Memorial Day is almost here, and if you’re anything like me, you’re probably preemptively ringing in summer. With ocean swims, weekend barbecues, and summer trips on the horizon, there’s a lot to celebrate—and there’s no better way to do so than refreshing your travel wardrobe. Luckily, J.Crew is hosting a massive Early Memorial Day sale for the occasion.
J.Crew is treating shoppers to double discounts on almost every sale style with code SALETIME, and I found deals from just $12. I don’t say this often, but my jaw actually dropped at these impressive savings, and I couldn’t help but add a few styles to my proverbial cart. Whether you’re shopping for an airy summer dress, breathable cotton top, versatile flats, or another go-to style, there are so many stylish finds up to 88 percent off, ahead.
When shopping for summer dresses, it’s important to look for breathable fabrics, flowy materials, and stylish designs. These discounted dresses check all the boxes. From a laid-back linen mini dress to a pleated cotton maxi perfect for fancy daytime occasions, these deals include pieces for every destination. Prices start from just $16, ahead.
Meadow Cotton Poplin Dress
J.Crew
Best Shoe Deals
J.Crew
J.Crew has some of the most stylish shoes for travelers, and right now, you can snag trendy pairs from just $37. From bow-strap Mary Jane flats to slingback heels, these are some of the biggest styles of the season. Plus, snag a pair of retro sneakers to keep you comfy on long travel days. Read on for the best shoe deals, up to 81 percent off.
Our second visit to Nashville quickly drew us into the city’s charm. We came for our childhood friend’s wedding, which was filled with weekend celebrations and reunions with old pals, and whenever we had a free moment, we explored the area. The city was bustling, restaurants were packed, music permeated each square foot of Broadway, and the locals were warm and friendly. Southwest Airlines has a direct flight from San Diego to Nashville, making for an easy commute. You’ll find yourself laughing at yourself saying “honky tonk” throughout your visit, which is gauranteed to bring an overall great time!
Nashville’s only Forbes Five Star Award-winning hotel, The Joseph Hotel, delivers warm, Italian hospitality with an exceptional eye for detail and a down-to-earth sophistication that constantly draws you in. With a rooftop pool and bar, full-service spa, artful touches throughout, an award-winning restaurant, and excellent location, you can’t go wrong.
Broadway is the main hub in Downtown Nashville, packed with music venues after music venue and tune-permeated streets. No visit to the Music City is complete without a stroll along this famous stretch and a visit to one of the bars to catch a live show. You’ll also immerse yourself in the Tudor Revival period architecture juxtaposed with more contemporary buildings and striking art installations.
3) Lunch at a Local Favorite
See for yourselves why The Finch is rated one of Nashville’s best restaurants. From a lively, modern ambience to attentive service, and fantastic food and cocktails, you’ll leave here very satisfied. We especially loved the Brussels sprouts, spicy queso dip, and short ribs dish with creamy mashed potatoes. Delicious!
4) Enjoy Hotel Amenities:
If late afternoon brings some heavy thunderstorms, retreat to The Joseph Hotel and unwind in one of its many delightful nooks to relax with a well-crafted cocktail in hand, as you catch up with family and good friends.
5) Wrap up the Day at Yolan:
Located inside The Joseph Hotel, you’ll find Yolan, voted the number one restaurant in the U.S. by Food + Wine readers. Each and every bite was outstanding, but the stars of the show were the homemade, freshly baked focaccia served with a whipped ricotta mixed with garlic, honey, and the gnocchi topped with a generous serving of shaved truffles. You must order these two dishes, they will go down in history as two of the best you’ve ever had.
1) Begin Your Day with a Healthy Breakfast
1 Kitchen serves a farm-to-table breakfast like no other. Using only the freshest ingredients to prepare unique, healthy outcomes, the kitchen takes pride in ensuring you are well-fed to start your day. I loved my freshly-squeezed carrot juice and fried eggs served with labneh, toasted chickpeas, and chili paste.
2) Linger at Vandy’s Campus
Tucked away from the city’s buzz, walk off those breakfast calories on Vanderbilt University’s stunning campus. Offering a mix of historical and contemporary buildings, bridges, endless grassy lawns, and massive magnolia trees, you’ll find a stroll through the campus to be a wonderful retreat.
The Frist Museum is housed in a striking former post office, giving it an art deco flair. The central ceiling soars multiple levels, bringing an openness to the lined halls of paintings covering all modalities. During our visit, we enjoyed a creative exhibit that focused on food waste in our country. The upstairs interactive studio was fun for all ages- we painted with watercolors and made coasters as souvenirs.
4) Mexican Lunch with Margaritas
Even though we’re from San Diego, we can never get enough of Mexican food! Fonda in the 12 South District is a must! Its colorful interior sets the stage for mean margaritas and a delicious spread of salsas, beans, and street corn, to make your own tacos with homemade tortillas.
You’ll enjoy walking through this hip neighborhood lined with restaurants and upscale shops housed in charming buildings.
6) Indulge in Decadent Donuts
It’s ok to splurge on donuts as a treat for all the walking you’ll be doing! Five Daughters Bakery is famous for its hundred-layer donuts, which come in several flavors. Our favorites were the malted peanut butter cup and the mini cream cheese sticky bun. SO good!
7) Delicious Family Style Dinner
Ok, so you’ll eat a lot in Nashville, but you’ll be on vacation, right? Pelato is a city favorite, bringing Brooklyn family-style Italian cuisine to the table in small, shareable plates. We enjoyed our meal during a rehearsal dinner for the wedding. The menu served some of the restaurant’s highlights like the street-style arancini, burnt broccolini, creamy polenta in bolognese sauce, and radiatori vodka that were all delicious.
Monells is a Nashville institution and is a must-try breakfast experience with strangers at a communal table. Housed in a former home, you’ll literally be eating in a dining room, seated at a large table with an overflow of food served, for just $20 per person. This isn’t normally my favorite type of breakfast menu- a bit too heavy, and homogenous in the ingredients’ color, but it was fun to chat with other diners and enjoy the homey atmosphere.
This walkable part of Nashville was my favorite neighborhood. You’ll find stunning architecture featuring many abandoned buildings turned into public spaces, a pathway along the river, a strong art scene, and bustling restaurants. You absolutely need to weave this area into your itinerary.
3) Walk Across John Seigenthaler Pedestrian Bridge
If you want to keep eating in Nashville, you’ll need to keep walking off those calories. Luckily, the city offers endless walking opportunities, including a pedestrian bridge that connects downtown Nashville to its burbs. Perched over the Cumberland River, the bridge offers beautiful views and performers singing live country music.
You’ll want to rest your tired feet and replenish the calories burned off from all the walking; Sixty Vines is a perfect spot to unwind. Boasting a variety of sixty wines and a versatile menu, lunch in this open-air industrial eatery is an ideal spot to linger with a glass of wine while people-watching. The cauliflower-crusted vegan pizza is outstanding!
5) Hit the Nightlife at Harriet’s Rooftop
Harriet’s Rooftop on the 19th floor of the 1 Hotel is open until 2:00 am, a great option for a nightcap. Enjoy an upbeat vibe with great music, stunning views, and well-crafted cocktails.
1) Caffeine Fix and Catch Up
Coffee Cart solved my caffeine needs to start the day after a late night. The barista made my latte just the way I love it- not too strong and well balanced. We enjoyed a beautiful brunch spread at our friend’s home, celebrating their wedding the day before. Catching up with old friends was the highlight of our weekend!
2) Final Bite Before the Flight
bartacois the ultimate way to end your visit to Nashville. If you can snatch a seat, grab it! This festive Mexican eatery is filled with the crowd’s chatter, tunes from an upbeat playlist, bartenders busy pressing limes for the freshest margaritas, and outstanding tacos.
We were sad to have our trip come to an end. Celebrating our friend’s gorgeous wedding, spending time with friends we have known since our early twenties, getting to know the city, and eating our way through it, made for a perfect long-weekend escape. If you haven’t been to Nashville yet, head on over. Three nights is the right amount of time you will need there to soak in its charm. Music City, keep on singing!
There are few travel experiences that manage to be both exhilarating and meditative, but a hot air balloon ride accomplishes just that—a gentle ascent into the sky that feels like slipping between dimensions. I’ve been fortunate to drift above a range of landscapes in at least half a dozen balloon flights, from the sun-drenched vineyards of California to the misty valleys of the Pacific Northwest—and each has offered a quiet kind of magic.
But the Sedona hot air balloon ride I recently took with Red Rock Balloons was something altogether different. Suspended high above Arizona’s iconic red rock formations, with the first light of day igniting the rugged desert below, the experience felt otherworldly.
Though it took several attempts (over a year’s period) to make it into the air due to weather delays, the reward was a flight that exceeded expectations. From the moment we gently lifted off until our flawless landing just west of Sedona, it was clear: this wasn’t just another item to check off a travel list. This was one of the most breathtakingly beautiful and soul-stirring things to do in Sedona, an experience that elevates the spirit as much as the senses.
☁️ Why a Sedona Hot Air Balloon Ride Is So Special
Hot air ballooning is unlike any other form of flight. There’s no rush of air, no vibration, no noise except the occasional burst of the burner. It’s an experience that defies modern aviation—a throwback to the earliest days of human flight when lift came from fire and courage.
Photo by David Martin (Thank you David)
Even people afraid of heights often say ballooning feels oddly secure. There’s a grace and gentleness to it that’s hard to put into words. It’s less like flying and more like levitating, as though you’ve stepped onto a magic carpet and are simply floating above the world.
And above Sedona’s red rock spires, it’s nothing short of magical.
🎈 The Origins of Flight… and the Champagne Toast Tradition
Hot air ballooning holds a special place in aviation history. The first successful manned flight took place in 1783 in France, when the Montgolfier brothers launched a balloon into the sky. But before daring to send humans into the air, they first tested the concept with a curious cargo: a sheep, a duck, and a rooster. After that successful flight, they soon sent up a couple of pigs in the basket to simulate passengers.
When that early flight descended, it landed in a farmer’s field. The sight of this floating contraption—unlike anything the locals had ever seen—understandably caused confusion, and perhaps even fear. Legend has it that the frightened farmers attacked the balloon with pitchforks, killing one of the pigs in the process, believing it to be some kind of supernatural threat.
Realizing that this reaction might not be uncommon, the Montgolfier brothers took precautions on future flights. To ease tensions and ingratiate themselves with any locals their balloons might land near, they began bringing bottles of Champagne to offer as a gesture of goodwill and peace.
That practice evolved into the modern-day tradition we still celebrate after a successful balloon flight. Today, the Champagne toast is more than just a drink; it is a tribute to ballooning’s whimsical history and a joyful celebration of a safe return to Earth.
🌤️ Red Rock Balloons: Professional, Passionate, and Safety-First
My balloon ride in Sedona didn’t go off without a hitch—but in a good way. In fact, I had to reschedule four times due to weather. While that may sound frustrating (and yes, it came at the expense of extra hotel stays), it actually gave me a deeper appreciation for the professionalism of Red Rock Balloons.
Photo by David Martin (Thank you David)
This isn’t a company that takes chances. If conditions aren’t perfect, they don’t fly. It’s that simple.
I’ve experienced similar cancellations in other parts of the country. In Walla Walla, Washington, for example, one flight was called off because the temperature was one degree too warm. That’s how precise, and cautious, this industry is.
Red Rock Balloons exemplifies that same commitment to safety, and I’d trust them again in a heartbeat.
👨✈️ Meet Mark, the Balloon Whisperer
Our pilot for the morning was Mark Stewart, one of the company’s owners. With over 30 years of ballooning experience, Mark was not only knowledgeable and calm, but also genuinely funny, the kind of pilot who makes every passenger feel at ease.
We were the first of four balloons to take off that morning. As we floated over Sedona’s stunning landscape, Mark was constantly in communication with the other balloon pilots, providing updates on wind speeds, elevation, and conditions. It was clear that he wasn’t just flying—he was reading the sky.
Watching him work, I couldn’t help but think of him as a sort of balloon whisperer.
🌄 The Sedona Hot Air Balloon Ride Experience from Above
Floating above Sedona in a hot air balloon is one of those surreal experiences that etches itself into your memory. As the sun rises, it casts golden light across the red rock formations, revealing shadows and textures you simply can’t appreciate from the ground.
We hovered near cliff edges, skimmed the tops of buttes, and gazed down at endless desert brush and winding trails. It was quiet, spacious, and beautifully still—a perspective of Sedona that few get to witness.
If you’re building your itinerary and wondering about the best things to do in Sedona, this needs to be at the very top of the list.
🥂 A Toast to the Sky
After a smooth and almost imperceptible landing, the kind that makes you wonder if you’ve actually touched down, the crew pack up the balloon before taking us on a short drive to meet up with the other groups.
There, surrounded by morning sun and smiling strangers-now-friends, we raised our glasses for the traditional champagne toast (in our case it was mimosas). It was a fitting close to an unforgettable adventure and a small celebration of everything ballooning represents: wonder, exploration, and a little bit of whimsy.
✨ Final Thoughts on Ballooning in Sedona
There are many ways to experience the beauty of Sedona, hiking, jeep tours, scenic drives and more, but none of them compare to silently drifting above it all as the sun climbs over the horizon.
The Sedona hot air balloon ride with Red Rock Balloons was easily one of the most extraordinary things I’ve done in Sedona.
So if you’re planning a trip and looking for the most memorable things to do in Sedona—I can’t recommend this experience enough. Be sure to click the preceding link to read an article and watch a video on some other fantastic things to do in Sedona. I have also create a comprehensive Sedona Itinerary that include everything you need to know about visiting.
Be patient with the weather, it’s worth the wait. If you have any questions about a Sedona hot air balloon ride, leave a comment below. So, until next time, we’ll see ya on the road…
Leggings are notoriously hit or miss for me, especially when I’m on the go. Too thick and you’re overheating before takeoff; too thin and you’re left worrying if they’re see-through when you’re grabbing your suitcase from baggage claim. But when it comes to Lululemon, I’ve learned to expect great things, and its latest launch somehow manages to raise the leggings bar even higher.
The new Lululemon Align No Line Leggings are a thoughtful update to the fan-favorite (and celeb-approved) Align High-rise Pants, and after slipping them on for the first time, I knew I’d found my new travel uniform. What sets them apart is the removal of the front seam (hence the name the No Line leggings), the one detail shoppers have begged to tweak for years (seriously, they were flooding the review section with their pleas). Some Lululemon customers found the front seam unflattering, especially in the lighter colors. Others complained they sat awkwardly or rode up, causing discomfort.
With the new version, the brand didn’t sacrifice an ounce of the buttery softness that made the originals best-sellers. Think the same beloved Aligns, just sleeker, smoother, and more flattering.
Lululemon Align No Line High-rise Pants
lululemon
At first, I wasn’t convinced the brand could improve on perfection. But then I wore them to a yoga class—no rolling waistband, no awkward adjusting, and definitely no visible sweat marks. Since then, they’ve seamlessly worked their way into every corner of my life: coffee runs, train rides from New York City to New Jersey, travel days, and more.
Travel + Leisure
They’re still made with Lululemon’s ultra-soft Nulu fabric, a barely-there blend of nylon and Lycra elastane that feels like a second skin, with four-way stretch and sweat-wicking technology that holds up whether you’re sprinting through an airport terminal or dozing off at 30,000 feet. The redesigned, seamless gusset placement keeps everything in place, and the waistband lies flat without digging in, but still has a handy interior pocket to stash your key or card.
Lululemon Align No Line High-rise Pants
lululemon
I grabbed them in classic black to start, but now I’m eyeing every single color. The styling options are endless. I can pair them with a Lululemon sports bra top and crew socks for Pilates, an oversized hoodie and the CrossCity Sneakers for laidback city strolls, or a soft tee and lightweight zip-up hoodie for a cozy travel day. Lightweight enough for summer and layerable enough for winter, they’re seasonless and suitcase-friendly—the kind of staple you don’t realize you’re reaching for until you’re wearing them daily.
Remember those Lululemon shoppers who wanted the brand to ditch the front seam? They’re just as happy as I am. “I’ve been waiting for this for years,” one shopper wrote. “They’re still comfy like the Align [leggings] we know. Thanks, Lulu, for finally making a No Line version.” Another added, “We finally have Aligns with no front seam, and they did not disappoint. I am so in love, I can’t stop wearing them.”
All that’s left for me to do is complete the Align look with the matching tank top. But, there are plenty of Lululemon items I’ve got my eye on hiding in the “We Made Too Much” Section, the brand’s secret stash of activewear, loungewear, and more. Keep scrolling to shop the other travel-ready styles I’m seriously considering adding to my suitcase.
Planning a motorhome or campervan trip to Norway? Want to see some of the most breathtaking places in Europe? Here’s everything you need to know to go campervanning or motorhoming in Norway, including routes and places to visit.
Don’t forget to download your FREE Europe motorhome travel checklist below to help you plan your Norway road trip.
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If you find this post useful, you can also treat us to a coffee – we promise to enjoy it while creating more useful content like this- we might even indulge in a biscuit (or two!)
Motorhoming in Norway – why you should go!
If you want to take your motorhome to some of the most breathtaking scenery in the world (not just Europe), you have to find time to get to Norway.
Seriously, I’ve been touring Europe in a motorhome for years- and Norway still blew it all out of the water.
The fjords, the mountains, the glaciers- it’s just all… I run out of superlatives. And even better, they LOVE motorhomes and campervans. Wild camping is allowed pretty much anywhere and there are so many incredible places to stay- choosing is often the hardest part. Add in how friendly and welcoming the people are, and it’s pretty much the perfect motorhoming destination.
In this post, I’m going to share with you everything you need to know to go motorhoming or campervanning in Norway, including getting to Norway and planning your route, where to stay (motorhome campsites, aires or wild camping with your camper), some road trip itineraries and places to visit, driving tips and other practical advice to help you have an amazing Norwegian road trip. If you’d like to see the costs, you can read how expensive our road trip to Norway was here
If this is your first campervanning trip to Norway (or Europe!), don’t forget to grab your free motorhome travel checklist which will help you plan and organise everything you need.
Planning to take your motorhome to Europe?
Campervanning in Norway – Where to go
When planning a motorhome trip to Norway, the first thing you need to do is decide where you’re going (and how long you have for your adventure!)
How long to go for?
If you’re driving from the UK to Norway (I’ll cover that shortly), you need to allow at least 3 days to get from arriving in France (by either ferry or Eurotunnel) to get to the Norwegian border. And that’s 3 days of pretty much solid driving.
I don’t recommend visiting Norway if you only have a week or even 10 days for your road trip. It’s too far and all you’ll do is drive there and back. Of course, if you’re going to rent a motorhome and fly in, that’s perfectly doable in a week (more on that shortly).
If you have a couple of weeks, you can certainly explore some of the best places in Southern Norway, but again it will be a lot of driving. On a previous trip, I went for 3 weeks, and I still didn’t get as far as I wanted to.
Map of my Norway Motorhome Tour
Our motorhoming in Norway route
Don’t forget, the best roads are the coastal roads, but they are also the slowest roads. So ideally save your motorhome trip to Norway until you have a block of 3 or more weeks so you can really enjoy it.
Norway is the longest country in Europe, and it takes about 30 hours to drive from Kristiansand to Hammerfest in the north- if you go the direct roads down the middle (which is also the expensive toll road!) It took me 2 days to drive back from near Kristiansund to the Swedish border (route ‘I’)
Don’t overestimate how far you can travel in one day. The roads are much slower than you might be expecting- not helped by all the ferries between places. There are a lot of single track roads which will slow you down.
TOP TIP: If you’re trying to get to the north of Norway, go up through Sweden- the roads are faster and also toll-free.
Some of my favourite places in Norway
Here are some of the highlights from a previous time motorhoming in Norway (so far!)
See all the Norway tips and destinations here
The Visit Norway website is a wonderful resource for finding places to visit, plus motorhome services, petrol stations and other useful tips.
Watch the video of our Norway motorhome trip
Here’s a copy of the speech I gave at the NEC Camping, Caravan and Motorhome show about taking your motorhome or van to Norway.
We hope you found the video useful. If you did, why not follow us on Youtube. We share new videos with tips for motorhoming and campervanning in the UK and Europe weekly, plus road trip ideas and epic destinations.
When to go motorhome touring in Norway
I have been to Norway several times- once with a motorhome, twice by air. I planned a motorhome trip in mid-July, and it rained solidly for 3 weeks (and yes, it was STILL one of the best motorhome trips I’ve done!)
I’ve also been in late November and early March, both times to see the Northern Lights (Norway is one of the best places in Europe to see the Northern Lights)
So, the answer on when is the best time depends on what you want to do. Norway only really has two seasons- summer and winter. Spring and Autumn do happen, but they are quick and unpredictable.
Norway in Winter
Norway is further North than Scotland, so expect snow- and a lot of it. It gets COLD in winter. Very very very cold. Anytime after October until early April is considered winter. You will definitely need proper motorhome or campervan heating to stay warm.
Also, don’t forget that Norway doesn’t get much sunlight in winter, and what it does get is pretty weak. So you don’t have as long during the ‘day’ to explore, even if you are happy to drive in the snow and ice.
The main roads are kept pretty clear, but more remote areas might be impossible to access, even with winter tyres fitted on your van. You’ll probably also need to winterise your motorhome before you go.
Motorhome touring and travel in Norway- complete guide to motorhome and campervan travel in Norway
Visiting Norway in Summer
Summer is by far the best time for a road trip to Norway. The days are long, the weather is surprisingly warm and even though it rained a lot, it was still pleasant to explore. (It doesn’t ALWAYS rain in summer- I’m just a rain magnet!) The roads are usually fully open from May until October.
Mid-summer is a HUGE deal in Norway (and most of Scandanavia). There are parties to celebrate the midnight sun- especially north of the Arctic Circle, but the long hours and light evenings can make it hard to sleep- make sure you find a way to get your rest if you’re doing a lot of driving.
It is possible to see the Northern Lights as early as September, especially if you’re to the far North of Norway, but don’t worry about visiting in August or peak season- the cities might be busy (especially those with cruise ship ports), but otherwise, the country is blissfully uncrowded and there are plenty of places to stay.
Planning a driving route from the UK to Norway
There is no direct ferry from the UK to Norway, so you’ll need to drive at least part of the way.
You can drive all the way through Germany, Denmark and a bit of Sweden (using the Oresund Bridge) to get into Norway or take the ferry from the top of Denmark (Hirtshals) to Kristiansand (quickest), Langesund, Stavanger or Bergen.
(Don’t forget that Denmark uses the Krone, not Euros)
Ferry to Norway from Denmark
The fastest route to Norway from the UK is using the Colorline Hirtshals- Kristiansand ferry. Hirtshals is a town right at the top of Denmark and driving to Hirtshals from Calais takes 12 and a half hours (1264km)
NOTE: Don’t confuse KristiansAnd with KristiansUnd- I set the wrong course in the motorhome sat-nav and it went very wrong!! You can see both places on the map above to understand why!
The Hirtshals ferry takes about 2 hours (which isn’t too long in case the dreaded North sea is having a bad day!) There is also a ferry from Hirtshals to Bergen in Norway, but it meant missing out on a lot of the stuff I wanted to see further south.
When I went in 2018, I paid 462.20€ (yes, Euros, not NOK), which was for 3 adults and an 8m motorhome PLUS a trailer. You can read more about our experience on the ferry from Denmark to Norway here.
In 2023, a 7m motorhome WITHOUT a trailer, with 2 adults, costs around 238€ one way (advance price).
There is also a route from Frederickshavn (Denmark) to Larvik (Norway) and Copenhagen to Oslo.
A new ferry route opened in 2022 from Eemshaven (Holland) to Kristiansand, which can cut your driving time down considerably- if you can get a space on it! It’s an 18h ferry and costs around €700 one way (2023 advance prices)
Motorhoming in Norway
Øresund toll bridge- driving via Sweden
If you don’t want to take the ferry, the only other way to get into Norway with your vehicle is to drive via Sweden. This route is about 1580km from Calais to the Norwegian border and Google maps thinks it will take just under 18 hours (that’s probably very optimistic!)
The upside to this route is you don’t have to pay for a ferry. The downside is you have to pay for tolls on both the Øresund toll bridge and the smaller Storebælt toll bridge in Denmark.
When I went in 2018, the Øresund Bridge and the A/S Storebaelt cost us £275 one way.
Currently (2025), a 7m camper or motorhome (without trailer) costs £105, you can get your ticket here.)
Storebælt toll bridge- 2025 prices for a Motorhome over 3,500 kg and up to 10 m long is approx £72.
Other motorhome and campervan routes into Norway
Of course, if you have a couple of months, you can get into Norway from another direction. Perhaps you choose to drive up through Sweden, then enter up at the North and drive south through Norway.
Or you could even go via Poland, Latvia and Finland and make it a proper Scandanavia motorhoming adventure!
New to motorhome or camper travel in Europe? You might find these posts helpful:
How to tour Europe in a Motorhome- step-by-step
How to plan EPIC motorhome trips
How to find Free motorhome parking and overnight stopovers in Europe for motorhomes and campervans
Essential kit for Motorhoming in Europe (with free checklist)
See all our Europe motorhoming posts here
NEED GEAR? If you need any kit or essentials for motorhoming in Europe, here’s what we recommend and where to find it
Norway Border Control/ Customs
Norway is not in the EU and therefore there IS a hard border between it and its neighbouring countries (unlike much of Europe.)
With this in mind, you are only allowed to carry over a certain amount of alcohol and tobacco, even if it’s for personal use- see the current allowances here.
You also need to complete a customs declaration form before you enter the country (which I only discovered at the ferry port and had to hastily complete. One of the funniest things was watching people who didn’t realise there was an alcohol allowance- they decided to make a party of it and were giving away their alcohol (and drinking as much of it as they could!)
Norway Customs app
By far the easiest way to declare and pay any customs charges is via the Norwegian Customs app. You can download it onto your phone/ iPad, fill it in, pay anything owed and then you can use the green channel when you arrive in Norway.
Expect your motorhome to be stopped and searched and have your paperwork ready. Don’t forget about dog paperwork too.
Hiring a motorhome to tour Norway
If you don’t have your own vehicle, or don’t have time to drive to Norway, there are plenty of hire companies who rent out motorhomes or campervans.
Expect to pay around £700 to £1000 a week for a small vehicle and go up from there. Prices are much cheaper in winter than in high season.
Of course, if you’re hiring a motorhome, you’ll have other factors to consider. If you’re flying in, you’ll need to pick an airport near the area you want to explore.
Then you’ll need to find a hire company with a base near there and plan how to get from the airport to the campervan. If you want to do the North of the country, Tromso is a great starting point. For the south, Oslo or Bergen might work well for you.
Lastly, you’ll need to figure out how you’ll bring all your kit (which might need to include things like bedding, towels, pans and other essential vanlife gadgets, as most hire vans don’t come with much in them at all.
Essential kit to carry when motorhoming or campervanning in Norway
In Norway, as with most countries in Europe, there are certain things you need to carry with you in your motorhome or campervan- although Norway is not as strict as many of the other European countries.
Don’t forget, if you are driving through other countries in Europe (which you probably will be, you need all the required kit for THOSE countries, as well as the stuff for Norway. If you’re used to motorhoming in France, you’ll already have everything you need.
Don’t forget to grab your FREE Europe motorhoming checklist below
Planning to take your motorhome to Europe?
Things you need to drive in Norway- safety gear
There are some safety items you should carry:
TOP TIP: Buy these essentials for driving in Europe BEFORE you get to the border- prices at Eurotunnel or on the ferry can be two or three times as much. Here’s what you need from Amazon, which is cheaper than Halfords or the high street.
Road trip accessories you MIGHT need for a motorhome holiday in Norway
Winter / All season / studded Tyres
Norway requires different tyre tread depths between summer and winter. If you are planning your road trip in Norway between 01 November to the first Sunday after Easter Monday (inclusive), the required tread depth is at least 3 millimetres.
In Nordland and Troms og Finnmark, the requirement for a tread depth of at least 3 mm applies from 16 October to 30 April (inclusive.)
At all other times, tyres are required to have a tread depth of at least 1.6 millimetres.
The vehicle must have winter tyres (studded or non-studded), chains or similar also outside of the periods mentioned above if this is necessary in order to ensure sufficient road grip.
If studded tyres are fitted to a car/ van weighing under 3.5 tonnes, they must be fitted to all four wheels. Vehicles with a permitted total weight of 3.5 tonnes or more must carry snow chains if ice or snow is expected. These snow chains must fit the vehicle’s wheels.
The cities of Trondheim and Oslo have a fee for city centre driving with studded tyres, in order to limit the pollution produced by studded tyres.
Snow chains
If you’re travelling Norway in a motorhome in winter, you will need to carry snow chains. You may be asked to show these at the border and even asked to demonstrate that you know how to fit them. If you don’t have any, you will be asked to purchase a set.
Get a full list of the essential kit and paperwork needed for motorhome touring in Norway and Europ
What documents do you need to drive in Norway?
If you’re motorhoming in Norway, you need to carry the following documents:
Passport (or identity card)
Driving licence (check it is in date!)- Yes, you can use your UK one.
Motorhome Insurance documents- check you are covered for driving in Europe
Breakdown cover
Vehicle V5 logbook (which must show your correct address)
Vehicle must be legally taxed and MOT’d
Trailer certification
Green card (get from your vehicle insurer)
International Driving Permit if required
Personal travel insurance
Do I need an international driving permit to drive in Norway?
Most UK citizens do not need an IDP to drive in Norway, as long as you have a card driving licence issued in the UK (in date, of course!)
You might need one if you have:
a paper driving licence only
a licence issued in Gibraltar, Guernsey, Jersey or the Isle of Man
(If you do need an IDP, here’s an in-depth guide on how to get an International Driving Permit and which one(s) you need from a UK post office.
Motorhome touring in Norway- Other useful things you might need
I’ve been touring Europe in our motorhome for several years. I’ve tried all sorts of kit- some useful, some not so much.
Here is a list of things I highly recommend when motorhoming in Norway, but which are NOT essential:
Campervanning in Norway – motorhome overnight stopovers and parking
Norway is very welcoming to motorhomers and campervanners. There are plenty of places to stay- both paid and free and they have a wonderful freedom to roam law- I’ll get to that shortly.
Motorhome campsites in Norway
Campsites in Norway are much like campsites anywhere else in Europe. There is a good network of campsites and they’re often quite rustic (although the one I stayed at had amazingly clean and modern toilets and showers,) but there was no bar or restaurant or communal areas. (Expect to pay extra to use the showers at many campsites.)
In the three weeks I spent touring Norway on one of my trips, I only stayed in a motorhome campsite once- partly because I wanted to use the laundrette, and partly because…well, just LOOK AT THE VIEW!
Motorhome campsite in Norway
Even with the rain, it was still amazing. You can find out everything about this campsite in Norway here. It cost us 250NOK (at the time that was about £25) to stay without electric. The washing machine was 40NOK per wash- all other facilities were included.
If you’re travelling out of high season and are planning to use campsites, I highly recommend buying an ACSI CampingCard membership– you’ll save a lot of money as I found the campsites in Norway to be quite expensive. But if you’re happy to stay off-grid, save your money and go wild camping.
Aires in Norway
As well as campsites and wild camping, there is a network of aires in Norway.
An Aire is an approved motorhome and campervan overnight parking place, usually provided and maintained by the local town or village council. They often cost a few £ (or NOK) to use them overnight, although you will find some in more remote areas which are free to use overnight. Many of them have motorhome service points- often for a small additional fee.
If you’re touring Norway with a caravan, rejoice! Unlike most of Europe, caravans are welcome on aires.
READ MORE: Discover how I find and use Aires and overnight parking places when motorhoming in Europe
Wild camping in Norway for motorhomes and campers
Wild camping with our motorhome in Norway
Ok, this is one of the best parts about motorhome travel in Norway- the FREEDOM and the right of access.
If you enjoy staying off-grid and wild camping with your motorhome, Norway is going to be your heaven. It has a freedom to roam law, allemannsrett (all man’s rights) meaning you can wild camp anywhere where the land is not owned, cultivated or where there is a sign forbidding it. I thought motorhome wild camping in Scotland was good, but Norway is better.
You need to follow these rules:
Stay at least 150m from dwellings
Stay no longer than 48 hours in one place
Don’t stay if there is a sign stating no overnight parking
Don’t put out awnings, chairs and so on- that’s ‘camping’
Be vigilant about campfires in summer
Motorhome wild camping guides for the UK & Europe
Motorhome and campervan service points in Norway
Norway is an incredibly clean country free from litter and I urge anyone campervanning in Norway to keep it that way.
There are plenty of rubbish bins, dump stations and water taps almost everywhere. I found them using the Park4night app. Most rest areas had free toilets to use if you wish.
There was only one area where I needed water and couldn’t find it- near Flam- and the mean man at the campsite wouldn’t let me pay to fill up the tank. But otherwise, it was very easy.
At some of the motorhome service areas (Tømme stations) you might need a key from the garage or attendant, especially if using the black waste.
I don’t think I found any taps which WEREN’T drinking water- pretty much all the water in Norway is potable- and is provided freely, so there’s no need to buy bottled water. NOTE: In winter, some water supplies may be turned off at times if the supply might freeze.
Most running water in the mountains and forests of Norway is clean enough to drink, but avoid water running through pastures or runoff from glaciers, as this may contain harmful microorganisms.
Driving tips for Norway
I enjoyed driving in Norway. The roads are much less congested than the rest of Europe, and there’s so much space to spread out and explore. The tolls, tunnels and ferries take a little while to get used to- I’ll go into those in more detail shortly.
Norwegian drivers are pretty calm and happy to wait or give way as necessary. Roads are generally well maintained and roadworks are few, but there are some very narrow roads, especially along the edges of the fjords. You’ll need to get used to how wide your motorhome is- and get used to other vans and lorries coming at you on very narrow roads. The scariest one was down a tiny tiny track- you can watch it at the end of this video:
Motorhome Tour of Norway
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Be aware of the weather conditions- the mountains can turn hostile very quickly in bad weather. Some mountain passes could close with no warning in inclement weather.
And pay attention to your brakes- going up and down mountain passes can make them very hot… and they could fail like they did in Switzerland! To avoid this, drive in a low gear, don’t ‘ride the brakes’ and brake with less force to help the brakes stay cool. (Read more about motorhoming in Switzerland)
When driving uphill, watch the vehicle’s temperature gauge to avoid engine overheating. If you’re planning to go up (or down!) Trollstigen (and you should!) choose your time wisely!
Also, don’t overestimate how far you can travel in one day. The roads are much slower than you might be expecting- not helped by all the ferries between places. It takes around 30 driving hours to go from Oslo up to Lofoten, so plan accordingly.
Here’s an overview for Norway driving rules:
Norway drives on the right, so stay right and let them overtake on the left.
You must drive with dipped headlights ALL THE TIME- even on sunny days
Speeds are in kms- you might want to adjust your motorhome sat-nav settings
Seatbelts and child safety seats are compulsory
Using a mobile phone while the engine is on is illegal
UK driving licences are perfectly acceptable to use and you probably won’t need an IDP (find out the changes made to driving in Europe after BREXIT)
In cities where there is more than one lane, you’ll often find one reserved solely for buses and taxis- don’t use this!
Traffic joining from the right has priority on junctions with no ‘give way’ signs or painted lines across the junction
Passing places on single-tracked roads are marked by a white M on a blue background
There are currently no restricted emissions zones in Norway, although central Oslo does close to diesel traffic when monitored emissions are considered high.
Norway has a “human-oriented” culture which puts pedestrians and cyclist first. Pedestrians will expect you to slow down or stop so they can cross the street, and cyclists may not always follow traffic regulations!
Speed limits in Norway
The speed limits are low- another reason you won’t get anywhere as fast as you want to.
Speed Limits are as follows (unless otherwise signed!)
Motorways/ major dual carriageways- 110km/h (70mph)
Built up areas- 50 km/h (31 mph)
Residential areas can be as low as 30 km/h
Speed limits for Vehicles over 3.5 tonnes and/ or towing
Heavy vehicles (over 3.5 tonnes) may not exceed 80 kilometres per hour regardless of the local limit- EXCEPT for motorhomes (camping cars) up to 7.5 tonnes, which are allowed to follow the same speed limits as other vehicles.
Vehicles towing caravans or trailers may not exceed 80 kilometres per hour regardless of the local limit. If the caravan or trailer is not equipped with brakes, the maximum speed is 60 kilometres per hour.
Speed Cameras in Norway
Yep, they have them. Frequently. They are often on bridges but police also do manual checks which can lead to on-the-spot-fines.
Motorhome Holidays in Norway
Drink Drive law in Norway
Alcohol laws are very strict in Norway, and penalties from driving under the influence are severe. The legal limit is 0.02% blood alcohol (the UK is 0.08%) and applies to the driver of any motorised vehicle. Medications to avoid if you intend to drive are marked with a red triangle.
Tolls in Norway
If you’re used to motorhoming in Germany or the UK (where there are very few tolls), Norway is going to be a shock.
There are about 200 toll stations in Norway. All of which are automated, and marked with “AutoPASS” and the symbol to the right. Avoiding a toll often means driving hours out of your way AND taking 2 or even 3 extra ferries, so it defeats the point. On the plus side, motorhomes are charged the same price as cars and the total toll costs aren’t usually that high.
The tolls all use number-plate recognition, so before you drive in Norway with a foreign vehicle, you should register
How much are the tolls in Norway?
In total, I went through 23 tolls during a 3-week Norway road trip- and over half of those were on the E6, which is the main road running North-South through central Norway (‘I’ on the map). The cost of that 2-day trip was £84.88 in toll charges.
The other tolls in Norway (around the western edge) came to a whopping £20.06- not bad for 12 days driving! But these are the roads with all the ferries on, so I also paid ferry costs on top of those toll charges.
So the total toll charges for a 3 week Norway road trip was £104.94
How to pay tolls in Norway
There are two options to pay- either get a toll tag or be charged on the EPass24 scheme. On the Atlantic Road, it may be possible to pay manually, but everywhere else is payment card online after you’ve received your bill.
EPass 24 Scheme
Registration is optional, but if you register for an EPass24 account this will normally reduce the time elapsed from the journey until you receive an invoice AND will make sure you pay the correct tariff- failure to register could result in you paying higher charges.
Register your foreign owned / rented / leased vehicle here
Drive through the AutoPASS toll lanes without stopping.
The invoice will be sent to you, based on the information that you have registered (by email if registered, by post if not)
Pay the invoice online by payment card
Autopass Toll tag
However, if you’d like a discount (up to 20%) on your toll prices, get a toll tag.
These MUST be issued in advance- you cannot buy a toll tag for a private vehicle at the border.
Autopass is the name for the tolls, NOT the name of the provider. There are several providers to register with- visit the Autopass.no website and choose one.
Back then, I registered with BroBizz as I had a motorhome over 3.5t and they were very good. I’ve also heard good things about Flyt and Fremtind but not used them personally.
The biggest benefit of a toll tag is a discount, often as much as 20%!
Don’t forget, you MUST register several weeks before you leave so you have time to receive your toll pass in the post.
Ferries in Norway
Norway is full of water. There are fjords and islands everywhere. If you’ve ever been motorhoming in Holland, you might not appreciate the problem… until you realise that these fjords are surrounded by mountains and it’s not easy to build roads over them. So they use ferries. It’s no different from using a tunnel or toll road- just part of the road network in Norway.
The ferries in Norway are not like the ferries between the UK and France. You don’t have to book in advance and they don’t just go a couple of times a day. They’re like shuttles, going back and forth continuously all day (although many do shut for a few hours late at night/ early morning.
There are no ‘cabins’ or requirement to book seats- you stay in your vehicle or can walk around the deck enjoying the view of the fjords. Some ferries take only 20 minutes, others can take nearly an hour. You can see them on your map/ sat-nav.
How to use the ferries in Norway
They are really easy to use, even if they are expensive. You pull up, wait in the queue, a ferry employee either will walk down the line, ask you your length and charge you the fee (one-way). Sometimes you pay when you are onboard. You can pay by card or cash (NOK).
CAUTION: Some places have ferries going to 2 or more destinations. Make sure you line up in the correct queue or you’ll find yourself on a ferry in the wrong direction. Also, some ferries have a stop-off service, so they go to one place, and then another. Make sure you get off at the correct stop!
Waiting for the ferry in Norway with our motorhome
How much do the ferries in Norway cost?
The cost of the ferry depends entirely on your length. If you are under 6m, you’ll pay the same price as a car, which is pretty reasonable. You can expect to pay around NKR100 for every ten minutes of ferry time in a sub-6m campervan or motorhome. The cost advertised includes the driver, then you have to pay for additional passengers.
For a trip I did many years ago, the costs were (as a 7.8m motorhome with a trailer):
Ferry from Luavika to Oanes 358NOK
Ferry from Puntnes (hjelmeland) – Nesvik on 13 – 430NOK
Ferry Skanevik- Utaker (48) – 438nok
Ferry Arsnes- Gjermundshamn (DONT PANIC- it goes to the island Varoldsoyna first!!) – 534NOK
Ferry Fornes -Mannheller (route 5) – 384NOK
Ferry Stranda – Liabygda – 412NOK
Ferry E39 Vestnes- Molde – 602NOK
Ferry E39 Halsa- Kanestraum – 438 NOK
TOTAL = 3596 NOK (roughly £333.44 in 2018)
How to pay for the ferries in Norway
The ferries are not the same as Tolls. You need to pay as you go, using card or cash. I used a UK bank cards (Visa debit) without issue. They prefer card as they don’t always have change for cash.
Tunnels in Norway
Did I mention Norway is full of mountains and fjords? Often, instead of going over or round, they built the roads THROUGH- so expect to spend more time than you might expect in tunnels.
You’ll find some with roundabouts, slip roads, extreme inclines or declines and even rest stops- in the Laerdal Tunnel (one of the longest road tunnels in the world at over 15 miles long), those rest stops are blue! (If you don’t want to go through the tunnel, you can take the Aurlandsfjellet Tourist Route which runs over the mountain above it.)
Inside the world’s longest road tunnel with our motorhome
Petrol/ Diesel in Norway
Fuel prices in Norway are relatively high due to environmental politics. Fuel stations are fewer in the mountains and other remote areas, especially in Northern Norway. Fuel also gets more expensive the further north you go.
Unleaded is called Blyfri It’s often super (95) or Super plus (98) – Green handles on pump
Diesel is… Diesel Black or yellow handles on pump
Some places are 24h pay at the pump, but may require you to go into the shop and pay the cashier either in advance or after you’ve filled up- there will be a sign to tell you what to do. (Leave your car in front of the pump and make a note of the pump number.)
You can pay using cash or a credit card. Many places do NOT take American Express. You can usually use your UK cards without a problem.
LPG in Norway
There are more than one hundred LPG stations across the country. Some are manned, some are automated and self-service. Some closed at night or on Sundays, others are 24 hours. You can find them using the website LPGnorge.no
Some used the UK bayonet connector, others the dutch bayonet. Many stations provide an “adapter” that will work regardless of your motorhome’s system. You can bring your own adapter if you want to.
You can watch me refilling a LPG in Norway here:
Motorhoming in Norway and getting LPG!
We hope you found the video useful. If you did, why not follow us on Youtube. We share new videos with tips for motorhoming and campervanning in the UK and Europe weekly, plus road trip ideas and epic destinations.
If using the MyLPG.eu website, check when the stations were last confirmed as being open (many are no longer there.)
Note: There is NO LPG in Finland, so if you’re planning your motorhome trip to include that country, top-up before you enter.
Driving in Norway- what to do in the event of a road traffic accident
You should have a European Claim Form provided by your insurer before you leave. In the event of an accident, all parties complete and sign the form at the scene and then send a copy to your insurer for assessment.
What to do at the scene:
Stop your vehicle immediately but safely- out of the flow of traffic if possible.
If a vehicle is blocking the road, use hazard lights and put the red warning triangle 30 metres from the scene to warn approaching traffic
Exchange your details with the other involved parties. Be sure to get:
Name and address of all the people involved in the accident
Vehicle registration numbers of all parties
Insurance company details of all parties
Take photos of damage using a camera, GoPro or phone
For more details, read our step-by-step guide on dealing with a road traffic accident in Europe
Motorhoming in Norway- How expensive is it?
Norway is consistently rated as one of the top 3 most expensive countries in the world. Norwegians are well-paid, and also pay high taxes, but the general cost of living is crazy high.
If you’re motorhoming in Norway, the tolls, ferries, fuel and vehicle costs are offset by the lack of campsite costs (if you’re wild camping), but the biggest expense, apart from getting there, is likely to be food and drink.
If you’d like to see a complete breakdown of our motorhome trip to Norway, you can see exactly how expensive Norway is to road trip here.
Food and Drink in Norway
Food and alcohol are one of the most expensive things on any trip to Norway. One huge tip is to stock up in advance in Germany, Denmark or even Sweden. Remember the rules for taking alcohol across the border.
This is one of the biggest advantages to touring Norway with a motorhome or campervan- you can save a lot of money by taking and preparing your own food.
Norwegians love their food and have many local specialities. Seafood is always good, but you could find reindeer (reinsdyrstek), torsketunger (cod’s tongues), rakfisk (fermented trout) or a huge number of dried and cured meats and fish. Brown goats cheese (Brunost) is very common at meals.
Planning to take your motorhome to Europe?
Supermarkets/ shops in Norway
For the best prices in Norway, try and shop in the Spar or Co-op’s. There is no Lidl or Aldi in Norway (apparently, Lidl tried… and then gave up!)
Expect to pay at least double the amount you are used to in the UK for everything in a supermarket- even the local produce. Many stores have an ‘own brand’ which is slightly more reasonable- think Waitrose or M & S prices.
Most supermarkets and grocery shops do not open on Sundays. Garages will sell basic groceries (and hot dogs!) but at inflated prices!
All drinks (cans and plastic bottles) have a deposit (pant) on them- in addition to the price on the label. You can put them back into the machine inside the supermarkets and get the option of a voucher to spend or giving the money to charity.
Alcohol in Norway
Tax is charged on all alcohol with more than 0.7% volume of alcohol, making all alcohol expensive.
Beer can be found in most supermarkets, but is only sold before 8 pm on weekdays or 6 pm on Saturdays. For wine, spirits or strong beer, you must visit one of the Vinmonopolet outlets, found in most large cities and towns. To buy wine or beer in Norway, the minimum age is 18 years. For spirits, it is 20 years.
In a Vinmonopolet you will pay around NKR150 for a bottle of wine and NKR50 for beer and cider. Spirits cost considerably more.
Eating Out in Norway
I’ll be honest, the only eating out I did was pizza- and it was so good I had it twice! The prices of restaurant and takeaway meals is crazy- even a McDonalds can cost upwards of £10 for a meal. Burger and chips can be £25 per meal and a beer, cider or glass of wine in a restaurant will cost between NKR60-90.
More useful things to know when campervanning in Norway
Emergency Numbers: 112 will get you everything you need.
Language: Norwegian. English is widely understood and spoken flawlessly.
Currency: Norway uses the Norwegian Krone (NOK), NOT the Euro. Obviously, the exchange rate fluctuates, but as a very rough guide, 10 NOK is about £1.
Cards: most major credit and debit cards are accepted. American Express is only taken in large stores (not often at fuel stations)
Timezone: GMT+1 (or one hour ahead in BST) Norway is always one hour ahead of the UK, no matter what. Their clocks go forward and back whenever ours does.
Tipping– Tipping is not customary but always appreciated. It’s common to round the bill to the nearest 10NOK.
Touring Norway with a dog
Yes, you can take your dog into Norway. You will need to get a tapeworm tablet administered by a vet 1-5 days before arrival (just like when you return to the UK). And yes, you will need ANOTHER one to go into the UK after driving back through Europe.
Norway is pretty dog friendly. You must keep your dog on a lead when walking between 1 April and 20 August to protect wildlife. Apart from that, they are allowed almost everywhere, including on the beaches.
Using a drone in Norway
I love using my drone when I travel and Norway was wonderful for drone shots. Here are the regulations.
READ MORE: What’s the best travel drone (and how to choose)
Drones and similar remote-controlled flying devices must be kept at least a minimum 150m from people, vehicles and buildings that are not connected with the drone operator. Flying must happen in daylight only and up to a maximum height of 120m. Never fly closer than 5km to airports. The drone must always remain within the sight of the operator.
Please check for local regulations and military or other special restricted areas where all the aforementioned activities are forbidden by law. Read more about using drones in Norway on the Norwegian CAA website.
Last update on 2025-05-16 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Uneven concrete can be a frustrating and unsightly problem for homeowners and business owners alike. Whether it’s a sunken driveway, an uneven patio, or a lopsided sidewalk, the visual and practical issues it creates can’t be ignored. Fortunately, mud jacking has emerged as a go-to solution, offering a cost-effective and efficient way to lift and level concrete surfaces without needing full replacement. Understanding how mud jacking works, its advantages, and when to use it can make all the difference in addressing your concrete problems with confidence.
Understanding the Basics of Mud Jacking
Mud jacking, also known as slab jacking or concrete lifting, is a process that involves pumping a slurry mixture under a sunken concrete slab to raise it back to its original level. The mixture typically contains water, soil, sand, and cement, and once it’s injected under the slab, it fills voids and stabilizes the foundation beneath. This process restores the concrete to a flat, usable state without the need to remove and replace the slab, making it a popular choice among property owners looking to save time and money.
Image Source: Pexels
Why Concrete Becomes Uneven
Concrete slabs can become uneven for various reasons, many of which stem from soil movement and erosion. As the ground beneath the concrete shifts or washes away, it leaves empty pockets that the heavy concrete eventually sinks into. Weather changes, water drainage problems, tree root growth, and poor initial installation are common culprits behind these sunken slabs. Understanding the root cause of the problem is key to preventing future issues and ensuring the success of mud jacking.
Image Source: Pexels
The Step-by-Step Mud Jacking Process
The mud jacking process begins with drilling small holes into the affected concrete slab, usually about the size of a coin. A specialized pump then injects the slurry mixture beneath the surface. As the voids fill, the pressure from the slurry gently lifts the slab back to its proper height. Once the slab is leveled, the drilled holes are patched with a matching material, leaving the surface smooth and clean. This process typically takes only a few hours, allowing homeowners to walk or drive on the repaired surface the same day.
Benefits of Choosing Mud Jacking
One of the most significant advantages of mud jacking is its cost-effectiveness. Unlike tearing out and replacing concrete, mud jacking can often be done for a fraction of the price. It’s also much faster, with minimal disruption to the surrounding area. Also, mud jacking is environmentally friendly, as it recycles existing concrete and reduces waste. With its durability and proven track record, it’s no surprise that more and more property owners are turning to mud jacking as their preferred solution.
Common Applications for Mud Jacking
Mud jacking isn’t limited to just driveways and sidewalks. It can also be used on garage floors, pool decks, basement floors, porches, patios, and interior concrete slabs. Its versatility makes it an excellent option for both residential and commercial properties. Whether dealing with a tripping hazard outside your home or an uneven floor inside your business, mud jacking can offer a practical solution.
How Mud Jacking Stacks Up Against Other Methods
Unlike alternatives like polyurethane foam injection or full concrete replacement, mud jacking holds its own in several important ways. While polyurethane foam injection is sometimes preferred for lightweight or interior applications, mud jacking is often a more affordable and accessible option. On the other hand, full concrete replacement is typically reserved for slabs that are severely cracked or damaged beyond repair, making mud jacking the better option for many situations.
Image Source: Pexels
Important Considerations Before You Begin
Before jumping into a mud jacking project, it’s essential to have a professional evaluate the condition of your concrete. Not all slabs are good candidates, especially those heavily cracked, crumbling, or suffering from underlying drainage issues. A thorough assessment ensures the project’s success and helps you avoid wasting money on repairs that may not hold up over time.
Maintenance Tips After Mud Jacking
After your concrete has been lifted and leveled, maintaining it properly can help extend its lifespan. Regularly check for signs of drainage problems, seal cracks promptly, and avoid using harsh de-icing chemicals in winter. These simple steps can go a long way in preserving your concrete and preventing future sinking.
How to Find a Trustworthy Mud Jacking Contractor
Finding the right contractor is critical to the success of your mud jacking project. Look for companies with extensive experience, strong customer reviews, and proper licensing and insurance. Don’t be afraid to ask for references and get multiple quotes to ensure you get the best value and service.
In the battle against uneven concrete, mud jacking has established itself as a reliable, cost-effective, and efficient solution for homeowners and businesses. By understanding how the process works and what it can do for your property, you can confidently approach concrete repair and avoid the high costs and disruption of full replacement. With the help of an experienced contractor and a commitment to proper maintenance, you can enjoy smooth, level surfaces that last for years. For expert help and more information on transforming your concrete, visit pinnaclefoundationrepair.com and take the first step toward a safer, more beautiful property.
For more on the latest in property reads, click here.
Bvlgari Octo Finissimo Ultra Tourbillon (left) and the Serpenti Aeterna (right)
For its first-ever showing as part of Watches and Wonders Geneva, Bvlgari delivered a biting two-pronged offensive with the Octo Finissimo Ultra Tourbillon and the Serpenti Aeterna. The new Ultra is undisputedly the world’s slimmest tourbillon wristwatch (at just 1.85mm thin, just 0.5mm thinner than last year’s top dog, the Piaget Altiplano Concept Tourbillon) while the Serpenti Aeterna is now, in our opinion, the world’s most elegant bangle watch. It was a fitting debut, which we covered briefly in our report on the recently concluded fair, though we only noted that Bvlgari delivered good cheer in the Palexpo. That is an understatement that we will rectify.
Mechanical Movement of the Bvlgari Octo Finissimo Ultra Tourbillon
Elegance is entirely subjective, so we will begin with the Ultra, which though more complicated, earns its stripes by dint of prowess and ambition. The high-complication department of Bvlgari’s watchmaking division has been chasing down records for more than 10 years now, and the thin chic war has raised watchmaking to new heights. To speak as plainly as possible, a mechanical movement is built up in layers of springs and gears. To make the thinnest possible watch, the goal is always to try bringing everything onto a single plane, as far as possible. That is the long and short of it of it, and it leads to spectacular architecture in movement design. It is not for everyone, but this is a limited edition of 20, so that is a given.
Bvlgari Octo Finissimo Ultra Tourbillon
In the Octo Finissimo Ultra Tourbillon, calibre BVF 900 adopts the extreme strategy of dispensing with a base plate altogether. Instead, it integrates the caseback as one of its components – this is a leading strategy in this style of watchmaking. Dial-side (although this nomenclature is quite unsuitable for something like the Ultra), what would normally be dominated by the motionworks is also now a showcase for the gear train and the mainspring (obviously, the tourbillon too). As with previous Ultra models, there is no standard crown here. Instead, two effectively exposed gears (one at 8 o’clock and one at 3 o’clock) wind the watch and set the time, respectively. Again, these functions are now on the same plane, which is not the case in a standard movement.
Bvlgari Serpenti Aeterna
Now, we will dispense with the many other details that go into making the Ultra a magnificent machine, although we may yet decide to dive deep (ahem) into the world of ultra-thin watchmaking soon(ish). We must close here with at least a few words on that Serpenti Aeterna, which is just a joy to wear.
Bvlgari Serpenti Aeterna
The most streamlined Serpenti yet, this one leans hard into graphics – it does not even look much like a watch. Most of the time, we take a dim view of that, but not here. To match our simplified take on the Ultra, consider the Serpenti Aeterna as the sort of watch you might wear purely for decorative reasons. That it is a watch is besides the point but crucially, it presents the time very effectively. Just as some snakes hide in plain sight, so too does the Serpenti Aeterna.
For more on the latest in luxury watch reads, click here.
The lodge is set on 17 acres of wild-meets-manicured gardens, filled with birdsong and anchored by the mesmerizing Waikato River.
Arriving guests are ushered straight to seats by the river and welcomed with charcuterie platters and Louis Roederer Champagne.
The new River Room is an instant hit for its front-row water views and striking design of oversized ship’s lights, brass fireplace, and window-hugging lounges.
The range and number of activities—both within the lodge grounds and in the surrounding Taupō area, one of New Zealand’s top spots for adventure and nature tourism—are impressive.
The hedge-lined driveway at Huka Lodge meanders through what, at first, feels like impeccable English parklands, with checkered lawns, flowerbeds, and an ornamental pond complete with resident ducks. But as we round a bend to the main lodge, I catch my first sight of the Waikato River, a quicksilver streak of glacial green-blue rushing along the edge of the 17-acre property, and the scene is suddenly transformed into something wild and untamed—and unmistakably New Zealand.
It was this mesmerizing river, the country’s longest, that first lured thrill-seekers to this spot over a century ago. In 1924, Irishman Alan Pye opened a canvas-tented fisherman’s camp where keen anglers could match their skills against the Waikato’s spirited rainbow trout. The camp’s fame soon spread, attracting A-list anglers, including British royalty, the aviator Charles Lindbergh, and novelist James Michener.
Nowadays, the setting has lost none of its allure—nor its celebrity clientele—but Huka is a more elaborate affair of 20 riverside suites and two cottages anchored by a two-story lodge above the emerald torrent. Fresh from a 10-month, $14-million renovation under new owners Baillie Lodges, Huka now offers even more vantage points from which to admire the Waikato River. Besides an expanded restaurant and extra decking, there’s a striking new River Room with walls of white-paned windows that put guests closer to the action than ever.
The hotel gardens along the banks of the Waikato River.
George Apostolides/Courtesy of Huka Lodge
New Zealand’s so-called ‘lodge queen’ Virginia Fisher, who designed the interiors when Huka became a bricks-and-mortar lodge in 1984, oversaw its latest makeover and has stayed true to what she calls its “retro, camping-by-the-river” feel while modernizing it for the next century.
The trademark tartan has gone, but there are echoes of it in discreetly grid-patterned rugs, stylish plaids, and checked blankets. Original furnishings have been reupholstered, and tables resurfaced, and Fisher has added emphatic bursts of color—a jewel-green velvet sofa in the cocktail lounge and raspberry-hued linen drapes in the dining room. She also enhanced the lodge’s art collection, mostly gilt-framed oils of landscapes and animals, with specially commissioned works showcasing New Zealand’s indigenous Māori culture.
Her style is quite sumptuous but also eclectic. Everywhere I look, something catches my eye—the filigreed eel traps on the lodge’s exterior, an antique leather pommel repurposed as a coffee table, hall chairs with backs twisted into Celtic crosses, and, the crowd favorite, an old Spanish cabinet she reconfigured as the cocktail bar. Its four paneled doors open almost ceremonially each evening for drinks.
Mornings at Huka are magical as mists lift from the river and cloak the gardens of tree ferns, flax, totara, and rimu pines. It’s a scene I enjoyed from my canopied bed or sitting on the deck with an espresso and a shortbread from the minibar. Ideally, I’d spend my days admiring this river from every angle—breakfasting on the restaurant’s terrace, walking down to the nearby falls where narrow gorges turn the Waikato into raging cascades and hiking along the opposite bank to bathe in riverside hot springs. But there are many modern distractions at the new Huka—from spa treatments and a forest-view sauna to a tennis court and workouts in the sleek gym. And there is neighboring Lake Taupō, a geothermal hotspot popular for watersports and outdoor activities in one of New Zealand’s most striking natural landscapes.
Regardless of how guests spend their days, come evening, everyone gathers for cocktails and canapes, ideally in the River Room, where I like to sit on the leather fender by the fireplace and watch the river float by in the fading light.
Here’s what it’s like to stay at the new Huka Lodge.
The Rooms
A deep soaking tub in a guest room bathroom.
George Apostolides/Courtesy of Huka Lodge
The number of accommodations remains the same after the renovation, but each has received such a comprehensive facelift that, despite some being over 40 years old, it’s impossible to detect any signs of age. The 20 suites fan out from a fern-lined walkway and are arranged in twos and threes along the river, some with shared foyers and others with private entrances. The duplex Alan Pye cottage has two king bedrooms, an infinity pool, and a hot tub opening onto riverside lawns, while the four-bedroom Van Heeren cottage features a sun deck, plunge pool, and spa set on a bluff above the Waikato.
The 645-square-foot lodge suites are richly textured in linen, wool, and leather to create cozy retreats in New Zealand’s cool climate, with walls of glass that can open to the river and gardens in warmer weather. Furnished timber decks step down to clipped lawns and sun loungers.
New suite features include custom AH Beard king beds curtained in fine linen, chaise longues, and personal bars stocked with New Zealand wines and beers, local craft sodas, and regional products, including chocolate and triple-cream Brie. My favorite treat is Huka kitchen’s fat, buttery shortbread discs studded with sugar crystals.
The bathrooms, located just beyond the walk-in dressing rooms, are a highlight. Timber-floored and skylit, the centerpiece is a chrome-railed bath set beside mullioned windows looking out to fern gardens, a lovely spot for a lavender and bergamot-scented soak.
Food and Drink
Lodge dining leans heavily on New Zealand’s pristine produce and the easy sophistication of Pacific cuisine, whether it’s the breakfast honeycomb cut straight from the estate’s hives or Mount Cook alpine salmon from the country’s purest streams.
At breakfast, the buffet is arranged on and around the kitchen pass with baked bread and pastries, including flaky croissants and pains au chocolat, fresh fruits, cereals, charcuterie, and cheeses. Start here, then order off the menu, featuring classics such as eggs benedict and pancakes with lodge marmalade.
The restaurant is an elegantly relaxed, split-level space with a riverside terrace. There are fireplaces inside and out and heated gazebos that allow for riverfront dining in any weather.
Lunch offers upscale comfort foods such as pappardelle with prawns, Lake Ohau sirloin, and chocolate fondant, while dinner comprises four-course menus adjusted to taste and dietary requirements. Highlights from my dining included an heirloom tomato tart with local Cranky Goat cheese and sturgeon caviar from Rotorua, and Mount Cook salmon with yuzu and nori tapioca. Wines were well chosen for each course, but for something special, there’s a cellar list of 4,500 bottles showcasing 90 percent New Zealand wines plus benchmark vintages from Australia and France.
Guests staying three nights or more are treated to dinner in one of the lodge’s specialty dining spaces, which include an al fresco ‘green room’ walled by hedges and warmed by heaters and blankets; the sunken wine cellar; and The Library, where the late British Queen Elizabeth II dined during her four visits here.
Activities and Experiences
Aerial view of the spa tennis courts.
George Apostolides/Courtesy of Huka Lodge
On-site lodge activities are concentrated in an extravagantly hedged enclosure containing a tennis court, croquet lawn, and petanque pitch. There is also a compact pool, two hot tubs in a terraced garden setting, and a yoga lawn for personal practice or private classes with an instructor (by appointment).
It’s a short walk to Huka Falls, a two-tiered cascade where I watch intrepid kayakers plunge over the drops and survive. Staff can also arrange jet-boating journeys to the base of the falls.
Guests can borrow a mountain bike or e-bike and tackle more than 60 miles of trails along the Waikato River. The lodge supplies rods for catch-and-release fly fishing, but if you’re serious about snaring a rainbow trout, then book an excursion to Lake Taupō. Huka partners with local tour company Chris Jolly Outdoors for fishing, hiking, and biking adventures centered mostly on the lake. I spent a half-day with them on a refurbished 1970s timber boat, cruising the lake, visiting contemporary Māori rock carvings, and dining on barbequed steaks and salads. One of our group caught a trout big enough to bring back to the lodge, where it was served finely filleted on blinis with sundowner cocktails.
High-flyers can charter a helicopter to explore the volcanic landscapes of Tongariro National Park and Rotorua, as well as the prized vines of Craggy Range in Hawke’s Bay for a private tour of the estate and cellars, wine tastings, a gastronomic lunch, and your pick of six premium bottles to be packaged up and delivered home.
The Spa
The 2025 renovation has added a two-room spa housed in cottages inspired by typical New Zealand ‘bach’ holiday homes. Accessed via a woodland path, the spa also offers twin ice-bucket baths, a soaking hot tub set among ferns, and a sauna with calming rainforest views.
The spa treatment menu incorporates Indigenous elements such as manuka honey, energizing greenstone (a type of jade), and thermal muds drawn from the surrounding volcanic landscape. Small-batch Verité Spa skincare products are made locally from organic plant extracts such as blue tansy and kiwifruit seed.
Treatments range from hour-long Kanohi Radiance facials that combine thermal-mud face masks and collagen-boosting face serums to the two-hour signature Aroha Goddess ritual of aromatic massage, back exfoliation, and anti-aging facial with rosehip and sandalwood. There are more than a dozen indulgence options to choose from, most incorporating some elements of Māori beliefs or rituals; therapists recommend choosing one that “resonates with your mood or desired focus.”
The newly installed gym next door is a glass-walled pavilion equipped with medicine balls, ropes, and a punching bag by the cult German fitness brand Artzt, overlooking a tranquil garden.
Family-friendly Offerings
The lodge is open to children 10 and above but does not offer any special activities or menus for younger guests. They are treated as small adults and expected to behave as such.
Accessibility and Sustainability
There is one adapted suite (number four) for guests with limited mobility. The main lodge building is partially wheelchair accessible except for the lower dining room and upstairs lounges.
Huka is on the national grid which generates more than 80 per cent renewable energy largely from hydroelectric power, including the Waikato River. Transfers and local transport is by Mercedes Benz electric vans, and water is drawn straight from the river and purified for lodge use.
Location
Huka Lodge is on the edge of Taupō, a geothermal region in the center of the North Island known for its therapeutic hot springs and a vast lake the size of Singapore popular for watersports, sailing, trout fishing, and forest hikes. There are also leading golf courses nearby and the Tongariro National Park for epic walks and winter skiing and snowboarding on Mount Ruapehu.
Taupō is a three-hour drive from New Zealand’s largest city, Auckland. The lodge can arrange transfers, or guests can choose to rent a car and drive themselves. Major agencies, including Avis, Budget, and Hertz, operate from Taupō airport.
Once clear of Auckland, the roads are uncongested and easy to navigate for those comfortable driving on the “opposite” side of the road. Alternatively, guests can book a 30-minute scheduled flight with Air New Zealand or charter a 70-minute helicopter hop. There is parking for five helicopters on Huka’s 18-acre greenfield site next door.
How to Get the Most Value Out of Your Stay
Huka Lodge and Baillie Lodges do not currently participate in any loyalty program. Lodge rates include a hearty country breakfast, pre-dinner drinks and canapés, and a four-course dinner with paired wines.
Nightly rates at Huka Lodge start from around $1,700 per suite, with a minimum two-night stay.
Every T+L hotel review is written by an editor or reporter who has stayed at the property, and each hotel selected aligns with our core values.
Victor Lui’s 80th birthday was the hook for the three-generation family trip
It all began when Hong Kong-born Victor Lui and his wife Alice Lui were visiting their daughter Camillia and son George and their spouses and children in California during the Covid-19 pandemic, in October 2022.
“That was such a difficult time for us as a family, being so far apart with all kinds of travel restrictions,” Victor recalls. “We spent a lot of time thinking about some amazing family adventures we could look forward to.”
While scanning the internet for a potentially memorable travel experience together, the family hit upon the idea of a premium yacht charter experience. It would be one with plenty of bells and whistles, as it would be a celebration for Victor’s 80th birthday.
The whole family group had already experienced cruises over the years. Victor had been a part of his parents’ family cruise holiday to Alaska, and he continued that tradition with his children.
George Lui and his family on the charter
Victor and Alice have also enjoyed cruises to various destinations as a couple. But a private charter completely tailored to their own specific wants seemed perfect for the special birthday holiday.
Neither Victor nor any other member of the family had previously tried a yacht charter or heard too much about the concept. Victor decided, and his family all agreed, that such a customised charter plan would be the trip of a lifetime.
DECIDING ON THE DESTINATION AND CHARTER COMPANY
As a family project, the adults of the reunion in the US discussed ideas on where would best suit the three generations that started from grandchildren ranging between eight and 13 years old.
“George suggested going to Europe, somewhere nice around the Mediterranean,” Victor recalls. “We had been to Rome but not to that southern part of Italy that’s well known for its natural beauty. We looked into it online together, all huddled around our screens, and the area around Amalfi really did look amazing – but then, so did many places”.
View from the clifftops of Sorrento, one of the shore visits; Photos:Emran Yousof / Unsplash
With the approximate Mediterranean destination in mind, the next step was to find a suitable charter company.
“I wanted to use an international one with a good reputation,” Victor says. “So, after we did a lot of searching, George and I thought Fraser looked great. We read good comments online about their services and people’s chartering experiences with the company. I also noticed they had an office in Hong Kong.
“My birthday was a year ahead of this idea, and so I thought it would be ideal to discuss details face to face with Fraser and then hopefully make a booking in my hometown.”
While in California, George contacted Fraser Asia, recalls Laura Verbrugge, Sales Manager of Fraser Asia, the regional branch of the international superyacht brokerage house.
“George told me about it being a trip for his father’s 80th birthday and that there should be a nice party for that, along with the general idea of a charter in southern Italy,” Verbrugge explains.
The family’s charter itinerary map, custom arranged by Fraser Asia
Asked for her advice, Verbrugge recommended that for a first private charter in Europe, the family should cruise the Amalfi coast. She then started to build a few different itineraries with them, giving them the chance to discuss it and make a selection.
“To get an idea about their hopes for the one-week charter, George and I had initial discussions on the types of interests the family had and whether we should include historical sights, such as the Pompeii ruins. We discussed marine activities, the type of yacht they might like, and a lot about the family’s preferences and needs.
“George also told me he was the only family member with some boating experience, as he had previously owned a sailing yacht. However, he also mentioned he had been seasick on European cruises the family did together, so I suggested we reduce island-hopping and other on-water excursions during their charter.”
After initial consultation emails to sketch out the rough parameters of the charter, Victor called the Fraser Asia office following his return to Hong Kong, setting up a face-to-face meeting.
“I was surprised to hear a French voice, speaking English on the phone,” Victor says, with a smile. “It was Laura. I went to the Fraser office in Aberdeen to find out more about her recommendations.
“After that, the service we had from Fraser was great. They took care of so many details. Laura even visited us at our home when more convenient for us. She booked flights for us all to arrive in Italy – reaching there from different time zones – and noted what kind of food we preferred, booked restaurants for us and so on.”
THE SOUTHERN ITALY CHARTER
The family of 10 landed in Milan in the summer of 2023, initially stayed at Lake Como and then flew on to Naples, where the charter trip started.
Given George’s previous ‘sea legs’ comments, Verbrugge chose a yacht with a stabiliser and made sure that cruising between each mooring was limited to three hours. There were a lot of breaks between cruising for swimming, snorkelling or jetskiing off remote beaches and sea caves.
The yacht itself was the 43m (141ft 1in) Behike, a grand four-deck, five-cabin motoryacht by CRN. Toys included paddleboards, iAqua SeaDart water scooters and a host of towable pursuits that could be enjoyed with the help of the yacht’s 45-knot tender.
Fraser Asia arranged the 43m CRN Behike for the family’s Med charter; Photo: Fraser
Outdoor spaces were abundant, allowing for whole-family fun and for privacy for individuals or small groups. These included spaces up on the sundeck, which had a bar and sunlounger area, as well as on the bow loungers, and in an alfresco Jacuzzi.
“There were also great meals and shopping in Capri,” recalls Victor, when asked about some of his outstanding moments during the charter. “Sorrento, with its beautiful high cliffs, was a place I wanted to see, and it really was amazing.
“When we were moored off Capri, we had a good view of the very large yacht belonging to Jeff Bezos nearby, and saw a helicopter land on its helipad. It was later reported that the arriving guest was Bill Gates. So close by to us!”
Docking at Marina Grande in Capri harbour allowed a special onboard party for Victor – arranged by Fraser – with the chef cooking up a storm, and the crew pulling out all the stops, and corks, in celebration of his 80th birthday.
Victor with his grandchildren on his 80th birthday in Capri
“Fireworks were going up into the air and Laura had arranged a photographer who took photos of it all,” Victor says.
Camillia, Victor’s daughter, adds her memories of the trip. “It was such a pleasure seeing the children so happy on the yacht. The kids were in the water a lot – all the cousins enjoying time together within the safety of the swimming net, trying boogie boards, hover boards and jetskiing,” she says.
“They absolutely loved tubing – that was their favourite activity – as well as having fun playing games and enjoying watching TV shows and movies on the many different TV screens in different rooms on the boat.”
Victor and Alice also enjoyed their master suite, the kids playing the piano in the saloon, and the serenity of breakfast on deck at 7am.
Victor and his wife Alice, flanked by children George and Camillia, plus their families
“I made a list of restaurants for the family for lunches onshore and booked two for them,” says Verbrugge. “During the charter, I was in touch with them as often as they wanted me to be.
“They were fairly easy about food, so the chef – one of the crew of nine – cooked a lot of Mediterranean dishes, some Japanese and some fusion cuisine. Victor told me that the lamb dishes the chef cooked were his favourite, along with the ‘perfect steaks’.”
Camillia adds: “The boat was beautiful and had space for all of us to enjoy it and feel comfortable – from the sundeck area to the other open areas, as well as the bedrooms. The crew members were very hospitable and helped us with anything we needed. They were knowledgeable and friendly, which added a lot to our experience.
“The options to go onshore allowed us time to explore and learn about coastal cities and towns. The whole experience suited everyone from an eight-year-old to an 80-year-old and all those in-between.”
George and his wife enjoy the party dinner
After the cruise was over and the families were back in their respective homes, Verbrugge delivered a photo album of that special party the family had enjoyed in Capri, to Victor’s delight.
CHARTER WHETS THE APPETITE FOR MORE
So, would the family like to go yacht chartering again, after that Fraser Asia experience, and if so where would the dream destinations be?
“Yes,” Victor answers enthusiastically, before the question could be fully asked. “To Croatia, for Alice’s 80th birthday, in 2028.”
Camillia is also very interested in more of the same, or similar. “Yes. We would be interested in going to Croatia, Greece, France, Spain and Portugal.”
Victor plans to celebrate Alice’s 80th birthday in 2028
This Southern Italy charter, as custom-arranged by Fraser Asia, has likely instilled some new holiday habits within this extended family.
fraseryachts.com
This article was first seen on YachtStyle.com.
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There are few travel experiences that manage to be both exhilarating and meditative, but a hot air balloon ride accomplishes just that—a gentle ascent into the sky that feels like slipping between dimensions. I’ve been fortunate to drift above a range of landscapes in at least half a dozen balloon flights, from the sun-drenched vineyards of California to the misty valleys of the Pacific Northwest—and each has offered a quiet kind of magic.
But the Sedona hot air balloon ride I recently took with Red Rock Balloons was something altogether different. Suspended high above Arizona’s iconic red rock formations, with the first light of day igniting the rugged desert below, the experience felt otherworldly.
Though it took several attempts (over a year’s period) to make it into the air due to weather delays, the reward was a flight that exceeded expectations. From the moment we gently lifted off until our flawless landing just west of Sedona, it was clear: this wasn’t just another item to check off a travel list. This was one of the most breathtakingly beautiful and soul-stirring things to do in Sedona, an experience that elevates the spirit as much as the senses.
☁️ Why a Sedona Hot Air Balloon Ride Is So Special
Hot air ballooning is unlike any other form of flight. There’s no rush of air, no vibration, no noise except the occasional burst of the burner. It’s an experience that defies modern aviation—a throwback to the earliest days of human flight when lift came from fire and courage.
Photo by David Martin (Thank you David)
Even people afraid of heights often say ballooning feels oddly secure. There’s a grace and gentleness to it that’s hard to put into words. It’s less like flying and more like levitating, as though you’ve stepped onto a magic carpet and are simply floating above the world.
And above Sedona’s red rock spires, it’s nothing short of magical.
🎈 The Origins of Flight… and the Champagne Toast Tradition
Hot air ballooning holds a special place in aviation history. The first successful manned flight took place in 1783 in France, when the Montgolfier brothers launched a balloon into the sky. But before daring to send humans into the air, they first tested the concept with a curious cargo: a sheep, a duck, and a rooster. After that successful flight, they soon sent up a couple of pigs in the basket to simulate passengers.
When that early flight descended, it landed in a farmer’s field. The sight of this floating contraption—unlike anything the locals had ever seen—understandably caused confusion, and perhaps even fear. Legend has it that the frightened farmers attacked the balloon with pitchforks, killing one of the pigs in the process, believing it to be some kind of supernatural threat.
Realizing that this reaction might not be uncommon, the Montgolfier brothers took precautions on future flights. To ease tensions and ingratiate themselves with any locals their balloons might land near, they began bringing bottles of Champagne to offer as a gesture of goodwill and peace.
That practice evolved into the modern-day tradition we still celebrate after a successful balloon flight. Today, the Champagne toast is more than just a drink; it is a tribute to ballooning’s whimsical history and a joyful celebration of a safe return to Earth.
🌤️ Red Rock Balloons: Professional, Passionate, and Safety-First
My balloon ride in Sedona didn’t go off without a hitch—but in a good way. In fact, I had to reschedule four times due to weather. While that may sound frustrating (and yes, it came at the expense of extra hotel stays), it actually gave me a deeper appreciation for the professionalism of Red Rock Balloons.
Photo by David Martin (Thank you David)
This isn’t a company that takes chances. If conditions aren’t perfect, they don’t fly. It’s that simple.
I’ve experienced similar cancellations in other parts of the country. In Walla Walla, Washington, for example, one flight was called off because the temperature was one degree too warm. That’s how precise, and cautious, this industry is.
Red Rock Balloons exemplifies that same commitment to safety, and I’d trust them again in a heartbeat.
👨✈️ Meet Mark, the Balloon Whisperer
Our pilot for the morning was Mark Stewart, one of the company’s owners. With over 30 years of ballooning experience, Mark was not only knowledgeable and calm, but also genuinely funny, the kind of pilot who makes every passenger feel at ease.
We were the first of four balloons to take off that morning. As we floated over Sedona’s stunning landscape, Mark was constantly in communication with the other balloon pilots, providing updates on wind speeds, elevation, and conditions. It was clear that he wasn’t just flying—he was reading the sky.
Watching him work, I couldn’t help but think of him as a sort of balloon whisperer.
🌄 The Sedona Hot Air Balloon Ride Experience from Above
Floating above Sedona in a hot air balloon is one of those surreal experiences that etches itself into your memory. As the sun rises, it casts golden light across the red rock formations, revealing shadows and textures you simply can’t appreciate from the ground.
We hovered near cliff edges, skimmed the tops of buttes, and gazed down at endless desert brush and winding trails. It was quiet, spacious, and beautifully still—a perspective of Sedona that few get to witness.
If you’re building your itinerary and wondering about the best things to do in Sedona, this needs to be at the very top of the list.
🥂 A Toast to the Sky
After a smooth and almost imperceptible landing, the kind that makes you wonder if you’ve actually touched down, the crew pack up the balloon before taking us on a short drive to meet up with the other groups.
There, surrounded by morning sun and smiling strangers-now-friends, we raised our glasses for the traditional champagne toast (in our case it was mimosas). It was a fitting close to an unforgettable adventure and a small celebration of everything ballooning represents: wonder, exploration, and a little bit of whimsy.
✨ Final Thoughts on Ballooning in Sedona
There are many ways to experience the beauty of Sedona, hiking, jeep tours, scenic drives and more, but none of them compare to silently drifting above it all as the sun climbs over the horizon.
The Sedona hot air balloon ride with Red Rock Balloons was easily one of the most extraordinary things I’ve done in Sedona.
So if you’re planning a trip and looking for the most memorable things to do in Sedona—I can’t recommend this experience enough. Be sure to click the preceding link to read an article and watch a video on some other fantastic things to do in Sedona. I have also create a comprehensive Sedona Itinerary that include everything you need to know about visiting.
Be patient with the weather, it’s worth the wait. If you have any questions about a Sedona hot air balloon ride, leave a comment below. So, until next time, we’ll see ya on the road…
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