Why: I am in the very lucky position that I can follow my hobbies to their ultimate conclusion. After successfully setting the records for crossing the Atlantic and the Pacific in a hot-air balloon, I dreamt for many years of capturing the last great aviation record of flying around the world non-stop in a balloon. Now, for many, the prospect of flying in the enclosed capsule of a 1.1 million cubic foot helium and hot-air balloon, propelled only by the whim of a very unpredictable and at times extremely cruel Mother Nature, is their worse nightmare. For Steve, Per and myself, it was a dream come true.

What's the best thing: It's difficult to say. Trying to avoid Iraq had sent us dangerously off course and into China, a country over which we had no permission to fly. I don't think I have ever been so terrified in my life. After this, things could only get better. The next morning we were greeted by the most beautiful dawn you could imagine while flying over Kansia in Japan. Looking out of the capsule to see hundreds of people stop in their tracks to stare at this glorious balloon flying over their heads made my heart soar. It is a memory I will carry with me for the rest of my life.

What triggers the memory: Any balloon, any sunset.

How do I get there? If you are prepared to spend years of your life waiting for the perfect weather, to risk life and limb flying over not only the most dangerous geographical conditions but potentially explosive political situations in the world, not to mention eating stale turkey sandwiches on Christmas Day somewhere over the Pacific, I would advise anyone to give it a go. Oh, and you'll need lots of money as well.

• Richard Branson's Virgin Atlantic starts a non-stop service from London to Las Vegas next month - by plane