Hot air ballooning, also known as enveloping, has the ability to take riders to new heights in a unique way.

No, there is no mistake in the headline. One can actually travel by envelope 8212; it’s not a statement full of hot air. But this is a different kind of envelope. One that, when filled with hot air, takers riders on quite the journey. Hot air “enveloping” or ballooning is an option that can send students to new heights of adventure.

Most balloon rides occur three to four hours before sunrise and sunset and depend heavily on a moderate wind speed. If it’s a perfect day, the envelope goes from a flat mass of material to a full and vibrant balloon ready to take travelers on a new and exciting adventure.

New Mexico resident Cassondra Kelley has witnessed the Albuquerque International Balloon Festival and said it is quite the experience.

“Here in New Mexico they have the annual Balloon Fiesta,” Kelley said. “Thousands come here from around the world. They have different shapes of balloons, ones that glow in the dark, it’s crazy to see. There are hundreds in the air at (the) same time.”

This year’s Balloon Fiesta in New Mexico takes place from Oct. 2 through Oct. 10 and includes flight races, inflation races, glow-in-the-dark events and fireworks shows. Attendees can even witness balloons in the shape of their favorite cartoon characters take flight throughout the day.

Although hot air ballooning usually runs about $175 to $200 per person, admission to the balloon festival in New Mexico is only $6 per person older than 12 and free for children.

Spectatorship may be a more affordable approach to the adventure, especially if those interested are not yet convinced that hot air ballooning is for them. Although not as extreme as other forms of adventure such as skydiving or bungee jumping, some people are still skeptical about traveling by hot air balloon and believe it to be dangerous.

Kelley is one of those people content in keeping their feet planted on the ground.

“No thanks, I have seen unfortunate things happen,” Kelley said.

Bumpy landings and worst-case scenarios should not deter students from considering hot air ballooning as an alternate form of adventure. Federal Aviation Administration- certified pilots are well acquainted with flying the giant envelopes and generally have years of flight experience, so students would be in the care of certified professionals.

Shipping tape and stamps aside, gather some friends and share a hot air envelope, a new form of adventure that will take the college experience to new heights.