Tips for Chasing Hot Air Balloons

Each year across the nation there are hundreds of Hot Air Balloon Jubilees. Depending on the host town of the jubilee there may be numerous different activities surrounding the balloons themselves such as fairs, craft shows, other aircrafts such as airplane stunt shows and motorized model plane shows. One activity that is not "organized" or planned but can be great fun is balloon chasing.

What hot air balloon chasing entails is the balloons launching and then following on the ground to see where the hot air balloon lands. Most experienced balloon chasers will pick a particular balloon: they may be connected in some way, know the owner, or just like the color or design.

Hot Air Balloon Chasing Tip #1: Particularly if you're not familiar with the area where you are going to be balloon chasing have a map of the area. You never know where you may end up and a map may come in very handy when you go to find your way home.

Hot Air Balloon Chasing Tip #2: Have a co-pilot to go with you. Most likely you will be chasing the balloon(s) in a vehicle and it's not only difficult but dangerous to drive while watching the sky and that is where the balloon will be for at least part of the adventure. One person drives while the other watches the balloons and can give directions.

Hot Air Balloon Chasing Tip #3: Use the restroom before the balloons launch. This may seem childish but while you are running in a gas station or fast food restaurant to use the facilities the balloon is still moving and you may lose it. The balloon that is!

Hot Air Balloon Chasing Tip #4: Be safe and courteous while balloon chasing. Obey all traffic laws and signs and never infringe on private property. Running stop signals, blocking people's driveways, and running over mailboxes is not allowed.

Hot Air Balloon Chasing Tip #5: If planning to take pictures have plenty of film or back up batteries for your camera. There's nothing worse than having the perfect photo opportunity missed because you ran out of film or your batteries ran out.

Hot Air Balloon Chasing Tip #6: Take along snacks and beverages for your balloon chase. A good balloon chase could take hours if you plan to chase to the end so these things will not only keep you following but can make for an enjoyable morning or evening on the road traveling who knows where.

Hot Air Balloon Chasing Tip #7: If you manage to chase the balloon to its landing site offer assistance but don't get in the way. Balloon pilots know what they are doing but these aircraft are very difficult to 'park on a dime' if they are headed for an open area please don't park your car right in the middle of that spot.

Hot air balloon chasing can be fun and exciting and at the same time rewarding. Balloon chasing not only gets you out of the house it can get you traveling to areas you may never have seen before right in your own back yard (home town) and is an opportunity to meet new people. Happy safe hot air balloon chasing to you!