The holiday season is in full gear over here in Las Vegas. If you missed it, here's my post on how to prepare for New Year's Eve (NYE). For those contemplating an airplane tour during winter, this article will be of great interest to you.

But I get sidetracked.

The purpose of this post is go over tours that give you the option to do this or that in addition to the core trip. It's a situation that you'll only encounter from Las Vegas so let's get to it.

The most famous "optional" trip is the West Rim bus tour. Most visitors are under the impression that the Grand Canyon Skywalk is mandatory. Not true. There are plenty of trips out there where you can add on the Glass Bridge upon arrival.

Second Thoughts

And that's a good thing because many travelers have no idea what to expect until they see the Skywalk hanging off the edge. Such a sight either compels them to do it or bolt for the exit. Bundling the Skywalk into your bus trip is more convenient and slightly cheaper. If you decide to do it last minute, expect to pay around $29.95 per person.

There's also a West Rim airplane tour that does the same thing. It departs from various airports in the Vegas metro area and lands at Grand Canyon West Airport. The basic package lets you stroll about the National Park at your own leisure. And if the Skywalk turns in to a must-do, simply by a ticket from the Hualapai Tribe. That simple.

There's another option that awaits bus and plane travelers: A helicopter ride to the bottom and a boat ride down the Colorado River. Not many people are aware of this until they get to Grand Canyon West and wonder why there are packs of helicopters descending over the edge.

Air & Water

You can purchase a heli/boat ride from the ticket office near the Skywalk complex. Again, this is a great option for folks who aren't sure they want to heli to the bottom. However, if you know with certainty that you want to fly to the base, I recommend adding that component of your adventure into your package at the time you book because it's cheaper and more convenient. Go here for the plane version and here for the bus package.

Most visitors opt to save money and take their helicopter tour from Boulder City. I agree with this strategy because that's how you'll get the absolute lowest rate. However, you do have the option to fly from one of the Las Vegas Strip terminals. This is an attractive alternative because drive time from your hotel to the airport is cut down significantly. Further, you'll get to fly over The Strip on the way back from the Canyon (a $105 per person value!).

I also want to update you guys on the latest rates. If you plan on flying during the New Year and the first week of January, you're going to be shocked how cheap prices have gotten. Right now I'm booking "early bird" flights from Las Vegas that land on the bottom for $299 per person. That's unheard of. This same flight during prime time (mid-morning) is going for $309 per person! I can't guarantee these prices will be around next week. But now's the time to RSVP and get a deal that's crazy cheap.

Big Chill

The freezing temperatures that have walloped Las Vegas and the Nation of late have loosened their grip. And yet it's still cold out there. Do yourself a favor and bundle up against the elements. Temperatures in buses, airplanes and helicopters are comfortably warm. However, if you plan to plant your feet on terra firma, dress for the cold stuff.

Lastly, I've been posting tons of winter canyon pictures on our Facebook page. The Canyon is a beautiful place during December/January and these pictures prove it:

Desert Watchtower
http://on.fb.me/1ccEqAL

Snow-Covered Entrance
http://on.fb.me/18Y9wsR

Canyon Powder
http://on.fb.me/1c2B4OU

All Winter Photos
http://on.fb.me/1i2XPGu

Buy Grand Canyon Tours Here

Have a safe and propserous New Year!

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