If you could have any super power, what would it be? The number one answer is, you guessed it, flying! Imagine a world with no traffic jams, where you could travel anywhere on a whim and see the world from a bird’s eye view. With the popularity of air tours, that dream is now a reality. They really are one of the most surreal and breathtaking experiences you can have. Here are our ten favorite air tours in the United States that we think you should try.
Try These 10 Incredible Air Tours
1. The Grand Canyon with Serenity Helicopters
With a perfect safety record and over 25 years of business, flying with Serenity Helicopters is a no-brainer. They also provide transportation to and from your hotel in Las Vegas ensuring VIP treatment the entire day. You can choose from a few different experiences including a sunset tour, gourmet dining inside the Grand Canyon at their private landing site, or even a romantic and intimate wedding ceremony!
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2. Las Vegas with Sundance Helicopters
What happens in Vegas stays in Vegas, but you'll definitely want to tell all your friends about your amazing helicopter ride over the brightest city in the world. You'll start the tour off right, in a luxurious stretch limousine. Then, soar your way over Stratosphere Tower, Caesars Palace and catch a glimpse of the Bellagio's fountains before passing the skyline of New York-New York and the beam atop the Luxor pyramid. This really is the best way to experience the Las Vegas Strip in all its glory.
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3. Kahului with Air Maui
Soar over the fantastic Maui landscapes as you learn all about Hawaii's history, geology, flora and fauna and get a few tips on where to get the best local food. Think of the helicopter as a magic carpet that transports you not just to another world, but another time. With your unobstructed 180 degree view you'll see untouched land as God intended it.
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4. Sevierville with Scenic Helicopter Tours
With a "glass" bottom view, Scenic Helicopter Tours is truly the best way to see the Smokies. In fact, Scenic Helicopter Tours has been flying over Great Smoky Mountains National Park since 1972. And with outstanding service and some good old-fashioned southern hospitality, you'll have an unforgettable time. The staff even allows you to customize your tour if there's any area that you're dying to see.
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5. Waikoloa with Blue Hawaiian Helicopters
Hawaii’s Big Island, which is twice as large as all the other Hawaiian islands combined, and Blue has been recognized as one of the Big Island's best helicopter tour companies by National Geographic and The Travel Channel. That's saying a lot. You'll witness active lava regions and even lava flowing from the world's most active volcano or 1,200-foot cascading waterfalls. There's no better way to see all this epic scenery except by air.
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6. New York City with Liberty Helicopter
New York City is a concrete jungle surrounding you with giant skyscrapers and the grimy smell of the subway. With Liberty Helicopter you can see the Big Apple in a whole new way, from the skies! You'll see the city's most iconic landmarks like the Statue of Liberty, the Chrysler Building, One World Trade Center, and Central Park.
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7. Juneau with Coastal Helicopters
A helicopter tour is an excellent way to see the exquisite beauty of Alaska. You'll enjoy breathtaking views of our Nation’s largest National Forest, the largest glacier of the Juneau Ice Field, cascading mountains and the pristine Taku River. This tour also includes a riverboat tour before you reboard the helicopter and land on the Taku Glacier itself!
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8. San Francisco with San Francisco Helicopters
You've never seen San Francisco like this! Get an aerial view of Alcatraz, the Golden Gate Bridge, Fisherman's Wharf, Coit Tower and the financial district. The flight is even choreographed to musical accompaniment along with entertaining and informative commentary from your professionally trained pilot. It will be so amazing that your only wish will be for a longer tour.
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9. Napa with Napa Valley Aloft
This is the only hot air balloon ride on the list, but it's so romantic and magical, that it had to be included. Float gently up in the air for a sunrise hot air balloon ride in the world famous wine country of Napa Valley. You'll rise above the morning fog to see miles of lush vineyards between mountain ranges and rolling green hills. By the way, they even help you make in-flight "special arrangements." Wink, wink.
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10. Orlando with ViaAir
ViaAir is a must do when visiting central Florida. You'll get to see the theme parks from a whole new perspective! The best part about this tour? Choose the Captain's package and you'll be able to take the controls and fly the airplane by yourself! This package is available for ages 5 and up, and your kids will love you for it.
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This article was written by Lauren Gaw.