What does it really feel like to fly in a hot air balloon? In this episode of Inspired Travels with Patti, i (Patti) reconnect veteran balloon pilot Tom Russo to unpack the unforgettable experience of ballooning, from the science behind inflation to the thrill (and strategy) of landing.

Tom shares his 40+ year journey into ballooning, beginning with a chance encounter in Brooklyn and leading to flights across festivals, commercial rides, and corporate events. Together, we explore the unique emotional, technical, and visual elements that make ballooning one of the most magical travel experiences available.

They also dive into the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta and smaller festivals around the country.

🔑 Key Points

• How Hot Air Balloons Actually Work & What a Flight is Really Like
• Overcoming the Fear of Heights
• Magic of the Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta
• Smaller Balloon Festivals Across the U.S.

🔗 Resources & Links

• Balloon Federation of America
• Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta
• Brookside Ballooning (Private Flights)

Thank You for listening ...If this episode sparked your sense of adventure, be sure to subscribe to Inspired Travels with Patti so you never miss a journey.

Share this episode with someone who is thinking about Ballooning

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Links and Discounts

* Camp for Less than $9 a night: Reach out to Sharon & Warren Lewis Thousand Trails Membership Specialists. Call/Text 772-217-1851

* AirSkirts $200 off with Code: RVPOD

* Rivet Supply Co Adventure Boards check website for FREE Personalizing

* KoolRV Optimize RV AC

* Open Roads discount diesel fuel card

* VIP Access Great RV product & services discounts

* Innovative Toll Nationwide Tolling for $24/year

Is van life the right fit for your lifestyle, travel goals, and comfort needs? In this episode of Inspired Travels with Patti, I sit down with RV expert and YouTube creator Isaac Angel from Where RV Going? to break down everything beginners and experienced travelers need to know about van life. Isaac shares his surprising journey from hating camping to becoming deeply involved in the RV and van life community, along with the biggest mistakes people make when choosing a rig.

The conversation explores the different types of vans and RVs, the pros and cons of various layouts and technologies, and the importance of renting and researching before purchasing. Patti and Isaac also share deeply personal stories about life transitions, downsizing, solo travel, and finding freedom and community on the road.

Key Points

• Biggest mistake new van lifers make
• Key features to evaluate including sleeping layouts, kitchen setups, bathroom options, and power systems.
• How van life supports lifestyle transitions such as divorce, downsizing, or starting over.

Memorable Quote: "Van life is for those who feel young and free in spirit, people who want to explore, break our of the sysstem, and live the adventure called life." Guest: Issac Angel Where RV Going? YouTube Channel

Thank you for listening to Inspired Travels With Patti, Please hit the Follow or Subscribe and leave a comment or question.

Connect with Me:

• YouTube
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Links and Discounts

* Camp for Less than $9 a night: Reach out to Sharon & Warren Lewis Thousand Trails Membership Specialists. Call/Text 772-217-1851

* AirSkirts $200 off with Code: RVPOD

* Rivet Supply Co Adventure Boards check website for FREE Personalizing

* KoolRV Optimize RV AC

* Open Roads discount diesel fuel card

* VIP Access Great RV product & services discounts

* Innovative Toll Nationwide Tolling for $24/year

Looking for hidden gems and unforgettable travel experiences, this episode is for you. Recorded live at the Florida RV Super Show in Tampa, I (Patti Hunt) interviewed seasoned travelers and RV creators to hear about the places and moments that left a lasting impact on their lives.

Featured Guests & Their Hidden Gems

Cruisin’ with the Colemans — Brian & Michelle Coleman

• Walked over 800 miles from Switzerland through the Swiss Alps to Rome, Italy
• Celebrated turning 50 with an epic, life-changing journey
• Inspired them to now lead guided walking trips through Italy

Beyond the Fern — Theresa Fernandez

• Discovered Casey, Illinois, home to dozens of “World’s Largest” roadside attractions
• A perfect unexpected stop for road trippers and RV travelers
• Highlights the joy of places you’d never plan a trip around, but love discovering

Campfires and Motors — Ashley & Steve

• Ashley: Magnolia Beach near Port Lavaca, Texas — RV camping directly on the beach with fishing, great food, and ocean views
• Steve: Bighorn National Forest near Burgess Junction — boondocking with moose, deer, rivers, and breathtaking scenery

Heistmans Hit the Road — Ron & Jacki Heistman

• The Soaring Museum in Elmira, New York
• Camped right by the runway watching gliders soar overhead
• A unique blend of aviation history, nature, and unforgettable views

Noovo Vans — Alyssa Chartier

• Mendocino & Fort Bragg, California, including Sea Glass Beach
• A place that encouraged slow travel and staying put for an entire summer
• A lush, biodiverse region blending Northern California, Oregon, and Washington influences

The Walkers Wandering — Jess Walker

• Fishing Bridge Campground in Yellowstone National Park
• Camping with full hookups — and a bison that casually grazed through the campground
• A rare opportunity to experience wildlife respectfully and up close

Those Who Glamp Together — Mike & Joni

• Traveled through Iceland with a rooftop tent
• Swam in the Silfra Fissure, touching both the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates
• A once-in-a-lifetime adventure blending nature, geology, and wonder

Thank you for listening/watching, I would love to hear from you, leave a comment or question here on the podcast page or on my social media channels:
Inspired Travels With Patti

Connect with Me:

• YouTube
• Instagram
• Facebook
• TikTok

Links and Discounts

* Camp for Less than $9 a night: Reach out to Sharon & Warren Lewis Thousand Trails Membership Specialists. Call/Text 772-217-1851

* AirSkirts $200 off with Code: RVPOD

* Rivet Supply Co Adventure Boards check website for FREE Personalizing

* KoolRV Optimize RV AC

* Open Roads discount diesel fuel card

* VIP Access Great RV product & services discounts

* Innovative Toll Nationwide Tolling for $24/year