Las Vegas Tours - How to Get a Discount Grand Canyon Skywalk Trip
Las Vegas Tours - How to Get a Discount Grand Canyon Skywalk Trip
The Grand Canyon Skywalk is one of Las Vegas' hottest natural attractions. During my research, I ran across a wide range of prices for this experience, with most operators charging a king's ransom for it. But deals exist. Below are great tips on how to get them:
1. Book an all-inclusive tour. This applies to bus, helicopter, and airplane tours. Bus is the most economical option, with helicopter being the most expensive (but also the most thrilling!)
2. Don't buy from third parties. You will pay more if you purchase a tour from a travel agent, an online broker (e.g. Viator) or a hotel concierge.
3. Purchase direct. You are buying "wholesale" when you purchase straight from the tour operator.
4. Book in advance. You will always save money if you buy a high-season ticket during low season.
5. Buy on the Internet. This reduces service and transactional fees for the tour operator. The good companies typically pass on a portion of these savings to you. Beware of the #800 - this will put you in contact with a salesperson who will try to sell you a more expensive package.
I researched the web for the best online deals for Grand Canyon Skywalk tours from Las Vegas. Here are my results:
Bus
Grand Canyon Coaches is best in its class. Its all-inclusive West Rim bus tour with Skywalk costs $129. Trip is conducted aboard a top-of-the-line luxury bus. Package comes with Skywalk tickets, BBQ lunch, and full access to Grand Canyon West (shuttle, viewpoints, Indian Village). Expect to spend 2.5 hours getting there from Vegas.
Helicopter
Papillon Helicopters left the competition in the dust. Their Skywalk tour came in at $375 (regularly $469), more than 20 percent cheaper than that of other operators. Includes the EcoStar 130 deluxe helicopter, BBQ lunch, and rim-top sightseeing. Flight time: 45 minutes.
Airplane
Grand Canyon Airlines was the clear winner. Their air tour with Skywalk cost $200 (regularly $349) and uses the award-winning Vistaliner aircraft, a custom-built fixed-wing airplane designed specifically for sightseeing. Includes lunch and time to explore the rim. Flight time: 25 minutes.
Here are a couple more things to consider as you choose which tour is right for you:
- Luxury buses feature over-sized windows, plush seats, and clean restrooms. They also include a "smooth-ride" suspension system that ensures you travel in maximum comfort.
- Choppers cruise at a lower altitude than fixed-wing aircraft. This results in closer, clearer views of Hoover Dam and the Grand Canyon.
- Airplanes are the quickest way to get to the West Rim. From a time and expense standpoint, they are the most economical way to fly.
The Grand Canyon Skywalk, a joint venture between a Las Vegas businessman and the Hualapai Indian Tribe, extends 70 feet over the edge of the rim and suspends you more than 4,000 feet above the Colorado River. The structure can hold 120 people at one time, and there is no time limit to how long you can stay on the bridge.
Its horseshoe-shaped deck is made of 46 Saint-Gobain Diamant low-iron glass panels that cost $250,000 each. To protect the panels from being scratched, personal electronics, including cameras and cell phones, are not allowed. Protective fabric shoe covers are supplied. Stationary cameras and staff photographers are available to take your picture.
If you are visiting Las Vegas, make the Grand Canyon Skywalk a "must-see" attraction.. Located just 120 east of town, the Skywalk can be reached by bus, helicopter, and airplane. There's a tour for every budget. To get the best deal, book direct on the tour operator's website where prices will be at or near wholesale. Then kick back and ready yourself for the what will be the experience of a lifetime. Going on Holiday - Avoid these three money drainers Top Christmas Toys 2010 Shopping for Elegant Christmas Decorations Finding Great Bargains During The Holiday Shopping Season Patio Heaters - The Best Option To Stay Warm In Cool Autumn Nights Grand Canyon Tours - Flying a Las Vegas Helicopter to the Bottom How to Survive the Holidays During A Divorce Celebrating a German Christmas in the Hill Country One24 Review – One24 Compensation Plan IRC Comparison About Charitable Christmas Cards Travel Luggage Tips - How To Travel Light Christmas at the Korean Theme Parks! Gangwon-do, Korea, Mini Trips by Theme