Helicopter Tour News

In honor of Getaway Month, I'd like to present a getaway option that doesn't actually include leaving LA. It's called a helicopter. Perhaps you've seen one chasing a fugitive in the neighborhood? Well it just so happens that going up in a helicopter is thrilling and can give you views of LA that you had never imagined (kind of like you're flying through the Laguna Beach opening title, only LA). If you have the stomach for it, the good people over at Group 3 Aviation will gladly take you up in the air for some fresh perspectives.

Talk to Claudia about their helicopter tours to Hollywood, Downtown, the beaches, or do it all on the Grand Tour. They have deals if there are 3 or more and mention AT to get $10 off . Or charter a helicopter to go someplace specific--Palm Springs? Santa Barbara?

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On Wednesday we took a helicopter around the island. It was my first time on a helicopter, and it was an amazing experience, even though the banking was a bit alarming - the helicopter would hang in the air, feel like it was hovering on its side, and you'd look down and seeing nothing for hundreds of feet to the rain forest floor below. We flew up to the top of the dormant volcano and back down around the rain forest surrounding Hana that we had driven through two days before, only this time getting much better views.

In that last photo, we were all hunched over because we didn't want to be decapitated by the blades. I told the others that they weren't to worry - I'd act as an early warning system...

Our last full day of the holiday was Friday, and we went on a boat out to Molokai, a partially submerged volcano crater 10 miles off the coast of Maui. Half of the crater is above the water, and forms a protective environment from the harsh Pacific waves, making it perfect clear water for snorkeling to see the coral and fishes 10 feet below the water. We then moved on to Wailea beach and snorkeled again, this time to see green sea turtles. I caught a glimpse of one off in the distance, came up to clear my snorkeling mask, put my head back under the water and saw it swimming right underneath me. Awesome, but we gave the camera a day off, so no photos.

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Maui is full of tourist activities, many of which we recommend. Popular attractions are often offered by multiple businesses with wide ranges of prices. Taking the absolute cheapest tour on a mountain bike down Haleakula is probably not the way to go. On the other hand it is easy to overpay for many activities. There are many tourist activity shops that offer “discounted” rates for many businesses (and they also want to try and sell you time shares at the same time). Many businesses have websites that offer web discounts for reservations, something to think about especially for expensive tours like helicopter rides. Finally, travel packagers like Expedia and pleasantholidays.com have activities as options to their Hawaii packages at significant discounts. Buying in advance often saves money but limits your choices of which company to patronize.

Helicopter tour of Maui – We took the Blue Hawaiian helicopter tour of Maui and enjoyed it. Much of the island is only accessible from the air and the beauty of Maui is magnified by a helicopter tour. You will see the road to Hana and see first hand why you don’t want to drive it – going to Hana in the air is so much more enjoyable. Gorgeous waterfalls inaccessible by ground are seen although we took the ride after an unusual dry period and many of the water features were dry. Since everything in Maui is expensive (especially gasoline) the Maui tours are not cheap but for those looking to see all of the beautiful island might consider splurging on a flight.

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An Alaska cruise is probably the best way to experience all that the beautiful state of Alaska has to offer. You'll travel in luxury, and enjoy the best in onboard amenities. Many cruise ships offer amazing staterooms that are complete with television, DVD player, and fully stocked bar. You'll also have access to great entertainment, fine dining, world class spas and gyms, children's activities and daycares, stores and shops galore, and more!

Even though the ship itself is like a floating vacation, let's not forget about the point of an Alaska cruise. On one of these cruises, you'll see the majesty that is Alaska. Marvel at giant glaciers and breathtaking mountains. There are day tours you can take that involve adventures like sightseeing via helicopter or white water rafting. You'll have the opportunity to go inland and experience the history and culture of Alaska through museums and heritage centers.

An Alaska cruise gives you the opportunity for lots of fun and adventure. You can fish, hike, kayak, and more! You'll see wildlife like the brown bear, caribou, bald eagle, moose, wolf, puffin, and sea otter, to name a few!

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If you've booked a helicopter tour of Nā Pali, you might start wondering what you've gotten yourself into on the way to the airport. Will it feel like being on a small airplane? Will there be turbulence? Will it be worth all the money you just plunked down? Your concerns will be assuaged on the helipad, once you see the faces of those who've just returned from their journeys. They're totally blissed out, and now it's your turn.

Climb on board, strap on your headphones, and the next thing you know the helicopter gently lifts up, hovers for a moment, and floats away like a spider on the wind -- no roaring engines, no rumbling down a runway. If you've chosen a flight with music, you'll feel as if you're inside your very own IMAX movie. Pinch yourself if you must, because this is the real thing. Your pilot shares history, legend, and lore. If you miss something, speak up: pilots love to show off their island knowledge.

Good to Know:

1. Helicopter companies depart from the north, east, and west shores. Choose your departure location based on its proximity to where you're staying.

2. If you want more adventure -- and air -- choose one of the helicopter companies that flies aircraft without doors.

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In addition to beach activities, there are a number of land activities that can be just as adventurous and romantic. This is due in part to the beauty of Hawaii, namely Oahu. Hiking is a popular activity among those on romantic Oahu vacations. You can easily enjoy a hike on foot, on a bicycle, ATV, or on horseback. Whichever method of hiking you choose, every romantic bone in your body will come alive when you get to see the beautiful waterfalls and overall tropical landscape that Oahu holds. For the ultimate views of Oahu, you are advised to participate in a guided tour.

Although it is great to experience Oahu from the water, as well as the land, you will also want to experience it from the air. You can do this with a helicopter tour of Oahu. Over the past few years, Oahu helicopter tours have increased in popularity. That increase in popularity is due in part to the realization that you can't experience all that Oahu has to offer from the ground; some things you just have to see from the air. A helicopter tour of Oahu is romantic all on its own, but for added romance you may want to schedule a private helicopter tour. A private helicopter tour will ensure that you are not paired up with other Oahu vacationers; thus making for a private, romantic experience.

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Park City Helitours, the South Salt Lake Fire Department, the city of South Salt Lake and the South Salt Lake Professional Firefighters are sponsoring a fund-raiser for the victims and families of the Crandall Canyon Mine tragedy.

Friday and Saturday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m., for a minimum donation of $40 per person, members of the public can take a jet-powered helicopter ride over Park City or Salt Lake City.

Interested persons are encouraged to take rides in groups of four. The choppers will take off from The Canyons Resort in Park City on Friday and the Granite High School south baseball field on Saturday.

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