When you are traveling abroad the last thing you want is to get into an auto collision. Whether you’ve been hit or you rear-end another car, most people don’t even know what to do next. Moreover, most insurance policies don’t cover rental cars in other countries. No matter where you are in the world there is always an appropriate way to respond when car accidents happen. It can be nerve racking and little scary, depending on how shaken up you are or if there are injuries, if you get into a car accident oversees, but here are some ways to handle it in the worst case scenario that it happens to you.

First, is always smart to be prepared for the worst any time you travel abroad, no matter where you go. If you know that you will be renting a car in a specific country or location it is smart to read all of their laws first. In addition, you also want to look at what some of the best protocols are in that country to see what you should do if you do get into an accident. Some countries might operate in a vastly different way, so it is important to be knowledgeable if you do happen to get into an accident.

Next, you should never sign any papers after you’ve been in an accident until you know everything that is written down in the waver. In some countries you could literally be signing your life away. If you don’t speak the language, make sure you have an interpreter – one that you can trust – that can tell you every the waver says before you sign the document. Many of these documents can be basic scams perpetrated by the police or the other person involved in the accident.

Also, you never want to panic. Always stay calm and collected -even if the collision is your fault. You want to make sure that you don’t cause yourself or the other driver any further confusion. It can be easy to panic, especially if you are in a completely foreign country. It is also recommended that if you are injured that you don’t move in case of any serious internal injuries. It might take a while for the ambulance to arrive. The same goes for the other driver involved.

Lastly, you want to make sure that you take an accurate assessment of the accident scene. If it is certifiably the other driver’s fault, they might try to pin it on you, just because you are a foreigner. It is recommended that you take pictures of the damage to your car and to the other car. It might also be wise to take a picture of your phone or watch so that you get an accurate reading of the time and date. If you have to go court, which can be frustrating in another country, it is smart to have the most evidence, because otherwise they will take the other driver’s word it blame it all you.

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There was a time when travel by air was considered a luxury and a privilege. These days it’s become old hat, and thanks to TSA regulations, many view this miracle of modern technology as nothing more than an anxiety-inducing hassle. However, there are some airports that do their best to reduce the stress of travelers and provide them with all of the food, entertainment, and conveniences they need to get through their ordeal without so much as a hiccup. Here are a few hubs you may want to consider when booking your next trip.

1. Minneapolis, MN (MSP). You may know Minneapolis best as the home of the Mall of America, but right across the interstate you’ll find one of the most beloved airports in the nation, and it could have something to do with the atmosphere that mirrors the neighboring shopping mall. Check-in and security are said to be a breeze when compared to other busy, metropolitan airports, and the clean atmosphere and courteous staff certainly don’t hurt (you’ve got to love those polite Midwesterners). However, the larger draw for this popular airport is no doubt the mall-like atmosphere awaiting travelers once they get through security. With a plethora of options for eating and shopping, you’ll feel like you’re strolling through the mall rather than waiting for a flight.
2. Portland, OR (PDX). Portland plays home to plenty of foodies, and as such, you’ll find some of the best airport food options around at the eateries located in PDX. There are also shopping options to keep you busy, and fairly light traffic means you’ll get through check-in with little fuss or waiting in lines. In addition, the terminal is clean, well lit, and surprisingly peaceful.
3. Las Vegas, NV (LAS). This airport is just five miles off the Vegas strip, meaning you won’t have to get up early just to sit in a cab for half an hour in order to catch your flight. And check-in is relatively quick considering how many people come through. In addition, there’s plenty to entertain you thanks to abundant shops and rows of slots, so even a long layover will breeze by. You won’t find much in the way of entertainment for kids, but keep in mind that this is America’s adult playground and temper your expectations on that score.
4. Charlotte, NC (CLT). Some southern airports (ahem, Atlanta) are known for their long lines and less-than accommodating staff. But don’t let that color your view of every airport in the south-eastern region of the country. CLT is a breath of fresh air. Not only is it conveniently located in relation to the city, but travelers will be wowed by the efficiency of services like curbside check-in and baggage handling, just for example. And once you’re inside you’ll no doubt enjoy the comfortable and spacious lounges that this hub is famous for.
5. Orlando, FL (MCO). Most people are more concerned with the services available inside the airport, and this is especially true when traveling with kids. With plenty of families visiting Orlando, it’s no wonder that their airport is chock full of handy features like luggage trolleys, kid zones, shops, and perhaps most importantly, WiFi. It’s also beautifully designed with glass domes, exposed girders, and potted palms. And while visitors might not care so much about airport parking, the fact that rental cars are easy and convenient is definitely a boon.

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If you thought domestic air travel was a pain in the neck, just wait until you plan a trip to an international destination. Not only do you have to show up at the airport an hour earlier and likely undergo more intensive bag searches and screening procedures (complete with long lines), but then there are plenty of additional challenges and potential threats to deal with. So if you’re putting together an overseas excursion and you want to be prepared for anything you might face at the airport, here are a few tips to help ensure smooth sailing, so to speak.

1. Keep your passport handy, but hidden. International travel requires you to have a passport and if you lose it you’ll have no small amount of difficulty obtaining a new one and getting back to your home country. While you’ll need to have it handy when you’re going through the airport so you can flash it for check-in, security screenings, and perhaps even passage through the gate and onto the airplane, you don’t want to leave it sticking out of your pocket where it might accidentally fall out (or intentionally get stolen). A money belt is one option, although it’s not exactly easy access. But a better choice may be to wear a jacket that has an inside pocket. Just don’t take it off with your passport inside.
2. Don’t let your baggage out of your sight. Chances are that you’ll never be targeted for transporting illegal substances in your luggage. But it’s not entirely outside the realm of possibility, especially if you’re visiting a country that earns a lot of money through drug smuggling. Your best option is to keep your bags in your possession and in plain sight at all times. And if you wind up distracted by an oddball interaction with a stranger, consider popping into the nearest bathroom to give your bag a once-over before you go through security or get on the plane.
3. Know the rules before you travel. You are probably well aware of TSA regulations (3-ounce bottles of liquid and the like). But it’s not a bad idea to familiarize yourself with international travel standards before you fly into the great blue yonder.
4. Get your C and zees. The recycled air in airports and on planes ensures that germs spread like wildfire, which is perhaps why so many people get sick when they travel. And if you’ve got long layovers and longer flights ahead of you on your international adventure, you need to give your immune system the best chance of fighting off viruses. So down that extra dose of vitamin C to boost your immunity and make sure to get plenty of rest before you travel. A sleep deficit can lower your ability to fight off infection.
5. Exchange money ahead of time. If you’re visiting another country you won’t have to worry about the cost of airport parking, but you might need some cash for a cab, and the chances that they’ll accept currency other than their own is slim. While many taxis now come with card readers you can’t rely on this, and what if you want some food in the airport, or a drink from the vending machine? The point is that it’s not a bad idea to make sure that you have the correct currency for any international airport you might find yourself visiting. You’ll be particularly happy to have it should your flight get delayed, leaving you stuck for longer than anticipated.

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If you live in Minnesota, you know how cold the winters can get. You may want to occasionally play outside in the snow, but after a while, it’s time to come in and warm up. But instead of hibernating in your house, why not get out and doing something fun and active? Here are six things you can do to say warm and active in Minnesota.

Go to a Basketball Game

Image via Flickr by David Jones

When it’s cold outside, you can warm up in an arena. Basketball season is in full swing during the cold months in Minnesota. Why not pick up some Minnesota Timberwolves Tickets and take in a game? You’ll spend a few hours in the heated Target Center and enjoy a great game while staying warm.

Go Shopping

Image via Flickr by cliff1066

You have the ultimate shopping center right in your own backyard: the Mall of America. Offering tons of great shops, restaurants, year-round events, and attractions, you can visit the Mall of America whenever you need to walk around indoors due to the cold weather outside. New adventures and new stores await your arrival.

Spend Quality Time with the Kids

Image via Flickr by stevendepolo

Instead of spending cold Minnesota days parked in front of the TV and video games, take your kids on an adventure they won’t soon forget. Fun times await at great indoor activity zones, including Eagles Nest, GolfZone, SkyZone Sports, and Sea Life Minnesota.

Enjoy a Great Meal

Image via Flickr by Guttorm Flatabe

When the weather’s cold and you’re just not up for cooking a big meal, Minnesota has some great restaurants you can enjoy. Enjoy delicious cuisine from South of the Border at Chipotle Mexican Grille. Enjoy authentic Chicago pizza at Chris & Rob’s Chicago Taste Authority. Grab a great burger at American Burger Bar.  Whatever you fancy, there’s a great restaurant that serves it in Minnesota.

Get some Culture

Image via Flickr by brewbooks

A great way to spend a cold day staying warm indoors is by visiting a museum. Minnesota has some great museums with many different themes, so you’re sure to find one that’s right for you and your family.

Minnesota Children’s Museum has plenty of activities that allow children to learn from playing. Minnesota History Center is an interactive museum that includes state archives and a library. Rourke Art Museum has contemporary art, ceramics, American pop art, American Indian art, and Pre-Columbian art. There are plenty of choices to pick from and you’re sure to find one your family will love.

Lose Yourself at the Movies

Image via Flickr by davedehetre

A movie that can warm your senses is a perfect way to spend a cold Minnesota day. There are some great theatres throughout the state that will please your eyes both in and out of the theatre, including the number four attraction in Minnesota: Riverview Theatre. This vintage movie theater provides great movies in grand style, with old-fashioned seating and delicious popcorn.

You can find an abundance of fun, indoor activities to take you away from the cold harsh days of a Minnesota winter. Pick your favorite, grab your family, and warm up!

Resources:

http://minnesota.cbslocal.com/guide/family-fun-guide-to-the-best-indoor-activities/

http://www.minnesotamonthly.com/media/Minnesota-Monthly/Twin-Cities-Taste/Restaurant-Listings/

http://www.exploreminnesota.com/things-to-do/arts-culture/index.aspx?utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=things-to-do&gclid=CI3tvbq4rLUCFQyqnQod_XEAqQ

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There are few experiences quite as exciting as leaving your normal, daily life behind for the great unknown of a travel tour. These trips are always at least a week, and often as long as several months. They usually take you somewhere you’ve never been before, to enjoy a culture, a language and a cuisine that’s entirely new. It’s the type of adventure you’ll remember for the rest of your life, sharing photos, souvenirs and new discoveries with friends and family until they are truly sick of it. But not all travel tours are built the same way. Choose poorly, and you could spend a lot of money on something that feels like a tourist construct. Those traps aren’t authentic, and really just waste your time. Time is the only resource you cannot ever get back, so consider some of the best types of tours to enrich your travel experience.

The first rule is to look for opportunities that immerse you in the local community.

These will always be preferable to group tours that drop you off at tourist destinations. Look for bus and train tours that make stops off the beaten path. The goal is to discover small towns and restaurants that aren’t part of some major city. Book a multi-stop itinerary, bring a map and enough cash to be able to enjoy whatever the day brings. This is how you’ll find souvenirs that are worth the money.

If your trip takes you into a city, look to set up tours hosted by local travel companies.

This way you’ll be able to hit up several spots around town in the same trip, and hopefully experience the city in an immersive way. Again, the goal is to move past the same kind of tour that everyone does. Sure, you’ll want to see the Eiffel Tower on a trip to Paris. But what about the incredible art and architecture that isn’t quite so recognizable? Look for tours that focus on a certain subject, time period or cultural touchpoint, so you return home with photos and memories that are more unique to your trip.

Urban escapes are great, but if you really want to experience a new place you’ve got to get out of the city.

So look for day trips that bring you into the countryside. This is your chance to experience a place as the locals do. You’ll still get to check out some great shops and restaurants, but the natural beauty of a unique location can offer just as valuable an experience. Otherwise you could just fly to another city in the United States and do some sightseeing. There are serious geographical differences, and you’ll want the opportunity to feel new air and smell new smells than you’ve ever experienced before.

Finally, consider international tour packages that are put together by full-time travelers.

These will have a far different feel than a package offered by a large corporation. To get to know a country intimately it must be extensively explored, and people who have made that exploration their life’s work always create the best touring opportunities. They will set the whole thing up for you, and will be able to answer any question you may have. They’ll also be able to personalize the tour to your tastes. Without this connection you could get stuck hitting up a bunch of rote destinations that don’t give you a real flavor for the country.

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Typically, when we think of the kinds of people who fly on private jets, it is celebrities and government officials who immediately come to mind. And honestly, when it comes to those who actually own them that is usually the case. Private jets are not cheap and so they do tend to be associated with the lifestyles of the rich and famous.

However, when it comes to chartering a flight, there are many not-so-famous people who are willing to shell out $2,500-5,000 per hour (based on the size of the jet) instead of booking a commercial flight. Why? Well, it’s because there are actually many benefits that come with doing so and we’ve enclosed just five of them below:

You can avoid all of the “airport traffic”.

Sometimes, it’s not the actual commercial flight that we want to avoid, but all of the hustle and bustle that tends to go on in the airports. When you take a private jet that leaves out of a smaller general aviation airport, you don’t have to wait in line at the checkout counter or go through the headaches of the security checkpoints.

You can take a straight flight.

As the price of fuel continues to be fairly costly, it’s pretty hard to find a flight that doesn’t have at least one layover. When you book a private jet, it will take you straight to where you want to go. As a matter of fact, due to this convenience, you can even fly to more than one city in a day if you need to.

You can relax better.

Most of us have traveled on a commercial flight for so long that we probably haven’t even stopped to think about how close we are to complete strangers for hours at a time as we’re traveling to our destinations. Sometimes being that cramped can be extremely uncomfortable. However, with a private jet, there tends to be more room to stretch out and relax.

You have more privacy.

A big part of the reason why famous people opt for private jet travel is because they like the level of privacy that it affords them. Going this route means that the only people who know when and where you are going are the ones you told and/or invited to join you. It’s a great way to hold uninterrupted meetings. Also, many come with the kind of accommodations to where you can listen to music, watch movies or satellite television and even stretch out on seats that are more like beds so that you can take a much-desired nap.

You don’t have to wait once you land.

If you go to website for worldwide private jet prices, another benefit that you will probably see on many of them is that when it comes to landing, you don’t have to wait. That’s because the aircrew is able to call ground transportation to schedule a landing time where you don’t have to wait behind commercial airplanes. That way, you can get immediately off of the jet and onto wherever you need to go with no interruptions. For many, that’s worth every dime that charting a private jet costs them.

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Jumping on a tour can be a much easier way to see a place, especially when you have the help of a friendly tour guide.

Here are a few tours to get you started:

Half Day: Hop on board the pink amphibious LARCS

This is definitely a unique tour and will get your holiday off to a fun start. The pink LARCs tour is found in the town of 1770. If visiting a town that is named numerically isn’t quirky enough, gliding around the sea coast on a pink boat with wheels will definitely give that whacky edge to your holiday.

The boat travels from the coastlines of Eurimbula National Park of Bustard Bay to Queensland’s first lighthouse built – the Bustard Head Lighthouse. The best time to go on the LARCS tour is in the late afternoon, as you’ll be able to enjoy the day just before the sunsets. You’ll also have a guide to fill you in on the history of the area. Look out for dolphins and make sure you bring your camera!

Full Day: Four-wheel drive tours in Tropical North Queensland

If you’re a rev head or just enjoy a picturesque drive, there’s no better way to travel through Queensland than four-wheel driving. One of the most scenically beautiful 4WDing trips is from Port Douglas through to the Daintree Cape Tribulation coast and the Great Barrier Reef (the only place in the world where two World Heritage areas meet).

The tour is pretty easy to organise, once you have booked it there’s not much else to organise apart from your accommodation at the other end. The tour guide will pick you up from your hotel and you’ll be off on the great 4WDing adventure. You’ll hear tales of the areas and the history of towns from the local tour guides. They’ll also take you to a great spot for a feed at lunch time.

Night: Brisbane Lights Tour

If you find yourself in the city of Brisbane, a great way to see the city is on a Brisbane Lights Tour which runs from 6.30pm to 9.30pm. The tour takes you through the hustle and bustle of the city, such as the hot spot Paddington through to some great look out points at the Southbank Parklands and the Fortitude Valley, where you’ll get to see the Brisbane skyline in all its glory.

The tour will pick you up from the CBD area and includes the choice of dinner or coffee and cake, as well as a fantastic City Cat river cruise.

Extended: Carnarvon Gorge

If you’re looking for a safari adventure and are a keen camper, the all-inclusive five day Carnarvon Gorge tour will be just what you’re looking for. Indeed, this is a favourite trip for many adventurers due to the 217,000 hectare Carnarvon National Park that has a eye catching 30km long 600m deep gorge. The park is filled with stunning plant life and some of Australia’s most iconic animals like the Whip Tailed Wallaby and Bushtail Possum.

If you hop on a Queensland tour holiday life will be just that little bit easier, plus you’ll get to learn from the tour guide and meet other adventurers. What’s your favourite Queensland tour?

Author Bio: Alex is a travel writer and photographer from the UK who writes for the http://extravagant-traveller.com. Check out his site if you’re looking for some insider tips on the top 10 world’s best dive sites.

Bored of beach filled brochures and mass market package holidays?  Then maybe it’s time to seek out travel destinations that promise new adventures and unseen vistas.  There are still a few curious cities, isolated islands and cloistered countries that have managed to escape the crowds, here are our top five…

MONTENEGRO

Montenegro has an ever growing network of biking and hiking trails offering rugged off road adventures.  The villages surrounding the Bay of Kotor are scattered with churches and monasteries which overlook the fjord-like waters and beaches of the Riviera. It’s not all about sand and sunshine though, this tiny country also boasts some of the finest ski slopes in Europe.  Virtually deserted and considerably more affordable than popular ski resorts, the soft powder snow that covers the mountains offers skiing to rival even the most exclusive destinations at a fraction of the price.

COLUMBUS OHIO

If you have already taken in some of the more obvious American destinations such as New York, Hollywood and Chicago, you might want to give Columbus, Ohio a try. It’s a small city with a big personality and is emerging as the next hot destination for visitors on the look-out for culture, sports and entertainment. To explore a city like this you’ll need a good base from which to start, Columbus ohio hotels offer a range of accommodation to suit all budgets.  The zoo, aquarium and science center are all worth a look, as is the Columbus Museum of Art. The Franklin Conservatory and Botanical Garden are top spots for nature fans.

SOLOMON ISLANDS

You won’t find mainstream holiday resorts or boutique spa retreats here, but if you are prepared to do a little digging you might just unearth a gem in the Solomon Islands. The civil war and poor infrastructure of the past have been replaced by village home stays and eco-resorts, and improved transport links have made the islands easier to access than ever before. Scuba diving is plentiful in the Pacific waters and the climate is near perfect with more than 300 days of sunshine every year.

CÓRDOBA

Once the most important city in Europe, Córdoba in Andalucía has a spectacular Jewish quarter and the striking Mezquita (mosque) which offers a glimpse into the area’s history as part of an Islamic ruled Spain.   It’s not all about the fascinating architecture though, there are some excellent tapas bars waiting to be discovered amongst the old town squares and meandering alleyway style streets.

ALASKA

Okay, so lots of people will know of Alaska but how many will have actually considered it as a holiday destination? Go grizzly bear watching or cosy up fireside in a rustic Alaskan lodge and watch the wilderness from your window.  To truly immerse yourself in the experience, you can even arrange a stay aboard a converted tug boat that will take you right into the heart of the wildlife for an up close and personal experience.
Wherever you decide to go to get away from it all, there’s a whole world just waiting to be explored.

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Many people don’t even know that travel insurance is an option. Only about 30% of people purchase traveler’s insurance before they embark on a trip. It is important to realize that no one is spared from the hiccups that come along with getting away – you must always be prepared for at least one thing going wrong. Most people who buy travel insurance have done so because one of the many things that can go wrong has happened to them before and they want to better protect themselves in the future. Whether it’s a small hiccup or a life threatening injury, when you are away on vacation you don’t want to be faced with financial consequences that could have been avoided. Here are 5 reasons it pays to purchase travel insurance.

1. Up to 50% of travelers will get sick at some point on their vacation. It can be minor or severe, but being left without travelers insurance will leave you having to pay for your medical care out of pocket. Most of the time this can be hugely expensive, depending on the care you need. A lot of travelers aren’t aware that you can get specific traveler’s insurance just for medical care, which accounts for these kind of scenarios and provides you with 24-hour hotlines so you can find the best place to seek care.
2. Another big reason why it pays to have travel insurance is because you can never foresee a plane cancellation or a change in your itinerary. Whether it’s your fault or the airline’s fault, many travelers’ insurance policies will cover cancellation and change of flight fees.
3. Travelers insurance is also great back up if your luggage is lost or destroyed. No traveler wants to show up at their destination and be the last person standing at the baggage claim, only to learn that their luggage was lost, stolen, or damaged.
4. You can also receive coverage in the rare case that the country that you visit goes to war. If a political revolution or quagmire breaks out in your next travel destination, you could possibly have most or all of your travel expenses covered, including flights, transportation and hotels.
5. Most of all, traveler insurance will allow you to breathe easy and have a restful vacation. Having all your bases covered will allow you to stop worrying about that thing you worry about the most: money.

So, when you are searching for things like the lowest life insurance rates, it might be smart to plan ahead and search for travelers’ insurance rates as well. Most people don’t even know about what types traveler’s insurance policies are available and what type of scenarios they can cover. More than that, studies have shown that a substantial number of people are unprepared for the catastrophes – from sever to minor – that can happen while you are traveling. From your health, to your possessions, and the unforeseen circumstances that can throw a wrench into your travel plans, it always pays to purchase traveler’s insurance.

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Well we certainly wish you all the best! But unlike two hundred years ago where guts, luck and some knowledge of the wind would get you aloft, nowadays you have to do quite a bit more preparation before you will be allowed to take a hot air balloon into the sky. Pilots have to go through quite a bit of training, they have to be in good enough shape to handle the equipment, they have to be able to put up with temperature extremes and be able to go through bumpy landings! Of course, all of this is counterbalanced by the ability to sour through the clouds under a giant balloon, hire yourself out to others (commercial pilot) and see the world from a whole new vantage point. So if all of this sounds great to you, how do you become one of the pilots yourself?

There are two broad routes to choose from: you can either start as a crew member or you can skip that and go straight to the course for certification. It’s actually recommended that you start out at the bottom as a crew member first; that way you get the benefits of seeing how hot air ballooning works, be mentored by the pilot and get a good feel for ballooning before committing anything other than time to the endeavour. If you still want to do it after your stint as a crew member, you can do the private pilot certification.

From Complete Novice to Master!

This certification is not complicated, but it’s not easy. You’ll start out as a student pilot with a Student Pilot Certificate, unless you already have an airman certificate for any other craft and then you can skip it. Student pilots have to be at least fourteen years of age, must be fluent and literate in English and have no medical condition that would hamper safe flying. With your instructor, you’ll take part in a wide range of training, including preparation, controls, how to lift off, climb, descend, and land safely, what to do in cases of emergencies, pertinent regulations and rigging; all of which will help you to pass the written exam! As a student, you cannot carry passengers.

Once you pass the exam, you will next work towards becoming a private pilot. Private pilots have to follow the same regulations regarding their language and health as students, plus they have to be at least sixteen years of age. Furthermore, all private pilots have to have at least 10 hours of flight training time: 6 hours with an instructor, two 1 hour flights within sixty days of the test, at least 1 2,000 foot ascent from takeoff and 1 solo flight. Plus all private pilots must pass the knowledge and practical tests. Phew! As a private pilot, you can carry passengers, but you cannot hire yourself out in any way.

Some people stop there, but if you want to fly for profit, you have to become a commercial pilot. Commercial pilot requirements include holding a Private Pilot Certificate, being at least 18 and spent at least 35 hours as a pilot (20 of which flying). These 35 hours have to include at least 10 flights in balloons, 10 more hours of flight training (which includes at least 10 flights with an instructor), 2 solo flights, 1 3,000 foot ascent, 2 one hour flights within 60 days of taking your practical test and 2 solo flights. And of course, you have to pass the written and practical tests. As a commercial pilot, you can hire yourself out, teach others how to fly and take part in any sort of commercial flight you want such as fundraisers, advertising campaigns, etc.

Obviously all of this takes time; the certification requirements are bare minimums and if you want to be successful, you have to pour a lot more time and energy into the endeavour. Most students double the minimum time and flights in order to be ready for their final exams and furthermore, you have to take into account factors that aren’t precisely in your control. These include:

• Weather: Can’t fly if it’s raining a lot or too windy or snowing!
• You need money, so make sure you have some saved up so you aren’t doing your training in chunks
• You can find an instructor with equipment that is available for teaching. Since only commercial pilots can teach, it can be assumed that they have other commitments as well and sometimes the balloon needs a good fix.
• How much time you have and how well you take to flying

Plan to spend a great deal of time and energy in any event on ballooning because the more you put into it, the more you will get out of it.

Stuff to Learn

In order to get your license, you’re going to learn a lot about ballooning and piloting. The FAA (Federal Aviation Administration) requires training that covers:

• Operations: how to communicate, fly and navigate in airspace
• Pre-flight planning and procedures: how to figure out the weather, how to find launch sites, how to inspect your balloon and how to get ready for your flights.
• Knowing what to do in cases of emergency
• Normal and Performance manoeuvres from take-off/landing, climbs and approaches to high wind operations and how to do rapid climbs and descents
• Knowing your manuals
• Knowing the regulations, in particularly Part 61, Part 91 and NTSB rules
• What to do after your flight is done: dealing with landowners, packing up and refuelling your balloon

Of course, these are only a few of the basics; there is far more to operating a hot air balloon that many people think! You’ll spend a lot of time reading, thinking, being quizzed, and studying, on top of the practical information.

Cost

Money is definitely going to be an issue when it comes to getting your license. It will vary wildly depending on where you do your training, but expect to pay at least a few thousand dollars for the bare minimum instruction for your private pilot certification. This is quite a commitment to make, so make sure you have the funds for it before you start. And keep in mind that hot air balloon pilots aren’t exactly in high demand anymore, so you’ll have to carve out your own niche and work really hard in order to make any money out of it.

If you’re still excited and ready to fly after reading all of that, then we wish you all the best and hope to see in the sky someday!

Author-Bio

Charlene Mattson is an enthusiastic writer and avid traveller who have been writing over a lot of areas throughout her life including travel, nutrition and health to name a few. Currently she is associated with www.hotair.com.au which provides thrilling experiences of Hot Air Ballooning in Brisbane.

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