Fly Over The Grand Canyon
A survey of 2000 Britons by the National Lottery in 2014 placed seeing the Grand Canyon in the top 5 of all bucket list experiences. I was lucky enough to visit Vegas in the summer and during my time there we went on a helicopter tour of The Grand Canyon run by Sundance Helicopters. As we were only staying in Vegas for three days, we wanted to see The Grand Canyon in the most time efficient way possible so decided on a helicopter tour.
A stretch limo picked us up at the hotel which was a lovely touch and with only a short transfer to the helicopter base at Mccarran Airport we were there in no time. After checking you in and weighing you (no one can see this) for weight distribution you are on your way. Pete, the helicopter pilot was very professional throughout, and after we strapped ourselves in, put on our headphones for the narration and protection from the noise, we were off!
The Hoover Dam, Lake Mead And The Grand Canyon From Helicopter
I am a bit of a nervous flier but the trip was smooth as anything and before long I was enjoying the view. To see the Hoover Dam, Lake Mead and The Grand Canyon from above was fantastic. Pete gave us a guided tour of the area we were flying over as we headed to our touchdown point. Did you know that the Hoover Dam is 726 feet high, 1244 feet long and provides water for an estimated 18 million people?
Sitting under the shaded canopy admiring the view it was amazing to think what nature had created. We had 30 minutes to explore before our picnic lunch was served, a selection of sandwiches, salad, and dessert with a glass of bubbly. The scenery was breathtaking. Apparently, there are 70 species of mammals, 250 species of birds and 25 types of reptiles here.
We Had Time To Explore Our Surroundings Before A Picnic
After taking some photos, it was time to board our helicopter again. On our return, we flew over the Las Vegas Strip. To see the iconic hotels from the air was awe inspiring. I would definitely recommend a helicopter tour of the Grand Canyon. You will not be disappointed with the experience.
We Flew Over The Las Vegas Strip On Our Return
See The Northern Lights
There are a number of countries in the world to see the Northern Lights. In fact, you can see them in Scotland in the Winter on a cold and clear night. However I've always wanted to go to Iceland, so this is where I will be going one day. It's best to find a place with little light pollution to get the best view possible. Iceland also appeals with its diverse geology. I'd love to snowmobile on glaciers, tour the Golden Circle and sit in the geothermal waters of the Blue Lagoon.
The Blue Lagoon
Kinkaku-ji The Golden Pavilion In Kyoto
Copyright: BigGabig Shutterstock
Byodo-In Temple In Kyoto
Copyright: Luciano Mortula Shutterstock
Visit The Temples in Japan
Kinkaku-ji The Golden Pavilion In Kyoto
Copyright: BigGabig Shutterstock
Japan has appealed to me for a long time. The different culture, high-tech shopping, and modern cities are a huge appeal, but it is also a place of tradition and contrast with its castles, temples, and shrines. To get the best out of visiting Japan, I would take a tour with a Japanese speaking guide, to take in the major sites such as Tokyo, Hiroshima, and Kyoto, the heart of traditional Japan.
The Kyoto area alone has over 2000 temples many of which are designated UNESCO World Heritage Sites and national treasures. The gorgeous ornate designs are just beautiful and to find out about these unique structures from the Shinto and Buddhist religions would be intriguing. To visit when the cherry blossom is on the trees or in the Autumn with the gorgeous colours in the countryside would be a dream come true.
Byodo-In Temple In Kyoto
Copyright: Luciano Mortula Shutterstock
So these are my top three bucket list experiences. Would you love to take a helicopter trip over the Grand Canyon like I did or what about a trip to Iceland to see the Northern Lights, or is Japan and its temples your idea bucket list destination. Where do you want to go?
You can read more about my travel bucket list here.
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I've gone off the idea of a bucket list ever since I realised it was 'things to do before you kicked the bucket'. Now I prefer to just trust luck and karma to take me to the right places.
ReplyDeleteSome great places to see here. I'd love to see the northern lights x
ReplyDeleteMe too Hannah!
DeletePerfect list! I would love to fly over the Grand Canyon too.
ReplyDeleteThese are some great choices. You could have read my mind. I would love to visit Australia and New York at Christmas time is a must for me one day
ReplyDeleteI have never been to New York, it's on my must do list in the next year. I love the US so much. I am off to New Orleans, Nashville and Memphis next year and I can't wait.
DeleteI have been to Vegas three times, a total of six weeks but have I been to the Grand Canyon? No! I am flying to Vegas next year again and I want to do it then. I also want to visit the Blue Lagoon in Iceland. It looks like a wonderful place.
ReplyDeleteI would love to visit all of these places, the Northern Lights has been on my list for a very long time x
ReplyDeleteGreat list. Would love to fly over the Grand Canyon xx
ReplyDeleteI've only done one of these - the temples of Japan. Which was fabulous! but my favorite part of our Japan trip was a visit to the snow monkeys!! We have been to the Grand Canyon, but haven't flown over it. I have to say I think preferred doing it on the ground - although from your photos it looks like such a feeling of vastness can be felt from overhead. We are dying to see the Northern Lights.. maybe next year!
ReplyDeleteI am very jealous of you visiting Japan ;) I think you get longer to explore on the ground but the feeling of flying over the Grand Canyon, seeing it from above was totally awesome. You can really appreciate how big it is.
DeleteAll great options! I think if I had to pick one it would be the Northern Lights. My big one I'm knocking off next year is going to Bali.
ReplyDeleteYou must let me know what Bali is like. It looks a beautiful place.
DeleteThese are amazing choices for a top 3! One thing we have similar is the Northern Lights. The Arctic has always been my wish, followed by Africa and then Antarctica :D
ReplyDeleteGreat list. The Northern Lights are definitely on my bucket list too. I went to Iceland for the first time this year, but in the summer. I would love to go back in the Winter and hope for an amazing light show like in your picture.
ReplyDeleteYep, Japan temples will be on this year even booked ticket for Sakura time to see them again this time in Tokyo - very excited!
ReplyDeleteHow exciting, you are very lucky. I hope you enjoy!
DeleteGreat ideas! We would love to fly over the Grand Canyon--we loved visiting a couple of years ago, but only had the chance to stay along the rim. Would be great to see it from above! The northern lights are at the top of our list too--we loved Iceland, but visited in the summer when the sun didn't set. Would be awesome to go back and see them in the winter!
ReplyDeleteIt was great seeing the Grand Canyon from above. You really get a sense of how vast the area is. The scenery was amazing. Highly recommended.
DeleteI'd love to visit the Grand Canyon by helicopter. The temples in Japan are incredible but I hope you visit when the crowds are thin. It does change the experience and especially the pictures.
ReplyDelete