Memorial Day is just around the corner, and that means that it's time to start planning an unforgettable vacation. Around this time of year, the Grand Canyon will be looking awesome, and if you want to get out there, you can take helicopter tours from the nearby city of Las Vegas. Helicopters operate every day from dawn until dusk, and you'll just need to know what's on offer, and all the small tricks to help make sure you don't miss out on a booking.
Making Your Booking
You can use your credit card and book your helicopter tour online for the most convenience. Paying for your tour online confirms your seats and even better, you get to use the Internet rate for the lowest possible price on your tour. Then on tour day, all you have to do is show your photo ID and check in at the helipad a half an hour before the flight and you're all set.
Vegas Tours
When you take a helicopter tour from Vegas to the West Rim, you'll get to fly over the massive Boulder Dam and Lake Mead on the way to the Canyon. The West Rim tours are available as air-only tours or landing tours, and the landing tours are highly recommended.
Landing flights can either go to the top or the bottom of the Canyon. At the top, there are plenty of walking tracks, as well as the famous Skywalk transparent platform. Buying tickets to the platform will allow you to stand 4000ft above the bottom, and it's an experience that you won't forget.
Bottom landing tours are just as exciting, and many people prefer them. You can purchase a ticket that sets you down next to the Colorado River, where you can enjoy a champagne picnic, and even add a Colorado boat trip onto your adventure.
If you've got plenty of time and your budget will allow for it, you can choose to check out the top and bottom of the Canyon.
Touring The South Rim
Helicopters don't fly from Vegas to the South Rim because it's too far, however, you can get to the South Rim by airplane in about an hour, and then you can begin your helicopter tour in Tusayan, Arizona, which is just outside the main gates of the National Park. From there, you can choose from two helicopter tours. The shorter tour is one that goes to the North Rim, and back to the South. Then there is a longer tour that is definitely recommended even though it does cost more. It covers the same route but also adds in some extra flying time to the eastern areas of the park. It gives you 50 minutes of air time and covers 75 percent of the National Park. If you love sightseeing, then the longer tour is for you.
Taking A Deluxe Tour
Basic tours typically fly in Bell Ranger helicopters, and include a van shuttle service to the helipad. These tours operate from Boulder City which is just outside of Vegas. Deluxe tours fly directly from the Strip if you're going to the West Rim, and they include a limousine shuttle service for a true VIP experience. The best thing about deluxe is the helicopter you will fly in. It's a late model EcoStar 130, which features a massive viewing window, oversized stadium seats, and a spacious cabin. Although you'll pay a little extra for deluxe, the upgrade in sightseeing from the newer helicopter is worth the price.
Because this is one of the hottest times of the year, especially at the West Rim, you'll need to come prepared with light clothing, sun block, some snacks, and plenty of bottled water. Because these tours are hugely popular, you'll also need to book early. I recommend doing this at least two weeks before the date you intend to fly.
Conclusion
Keep the advice above in mind as you plan your Memorial Day tour so you have the best time at a price that fits your budget. Most importantly, go online to save money, and buy your tour in advance before it sells out. If you cut it too close and book your tour late, you might have to pay a premium price for your seats.
Remember to prepare with everything that you need for a day trip, and you'll be ready for a scenic adventure like nothing else in the United States.
Making Your Booking
You can use your credit card and book your helicopter tour online for the most convenience. Paying for your tour online confirms your seats and even better, you get to use the Internet rate for the lowest possible price on your tour. Then on tour day, all you have to do is show your photo ID and check in at the helipad a half an hour before the flight and you're all set.
Vegas Tours
When you take a helicopter tour from Vegas to the West Rim, you'll get to fly over the massive Boulder Dam and Lake Mead on the way to the Canyon. The West Rim tours are available as air-only tours or landing tours, and the landing tours are highly recommended.
Landing flights can either go to the top or the bottom of the Canyon. At the top, there are plenty of walking tracks, as well as the famous Skywalk transparent platform. Buying tickets to the platform will allow you to stand 4000ft above the bottom, and it's an experience that you won't forget.
Bottom landing tours are just as exciting, and many people prefer them. You can purchase a ticket that sets you down next to the Colorado River, where you can enjoy a champagne picnic, and even add a Colorado boat trip onto your adventure.
If you've got plenty of time and your budget will allow for it, you can choose to check out the top and bottom of the Canyon.
Touring The South Rim
Helicopters don't fly from Vegas to the South Rim because it's too far, however, you can get to the South Rim by airplane in about an hour, and then you can begin your helicopter tour in Tusayan, Arizona, which is just outside the main gates of the National Park. From there, you can choose from two helicopter tours. The shorter tour is one that goes to the North Rim, and back to the South. Then there is a longer tour that is definitely recommended even though it does cost more. It covers the same route but also adds in some extra flying time to the eastern areas of the park. It gives you 50 minutes of air time and covers 75 percent of the National Park. If you love sightseeing, then the longer tour is for you.
Taking A Deluxe Tour
Basic tours typically fly in Bell Ranger helicopters, and include a van shuttle service to the helipad. These tours operate from Boulder City which is just outside of Vegas. Deluxe tours fly directly from the Strip if you're going to the West Rim, and they include a limousine shuttle service for a true VIP experience. The best thing about deluxe is the helicopter you will fly in. It's a late model EcoStar 130, which features a massive viewing window, oversized stadium seats, and a spacious cabin. Although you'll pay a little extra for deluxe, the upgrade in sightseeing from the newer helicopter is worth the price.
Because this is one of the hottest times of the year, especially at the West Rim, you'll need to come prepared with light clothing, sun block, some snacks, and plenty of bottled water. Because these tours are hugely popular, you'll also need to book early. I recommend doing this at least two weeks before the date you intend to fly.
Conclusion
Keep the advice above in mind as you plan your Memorial Day tour so you have the best time at a price that fits your budget. Most importantly, go online to save money, and buy your tour in advance before it sells out. If you cut it too close and book your tour late, you might have to pay a premium price for your seats.
Remember to prepare with everything that you need for a day trip, and you'll be ready for a scenic adventure like nothing else in the United States.
About the Author:
Grand Canyon specialist Ione Mahler endorses these superior heli tours along with these discounts for flights that leave from Las Vegas and the South Rim: http://grandcanyonhelicopter.org/grand-canyon-helicopter-tour-coupons.html