100 balloons floating through the town was indeed an experience. We stayed at Sato Cave Hotel, which has a beautiful rooftop terrace to enjoy the views.
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