How To Find Helicopter Adventure Tours

Many people ask, are helicopter tours all that special? They seem fairly expensive compared to other tours. And how can you make sure that you get what you pay for, with an experience that suits both your budget and your expectations? The answer is yes, helicopter tours are vacation-making experiences (the photo is from a helicopter tour of the Grand Canyon from Las Vegas). Helicopter tours can be absolutely worth the money. Here are 5 tips to ensure you get the most out of your helicopter adventure tour.

1. Research helicopter tours online. You should be able to find all reputable helicopter tours online. So set aside time to research your destination and the different helicopter tours that are available. Don't worry too much about whether a site is trustworthy just yet -- you can do that check later. In this initial stage, you're mainly looking for what's available and what prices are on offer.
2. Read what other travelers think. Once you have narrowed down the helicopter tour choices (and be prepared -- in some destinations there will be dozens of competing choices for helicopter tours), you need to find out what other travelers think of your short list. Don't simply trust the helicopter operator to provide an overview of their strengths and weaknesses. Instead, read the reviews and ratings on a specialist activity website such as Viator or a more general review site such as TripAdvisor.
3. In popular destinations, it is essential to book before you go. The typical helicopter tour carries just 4 to 6 passengers, so space is at a premium. Inclement weather and air-traffic restrictions can also limit the number of flights per day. So if you're considering a helicopter tour in a popular destination such as New York City, Las Vegas, the Grand Canyon, San Francisco or even New Zealand, it's important to reserve your seat as far ahead as possible. This is especially true if you are traveling in high season (for example, in summer).
4. Read the fine print. If a helicopter tour website doesn't tell you exactly how long the flight will last, don't purchase it. Some helicopter tours stay in the air for as few as 7 minutes, others for as long as 90 minutes. Know exactly what you're purchasing to avoid disappointments. Also make sure the website shows you what is included, excluded and what itinerary the tour covers. Stay flexible, as your actual route may vary based on the day's weather or air-traffic restrictions. However, you should have a fairly good idea of what key landmarks and attractions the tour will cover.
5. Watch out for hidden fees and charges. Some helicopter tour websites advertise low prices, but then add hidden taxes, fuel surcharges or airport security fees when you actually make a booking. Don't automatically trust the promotional pricing offered.

My last tip? Bring a camera! The views from your helicopter tour will be breathtaking. There's nothing quite like flying a helicopter up a glacier in New Zealand, over the Manhattan skyline, or over the rim of the Grand Canyon.