Anyone traveling to Las Vegas must opt for a tour to the Grand Canyon. The simplest way to visit the West Rim will be by taking a helicopter ride. A basic tour that most choose is the basic air tour. This one flies you to the West Rim and back. If you so desire, you can upgrade by including passes to the Grand Canyon Skywalk. You can even choose to land at the canyon’s base. This is merely an example of the excursions that await you. If this has fired up your imagination with possibilities, keep reading. I’ve got a lot more to share with you.
Tours for Everyone!
If you choose to land at the west airstrip, get ready for an amazing experience. Start by walking 70 feet past the edge of the rim using the internationally famous glass walkway. Then, enjoy lunch and use the free shuttle to a few fascinating nearby viewpoints. One popular bottom landing flight takes you 4000 feet down to the bottom of the canyon. Here you can enjoy a Champagne bruch with your family and friends. While at the base, why don't you upgrade your trip to include an amazing boat ride down the Colorado River? Vegas is the only place from whence travelers can descend to the bottom of the canyon and partake in such incredible activities.
Prime Time!
The best time to fly is in the morning. This is when visibility is ideal. Air is also more stable (less turbulence). However, in the event you can’t reserve a morning flight, consider a sunset trip when the canyon’s high cliffs are at their most dramatic. Choppers hold up to six people as well as the pilot. Seating is dependant on weight and there are front-seat upgrades offered. Try to fly in a deluxe chopper like the EcoStar 130. These helis boast 180-degree windshields and are generally configured for theater-style seating so everybody receives a picture-perfect look at the National Park.
Things to Bring
I always tell travelers to bring their cameras and camcorders with them. Confirm they are thoroughly charged the night before your departure. If you’re photo happy like me, bring along extra memory sticks. Extra batteries are always a wise idea. Don't worry about it if you get captivated in the experience and begin to forget to snap pics. Most choppers come with cameras that record the whole flight for you. These DVDs cost you extra but the quality is superb and worth it.
Landing an Awesome Deal
Purchase your trip not less than 72 hours in advance of your desired travel date. Chopper flights are popular and it’s not uncommon for them to be sold-out. Too many people fail to get in the air because they wait until the final minute. Stick to my “three-day” rule and you will avoid disappointment. Next, book your trip on the web. Trust me, the greatest bargains are on the net, not in the hotel lobby. Buying travel on the web is safe and simple. To steal a line from Geico Insurance, “Even a caveman can do it.” Seriously, saving money on air tours hasn't ever been easier.
Up, Up And Away!
Vegas helicopter tours to the Grand Canyon are a fabulous way to discover the very best of the Seven Wonders of the World. Flight time to the West Rim is only 45 minutes, making these trips the consummate day trip. The selection is big, too, covering anything from thrilling air-only flights to adventurous landing tours. Come one, come all. The canyon calls. And there's no better way to conquer it than in a chopper directly out of Vegas.
Author Resource:
Mr. Plunket is a travel writer who covers all things Las Vegas. He recommends that readers click Las Vegas Helicopters to learn more about booking canyon helicopter tours at discount prices.