The balloon incorporates the idea of roundness or wholeness and something that rises. It can symbolize how you may need to achieve a lightness in being in order to remain balanced. It can also symbolize your mood or feelings about the present - where its color or behavior can portray how you are feeling - either rising above or feeling like you are going 'down.' The idea of inflation is also at play - so examine if your expectations in a situation are reasonable. You may be having an inflated sense of ego - or the dream can be suggesting you are full of 'hot air.' A hot air balloon ride can portray your attempt to rise above your current situation - and may also suggest that you do not have your 'feet on the ground.' Where we generally dream of planes when we are exploring ambitions - the balloon appears more as an vehicle that allows for a wider view or can represent escapism.