Seeing a place from above is one of the best ways to put it into perspective. Looking down from the clouds puts a destination on the map and enables the visitor to put together the pieces and directions of each and every building or natural monument in a landscape. 

Hot air ballooning, helicopter tours, plane rides — even extreme sports like base jumping and sky diving — can really change the perspective of a location. However, hot air ballooning is a singular experience. Floating almost weightless and nearly silent over a place in a colorful balloon paints the entire destination in different hues. 

There are a number of locations where you can hot air balloon, but Afar has hunted down 28 of the best. From soaring over Cappadocia to flying in a festival, these are some of the most sought-after experiences you can have in the air.

Number-one on the list is the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta, but it’s hardly the only place in the U.S. where you can go up in a balloon. Perhaps the most remote is a hot air balloon ride in the North Pole, the tethered ride is available through Quark Expeditions. 

READ MORE: Russian Balloonist Breaks Record Flying Around Globe  

While that journey may be the most remote, it’s far from the most incredible. Take a look a the complete list.  

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