The Do’s And Don’ts Guide For Taking A Hot Air Balloon Ride In Luxor

UPDATED FEB 2020. Taking a hot air balloon ride in Luxor is one of the city’s most popular and iconic tourist activities. Gliding through the air and soaking in views of the temples, Nile river, and lush farmland all with a backdrop of rugged, tan mountains was a perfect way to start the day. For me, it’s a travel memory that even just made me smile as I remembered it and wrote that just now. Today I want to help you prepare for your tour with this guide of the do’s and don’ts. As always, if you have any questions just let me know.

The Do’s And Don’ts Guide For Taking A Hot Air Balloon Ride In Luxor

I’m offering these tips from my own experience with Salem Balloons Luxor and all of their information is at the bottom of the post if you want to check them out.

Do – Set your alarm early!

It’s going to be an early start but it’s very much worth it. Those morning landscape views in the sunrise light are incredible.

Hot air balloon tours are run at sunrise and sunset. The soft light at these times mean you will have stunning views at either time.

I think it’s best to start early and do a sunrise flight in the cool of the morning. This way you still have the rest of the day to explore the temples and tombs of Luxor before finishing off the day with some hibiscus tea.

Don’t – Take your camera in the hot air balloon basket

Big cameras (like your DSLR) and even GoPro’s aren’t allowed to go in the balloon with you.

This is a strict rule because the government wants to limit surveillance.

Here’s how you can take photos. You CAN use your big camera/GoPro before and after the flight and you CAN take your phone on the hot air balloon ride in Luxor. I recommend taking your phone up with you to snap some photos during your time in the balloon.

The hot air balloon basket is a small space, so if you have a backpack you will be able to leave that in the van (I left mine in there with cameras) but if you’re not comfortable doing that, perhaps just leave your camera or valuables at the hotel and use your phone for this outing.

Do – Bring a little cash with you

The only thing you will need with you in the balloon is your phone for some photos and a little bit of cash for tips.

There’s a group of guys that help hold down the balloon before take-off and after landing, help pack up the balloon itself and help you in and out of the basket.

Before you get out of the basket, a collection will be passed around to collect tips for those guys who work so hard to help make these hot air balloon rides. Make sure you have a little something to offer them.

When you land, it’s also likely that some people will show up to try and sell you things or simply ask for money.

If you don’t want to buy anything, just say no and keep walking. Unless you want to be swamped, it’s best not to give out money to the kids asking.

All the staff are friendly, helpful and will make sure you have a fantastic time. If you want to leave a tip for the guides that get you from your hotel to the balloon, you’ll have a chance when you are back in the van.

Don’t – Be a doushebag

Now, I’m all for getting a cool photo. Come on, I have a collection of my own travel selfies on Instagram.

But before you go on your hot air balloon ride in Luxor, remember that the world doesn’t revolve around your Instagram pic!

During my flight, there was a group of girls in full dresses next to me who were leaning and putting their arms across my face to get the perfect ‘gram shot.

Getting a photo is cool but not if you’re invading someone’s personal space. Don’t be a doushebag and remember to be considerate of other people.

Do – Soak it all in

Maybe this goes with the last point of not being a doushebag, but remember to put your phone down for a moment while you’re in the air and soak it all in.

It’s awesome to have photos but what good are they if your only travel memory is taking them?

The views are INCREDIBLE and seeing it with your eyes is so different to see it through a lens.

I took a million photos while on the trip, but I made sure to stop for a few moments while we were in the air to just look around, breathe in the cool, morning air and marvel at it all.

The way the tan-colored mountains meet the greenery of the sugar cane farms was a gorgeous view that I hope never leaves my memory.

Don’t – Stress about the planning

Get yourself a guide who can take the stress off your plate and manage the trip planning and booking for you.

A personal guide can do the prep work before you visit to book your hotels, flights, driver and work with you to plan an itinerary.

When you are there, your guide can also take care of the entrance fees and take you to see the sights. This is a game-changer if you are a solo traveler as walking with a guide makes for a much better experience.

I recommend Amr Ali, who was my guide in Luxor, and he will be able to plan a memorable trip for you whether you’re traveling as an individual, couple or group. Check out his new Facebook page to get in contact with him.

Do – Book it!

Just do it!

Even if you’re a little squeamish when it comes to heights, don’t let the fear stop you from experiencing this fun adventure because a hot air balloon ride in Luxor is a once in a lifetime experience.

The staff will make sure you have a great time, take good care of you and the views from the air are just stunning!

I definitely recommend that you add a little magic to your trip and experience a sunrise hot air balloon ride.

Other guides to help you plan a trip to Egypt

• The Best Things To Do When You Visit Egypt For An Epic Vacation
• The 17 Most Useful Travel Tips For Egypt – Everything You Need To Know
• Solo Female Travel In Egypt – What You Need To Know For A Safe Visit
• Is Luxor Worth Visiting? 6 Reasons To Add It To Your Egypt Itinerary

For more information:

Visit the Salem Balloons Luxor Facebook Page

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