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Grand Canyon South Rim Bus: Tips on Getting a Great Deal

Travel Guide & Holiday Deals Posted by | Posted on 08-01-2012

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Looking for the most cost-effective way to get from Las Vegas to the South Rim of the Grand Canyon? Take a luxury bus. It’s by far the most economical way to get there. Costs range from $80 to $180. How do you get that low price? Depends with whom you book online.

Las Vegas is home to a host of quality tour bus operators. For the most part, the experience is the same. Buses are modern. Drivers are courteous and knowledgeable. The on-board food is good. The Grand Canyon…that goes without saying.

It all really boils down to price. Why do some tour companies price their trips for $180? Because they can. Believe it or not, a lot of people buy at that rate. Don’t be one of them. Do your homework.

To help you get the best all-inclusive deal, here are a few things you need to consider:

1. Is there a fuel charge? This is a “hidden” cost that was tacked on the price of oil surged earlier this year. Fuel prices have since dropped. You’d think the charge would be dropped. Think again.

2. Does it cost anything to access Grand Canyon National Park? It’s true – some companies will add this cost to your tour either immediately upon sale or at the rim!

3. Is there a terminal check-in fees? This is a surcharge for checking in to a terminal where you board your tour bus. This is a red flag. The good tours pick you up and drop you off at your hotel free of charge.

4. Is there a trip cancellation fee? You have to really hunt down operators and tour brokers who won’t slap you with this one. But they exist. The rule of thumb is to ask. If they do, reconsider your number two choice.

5. Is there an extra cost for meals? Expect to get a pre-packed breakfast and lunch.

6. How long will the bus stop at the South Rim? The Grand Canyon is 277 miles long and 18 miles across. An hour or two off bus is insufficient to take in the Seventh Wonder of the World. In this case, the longer the better.

There are plenty of tour bus operators in Las Vegas. I suggest you shop around. But keep this in mind: The tour operators themselves, not brokers, travel agents, or hotel concierges offer the best deals. If you purchase direct, you will save money.

Tour companies are committed to ensuring your trip is awesome. They are the ones who own the buses, pay the drivers, and hire the customer-service staff. Your satisfaction allows them to stay in business. Brokers don’t have that level of commitment. Their job is simply to fill seats at whatever price they can get.

The Grand Canyon bus tour makes for a great Las Vegas day trip. It’s also the most economical way to get there. Getting the right price requires a little homework. Go ahead and check out other tour retail sites. I’m confident that in the end you’ll discover that tour operators will have the lowest price. Plus, you get the piece of mind that comes with booking direct from the source. Now, with tickets in hand, climb aboard your luxury bus and prepare to be amazed by this incredible natural wonder.

Did you find this article about Grand Canyon bus tours helpful? Then check out travel journalist Keith Kravitz’ South Rim bus tour operator reviews at: http://www.GrandCanyonBusDeals.com

Las Vegas Day Trips – Picking Between Grand Canyon Skywalk and the South Rim

Travel Guide & Holiday Deals Posted by | Posted on 05-12-2011

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Picking out whether to visit the Skywalk or Grand Canyon National Park while staying in Las Vegas? That’s a tough one. Both attractions are worth the trip. However, there are a few logistical and budgetary differences between the two that can help solve the dilemma for you.

HOW MUCH TIME DOES IT TAKE?

This is a big issue for a lot of people. It takes a bus 2.5 hours to reach Grand Canyon West and 5.5 hours to reach the South Rim. It takes a helicopter 45 minutes and an airplane 25 minutes to reach the West Rim, respectively. It takes an airplane 45 minutes to fly to the South Rim; there are no direct helicopter flights. Be ready to spend a full day on trips to the West Rim. South Rim airplane trips need a full day, too, while bus tours average about 15 hours.

HOW FAR IS IT?

The one-way driving distance from Las Vegas to the West Rim is 128 miles and 279 miles to the South Rim. Both are relatively long trips. Fortunately, today’s motor coach has all the amenities, including plush seats and a clean bathroom. There are also a number of stops where you can stretch your legs (including Hoover Dam).

WHAT’S THERE TO DO?

Each rim has distinct things to do. The West Rim is famous for its man-made attractions while the South Rim is praised for its incredible natural beauty. Additionally, while there are visitor facilities at the West Rim, the ones at South Rim are more developed. Here’s a breakdown:

South Rim:

View Points

This area of the Canyon is loaded with fantastic viewing spots. The most famous are Mather Point, Yavapai Observation Station, Yaki Point, Hermit’s Rest and more. All can be reached via the Park’s excellent free shuttle bus system.

Restaurants

Dining opportunities vary from casual to highbrow laid-back. The largest, heartiest portions are served at the Bright Angel Restaurant. For cafeteria-style, head to Maswick Lodge. Or polish up your shoes and enjoy a sumptuous dinner in the El Tovar dining room. If you are looking for a quick bite, try the snack bar behind the Lodge. There’s a full-sized supermarket near Mather Campground.

Souvenir Shopping

This is a South Rim “must-do.” For Native American handicrafts, it’s the Hopi House. Go to Verkamp’s or Kolb Studio for books, DVDs, and maps. The gift shop within the Bright Angel Lodge is the place for t-shirts, water bottles, key chains, and postcards.

West Rim (Grand Canyon Skywalk):

Skywalk

The Glass Bridge is now Las Vegas’ hottest “off-Strip” attraction. Since opening to the public in 2007, more than one million people have experienced the Bridge. It’s a fantastic structure: Manufactured from special glass, it extends 70 feet over the Canyon, wherein you are suspended 4,000 feet above the Colorado River.

Hualapai Ranch

This is truly a special place. It features a Wild West town where gunfights are staged. Other cowboy “games” include axe and hay bale throwing. You get saddle up and go horseback riding or participate in a cattle drive. Overnight lodging is available.

Lookouts

Eagle Point is the main lookout for the West Rim. Spectacular views are to be had. Be warned – There’s no guardrail. The region includes an Indian village and outdoor amphitheater for talks on local culture, flora, and fauna.

Gift Shops/Food

Grand Canyon West is a relatively new development of the Hualapai Indian Tribe. The complex that services the Skywalk is the hub of activity and includes a gift shop (this is where you pick up your Skywalk souvenir photos) and snack bar. The Tribe’s future plans for the area include hotels and restaurants.

WEATHER

The South Rim, elevation 7,000 feet, is 1,500 feet higher than the West Rim, so expect cooler temperatures. Other than that, both areas are subject to extreme weather. Here’s a quick look at annual temperatures for both rims:

South Rim

Elevation is 7,000 feet

Jan. – March

Average high temperature: 45 degrees. Average low: 21 degrees.

April – June

Average high temperature: 69 degrees. Average low: 39 degrees.

July – Sept.:

Average high temperature: 82 degrees. Average low: 52 degrees.

Oct. – Dec.:

Average high temperature: 52 degrees. Average low: 27 degrees.

West Rim/Skywalk

Elevation is 4,700 feet.

Jan. – March

Average high temperature: 70 degrees. Average low: 43 degrees.

April – June

Average high temperature: 96 degrees. Average low: 65 degrees.

July – Sept.:

Average high temperature: 105 degrees. Average low: 76 degrees.

Oct. – Dec.

Average high temperature: 76 degrees. Average low: 46 degrees.

WHAT TO WEAR & BRING

Warm layers in the winter and wind-resistant, cool clothing in the summer. Expect winter snow at the South Rim and wear pants, shoes and a jacket (it’s not uncommon to see people in shorts!). During the summer, always bring a water bottle and plenty of sunscreen.

PRICE

Remarkably, tour prices to the rims are similar. West rim bus tours start under $100 and South Rim tours around $80. Helicopter tours to the Skywalk start at $200. West Rim airplane tours start at $105 and South Rim ones at $190 (this particular tour is a total bargain). Try to purchase an all-inclusive tour that includes Skywalk admission, which, if bought separately, will run you $29.95 per person.

WRAP UP

The Rims of the Grand Canyon are wondrous places. It would be great if there was a Las Vegas-Grand Canyon tour that did both but there isn’t (if there were, it would be a two-day trip). However, the Rims are different enough in terms of tour time, price, and attractions that you can find the trip that’s right for you.

Travel insider Kelly Kirbee posts the best deals on tours to the Grand Canyon’s West and South Rims at http://www.GrandCanyonDayTrips.com

Easiest, Fastest Helicopter Tours to the Grand Canyon From Las Vegas

Travel Guide & Holiday Deals Posted by | Posted on 15-11-2011

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What makes Las Vegas helicopters the preferred way to visit the Grand Canyon? Simple. Speed, comfort, and price.

Mileage

The West Rim, known as Grand Canyon West, is only 120 miles due east of Las Vegas and requires a short 45-minute helicopter ride. The South Rim is 270 miles east and is too far for helicopters. To get there, take a 45-minute plane ride to Grand Canyon Airport before transferring to a South Rim helicopter.

West Rim

The West Rim (also called Grand Canyon West) is popular with Vegas visitors for three reasons: 1) It’s a half day tour; 2) you can fly to the bottom; and 3) you can experience the Grand Canyon Skywalk. West Rim trips include pick up and drop off at your Las Vegas hotel, as well as a light snack, Champagne toast, or lunch. The best time to depart is in the morning so you’ll be back in Las Vegas by late afternoon.

Mentioned earlier, Grand Canyon West is the only place where you can fly and land on the bottom of the Canyon’s ancient floor. The descent is utterly thrilling, and many tour operators offer you the chance to upgrade your package to include a rafting trip on the Colorado River. The world-famous Skywalk is found here, too. The “Glass Bridge” is a favorite with travelers because it extends 70 feet beyond the rim’s edge and suspends you 4,000 feet above the river.

South Rim

It pays to make the extra effort to reach the venerable South Rim. This is National Park’s crown jewel and features its most-prized views. Getting here from Las Vegas requires booking a 45-minute airplane tour that includes a South Rim helicopter flight. Helicopters are not allowed to land at the bottom of the Park. Instead, they fly an amazing route over the Kaibab Plateau and into the Dragoon Corridor until they reach the North Rim and return to the heliport. Most of these tours include a bus transfer that takes you to the rim where you can explore on foot such view points as Mather Point, Yaki Point, and Hermit’s Rest. Depending on the operator and the season, you might be able to include a river rafting trip.

Comfort

Las Vegas helicopter operators fly the EcoStar aircraft. These helis are built from the ground up for sightseeing. Cabin size is 25% larger than that of ordinary helicopters. Grand Canyon temperatures can be extreme, but are no match for the EcoStar’s climate-control system. Stadium seating, a configuration where seats are tiered and face forward, is standard. These aircraft incorporate the Fenestron tail rotor, which reduces noise by 50%. For South Rim travelers, fixed-wing aircraft handles the airplane segment of your trip. Papillon, for instance, flies the Vistaliner, a plane customized with over-sized windows and plush seats. Like helicopters, the Vistaliner is quiet, climate-controlled, and streamlined for a smooth ride.

Price

The largest helicopter companies in the U.S. operate in Las Vegas, including Papillon, Maverick, and Sundance. This means there are plenty of tours to the Grand Canyon West and the South Rim from which to choose. The market is competitive, too, and you are bound to find some great deals. Because it’s the largest operator, Papillon Helicopters offers the best prices and promotions. Their best West Rim tour is the Grand Celebration and their top South Rim one is the Grand Canyon Deluxe with Helicopter. Maverick and Sundance have positioned themselves as high-end providers of tours and their prices are higher than Papillon’s. That said, Maverick offers the most custom trips and wedding packages. Tour prices for Grand Canyon West and the South Rim are similar, and range from $250 to $425-plus per person. Upgrades, such as river rafting, horseback riding, and ATV trail riding, increase your price per person and are best booked ahead of time as adding these upgrades during the tour will be sold at a premium. To get rock-bottom price on these tours, book online.

Summary

If you are looking for a quick and easy way to enjoy the Grand Canyon Canyon, take a Las Vegas helicopter. It takes just 45 minutes to reach the West Rim and only 45 minutes by airplane to get to the South Rim before transferring to your helicopter. Trip duration is typically half a day, and done aboard aircraft (helicopters and airplanes) that are designed for sightseeing and comfort. Upgrades are available, including river rafting, bottom landing, and the Skywalk. The price is right, too, but to get the cheapest rates, reserve your flights online at the company’s website. Next time in Las Vegas, make a day trip out of the Grand Canyon, and do it in style and comfort on a Las Vegas helicopter.

Ready to fly the Grand Canyon? Traveler writer Keith Kravitz reviews the best Las Vegas helicopter tours at http://www.GrandCanyonHelicopterTourReviews.com

Reach Grand Canyon South Rim From Las Vegas by Airplane in 45 Minutes

Travel Guide & Holiday Deals Posted by | Posted on 08-11-2011

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Why take a five-hour bus ride from Las Vegas to the Grand Canyon’s South Rim when you can fly there in 45 minutes?

Papillon provides the flight daily for under $200 per person on its website (nearly 40 percent off the retail price.). The package includes hotel pick up and drop off, a light meal, and a luxury bus transfer to the Grand Canyon Village.

Is it possible to make this superb air package even better? The answer is YES. How? Add a thrilling helicopter ride and you just locked down an adventure that travelers are calling the Canyon’s “super-trip.” The helicopter is a 30-minute ride that soars across the pine-covered South Rim and into the Canyon’s famous Dragoon Corridor, which is the widest, deepest part of the Canyon.

I’ve read a lot of posts on forums like Trip Advisor and Virtual Tourist in which travelers put the South Rim on their “to-do” list, only to scratch it off because the bus ride is too time-consuming. Papillon’s airplane tour changes that by completing the 270-mile trip in under an hour! In other words, you can enjoy all the South Rim has to offer and be back on The Strip by late afternoon.

Papillon uses a fleet of Vistaliner fixed-wing aircraft for this trip. Built specifically for sightseeing, these planes feature huge windows, climate-controlled cabins, and oversized seats. Trip narratives are pre-recorded in multiple languages and can be heard via headset. Turbine engines power these flights instead of rotor ones so you get a smooth, quiet flight.

Papillon’s airplane and helicopter pilots are some of the best in the business. Each pilot must pass the company’s rigorous entrance exam and be re-certified annually. Two pilots – a Captain and a First Officer – are on board for each airplane tour (helicopters are flown by one.) and know the Grand Canyon airspace better than any other tour company flying it.

The plane lands in Tusayan, AZ, at the Grand Canyon Airport, which is several miles away from the main entrance to the National Park. You’ll board a bus and drive to the South Rim’s key viewing points before arriving at Bright Angle Lodge for souvenirs and snacks.

Back at the airport, you will board your plane back to Las Vegas or transfer to a helicopter for your flight over the South Rim. This heli tour is spectacular giving you incredible views of the Rim’s unique landscape and the Canyon itself with its sheer cliffs, red spires, and the North Rim. Lots of people say the helicopter tour gives their ground tour extra significance.

Taking an airplane trip like Papillon’s Grand Canyon Deluxe to the South Rim is the quickest way to enjoy the most famous part of the Canyon. No longer do you have to ride a bus for five hours – the plane can get you there in 45 minutes, making it the perfect alternative for people with limited time and who want to comfortably visit the South Rim in less than a day. Upgrading to include a helicopter tour makes an already great trip even better, as the helicopter gives you a bird’s eye view of what you’ve explored by foot. If you want to really “see” the South Rim, book a Grand Canyon airplane tour by Papillon

Las Vegas to Grand Canyon South Rim in 45 minutes? Take an airplane. Travel writer Keith Kravitz reviews and rates airplane tours at http://www.GrandCanyonAirplaneTours.net

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