Around the World in a Hot Air Balloon: How Much Does It Cost and Who Can Do It?

Flying around the world in a hot air balloon is not just an adventure, but a symbol of dreams, daring, and technical mastery. These journeys inspire millions, as they combine the spirit of exploration with the romance of altitude. But can any of us, ordinary mortals, repeat the path of Jules Verne? How much does it cost, and who is actually capable of such a feat?

The Path to the Sky: How Circumnavigations Are Done

Circumnavigating the globe in a hot air balloon is one of the most complex and ambitious forms of travel. It requires not only technical preparation but also readiness for extreme conditions. Success depends on dozens of factors, including weather, the technical condition of the balloon, and ground support.

Historical Context and Recent Breakthroughs

The idea of flying around the world in a hot air balloon was long considered madness. Until the end of the 20th century, no one had managed to circle the planet without landing. This changed in 1999, when Swiss pilot Bertrand Piccard and Briton Brian Jones completed the first non-stop circumnavigation in the Breitling Orbiter 3 balloon. Since then, global balloon journeys, though still rare, have become reality.
To repeat such a flight, one must prepare meticulously: develop a route, calculate meteorological conditions, set up special equipment, and assemble a team of operators and meteorologists. This is far from a casual weekend activity.

Modern Technology and Commercial Possibilities

Today, a round-the-world balloon flight is only possible with the support of powerful sponsors or substantial personal wealth. So-called gas balloons filled with helium or hydrogen are used, equipped with life-support systems, satellite communication, autopilot, and other high-tech components. The cost of one such craft and the entire mission can range from €500,000 to €1.5 million—this is more than business class; it’s practically a startup in the sky.
Interestingly, some users inspired by the romance of travel try to recreate the experience digitally. Online, games and simulations that let you feel like a pilot or explorer are gaining popularity. Among them, both local and casinos online estrangeiros have started using aerial adventures as part of their visual themes—in slots, one can find balloons, maps, and even global routes, which add a sense of thrill to the journey… even if only virtually.
Who Can Afford It?
Despite the fantastical nature of the idea, flights of this magnitude are not necessarily reserved for the elite. Increasingly, such projects are becoming team efforts involving enthusiasts, engineers, and even volunteers. The key is the idea and its smart execution.

Ultra-Wealthy Dreamers and Professional Adventurers

In reality, only a few individuals can afford a round-the-world flight in a balloon. Among them are billionaires, philanthropists, and in rare cases, bold explorers backed by scientific organizations. Sponsorship plays a major role and can be secured through major brands, aviation companies, or tech corporations.
One example is Bertrand Piccard himself, who later launched an even more ambitious project—Solar Impulse, the first solar-powered airplane to circle the globe. Such ventures are only possible with experience, connections, and significant financial resources.

Enthusiasts and Experimental Teams

There are also groups of enthusiasts who build balloons by hand and complete long-distance flights, even if not around the world. They demonstrate that even with limited resources, engineering ingenuity and a love for the sky can overcome great distances. However, such flights are limited in altitude, duration, and, of course, route—crossing an ocean without reliable support is virtually impossible.

How Much Does It Cost?

The financial aspect is the main barrier for most potential participants. Even when minimizing expenses, the amount exceeds that of a circumnavigation by yacht or private jet. But for true romantics, the cost is just a number.

Flight Budget: From the Balloon to the Stratosphere

An estimated budget for a round-the-world balloon flight might look like this:
Capsule construction: €100,000–€300,000

Communication and tracking systems: €50,000–€100,000

Launch, logistics, and permits: €150,000–€300,000

Crew and insurance: €100,000–€200,000

Contingencies: up to €200,000 more

Total: from half a million to well over one million euros. The flight may last from 10 to 20 days, depending on weather conditions and wind speed. Incidentally, a balloon’s speed ranges from 50 to 150 km/h, depending on altitude and wind currents.
Some enterprising teams consider crowdfunding as a way to attract financing, offering sponsors logo placement on the capsule or live broadcasts from onboard the balloon. This turns the flight into a media event with monetization potential.

An Alternative for Dreamers

There are other ways to be inspired by a round-the-world journey. Hot air balloon tours are available in many countries, including Portugal, offering a brief moment to touch the dream. The main thing is to not fear heights and believe in the romance of the sky.

Tourism, Simulations, and Digital Experiences

For those not ready to spend millions but still dreaming of aerial adventure, more grounded options exist. In Portugal, you can book a hot air balloon tour over the Douro Valley or the regions of Alentejo and Algarve. The cost of such a tour ranges from €150 to €400 per person and includes transfer, briefing, flight, and even a glass of sparkling wine upon landing.
And for those who want to feel the thrill and spirit of discovery from their couch, digital alternatives abound—simulators and adventure games inspired by real-world circumnavigations. Even among virtual entertainment, one can find the atmosphere of travel: from narrative video games to themed slots in online casinos, where balloons are not just a means of transport but also a symbol of good luck.

Conclusion

Circumnavigating the globe in a hot air balloon is expensive, difficult, and highly risky. But it is also one of the most poetic and inspiring adventures available to humankind. Even if you’re not ready to take to the skies, there’s nothing stopping you from experiencing the same emotions through more accessible and safer forms—from tours around Portugal to immersing yourself in digital worlds where the spirit of freedom and flight lives by its own rules.