After an unforgettable trip to the United States, I want to share my experiences traveling to Las Vegas and the Grand Canyon, especially the unique experience of taking a scenic helicopter tour in Nevada. Let’s explore some interesting and useful tips for your trip!
Las Vegas Helicopter Tour Experiences
Getting to Las Vegas
From San Francisco, you can easily reach Las Vegas by plane with many airlines like United Airlines. Las Vegas Airport is quite large, but has clear signs and information counters for assistance. Alternatively, you can choose a bus or train depending on your needs and distance.
Getting from the Airport to the Hotel
To get from McCarran International Airport to your hotel, you have several options such as taxis, Uber, shuttle buses, or public buses. Transportation services are readily available at the airport exits.
I chose the Bell Trans shuttle bus for $9.5 one way to get to my downtown hotel. Although the hotel offered a free shuttle, I missed my flight and didn’t have time to use this service. Even though the distance from the airport to the hotel is only about 10km, due to traffic and the shuttle bus having to drop off passengers at various hotels, it took me over an hour to arrive.
Las Vegas Weather and Hotel Choices
Las Vegas is famous for its harsh hot weather, especially in the summer. Temperatures can reach 42 degrees Celsius (108 Fahrenheit) at night. Therefore, prepare carefully to cope with this heat.
Tourists often choose to stay downtown (Old Las Vegas) or the Las Vegas Strip. Downtown has much cheaper room rates.
Plaza Hotel & Casino Review
Plaza Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas with a blend of classic and modern architecture
I stayed at the Plaza Hotel & Casino, a spacious hotel with comfortable beds, located right in downtown Old Las Vegas. The hotel is very convenient for transportation and dining. Right below the hotel are many restaurants like McDonald’s and Subway. However, the hotel is 110 years old, so it feels a bit dated. The room rate is about $28/night, but note the resort fee of about $30/night and the lack of a refrigerator in the room (extra charge if you want to use one).
Getting Around Las Vegas
Due to the hot weather, you should limit walking outdoors. Uber is a good option if traveling in a group to save costs. In addition, the Deuce bus is also an option, operating 24/7 with a frequency of 15-20 minutes per trip. A 24-hour bus pass costs $8.
Note: Avoid taking the bus during rush hour to avoid traffic jams and crowds.
What to Eat and Do in Las Vegas?
Fremont Street in Downtown Las Vegas with a giant LED screen and bustling crowds
Tourists experiencing diverse street food in Downtown Las Vegas
Downtown is located on Fremont Street, a vibrant area day and night. Dining costs downtown are much cheaper than on the Las Vegas Strip. There are many fried rice shops here with prices around $10 for a large portion. If you want breakfast, you can visit Denny’s with a meal for about $6.
If you like to try your luck, you can visit the Four Queens casino. Las Vegas is suitable for those who like to have fun, drink beer, and gamble.
Nevada Helicopter Tour Experience Exploring the Grand Canyon
The Grand Canyon is a must-visit destination when coming to the United States, especially if you are traveling to Nevada or Arizona. In contrast to the heat in Las Vegas, the Grand Canyon has much more pleasant weather.
Choosing the Right Helicopter Tour
Taking a helicopter tour is one of the best ways to experience the majestic beauty of the Grand Canyon. However, there are many companies offering this service with different prices and schedules. Research carefully and compare to choose the tour that best suits your needs and budget.
Some factors to consider when choosing a helicopter tour:
- Flight duration: Helicopter tours have different flight durations, from 30 minutes to several hours. Longer tours will allow you to see more landscapes, but are also more expensive.
- Departure point: Helicopter tours can depart from Las Vegas or directly from the Grand Canyon. If you are staying in Las Vegas, choose a tour that includes pick-up and drop-off services.
- Attractions: Some helicopter tours may include other attractions such as the Hoover Dam or Lake Mead.
- Price: Helicopter tour prices can range from a few hundred to thousands of US dollars. Compare prices from different companies to find the best deal.
Nevada Helicopter Tour Tips
After choosing the right helicopter tour, you need to keep a few things in mind to have a smooth trip:
- Book your tour in advance: Especially during peak season, helicopter tours often sell out quickly. Book your tour at least a few weeks in advance to ensure availability.
- Arrive early: Arrive at the departure point at least 30 minutes before your flight time to check in and listen to safety instructions.
- Wear comfortable clothing: You should wear comfortable clothes and sneakers for easy movement.
- Bring a camera: Don’t forget to bring a camera to capture the amazing moments in the air.
- Listen to the pilot’s instructions: The pilot will provide you with useful information about the Grand Canyon and ensure flight safety. Listen and follow their instructions.
Admire the Majestic Beauty of the Grand Canyon from a Helicopter
Panoramic view of the majestic Grand Canyon from a helicopter, with towering cliffs and the winding Colorado River
When the helicopter takes off, you will admire the majestic panorama of the Grand Canyon from above. The towering cliffs, deep canyons, and winding Colorado River create a stunning natural masterpiece.
Going to the Grand Canyon from Las Vegas by Road
Las Vegas is about 400km from the Grand Canyon. If you don’t take a helicopter tour, you can drive yourself or take a tour. I chose a day trip tour, but it ended at 11 pm.
The tour departs at 6 am, taking 17 hours round trip. This tour is not suitable for those who experience motion sickness, back pain, knee pain, leg pain, etc. You can book a tour on the Grayline website. The ticket price is about $100, including lunch.
Grayline Tour Itinerary:
- Pick-up at the Golden Nugget hotel at 5:45 am, then transfer to a larger bus at the Grayline station.
- Stop at Hoover Dam for about 20 minutes.
- Another stop for restroom break.
- Stop for lunch.
- After lunch, continue to Grand Canyon National Park.
The visiting time inside Grand Canyon National Park is about 1 hour.
Tip:
- If possible, you should drive yourself and stay at the Grand Canyon for 2-3 nights to explore more.
- Because the national park area at the Grand Canyon is extremely large and the entrances and exits are different, pay attention.
- On the way back, the bus only stops for everyone to buy dinner and eat on the bus.
- Do not take selfies too close to the cliff edge as it is dangerous.
Conclusion
Traveling to Las Vegas and the Grand Canyon is a wonderful experience. Hopefully, the above tips will help you have a truly memorable trip. Don’t forget to consider taking a helicopter tour for a chance to admire the majestic panorama of the Grand Canyon from above! Are you ready for an adventure exploring Nevada?