Did you ever wish to fly over beautiful sceneries or look at beautiful landscapes from an entirely different perspective? Well, who does not wish it! Helicopter tours give one of the most unforgettable experiences as this way of traveling suggests an opportunity to look at scenic places with completely different angles. But with so many options, how does one select the right tour? What do you feel are the all-important facts that one needs to bear in mind while planning for a helicopter tour? Whether you’re a first-time flyer or an adventure enthusiast, this guide captures the top destinations, practicalities, and what you have to look forward to in a helicopter tour.
Top Scenic Helicopter Tour Destinations
There are numerous places that you could consider for this exciting and adventurous journey and we have made a list of the most preferred ones:
Grand Canyon, USA
Grand Canyon also attracts millions of tourists from around the world providing a unique view of the vast and deep walls of the scenic canyon. Tours are conducted over the North rim, South rim, and the Colorado River which afford an individual with the opportunity to observe this natural amazing formation from the sky. They also offer various possibilities of spending time on the shore – walking or picnicking during the landing on the floor of the canyon. The price for this is $199-$500 per person.
Great Barrier Reef, Australia
The Great Barrier Reef, which is the largest coral reef system in the world, makes it another famous destination that helicopter travelers would love. Aerial views enable one to view the coral formations, the types of fish and other animals that live around the reef, and the transparency of the water. Most of the tours also include destinations on the remote islands or beaches where you can swim or just sunbathe on this stunning South Pacific paradise. The price for this is $160-$450.
Victoria Falls, Zambia/Zimbabwe
Another great attraction which every helicopter should visit is perhaps the largest and most famous waterfalls, formally known as Victoria Falls. The “Flight of Angels” is the tour that shows the might of the falls and its power and opens the gate to the national parks and animals. While you are in a helicopter, the feeling and the view you get are much different from what you will get from the ground. The price for this is $150-$300.
Hawaii, USA
The helicopter tour in Hawaii is an interesting package where tourists can choose to do scenic rides with lush Hawaiian rainforest, volcanic regions, beaches, and famous tourist attractions. It allows one to travel into the heart of the Big Island covering the volcanic earth, watch lava streams, and drive around the beautiful waterfalls in Kauai. Also due to its geographical position, the territory of Hawaii can be navigated by helicopter relatively long and without getting bored all the time, because something new can be seen every moment. The price for this is $200-$600.
New Zealand's Southern Alps
The Southern Alps in New Zealand is another remarkable place where helicopter tours are made. Wheeler Lake is also an equally admired site for helicopter tours and for very good reasons. Helicopter tours taken over this state provide beautiful scenes of snowy mountains, glaciers, and amazing lakes. The geography of this terrain is rough and therefore it is ill-suited for by-foot transport but from the helicopter, you can maneuver and visit out-of-bound areas like the Aoraki/Mount Cook and the Franz Josef Glacier. Some of the tours are the glacier landing where you are provided with the chance to touch the ice that covers the great land. The price for this is $150-$800
Why are Helicopter Tours Worth It?
Wondering how the money spent on helicopter tours is well spent? Let’s explore it together!
Unmatched Views
This depends on which sightseeing helicopter tours bring that access to gorgeous views that can be only imagined while on the ground. You can land, fly over large territories, rocky gulleys, and crevices, or famous monuments. From the face of cliffs to sandy beaches or the interior of major cities, attractive views make helicopter rides one of the most breathtaking tours one can undertake. For travelers interested in combining a scenic tour with other luxury experiences, consider exploring holiday packages in Austria or African safari vacation packages in Austria to enhance your adventure.
Exclusive Access
In many ways, this makes helicopter tours one of the most exciting ways to travel as it allows one to access otherwise inaccessible parts. From gliding over mountain countries, deserted islands to flying over wildlife protected areas, helicopters help one get to areas that others cannot access. Being a totally protected environment, it gives a unique aspect to the experience of the trip, making people able to see parts of the world that are still rather isolated. The price for this is $800-$3,000.
Time-Efficient Exploration
People who especially have limited time to travel will consider helicopter tours as a convenient mode of transport. Where it will take one day or even several days to cover the area on foot or by car, it takes a few hours by air. This makes helicopter tours ideal for tourists who wish to visit a number of attractions without spending a lot of time in transit. For a well-rounded trip, pairing your helicopter tour with the best trip to Paris or Austria might provide an unforgettable travel experience.
Choosing the Right Helicopter Tour
Selection of the right helicopter tour includes the following factors:
1. Tour Length
Promotional helicopter flights are available in different durations, usually between 15 minutes’ trial and several hours. What you should look for in a tour is the amount of time you are willing to spend flying and your pocket. Shorter flights give a brief look at the areas in detail while longer flights are more focused and give chances for multiple landings which further improves the experience.
2. Private vs. Group Tours
Before actually going for the helicopter tour, put your mind on which one you want to take. Do you want to go alone or in the company of other people? Private tours give clients a special feel as it’s designed to suit their mood, occasion, or preference. On the other hand, group tours are cheaper and enable you to enjoy the tour with other people. One needs to define his or her budget, likes or dislikes, and the type of tour to opt for when choosing between the two. The price for this is $1,000 to $3,000.
3. Inclusions and Extras
One has to compare the price for helicopter tours and inquire, what exactly is offered in each price range. Some tours might come with over-and-above features like the opportunity to land at picturesque places, go for ground tours, or indulge in lavish frills like champagne or gourmet cuisine. You should recognize such inclusions in order to select an appealing tour that also makes a positive difference to your package.
Essential Tips for Helicopter Tours
Some of the most important tips that one ought to consider while planning for helicopter services include the following:
Book in Advance
One should ensure that he or she books her or his helicopter tour in advance, especially during the peak season. When you sign up early, you not only guarantee your place but you may also be able to grab a better deal due to early bird-savings. This is well facilitated by online booking systems that enable you to search and come up with the best deal. If you’re planning a trip and considering the best way to plan a trip to Paris or Austria, you might also want to check out a trip planning website in Austria for personalized recommendations.
Wear Comfortable Clothing
During helicopter tours, passengers are relaxed, and this is one area that needs not be emphasized. Most of the time it is advisable to dress casually and comfortably. It will be wise not to wear any loose items such as scarves or hats since these are likely to be dropped by the wind or otherwise dumped off while getting in or out of the helicopter.
Check Safety Standards
In picking a helicopter tour company, one must be very particular in terms of the safety measures implemented by that provider. Browse their feedback platform, be keen on certificates, and the physical appearance of rotary aircraft. A reliable operator will have low health risks to its employees as well as having complied with the set legal requirements. It is always good to inquire about their measures on safety or even the experience of the pilot before setting off on the journey. When searching for luxury travel packages in Austria, you might also find it useful to consult a custom itinerary builder in Austria to ensure all safety aspects are covered in your plans.
Bring Your Camera
A helicopter tour is a good opportunity to make beautiful aerial shots of the landscape. Therefore it is recommended to bring a spare camera or a smartphone that would allow you to capture memorable moments. To avoid any mishaps, ensure that your equipment is locked in a wrist strap or a case which will minimize dropping in the flight. Helicopters have big and clear windows which make a great point for taking pictures; do not miss the amazing views from the helicopters.
Prepare for Motion Sickness
If you easily get sick in a moving vehicle, there are certain recommendations with which you should approach your helicopter tour. Vibrations that result from movement, mainly small aircraft while flying over areas with irregular terrains or turbulence, can cause discomfort. If the motion sickness is quite severe, one should consult a doctor. However, for less severe cases, one should take a motion sickness tablet before the journey or use ginger candies or acupressure wrist bands.
Be Ready for Height and Weather Sensitivity
You must also understand the fact that helicopter tours often get to considerable heights and remain prepared for vertigo as well as climatic variations. In terms of pressure changes and temperature differences, individuals may feel constrained discomfort in such a case when on mountainous regions. Observe yourself, and if you feel uncomfortable, let the pilot know. To transition to a different condition, we can wear layers of clothing and drink fluids.
Conclusion
Helicopter tours are one of the most exciting and innovative ways through which people can explore some of the world’s most beautiful sites. Regardless of whether you are flying over the top of massive mountains or trying to get a bird’s eye view of the lights and crowds of a major metropolitan city, these tours are a distinguishing experience like no other. Planning should be done well with proper measures taken to avoid risks that might hinder the trip. Are you preparin