New Mexico
Highlights of the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta
Program No. 10427RJ
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Highlights of the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta
Highlights of the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta
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Participant Reviews
Based on 50 Reviews
SHOWING
first time going on a Road Scholar trip and couldn't have picked a more perfect trip. the tour guides were fantastic, the bus driver was fabulous and my fellow travelers were nice. i would definately recommend this trip. Seeing 300-400 balloons in the sky was unbelievable. Already scheduled next trip!!!
— Review left November 25, 2025
wonderful trip. Well organized. We were very lucky with good weather.
— Review left October 22, 2025
Once in a lifetime experience. Road Scholar makes it so easy to experience this event. I can't image how difficult it would be to do all the logistics without the help of Road Scholar.
— Review left October 22, 2025
We highly recommend the Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta as a Road Scholar trip. It is weather dependent so check ahead if possible before committing. The viewing and history of the area are worth the time commitment.
— Review left October 20, 2025
The Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta was an amazing once in a life time experience for me and one that I am so thankful to have experienced. The more you immerse yourself in the planned activities, the more I believe you will enjoy your trip and have made memories to last.
— Review left October 12, 2025
Both of our group leaders were absolutely wonderful. They were professional, friendly, and always approachable, which made everyone feel comfortable right from the start. Everything was so well organized, and they handled every detail with ease. Their enthusiasm and knowledge added so much to the experience, and they really helped bring the group together. Thanks to their leadership, the trip was not only smooth and enjoyable but truly unforgettable.
— Review left October 8, 2025
Thoroughly enjoyed the Balloon Fiesta and our first Road Scholar experience!
— Review left October 21, 2024
Let road scholar be able to take you on an adventure that you can savor making memories in a safe group within a larger group.. Going into the balloon museum I used their virtual reality and felt like I even went up in a hot air balloon without even doing so. I enjoyed the camaraderie very much as a single person not at all feeling at a loss within a group. Relaxation not requiring research by having to pre-plan paid admissions. They do it for you. What a blessing it was not having to drive in such crazy traffic either. We had the best bus driver ever taking us
through what would have been stressful otherwise. Would highly recommend this trip!!! It was a true joy and blessing to have on such a trip that was stimulating to learn, as well as relax having the schedule planned with travel/ traffic taken into account.
— Review left October 17, 2024
This trip was well worth it. The logistics of getting to and from the Ballon Festival were taken care of for us. We learned a lot about ballooning and some Albuquerque history as well. The museums we visited added to the experience as well as our lectures. Seeing the mass ascension of the balloons from the field and the balloon glow in the evening was a special experience and definitely worth seeing. I really enjoyed the trip.
— Review left October 17, 2024
A great way to travel to the Balloon Fiesta, with lots of additional cultural experiences.
— Review left October 15, 2024
Road Scholars have some of the best, if not the best, travel and educational programs not only for our elder people but for all of those that choose to participate. We have not had a bad experience yet.
— Review left October 15, 2024
Road Scholar provided the best possible experience of attending the Balloon Fiesta of all tours we researched---and then additionally excelled at introducing us to New Mexico and Albuquerque history and culture.
— Review left October 14, 2024
Spectacular trip. Fantastic sites to see. My trip was Monday through Friday so we got to see the regular ascension; the special shapes ascension and the Glowdeo. Pretty cool in the mornings - so bundle up in layers. Food was very plentiful and mostly good. Hotel was great - walking distance to old town.
— Review left October 13, 2024
This was an awesome experience - balloons and history were blended so well.
— Review left October 13, 2024
GREAT!
— Review left October 11, 2024
The Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta tour was phenomenal. Road Scholar has this tour down to a science. It was a perfect mix of time spent enjoying the balloons and activities at the Fiesta and learning about Albuquerque and the indigenous peoples' culture. The tour leaders were all exceptional and made this a trip to remember.
— Review left October 10, 2024
Albuquerque and the International Balloon Fiesta were a magical experience for my daughters and me.
— Review left October 10, 2024
The trip to the international Balloon Festival was amazing. Our team leader Sheryl, was knowledgeable regarding Albuquerque, the International Balloon Festival and Pueblo Indian history. The hotel was spotless and arranged to facilitate our 2 large groups. Thier was a diverse group of individuals and couples on the tour from all over the US yet we all joined together for those 5 days to enjoy this trip
and each other.Everyone had a common goal of enjoying this learning adventure.
Transportation to the Ballon Festival was provided by 2 large buses,which took us right to the gate. The Festival itself was magical and did not disappoint.
— Review left February 8, 2024
This is a fun, informative, worry free trip. At Fiesta Park you can walk on the field and observe the whole process of Hot-Air Ballooning from unpacking to taking off.
— Review left October 24, 2023
Seeing the balloon ascension was an incredible experience. I recommend it to everyone.
— Review left October 23, 2023
This program is outstanding. It has been well planned and is well executed. Gaining access to the balloon field through Road Scholar is incredible—we were virtually delivered to the front door amid thousands of attendees who had to park and walk to the field. And the fact that we were able to go to three separate events, including the spectacular evening afterglow event and the fireworks was the highlight.
— Review left October 22, 2023
Excellent program
— Review left October 19, 2023
This was the best way to experience the Fiesta and some of the history of New Mexico. Road Scholar has excellent programs and great guides! (Thanks again, Sheryl !)
— Review left October 19, 2023
Fabulous!! Hotel was great, food good, transportation very good. Johnny was a good leader as was the Blue leader. I am telling everyone I know to try Road Scholar for their travel. I love learning and seeing.
— Review left October 17, 2023
As a person who can be uncomfortable with travel I was so pleased that I chose to participate in one of your programs. I will not hesitate to explore other trips offered by Road Scholar. Thank you so much for providing opportunities for comfortable travel experiences.
— Review left October 16, 2023
The best way to experience the Balloon Fiesta!
— Review left October 16, 2023
When visiting the Balloon Fiesta, Road Scholar is the way to go. Coach busses dropping you off near the field with breakfast and/or dinner provided. The additional cultural activities were a real bonus.
— Review left October 16, 2023
The Balloon Fiesta was a delight to experience. So many balloons (500) spread out over a huge field. Every color and shape you could imagine. My favorite part? Hanging out with a balloon crew of only two people New York. I helped with some of the lighter set up work, and then passed out trading cards to spectators.
— Review left October 15, 2023
This was my first trip with Roads Scholar and my first trip as a solo traveler. The balloon fiesta exceeded my expectations. It was an exhilarating experience to be on the field with so much activity going on all around me I feel that going on a trip like this is best enjoyed by traveling with a company like RS. The logistics and details are left to them so that you can make the best use of your time. A huge thank you to Scott and Sheryl. You were both worked tirelessly to make this bucket list trip special for me. Highly recommend
— Review left October 15, 2023
What more could I ask for from a trip- I learned a lot about the area and the history of it's people. I learned about myself and it fueled my love of photography by giving me new subject matter to shot up close and personal.
— Review left October 14, 2023
The balloon experience was even more amazing than I had predicted. I recommend it to everyone.
— Review left October 10, 2023
Johnny and Sue were excellent group leaders. I'd be glad to go on another trip with them!
— Review left October 20, 2022
Roadscholar is a great way to travel and learn about new places. Details you might miss if you traveled by yourself are included.
— Review left October 17, 2022
Highly recommend the Balloon Fiesta trip. A great variety of activities capped off by seeing the balloons!
— Review left October 12, 2022
A great program with the Balloon Fiesta being the focus however it also is a great introduction to New Mexico and may inspire you to come back to other areas such as Taos or SantaFe.
— Review left October 11, 2022
Thank you for helping us achieve a life-long dream of attending the balloon fest in Albuquerque. We compared 4 different companies/programs and very happy we chose yours.
— Review left October 11, 2022
The Highlights of the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta was an excellent program. Informational and exciting, especially to see all of the balloons inflated and/or taking off. The biggest risk/concern is the weather as the balloonist need to have little to no wind and clear sailing. If the weather is not cooperating, activities are cancelled. We experienced a number of cancellations due to bad weather events, along with rain events where we were soaked.
Other educational things, such as learning about Pueblos, were excellent. Walking tours, such as through Old Town, were very informative. Overall, we enjoyed the program and glad we attended.
— Review left October 8, 2022
The balloons are awesome but so is the history of the area. Come for the balloons but leave with information about this amazing area!
— Review left October 5, 2022
This was a good program. The hotel was clean, the group leaders were enthusiastic, there were good restaurants and activities. It was unfortunate that it was too windy for balloons to go up the two days we were there. However, we could see them on the ground. The Balloon Museum was really well done, and I enjoyed the Indian Cultural Center as well. The Coronado Historical Site was informative and the guide there especially good. If you want to learn about hot air balloons and a bit about New Mexico culture, this is the trip for you.
— Review left November 5, 2021
Best trip ever. Great guides, great activities, great food, and great participants. Can’t wait for our next trip.
— Review left October 20, 2021
Road Scholar programs all seem well organized and staffed. Also, participants are people eager to learn and to meet new people.
The early rising and walking around the balloon fields did not seem strenuous because it was so enjoyable and time seemed to fly!
— Review left October 18, 2021
Had a great time, we are participating in another trip in February.
— Review left October 12, 2021
I highly recommend going on this tour, it was delightful!
— Review left October 12, 2021
This was a great trip--for the AMAZING balloon spectacle and for the FUN people!
— Review left October 12, 2021
This is an excellent program. Since the balloons are the main attraction of this program, one gets a very close up and personal experience with the balloons in all their glory. Other information of the area is also provided so one receives a new outlook on the natives and history of the region.
— Review left October 9, 2021
My written trip report and photo link:
https://cultivatingoutrage.blogspot.com/2021/10/albuquerque-international-balloon.html
— Review left October 9, 2021
The Balloon Fiesta in New Mexico was a great program. It offered a chance to see the event from an elevated view point & also right on the field among the balloons during inflation & take off. A bucket list experience. You could also reserve a time to go up in a balloon at your own expense. There is also an experienced lecturer
to explain how ballooning works without getting too technical. Great overall experience - great trip!
— Review left October 8, 2021
Wonderful program to learn all about ballooning, you are able to get right onto the field! Also learn some history and about that area of New Mexico.
— Review left October 6, 2021
The Albuquerque International Balloon Festival is a very popular tour group destination. The Road Scholar tour provides the very best viewing accommodations and a very well rounded introduction to the city and the Native American culture in the area.
— Review left October 23, 2019
I am from the Southwest and am an aviation and history buff. I learned things that I didn't know, saw places that I was unaware of, as well as some of the jewels of the area, and the program exceeded my expectations. It was fun, informative, and provided some excellent Mexican food.
— Review left October 15, 2019