If you are looking to pep up your vacation and discover new locations from a different perspective, then a helicopter tour is the perfect answer.
Planning
Preparing for a helicopter tour should ideally be done before you set off on your travels. Extensive research on available tours in a chosen region will enable you to understand the packages and price ranges offered.
Once you have an idea of the tours available, you can consider the sights you want to see and the budgets required. Match your preferences to the costs and set aside a budget for the helicopter tour and any additional extras for the day.
Don’t be afraid to ask helicopter tour companies questions, such as safety records of the helicopter, if their pilots are extensively trained, and the maintenance checks carried out.
If you want to make a helicopter trip into a full-day experience, ask whether meals and returns to your hotel are included in the price. Research should also include looking up feedback from other users and tourists to understand how good the company and the experience are.
When you’re convinced you have chosen the right tour and company, go ahead and book the flight and provide the required information, including any special requests. Once committed, be sure to prepare in advance. This may include keeping necessary documents, such as passports, to hand, choosing comfortable clothing and footwear.
On the day, go to the toilet if you need to before the flight and be in touch with the helicopter company to find out what options they have if bad weather grounds the helicopter.
Here’s a list of some of the best helicopter tours on offer:
Victoria Falls, Zambia: As the world’s largest waterfall, Victoria Falls is among one of the most incredible natural wonders to see. A helicopter ride offers a fascinating view of the 1,700m falls, which form part of the Zambezi River on the Zambia and Zimbabwe border.
Sydney Harbour, Australia: A trip to Sydney would not be complete without a helicopter tour that embraces a unique bird’s eye view of the iconic Sydney Harbor, the Opera House, Bondi Beach and further afield to the Blue Mountains.
Rio De Janeiro, Brazil: On the street and the beach, Rio is an exhilarating experience. But add a helicopter ride and it’ll take you to new heights. Flying high will give you an idea of the scale of the city’s sprawl, and superb views of Sugarloaf Mountain and the Christ the Redeemer statue.
Kauai, Hawaii: A helicopter ride will bring home why Kauai is referred to as the ‘Garden Isle’. The picturesque Hawaiian island is brimming with volcanoes, beaches and allows visitors the chance to view the dense, green forest, azure ocean, and hidden waterfalls.
Grand Canyon, USA: The Grand Canyon is one of the US’ prominent natural tourist attractions. Jaw-dropping views from up on high enable tourists to get an idea of the true vastness and scale of the Canyon.
Niagara Falls, USA: Another waterfall but one that stands on the US-Canada border. Niagara Falls is a fascinating natural wonder that is better, and drier, to be seen in the air.
Trolltunga, Norway: An impressive rock formation that rises 700m above Lake Ringedalsvatnet, Trolltunga is a natural spectacle with a helicopter tour offering a perspective that couldn’t be gained from on the ground.
Laikipia Plateau, Kenya: With 9,500 square kilometres of plateau to explore, tourists can observe Africa’s greatest wonders from the sky including the wildlife, such as elephants, lions and zebras.
Dubai, Middle East: While the skyline might be one of the most awe-inspiring, taking a helicopter ride to get above it is equally fascinating. In the sky, you can see the iconic Burj Khalifa and the man-made islands of Palm Jumeirah and the desert.
Istanbul, Turkey: Where Europe and Asia intertwine, the sprawling city is a feast of visual delights. Helicopter tours give you an idea of the urban sprawl, the Bosphorus Strait, the Golden Horn and other key attractions.
Andy Probert is an independent journalist who writes about global travel news, airlines, airports, and business. His work has appeared globally on the BBC, and in many national newspapers and magazines.
