Great Grand Canyon Tours South Rim Bus Rides
Seeing the Grand Canyon tours doesn't need to break the bank.
If you wish to go on a bus riding tour, it's actually quite affordable. From
Vegas, for example, trips to the South Rim can range anywhere from $80 to $180
per person. Is there a reason behind such a price disparity? No. It all is based
on where you purchase online.
Vegas is home to a
number of top quality tour bus operators. For the most part, the experience is
the same. Buses are modern. Drivers are courteous and well-informed. The
on-board meals are good. The Grand Canyon... that goes without saying.
It all really comes
down to price. How come some agents sell you a trip for $180? Because they can
cheap vacation. As strange as it may seem, a lot of people buy at that rate. Do
not be one of them. Shop around.
To help you get the
best all-inclusive package, here are several things you need to consider:
1. Is there a fuel
charge? It is a "hidden" cost that was added on when the price of oil
surged earlier this year. Fuel costs have since dropped. You'd think the charge
would be dropped. Think again.
2. Is there a fee to
get in Grand Canyon National Park? Believe it or not, some operators will add
this expense into the price of your trip, either upfront or at the park!
3. Is there a terminal
check-in fee? This is a surcharge for checking into a terminal where you board
your coach. This is a warning sign. The good tours pick you up and drop you off
from your hotel totally free.
4. What is the trip
cancellation charge? You have to really hunt down tour brokers and operators
who are not going to hit you with this one. Nevertheless they exist. The rule
of thumb is always to ask. If they do, consider your next selection, time
permitting, of course.
5. Is there an extra
price for meals? Expect to get a pre-packed breakfast and lunch. That's the
norm.
6. How long will the
bus stop at the South Rim? The National Park is 277 miles long and 18 miles
across. A couple of hours off bus is inadequate to take in the Seventh Wonder
of the World.
There are a ton of
tour bus operators in Las Vegas. Take your time. Shop around. But bear in mind
this one key suggestion: The best specials are always offered not by agents but
by tour providers (or tour suppliers as they are known in the business).
Tour operators are the
businesses that own the coaches, pay the drivers, offer customer service, and
make sure you get the trip you bought. They have a vested interest in making
certain you are satisfied. Brokers, on the other hand, will offer you a tour at
whatever price they believe you'll pay, which is always more than the tour operator's
price.
The Grand Canyon tours
are a "must-do" once you visit Vegas. Especially the South Rim, the
part of the National Park that's world-famous for its scenery. Bus excursions
are one of the most cost-effective ways to visit this rim. But do your homework.
Pricing is all over the map. My recommendation is to start by shopping travel
company internet sites as in all likelihood they will have the cheapest prices.
Then climb on-board your deluxe luxury bus and prepare yourself for the Canyon.
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