Christmas and New Year's holidays are coming up. And they're the perfect time to take a helicopter tour over the Canyon!

(TRAVPR.COM) USA - December 12th, 2013 - Christmas and New Year's are coming fast. If you find yourself in Las Vegas or in Tusayan, AZ, then it's time to consider booking that helicopter ride before the usual rush of merrymakers beats you to it.

There are two Canyon destinations to visit: the West Rim and the South Rim. Las Vegas travelers will go to the West Rim while South Rim visitors will explore the South. There are no helicopter flights that connect the rims.

"If a Las Vegas traveler is set on going to the South Rim, then do the direct airplane flight," said Keith Kravitz, owner of Grand Canyon Helicopters. "The flight is just 60 minutes and you arrive rested and energized to explore the national park"

Las Vegas helicopters make the trip to the West Rim in 45 minutes. Packages range from aerial to landing with the former being the cheapest option. "Aerial tours are ideal for travelers who want to sample the Canyon," said Kravitz. "Further, the trip includes going over Hoover Dam and Lake Mead."

Landing tours go to the bottom and/or the top of the West Rim. The most popular "lander" goes to the bottom for a Champagne picnic. "This is the most popular trip in Vegas," Kravitz noted. "However, make sure to book something that departs mid-morning. Right now it's cold at the bottom and it can take a bit of time for the sun to get over the rim and heat things up."

South Rim helicopters depart from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. daily from Grand Canyon National Park Airport and are available as 30-minute and 50-minute flights. These flights are unique in that travelers can see the North Rim, which is closed until May 15, 2014. "The North Rim is a remarkable place," said Kravitz. "But the only way to experience it is via a helicopter, which makes these flights extra special."

Travelers need to be aware that the there will be no helicopter rides from Las Vegas and Tusayan on Christmas Day, December 25. To get airborne at that time, consider an airplane tour. "Everything including buses will be grounded on Christmas Day," said Kravitz. "Indeed, airplanes will be flying, but keep in mind they're the only air tour in town so book them in advance."

Helicopters will be flying on a regular winter schedule on New Year's Eve and New Year's Day.

It's recommended that travelers book holiday helicopters prior to arriving in Las Vegas or Tusayan. Currently, air tour operators have cut the number of aircraft available for tours, which translates into fewer seats. "Take note of this," said Kravitz, "especially if you are a group of three or more people as helicopters only hold up to six people."

For more information on Grand Canyon helicopters this holiday season, please visit:

http://www.grandcanyonhelicoptertourreviews.com/grand-canyon-helicopter-tour-discounts.html

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