International Balloon Fiesta in Albuquerque, New Mexico

If you are thinking of a place to visit this fall, Albuquerque in New Mexico is a must. Fall means brilliant colors springing on the ground and in the skies of Albuquerque. A must see and a must do on the first week through the second week of October each year is the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta.

Why is it creating a buzz

The International Balloon Fiesta in Albuquerque attracts crowds of approximate 100,000 each year. So getting in the park early is the best option. They usually open the gates of 78-acre Baloon Fiesta Park for the crowd at around 4:30 in the morning and 3:00 in the afternoon. Adults are charged $6 while children twelve and below can get in for free.

Do you find it a bit crowded? It is and it will always be since it will be a wonderful parade of hundreds of colorful balloons coming from different countries across the globe. Aside from taking pictures, you can actually walk near the balloons and talk to the pilots who make these things glide across the New Mexico sky.

It is not a one day event and you can experience first hand some of the attractions during the International Balloon Fiesta. There are daily schedules for balloon races, mass ascensions, Special Shape Rodeo Event, and the Dawn Patrol. It is hard to pick one event to go to and it is best to try all.

Don’t miss out the opportunity to take photos of the colorful balloons during the glow events at dusk or dawn. The natural lighting creates a magical effect which makes it a no effort deal to capture great images.

Riding the Balloons

The International Balloon Fiesta will not just let you take a few clicks on your camera and just be amazed with the balloons in the park. You can actually get a chance to ride them with the Rainbow Ryders, a tour company authorized by the organizers to give you the special treat of experiencing first hand how it is like to be on a hot air balloon.

Here are some tips that might make your experience go well:

* Ask the pilot of the balloon if they have any weight limits for the ride.
* Make sure that you are fit enough to get on and off the basket of the balloon.
* It will help if you will dress in layers since it is the time of the year when it gets a bit chilly in New Mexico.
* Remember that the pilot has the final say in terms of what you can do while in the balloon. The pilot might need your weight to help control the balloon. So trust them with your life and safety.
* You must have conquered any fear of heights before riding the balloon. It will not be a good idea if you will use the experience to conquer the fear since you will be really flying high with the breeze blowing against your face and your whole body.
* Do not panic. Landing requires a lot of skill and it will take a while before you touch the ground.

Aside from hot air balloons, organizers also prepare entertainment on the park grounds. Food, great site, and great company will be all around you.