4 Popular Light Flight Activities to Reignite Your Passion for Soaring the Skies

By MOOK Scenic Spots Family Travel Life Network, Chen Guanxin | Compiled & Reported | Source: Moleskine Editorial Department

As international travel becomes increasingly common, flying abroad on a passenger plane is no longer a distant dream. As a result,the excitement of taking off in an aircraft for the first time has gradually faded. Yet the human longing to soar through the skies remains hard to satisfy. That’s why various light flight experiences—such as helicopters, zip lines, hydrofoils, and hot air balloons—have been introduced around the world, attracting travelers from far and wide. These unique modes of transport offer breathtaking aerial views of mountain landscapes or cityscapes, reigniting the joy and anticipation of flight.

Helicopters

Great Ocean Road, Australia

Take a helicopter ride to view the highlights of the Great Ocean Road. In just a 10-minute flight, you can witness some of the most spectacular coastal landforms along the route, including the Twelve Apostles, Loch Ard Gorge, and London Bridge. Though the flight is short, it’s guaranteed to be action-packed. As the helicopter ascends, breathtaking views unfold before your eyes—the winding coastline, the uniquely shaped sea rocks that look like masterpieces crafted by nature. Tourists eagerly grab their cameras, frantically capturing every angle, unable to stop clicking away. After flying past the Twelve Apostles near the shore, the helicopter slowly cruises above the Great Ocean Road before turning back and landing, concluding this brief yet thrilling journey to rounds of applause.

Monaco, France

Located on the Mediterranean coast of southeastern France, Monaco is the country with the highest per capita income in the world. Its world-famous annual event is the Formula One Grand Prix. Despite its small size and rugged coastline, Monaco became one of the wealthiest nations after the opening of its first Monte Carlo Casino in 1865. In 1949, Prince Rainier III ascended to the throne and married Hollywood actress Grace Kelly. This fairytale romance between a king and a commoner beauty catapulted Monaco to global fame.

There are several ways to reach Monaco—you can take the TGV to Monaco-Monte Carlo Railway Station, drive along the cliffside coastal highway, or even arrive by boat from the Mediterranean Sea. But the coolest and most popular option is taking a helicopter ride to enjoy a bird’s-eye view of Monaco’s coastal townscapes. Two helicopter companies operate services here: Héli-Air-Monaco and Monacair. Both depart from Nice Côte d'Azur International Airport and fly to the local airport in Monaco, with a flight duration of just 7 minutes.