This time of the year is perfect for taking a Grand Canyon tour. In addition to the weather being idyllic, you\’re also going to experience great visibility (e.g. awesome views!). So why wait? Get up to the National Park and enjoy the best of the Seven Natural Wonders.

The primary starting points to catch a tour are Las Vegas, NV, and key cities in Arizona like Phoenix, Scottsdale, Sedona and Flagstaff. From Vegas, you can choose to visit the West Rim and the South Rim. If in Arizona, you will most likely go to the South Rim.

Let\’s start with Vegas tours as they are the most popular…

The West Rim is just 120 miles from Sin City, making it the perfect place for a day trip. Options include bus, helicopter, plane and raft (seasonal).

Bus tours depart every day in the morning. The drive over is about 2.5 hours and you\’ll spend up to 3 hours at the rim. Helicopters make the trip in 45 minutes and airplanes get you there in 25 minutes.

Bus rides can be upgraded to include a helicopter ride to the bottom and boat trip down the Colorado River. Helicopters go to the top and bottom, which is significant as the West Rim is the only place where you are allowed to do this. Airplanes land on the top – like the bus you can add heli/boat option.

Vegas travelers can also go to the South Rim, which many consider the official Grand Canyon. The best and most efficient way to do this is by airplane. Flights take just 60 minutes and include a 2.5-hour ground tour. If you\’re feeling adventurous, you can add a helicopter tour, too. The Vegas-South Rim bus tour is also a crowd favorite and can be upgraded to include a heli ride.

Arizona travelers usually drive to the South Rim and do either a helicopter or airplane tour. Helicopter options include 30-minute and 50-minute flights. The shorter goes form the South Rim (Tusayan) to the North Rim and back. The 50-minute flight does that too in addition to seeing everything the Park has to offer up to the eastern boundary. The airplane flight is similar to the longer chopper ride except it\’s cheaper. The only other minor drawback is that you fly at a higher altitude.

These tours are very popular with travelers and that\’s why I recommend that you book them in advance. For me, I usually lock them down a week or two prior to arrival and I\’ve never not gotten the trip I want. On the other hand, I do know first hand that if you try to purchase a tour 24 hours prior you most likely a.) won\’t get it or b.) you\’ll pay a king\’s ransom. Save yourself money. Always RSVP.

As for deals. Be sensible in how you go about this. The adage \”You get what you pay for\” really applies here. The best way to go about this in my book is to purchase your trip online. Doing this alone will save you money over the retail price. But there are caveats. First, make sure you buy from a reputable vendor. And second, always complete the purchase online in order to qualify for the special Internet rate. Do that and you are well on your way to getting a great price.

Travel writer Keith Kravitz reports exclusively on the Grand Canyon. He recommends getting this free report about canyon tours http://www.grandcanyon123.com/free-report.html then going here for reviews of the best tour operators: http://www.grandcanyon123.com/

Travel writer Keith Kravitz reports exclusively on the Grand Canyon. He recommends getting this free report about canyon tours http://www.grandcanyon123.com/free-report.html then going here for reviews of the best tour operators: http://www.grandcanyon123.com/

Author Bio: Travel writer Keith Kravitz reports exclusively on the Grand Canyon. He recommends getting this free report about canyon tours http://www.grandcanyon123.com/free-report.html then going here for reviews of the best tour operators: http://www.grandcanyon123.com/

Category: Travel
Keywords: grand canyon, grand canyon tours, national park, helicopters, bus, airplane, las vegas tours, travel