From Panic to Awe: The 7 Emotional Stages of a Dubai Hot Air Balloon Ride
Tall buildings, high-end shopping, exciting desert safaris and modern architecture are all part of Dubai’s exciting experiences. Still, if you are hoping for a peaceful and memorable experience, a hot air balloon Dubai ride gives a different view. Watching the desert from above as the sun rises can improve your mood, your thoughts and your appreciation for simple things.
No matter if you love thrills, romance or lovely scenery, going up in a hot air balloon in Dubai will be a memorable and emotional journey. Experiencing every up and down, from anxiety to happiness, is an important part of flying, not only seeing the view below. Let’s have a lighthearted look at the seven emotional steps you’re likely to go through on this journey.
The 7 Emotional Stages of a Dubai Hot Air Balloon Ride
1. The Alarm Clock Regret
The first thing is an alarm that goes off way too early, usually at about 4:00 AM. You hit snooze, more than once and you wonder what the hell you have done to put yourself in this situation. Leaving the bed feels ridiculous and the bed just feels extra warm. Except as you emerge into the cool desert air and stars continue to twinkle above, something changes. You see that you aren’t merely awake, you’re about to see a sunrise from the sky.
2. Pre-Flight Jitters
Once at the launch site, the sleepy fog begins to disappear and now you’re nervous. Its massive fabric comes to life and you see the balloon being inflated. Then you look at the basket and you think, “We’re all fitting in that basket?” This stage is normal to feel a little uneasy. Luckily, the professionalism of the flight crew and the professional way they are set up starts to ease those fears.
3. The Moment of Lift-Off
Suddenly you’re off the ground, smoothly, silently and effortlessly, you hear the whoosh of the burners. It is surreal. It isn’t jolted, it doesn’t drop suddenly, only a steady rise. You’re floating high above the sand dunes, before you know it and the world below is getting smaller. You realise that you have no fear, just wonder and your heart no longer beats with panic, but with awe. You are now part of the sky and the sky is opening up.
4. Silent Awe
Once the balloon reaches cruising altitude you are encased in a blanket of silence. The only sounds are the soft breeze and the occasional sound of the burner and there’s no engine noise, no horns, no distractions. You look out and you see the sunlight bathing a golden desert and camels walking below, the horizon stretching forever. That’s a very peaceful moment, one that catches many people off guard. This silence is not empty, it is full of presence, beauty and calm.
5. Gratitude Overload
This is where the emotions start to hit. It’s not just a beautiful view that you’re seeing, it’s a beautiful view that you’re feeling. It’s the scenery, the silence, that surreal feeling you get from flying and just the joy of doing something so big. He feels incredibly grateful for the chance to be there, with the people you’re sharing it with and for this peaceful pause from everyday life. It’s more than a ride, it’s just a moment of pure thankfulness.
6. Photo Frenzy
After the initial wonder wears off, the phones appear. You start snapping photos of the landscape, the sunrise, your fellow passengers and of course yourself. It looks like a postcard in every direction and you’ll want to record every second. It’s easy to want to spend the whole ride with a lens in your hand, but don’t forget to take in the whole ride with your own eyes as well. The memories will be amazing but the photos? Even so.
7. Back on Earth
It goes gently and slowly and before long you are back on solid ground. You land smoothly, step out of the basket and you feel a strange mix of emotions. It was fun, you’re surprised it was so safe and calm and you’re a little sad that it’s over. And some packages even include a breakfast in the desert and a certificate which is always nice to end the morning on a high note. You’ll already be booking your next flight.
Conclusion
A hot air balloon ride over Dubai isn’t just a bucket list activity, it’s as much an emotional ride as it is a physical one. It’s an experience that reaches you in ways you didn’t expect from the quiet nerves of early morning to the soul stirring views high above the desert. The best part is? It’s good for pretty much anyone, including solo travelers, couples or families.
If you’re ready to feel inspired, grateful and truly alive then book your hot air balloon Dubai ticket and get ready to rise above the ordinary. And you really don’t want to miss this unforgettable adventure when the sky’s waiting.
