Tour Guy Field Guide - Things To Do In Las Vegas

Grand Canyon Honors Its Green Locomotive

noreply@blogger.com (Tour Guy) — Thu, 23 Feb 2012 16:00:00 +0000

The Grand Canyon Railway was recently honored with the National Park Service's Environmental Achievement Award in the Lean, Clean and Green category. What makes the new steam locomotive interesting and exciting is that the engine is powered by recycled vegetable oil.

The concessioner, owned and operated by Xanterra Parks and Resorts, accomplished the railway revival by conveying an inefficient 1923 Baldwin steam locomotive from diesel fuel to clean-burning, waste vegetable oil (WVO).

"This locomotive symbolizes our commitment to find cleaner ways of operating our resorts and of addressing our contribution to climate change," said Gordon Taylor, vice president of Parks South, Xanterra Parks and Resorts.

The entire plan is part of a larger commitment to reduce the environmental footprint. Each round trip journey to the park now uses 1,320 gallons of WVO. This cuts diesel fuel consumption by about 1,100 gallons per trip and prevents the oil from entering the waste stream.

The locomotive also assists the Grand Canyon community in reaching its Climate Friendly Park goal of reducing greenhouse gas emissions. The park has recently taken other steps to curb environmental pollutants by eliminating the sale of disposable water containers.

The waste associated with disposable bottles comprised an estimated 20 percent of the park's overall waste stream and 30 percent of the park's recyclables. In recent years, park officials had become concerned about increasing amounts of litter associated with disposable plastic bottles along trails both on the rim and within the inner canyon.

Grand Canyon Railway departs daily at 9:30 a.m. from Williams, Arizona, about 30 miles west of Flagstaff just off Interstate 40. The train travels almost due north to the South Rim of Grand Canyon National Park, arriving at 11:45 a.m.. The trip spans 65 miles and takes 2 hours and 15 minutes each way, 45 minutes faster than in 1901 when the train made its first trip. The train departs Grand Canyon Depot at 3:30 p.m. returning to Williams Depot at 5:45 p.m.

The Grand Canyon Railway has been in place for years, making its first journey to the Grand Canyon on Sept. 17, 1901. Notable passengers to ride the railway include Theodore Roosevelt, John Muir, William Howard Taft, Franklin Delano Roosevelt, Dwight D. Eisenhower, Clark Gable, Jimmy Durante, Doris Day, Warren Buffett, and Bill Gates.

How other area tour operators also help reduce traffic congestion.

"This is a tremendous step in the right direction," said James Hoke, president of TourGuy.com LLC. "Much like guides reduce the number of inbound vehicles to the park from Las Vegas, the train reduces motor traffic into the park from Flagstaff."

Hoke said many people initially believe renting a car from Las Vegas is a good idea. However, he said that rising gas prices, parking issues, length of the ride, environmental impact, and other factors make tour operators the better choice from Las Vegas.

TourGuy.com is the fastest-growing tour operator in Las Vegas. It was founded last year by James Hoke, who has almost 20 years of experience in hospitality management and eco/adventure tourism. All Grand Canyon tours from Las Vegas are approved only after careful inspection that operators meet all TourGuy.com safety and environmental standards.

Three Places To Propose On Valentine's Day

noreply@blogger.com (Tour Guy) — Thu, 09 Feb 2012 15:00:00 +0000

Of the 2.6 million weddings that will take place in the United States this year, about 120,000 of them will happen in Las Vegas. It's the wedding capital of the United States, and second only to Istanbul in the world.

In Las Vegas terms, that means the odds are 1 in 20.24 that a wedding will happen here. And those numbers skyrocket on days like Valentine's Day, St. Patrick's Day, and New Year's Eve, when couples look for love, luck, or a new year to help keep them together.

"Usually people who share those stats also try to stack the deck by mentioning that we have the highest divorce rate too," says James Hoke, president of TourGuy.com, LLC. "The people who get divorced here are rarely married here. So people who propose and marry in Las Vegas have great odds at true love."

The reason for the high marriage rate is that Nevada has very lax marriage laws. The cost of a wedding license is $60 (cash) and one form of identification, like a driver's license, passport, or birth certificate.

There are no blood tests or waiting periods, which is why it is a popular place to get married. The wedding license office also has extended hours, usually 8 a.m. to midnight. Clark County also recently added an online marriage pre-application to help people save time.

"With Valentine's Day next Tuesday, everyone will be scrambling to make special arrangements and we'll be happy to accommodate them," said Hoke. "But what I wanted to share this year was how proposals are often even more exciting in Las Vegas on the quick, giving future couples more time to plan their weddings when they come back."

Three Exciting Places To Propose On Valentine's Day.

• Propose high above the Las Vegas skyline after a champagne toast. The 12-15 minute flight aboard a state-of-the-art Eco-Star helicopter features stunning views of Las Vegas in a large cabin with unobstructed views. The cabin seats six people.

If you arrive early, you can have your picture taken under the Welcome To Las Vegas sign, enjoy a champagne toast (when some people propose), and then start your new adventure together over the Las Vegas Strip. Some couples believe seeing the dancing fountains from overhead means especially good fortune.

• Propose 3,200 feet below the rim of the Grand Canyon. Instead of simply heading over the Las Vegas Strip, this tour travels 35 minutes to a designated landing area at the West Rim of the Grand Canyon. Depending on availability, passengers have their choice of tours between 7 a.m. and 5:15 p.m. (sunset).

The place to propose is at the landing site, where you can take in the grandeur of the Grand Canyon just a few feet from the Colorado River. The tour includes a picnic lunch, but the ideal time to propose is just before the champagne toast. It is one of the most romantic places in nature.

• Propose at Bryce Canyon, which is America's natural cathedral. The full-day tour starts at 6 a.m. with a complimentary hotel pickup before heading off to two of the nation's most remarkable parks in Utah. The first stop is Bryce Canyon, also known as nature's cathedral for its colorful geological spirals.

Bryce Canyon is a beautiful place to propose, and then newly engaged couples will be able to enjoy the rest of the day visiting Zion National Park, which is also renowned for its towering cliffs and deep red canyons, including the Grand Staircase. While not as famous as the Grand Canyon, both parks deliver an experience that is equally spiritual.

TourGuy.com was founded to help people experience another side of tourism with its first major hub located in Las Vegas. For more things to do outside Las Vegas, discover the full offering of adventure and eco-tourism in Nevada.

Rock Red Canyon Preserves Historic Trail Rides

noreply@blogger.com (Tour Guy) — Thu, 26 Jan 2012 16:00:00 +0000

When it comes horseback riding, many operators are adding luxuries like spas, paintball areas, and ATV rides. At least, that is the trend for the handful of dude ranches that still dot the last remnants of the American West, according to a story by CBS.

A few of them aren't following the trend and they don't have any plans to change. The spirit of the original dude ranch or cowboy trail rides still immerses riders in an authentic experience like ranchers and historic naturalists intended since the 1800s.

"I think it's great that some dude ranchers have added interesting things like swimming pools," says James Hoke, president of TourGuy.com LLC. "But we still need some cowboy trail operators to preserve an experience that is as authentic and as immersive as possible."

Hoke says immersive experiences are still an important part of the draw for guests taking rides with Las Vegas Horseback Tours, which operates in remote areas of the Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area.

"Of course, there is a difference in that many of our guests are enjoying all of the more luxurious and modern amenities on the Las Vegas Strip," Hoke said. "That is what makes the tour brilliant. It separates the best of two worlds, with all the resort amenities readily available and the increasingly rare experience of an authentic trail ride miles away in one of the most stunning and beautiful areas in Nevada."

The trails across the rugged desert are not only authentic, but they are also historic. Part of the tour takes riders on a stretch of the Old Spanish Trail, which follows the same paths cut by Mexican caravans between 1829 and 1948. Originally, the trails were mapped out by connecting foot paths of Native Americans.

After the trails fell out of use by frontiersmen and traders, they became a favored route by bank robbers, outlaws, and desperadoes. Riding the well-worn trails could make tracking escape routes more difficult while providing additional cover from posses and lawmen, especially when the trails snaked in and out of canyons and river beds.

"If you've never leaned back in a saddle while a horse navigates into a ravine or wash, some areas of these horseback trail rides will be unforgettable," says Hoke. "Everything about this excursion gives riders a sense of what it was really like to be an American cowboy, outlaw, lawman, or even one of thousands of families that crossed the United States by wagon train. I guarantee that you will stand right where they did and still wonder how they could have done it."

Since the Red Rock Canyon is protected as a national conservation area, Las Vegas Horseback Tours is one of the few operators in the West that will always provide an authentic trail ride, leaving the luxuries and lavishness of a resort experience to world famous hotels. There will never be a resort or even a ranch allowed on this pristine land.

"What people always need to keep in mind, especially in the desert, is that it is one of the most fragile environments anywhere in the world," says Hoke. "There are wagon wheel tracks made by pioneers in the 1800s that still exist today all across the Mojave Desert and Great Basin. By sticking to these routes, we not only create a vivid reimagining of the American West for people, but also one that protects the environment."

Horseback riding will attract even more interest this year.

Hoke also said that horseback riding is becoming a reclaimed activity all over the United States as more and more people are taking an interest. There are new areas being proposed in places like Ocean City, more research being conducted on how horseback riding helps kids, and some additional excitement being generated as Elizabeth "Beezie" Madden will be vying for her fourth gold medal at the 2012 Olympics in London.

"All of these stories, and the recent success of the movie Warhorse, has had a profound affect on people even though it was a story that took place in Europe," says Hoke. "The American West and horseback riding is deeply rooted in our heritage as a nation and more people want to experience that connection firsthand."

In the Red Rock Canyon area, TourGuy.com highlights two rides. The first is a breakfast ride that begins at 8:30 a.m. (hotel pickup at 7 a.m.) immediately following an authentic Western-style breakfast cooked over coals. After the ride, guests are invited to spend some time at Bonnie Springs Ranch, which includes a replica of an 1880s mining town. The second ride, which also takes place in the morning, follows different sections of the Old Spanish Trail, and ends with an authentic cowboy lunch.

TourGuy.com is a rapidly-growing tour company located in Las Vegas. It offers several dozen tours from Las Vegas to the Grand Canyon as well as select national parks in California, Utah, and Nevada. Most are eco- or adventure tours. The company opened in 2010. It also offers several other horseback riding tours, including one located near the Grand Canyon in Arizona (Las Vegas guests are returned to their hotels the same day).

Grand Canyon Protected From Uranium Mining

noreply@blogger.com (Tour Guy) — Thu, 12 Jan 2012 16:00:00 +0000

Last year, we reported that paddlers and whitewater rafters had proposed a 20-year federal moratorium on new uranium mining claims around the Grand Canyon, citing unacceptable risks of recreational, environmental, and aesthetic impacts. The areas that would have been most impacted included Havasu Creek, Kanab Creek, and the Little Colorado River watersheds.

Two days ago, the Obama administration announced a 20-year ban on new mining on federal lands near Grand Canyon National Park, saying the move would allow current mining to continue while officials monitor potential impacts. Interior Secretary Ken Salazar made the announcement after an area covering one million acres had been opened up under the Bush administration, mostly for uranium mining.

Not everyone was pleased with the decision. The mining industry said the decision was driven by politics, not science, and had produced a study that said even the most severe accident would not significantly elevate radioactivity. However, the Center for Biological Diversity maintained that a previous U.S. Geological Survey found “elevated radioactivity is evident at all sites” on locations that had been mined or explored for uranium on public lands north of the Grand Canyon.

TourGuy.com Supports National Park Preservation

TourGuy.com currently supports one whitewater rafting adventure from Las Vegas. It also includes two other river tours, one that glides down a rapid-free portion of the Colorado River at Black Canyon. Another is included as part of a much more expansive adventure, Grand Canyon Deluxe Airplane and Ground Tour.

All three tours made the Top Five 2012 Bucket List Tours, which is an annual list created by TourGuy.com based on input from tourists and adventurers on what they would most like to do while visiting Las Vegas. While two of the tours are operational year round, the whitewater rafting tour is scheduled to reopen on March 15.

"The whitewater rafting experience in one of the most exclusive and hard to book tours anywhere," said James Hoke, president of TourGuy.com. "There are just over 400 permits for 12- to 25-day non-commercial permits and very few commercial permits. It is by far the tour that is booked furthest in advance, especially because it is the only one-day trip from Las Vegas."

Hoke calls the tour one of the most intense and physical tours offered by his company, with the only possible exception being custom tours. The tour must be preserved because it can easily be described as the longest back country river journey in the lower 48 states. It is recognized worldwide as one of the most beautiful, remote, and challenging river trips on the planet.

Although not as dramatic as one or two weeks on the river, Hoke said the one-day tour still manages to cover 40 miles along the Colorado River. There are several areas known for rapids ranging from class 3 to class 6 (on the Grand Canyon scale, which differs from the worldwide I-VI scale).

"When the whitewater tours return in the spring, it's important to wear layered clothing for the trip because the water is surprisingly cold, even if we see warmer weather this year," he said. "Even from Las Vegas, the Grand Canyon tends to be our most asked about destination, especially among international travelers, because no one knows how long it will be before they can return to the area."

The Grand Canyon includes more than 1.2 million acres of land and 227 miles of river acres. The recently protected Grand Canyon land creates a buffer around the park and mining activities. Hoke said that while it is sometimes difficult to discern different studies, it's always best to skew toward caution in the preservation of a national treasure.

TourGuy.com is the fastest-growing tour operator in Las Vegas. It was founded last year by James Hoke, who has almost 20 years of experience in hospitality management and eco/adventure tourism. All Grand Canyon tours from Las Vegas are approved only after careful inspection that operators meet all TourGuy.com safety and environmental standards.

Top Five 2012 Bucket List Tours From Vegas

noreply@blogger.com (Tour Guy) — Thu, 29 Dec 2011 16:00:00 +0000

Las Vegas has plenty of things to do for everyone. Since its earliest beginnings, the city of lights has evolved from a gambling town into a sophisticated city with top tier live entertainment, lavish dining, and luxurious retail — most of which is readily served on a stretch of road better known as the Las Vegas Strip or a smaller stretch to the north, Downtown Las Vegas.

"Las Vegas frequently makes the top ten best destinations and it is hands down the biggest party in the nation if not the world on New Year's Eve," says James Hoke, president of TourGuy.com LLC. "With so much to offer, there isn't much more to add with the exception of something so memorable that it makes most people's bucket list, year after year."

With the exception of one tour, Hoke says almost all of them take place off the Las Vegas Strip, just over the horizon. Las Vegas is less than a day trip away to some of the most breathtaking national monuments and natural wonders, including Death Valley, Bryce Canyon, and the Grand Canyon.

"Every year, after our guests have taken even one tour, they quickly start making bucket list of things they would like to do in Las Vegas," said Hoke. "We save this information every year to develop our top five list, with the best time to release the information just before the New Year when many people access what they've accomplished and start making new bucket lists for the year ahead."

The Top Five Picks From Adventure Tourists In Las Vegas.

1. Soar Above The Las Vegas Strip. The Vegas Neon Lights helicopter city tour has climbed to the number one position for 2012. The flight, which begins with a champagne toast, flies high above both ends of the Las Vegas Strip in a luxurious ECO-Star helicopter. The short but unforgettable 15-minute flight has been twice named among the Top Ten Helicopter Thrills by the Travel Channel. With TourGuy.com, guests save $15 person, keeping the tour under $100.

2. Walk Barefoot In Desert Sand Dunes. As part of the expansive Death Valley Ground Tour, TourGuy.com takes visitors to the one area where they can see and walk along the legendary sand dunes near Death Valley (Death Valley itself doesn't have sand dunes). The most common tours include a visit to the Mesquite Flat Dunes, which are located near Stovepipe Wells and rise about 100 feet. They also make for some of the best photo opportunities because the dunes cover such a vast area. In total, there are five different areas with sand dunes, with most of the others requiring custom arrangements. TourGuy.com guests save $10 per person.

3. Raft The Colorado River. TourGuy.com offers three tours that touch the Colorado River, each with very different features that are suitable for all types of adventure and eco-travelers. The Black Canyon Colorado River Raft Tour is a relaxed, casual tour (no rapids) through the Black Canyon. The One-Day Grand Canyon Whitewater Trip covers 40 miles with several white water areas. And the third excursion is part of the expansive Grand Canyon Deluxe Airplane and Ground Tour, which includes a riverboat ride up the Colorado River. TourGuy.com guests save up to $70 per person (depending on the tour).

4. Take A Picture Of The Extraterrestrial Highway. Ever since the movie Paul, staring Simon Pegg and Nick Frost came out, there has been renewed interest in taking a pilgrimage to America's UFO heartland. Most of the full-day Area 51 Tour is lighthearted and fun much like the movie, except the highlight of the tour, which stops at the front gate of the legendary Area 51. As fun as all the other stops are, including the famous Little A'le Inn for lunch, Area 51 always carries with it an ominous and foreboding tone. Even the most jovial individuals become quiet while reading the signs "Use Of Deadly Force" authorized. TourGuy.com guests save almost $20.

5. Ride Horses At Red Rock Canyon. There are many ways to experience nearby Red Rock Canyon, but horseback is the most memorable. Almost all of these private trails take visitors well beyond sight of any road or manmade structure, especially as they follow the same trails as outlaws, lawmen, wild mustangs, and Native Americans. The Red Rock Horseback Ride is the only way to appreciate the expansive landscape that greeted settlers, traders, and cowboys. With TourGuy.com, you save $20 off an already discounted price.

"The only surprise this year is that our most popular tour, the Grand Canyon Helicopter Landing, didn't make the list," said Hoke. "Then again, I suppose it makes sense. As our most popular tour, many people are wondering what to on their next visit to Las Vegas. The only other thing I might add is that anyone planning to visit during New Year's weekend should book in advance. We hold very few seats for last minute requests during this very busy weekend."

TourGuy.com was founded to help people experience another side of tourism with its first major hub located in Las Vegas. It was founded during National Tourism Week in 2010 and consistently offers the lowest base price, with additional discounts, in the Las Vegas area. For more things to do outside Las Vegas, discover the full offering of adventure and eco-tourism in Nevada.

Top Three Places To Hope For Snow

noreply@blogger.com (Tour Guy) — Thu, 15 Dec 2011 16:00:00 +0000

Many people visit the Las Vegas Strip over the holidays to escape harsh winter climates and cold weather. But escaping the cold weather isn't always the best option even while visiting Las Vegas, especially when the American Southwest is dotted with areas that receive crisp, untouched snowfall.

Partly because of the regions's erratic elevations and sometimes due to unexpected weather patterns, snowfall in the American Southwest is as beautiful as it is unpredictable. And unlike snowfall anywhere else in the United States, the expansive landscape allows photographers, naturalists, and adventurers to see snowfall for hundreds of miles, even where it is least expected.

As dramatic as some of the nation's most beloved landmarks can be, they are even more striking with snow. To help coordinate anyone hoping to capture the very best of the American Southwest as a winter wonderland, we've created a list of the top three areas where snowfall becomes breathtaking and monuments take on an entirely new life of their own (assuming you plan it right and have a little luck).

3. Death Valley. Seeing snowfall on one of the lowest, driest, and hottest places on earth is exceptionally rare. While there have been recent accounts of snowfall, anything under 2,000 feet is generally confined to a light dusting that doesn't last more than a few hours. The last heavy accumulation dates back to 1922 and the best chance to see it happen is usually in the first few weeks of January.

TourGuy.com books full-day tours to Death Valley that begin with a complimentary hotel pickup at 7.a.m. in Las Vegas. The tour includes stops at the ghost town of Rhyolite, Hell's Gate, Death Valley Tower, Badwater, Zabriskie's Point, the Devil's Golf Course, Salt Lake (pictured above), and the Artist's Palette. For more information, visit Death Valley One-Day Ground Tour.

2. Grand Canyon. With the Grand Canyon at 7,000 feet, it sees snow every year from late December to early March. The snowfall is mostly unpredictable with storms that usually last one or two days, leaving a blanket of snow on the mountains for two to five days. Some patches, especially in shaded areas, can last for weeks.

TourGuy.com books full-day tours to the South Rim of the Grand Canyon that begin with a complimentary hotel pickup at 7:15 a.m. in Las Vegas. The tour includes stops at Hoover Dam, the Grand Canyon Railway Museum, and includes the most amount of time inside the Grand Canyon. For more information, visit the Grand Canyon National Park South Rim Bus Tour.

1. Bryce Canyon. Although one of the most common national treasures to receive snow, as early as October or as late as March, the snow-covered hoodoos are among the most remarkable sights in the American Southwest. The snowiest month is usually March. Year round, Bryce Canyon averages 95 inches a year, providing cross-country skiing opportunities in the surrounding area.

TourGuy.com books full-day tours to Bryce Canyon National Park that begin with a complimentary hotel pickup at 6:00 a.m. in Las Vegas. The tour includes several stops inside Zion National Park as well. Some of the best known highlights include the Virgin River, Mt. Carmel Tunnel, and the Grand Staircase. For more information, visit the Bryce Canyon - Zion National Park Combo Tour.

All in all, TourGuy.com highlights more than 80 tours and can help visitors create custom tours by combining several or by placing reservations to include some extremely rare and less visible offers. In addition to individual or small party tours, TourGuy.Com also accommodates large groups of 20 or more. Regardless of the tour you choose, you can expect to find the real deal on tours.

Two Wildly Exciting Extremes In Eco-Tourism

noreply@blogger.com (Tour Guy) — Thu, 01 Dec 2011 16:00:00 +0000

Not everyone knows about Ushuaia. It's commonly called the southernmost city in the world. The average temperature ranges from 50 degrees Fahrenheit in January to 34.9 degrees Fahrenheit in July.

The extreme temperatures are more forbidding. The record low was -13 degrees, not counting the wind. It rains or snows there 200 days a year. And you wouldn't ever want to visit, unless you appreciate extreme travel. Ushuaia is the most common port to the End of the World.

The coldest place on earth.

While some records might make it disputable. Antarctica —the End of the World — is consistently the coldest. And while it is not considered dangerous per se, travelers are always warned that the remote location, frozen landscape and unpredictable weather can make operations in Antarctica a logistical nightmare.

Once you're there, assuming you book your trip with a tour company that includes land-based operations, anything is possible. You could try ice climbing or brave a mini-expediation into a landscape known as a world of snow and profound silence. Everything is white.

The climate is cold and dry. While some locations that cater to tourists are moderately cold, about -13 degrees Fahrenheit, more adventurous travelers are generally told to plan for colder weather. Mount Vinson and the South Pole frequently drop to -40 degrees Fahrenheit. Severe storms can roll in any time. But the landscape it unlike any other in the world.

People see all sorts of things there. And many tours are sure to include Zodiac trips past massive icebergs or, if you're lucky, amazing animal sightings such as penguins, orcas, and sea lions. Others are even more hands on — affording you the chance to take the helm, handle the sails, and even set the course.

While there are dozens of variations, TourGuy.com recommends choosing a tour operator that is a member of the International Association Of Antarctica Tour Operators. This member organization adheres to our polities, working to ensure safe and responsible private travel for the 30,000 people a year in need of adventure.

The hottest place on earth.

At the other extreme is Death Valley National Park, which is located primarily in the Southern California Desert and part of Nevada. It is the largest park in the United States and one of the most desolate environments in the world.

While not nearly as large as the southern extreme, Death Valley includes 3.4 million acres of land. Although surrounded by sweeping mountain ranges, Death Valley is the lowest point in North America. The absolute lowest point, Badwater Basin, is 282 feet below sea level.

You would never want to visit in the summer (but some people do), unless you appreciate extreme travel. Actually, the travel is much less extreme than the environment. The average temperature ranges from well over 120 degrees Fahrenheit in the summer to 60 degrees Fahrenheit in the winter.

At its most extreme, Death Valley recorded the second hottest recorded temperature on Earth, reading a scalding 134 degrees Fahrenheit. However, that record was set at a location typically four degrees cooler, which means Death Valley might have set the record.

If you go during the hottest months, the heat will hit you like opening the door of an oven. You can see it rising off the desert floor. On any blacktop, tires sometimes stick to the road. There is nothing quite like it. It's not impossible to be taken in by a mirage.

Fortunately, the winter months are much more forgiving, but no less enjoyable. With such a huge stretch of untouched and protected land, Death Valley has some of the most dramatic ecological wonders in the United States: sand dunes, marbled rock, sun-baked mud, and salt flats.

Even better, you do not have to travel to the southernmost city in the world. You only need to visit Las Vegas. TourGuy.com will make all your arrangements to pick you up from your hotel and take you on the most extensive one-day tour of Death Valley. In one day, you will have the most memorable experience of a lifetime, taking pictures that you will keep forever.

The peak season to visit many eco- and adventure tours in Las Vegas is right now.

TourGuy.com is the fastest-growing eco- and adventure tour company in the American Southwest, with operators in Arizona, California, Nevada, and Utah. While we have almost 100 tours to choose from, TourGuy.com also specializes in exotic custom tours and groups of 20 or more. Visit TourGuy.com for more information. All of our tours follow the principles of Leave No Trace.

Top Five Las Vegas Thanksgiving Ideas

noreply@blogger.com (Tour Guy) — Thu, 17 Nov 2011 16:00:00 +0000

Last year, Las Vegas edged out New York, Chicago, San Francisco, and San Diego to become the top vacation destination in the United States for Thanksgiving. Los Angeles didn't even rank in the top ten last year. Boston was absent for the first time.

It happens almost every year, but the results always seem to surprise people. Las Vegas, after all, doesn't seem like an obvious choice for a traditional Thanksgiving. But the people who do visit are always pleasantly surprised. So, we've made a quick list, featuring our top five things to do in Las Vegas for Thanksgiving.

Top Five Things To Do In Las Vegas For Thanksgiving.

5. Enjoy Thanksgiving Dinner. Many Las Vegas restaurants serve traditional Thanksgiving dinner menus for the time-honored holiday. The Stirling Club used to publish a list of the top five Thanksgiving dinners in Las Vegas. While it no longer does, some of its selections were among the best in the city, with organic turkey breast and free range turkey among the choicest entrees. As an alternative to tradition, consider Kung Fu Plaza, which is the oldest and most authentic Thai and Chinese restaurant in Las Vegas and serves several delicious duck recipes.

4. Shop For The Holidays. While the city has become synonymous with international brands in recent years, Crystals at City Center is one of the newest shopping environments in Las Vegas. Recently, Crystals turned itself into a winter wonderland with a new holiday decor that includes white crystal-embossed LED trees, ranging from 8 to 24 feet. The center also includes 16 live trees from Mt. Shasta and more than 4,000 white and red poinsettias blanketing areas between Halo and the Treehouse. Some of the retailers there include Louis Vuitton, Tiffany & Co., Roberto Cavalli, and Tom Ford.

3. Ride Horses At Red Rock. Located just a short drive from the Las Vegas Strip, you can take in the wonders of Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area just as the settlers did in the 1800s. The trail itself is legendary, with several miles of it staying true to the Old Spanish Trail that used to run through Las Vegas. The original trail was established by Native American footpaths, which led traders and frontiersmen from Santa Fe to Los Angeles. With an early pickup time from your hotel and return time in the afternoon, the lunch ride is one of the best distractions offered away from the Las Vegas Strip.

2. Run Fremont For Fitness. Although better known to locals, Las Vegas has hosted its annual Turkey Trot (10K, 5K, 1 Mile Walk) for 31 years and annual Catch the Gobbler 5K (Nov. 24 at Bunker Park). The events are held by the Las Vegas Running Team, which hosts marathon runs throughout the year. In addition to this traditional run, Las Vegas is also becoming a new home for Life Time Fitness Day 5K Las Vegas, which will start and finish on Las Vegas Boulevard and the world famous Fremont Street. All three events are to raise awareness for physical fitness.

1. Meet Native Americans. If you want to do something truly unique this year, consider taking time out to express some gratitude to the Hualapai, a tribe of Native Americans who lives in the mountains of northwestern Arizona. Their vibrant heritage still exists on a 100-mile stretch of land along the West Rim of the Grand Canyon. The Hualapai economy is based on tourism and river rafting, including one of our most comprehensive eco-tour adventures. Making plans to visit the Hualapai during Thanksgiving honors our nation's first communal tradition between Native Americans and New England settlers.

For more Thanksgiving options or assistance with reservations, visit TourGuy.com for one of the most comprehensive lists of adventure and eco-tours in Las Vegas. If you would like additional assistance in planning group tours or other vacation packages, call 1-888-801-1575 or 1-702-664-2599. TourGuy.com specializes in adventure and eco-tours, but also offers custom excursion arrangements to some of the most remote, exciting, and specialized tours in the American Southwest.

More importantly, have a happy and safe Thanksgiving! We have a lot to be thankful for, more than we sometimes think.

Las Vegas Hits Top Five Places To Live

noreply@blogger.com (Tour Guy) — Thu, 10 Nov 2011 16:00:00 +0000

Las Vegas once again ranked among the top five cities to live, according to a new Harris Poll. Las Vegas finished in fifth place behind New York, San Diego, Seattle, and Dallas. It beat out San Francisco, Boston, Chicago, Honolulu, and Denver. (Compare to last year.)

"It's always very exciting to see Las Vegas ranked as one of the cities where people would most like to live," said James Hoke, president of TourGuy.com LLC. "It's usually picked as one of the top places to live because people know the name and recognize it for an endless variety of entertainment and culinary options. But what many don't know is that Las Vegas is the land of extremes — with one extreme found on the Las Vegas Strip and another right in our backyard."

Las Vegas is an extreme place to live and visit.

Hoke says his company has always strived to inspire people to look at traveling to Las Vegas in a different way. One day, they can be staying in the posh and well-appointed rooms of a luxury resort. But on the next day, they can shed designer clothes and climb into a dune buggy.

"As the gateway to Southwest eco- and adventure tourism, nothing measures up like the sites around Las Vegas," says Hoke. "We run tours every day that take people as far as the deserts of California, the canyon forests of southern Utah, and the northern canyons of Arizona, including the Grand Canyon. This city is the most central to all of these destinations. It's close enough to take visitors out and return them to their hotels the next day."

According to Hoke, TourGuy.com lists the most popular tours that people take every day. However, as a destination management service provider, his team is also expert in booking adventures that are well off the beaten path. He has designed vacation and business packages inside and out of the city.

There are extreme tours all over the world. You can bike the most dangerous road in Bolivia. You can get face to face with saltwater crocodiles in Australia. You can run a marathon on the Great Wall of China.

But right outside in the backyard of Las Vegas, you can brave the rapids of the Colorado River. You can race along desert trails in Nevada's version of the outback. Or you can request TourGuy.com to help you find the most exciting tours in the area, even if that means sand surfing in the desert.

"We have plenty of tours for both thrill seekers and those who just want to enjoy the outdoors," says Hoke. "Some tours are very relaxed and get your blood pumping. Others are relaxing and provide some of the best photo ops in the United States."

TourGuy.com is an eco- and adventure tour pioneer in the Southwest, offering the widest selection of affordable private and group tours from Las Vegas. The tour company prides itself in choosing the most exciting, comfortable, and unforgettable tours in the area. All of the tours, operators, and partners observe the most environmentally-friendly tour practices in the region.

Three Places To Pick Up The Colorado River

noreply@blogger.com (Tour Guy) — Thu, 03 Nov 2011 13:00:00 +0000

Seeing the Colorado River rise on the Continental Divide at La Poude Pass in Rocky Mountain National Park, you might not think twice. It looks like a tiny stream that drains into a wet meadow.

But that is only the beginning for the Colorado River system. Its watershed covers 246,000 square miles. More than 20 major dams have been built upon it for irrigation purposes and to control the greatest river system in the American Southwest.

It may be the greatest river in the United States, when you consider the geology it is responsible for creating across the Southwest. Created by the formation of the Rocky Mountains some 75 million years ago, the river originally cut toward Wyoming and into the Great Basin. The route it takes today, from Colorado to the Gulf of California, created the Grand Canyon 65 million years ago (or 5.4 million years ago as a new theory suggests).

Three peak places to enjoy the Grand Canyon.

The Black Canyon

Starting at the base of the Hoover Dam, one of the more popular Colorado River tours is a 12-mile rapid-free trip down the Colorado River to Willow Beach. While it is possible to get wet, the calm waters through the narrow Black Canyon provide a mostly dry tour.

Along the trip, guides point out area wildlife that frequently travels to the river for water. During warmer weather, there are even an abundance of desert lizards that scale the vertical walls. The favorite animals in this area are the bighorn sheep.

The full-day Black Canyon - Colorado River tour, with complimentary hotel pick-up and drop-off from Las Vegas, includes a picnic lunch. The return trip includes luxury transportation back to the hotel, with a stop at Hoover Dam.

Grand Canyon West

While there are other places to see the Colorado River, one of the most immersive tours offered anywhere includes the best full-day adventure in the Las Vegas area. It includes a private flight to the Hualapai Indian Reservation, where guests transfer to a helicopter for a rare bird's eye glimpse of the Grand Canyon.

The helicopter then descends 4,000 feet below the base of the Grand Canyon, where visitors enjoy a 20-minute scenic pontoon river boat ride on the Colorado River. Unlike our wilder adventure with rapids, this particular trip is relatively tame and family friendly.

The river boat tour ends at the Grand Canyon's famous Skywalk, where visitors can walk out over the canyon and enjoy a barbecue-style lunch before heading back to their hotel in Las Vegas. This tour, the All-In-One Grand Canyon Tour, is almost the same price as other helicopter tours over the canyon.

Grand Canyon South

There aren't many affordable options to reach the South Rim of the Grand Canyon, but we happen to have the best overall value. In fact, this day trip includes more than three hours inside Grand Canyon National Park, which is the longest in-park time of any tour from Las Vegas.

Although the tour includes an extended stay in the Grand Canyon, careful planning ensures stops at the most famous locations between Las Vegas and the Grand Canyon. It includes a stop at Hoover Dam, at the Route 66 Train Museum, and at historic Bright Angel Lodge, a registered National Historic Landmark.

One of the most spectacular opportunities of the tour is enough time to walk a short 2.5 miles on a paved trail to Mather Point and Yavapai Point. These two locations, as part of the Grand Canyon South tour, offer the best panoramic views and are the closest to the Colorado River.

About TourGuy.com And The Colorado.

While these are three of the most spectacular locations for Las Vegas visitors along the Colorado River, TourGuy.com also specializes in custom tours that can help visitors make plans to pick up the Colorado River at almost any point, including those that are not advertised.

Equally exclusive, TourGuy.com can also arrange these tours back to back or spread out over a single trip, which will provide the rare opportunity to see the variations in the Colorado River at three different points during the same week. In fact, only one of our tour guides has had the opportunity to enjoy these incredible stops within the same week. For more information, visit TourGuy.com.

Hoover Dam Celebrates Another Birthday

noreply@blogger.com (Tour Guy) — Thu, 20 Oct 2011 13:00:00 +0000

"A show rivaling Niagara Falls will be put on at Hoover Dam tomorrow when all twelve outlet valves of the huge structure in the Black Canyon will be opened at the touch of a button by President Roosevelt in Washington." — L.A. Times, Sept. 10. 1936

While many historic sources vary on the exact year to celebrate the history of Hoover Dam, with dates ranging from 1930 (when the first silver spike was hit by the Secretary of the Interior) or 1935 (when President Roosevelt delivered his dedication speech from the same location) or 1937 (when the Bureau of Reclamation began conducting tours of the water project and power plant).

Although the official celebration of Hoover Dam took place last year, this year may mark a better date for the historic engineering marvel. It was in 1936 that President Roosevelt personally conducted one of the most strenuous tests to make sure it worked. He might have been in Washington D.C., but he recognized the significance of the construction project. It was the first year that the dam proved it could really work.

Hoover Dam Celebrates Another Birthday; The Bypass Bridge Sees Its First.

Last year, Hoover Dam received most of its attention to celebrate what the Department of the Interior considers its 75th year anniversary in conjunction with the opening of the Mike O'Callaghan-Pat Tillman Memorial Bridge. The bridge itself is a wonder in its own right. It is the highest and longest arched concrete bridge in the western hemisphere. (Traffic was allowed on the bridge one year ago yesterday.)

But what truly sets the bridge apart is its setting. It was built 890 feet above the Colorado River between the rock cliffs better known as the Black Canyon. It creates one of the most commanding views of the Hoover Dam. Or, conversely, Hoover Dam delivers commanding views of the bridge. Here is a vintage video capturing some early footage of the construction and into the late 1970s.

There is older footage that has been found and shared. One find includes footage from 1933-35, before Hoover Dam was ever completed. You can find what is probably the oldest footage of construction here.

More than 20,000 men worked on the job. And it required dozens of different jobs. The river had to be diverted from the work site. Four tunnels had to be cut into the canyon walls. Loose rock had to be removed. And then the river had to be rerouted through the tunnels.

Right now is one of the best times to see Hoover Dam, especially because Lake Mead and the Colorado River continue to lose water levels every year. Many of the one million people who visit Hoover Dam make note of the water marks.

However, what some people do not know is that those marks were made in 1983, when the water level rose so high that it started to reach the spillway. In fact, in 1986, some of the water was released in a spectacular display. In addition, most people do not know that Lake Powell also controls how much water is released to Lake Mead. (Right now, the water levels are approximately 47 feet below what officials would consider normal around the dam.)

TourGuy.com Offers A True "VIP" Tour Of The Dam.

TourGuy.com is the only tour company that has combined the very best sightseeing elements around the this famous national landmark. The tour includes an inside look at the inner workings of Hoover Dam, enough time to visit the observation deck location on the top floor of the visitor center, and one of the best angles to see the now famous Hoover Dam Bypass Bridge.

For more information about the Hoover Dam "VIP" ground tour, visit TourGuy.com. The tour description includes flyover video of Hoover Dam and the Bypass Bridge (before it was complete). This half-day tour from almost any Las Vegas resort begins comfortably at noon and returns visitors around 5:30 p.m. Snacks and bottled water are provided, courtesy of the tour operators.

From Tubing In Belize To Rafting In Nevada

noreply@blogger.com (Tour Guy) — Thu, 06 Oct 2011 13:00:00 +0000

Belize in Central America is expanding its eco- and adventure tourism with new itineraries that take advantage of the natural beauty of the area. One of the most striking is a combination caving and cave tubing adventure through several cave systems.

Three of the most famous systems include the Caves Branch River, Barton Creek Cave, and Crystal Cave. Some of the caves are especially famous because they provide travelers with a chance to glimpse ancient relics.

Caves Branch River is the most famous, with more than seven miles of rivers underground. River riders float past stalagmites, take in stalactites overhead, and pass by underground waterfalls. The climax of the trip is entering what the guides call the "crystal cathedral," which was once a spiritual center to the ancient Maya.

Barton Creek Cave is also large, estimated to be 4.5 miles long. It is also one of the most archaeologically rich areas in Belize, where the Maya people held agricultural rituals and possibly fertility rights. The Crystal Cave is the smallest of the adventures, but the cave tubing adventure includes jungle hikes and zip lining. The highlight of the tour is a stunning lagoon surrounded by deep limestone walls.

"The entire world is becoming more and more interested in archaeology, eco-tourism, and adventure tours," says James Hoke, president of TourGuy.com LLC and frequent traveler. "Americans are just beginning to recognize the value and excitement that comes with sustainable eco-tourism and adventures."

According to Hoke, Las Vegas has similar offerings, except the tours are concentrated on the Colorado River and the ancient culture that is most talked about in the area is the Anasazi. Instead of cave tubing, Las Vegas has several white water, calm water, and jet boat tours.

"All of the Colorado River tours give adventurers the grand experience of gliding or racing by canyon walls that reach hundreds of feet into the air," says Hoke. "For the next few months, the fall weather in the Las Vegas area will be perfect to explore the Colorado River. It's very mild this time of year, and generally does not get as hot as it does in the summer."

As for the ancient cultures, Hoke says the Anasazi overlap the Maya history. In fact, he points out that Anasazi means "ancient ones" in the Navajo language, a name they earned as the oldest civilization in the Southwest.

"Just to put it in perspective, the first distinct characteristics of the Anasazi existed between 100 B.C. and 1300 A.D. while the Maya reigned from 1,000 B.C. to about 1000 A.D.," he said. "I've always been fascinated that both cultures began their decline around the same time. Most speculate that the Anasazi disbanded into smaller groups during an elongated draught. The Maya are thought to have endured an agricultural crisis."

Hoke notes that both civilizations lasted for more than one thousand years, much longer than either the Aztecs or Incas. Of course, both of these civilizations had to endure the arrival of Western civilizations.

Southwest Tours That Mirror The Belize Adventures.

The two most popular river rafting tours around Las Vegas include the calm water Colorado River tour, which begins in the legendary Black Canyon, and one-day Grand Canyon white water rafting your. The most striking land-based tour revolving around the Anasazi is part of an adventure that takes visitors inside the Valley of Fire and to the Lost City Museum.

For more information about Belize, visit the Belize Tourism Board. For more information about tours in and around Las Vegas, visit TourGuy.com.

Hoke added that the Southwest tours are among the best alternatives for people who appreciate eco-tourism and adventure tours but aren't able to travel outside of the United States. He also said he planned to feature more international adventure and eco-tours to create awareness in the growing division of travel. His company offers several dozen tours and creates custom packages for groups.

California Condors Born In The Grand Canyon

noreply@blogger.com (Tour Guy) — Thu, 22 Sep 2011 15:00:00 +0000

According to The Peregrine Fund, three California condor chicks have hatched in the wild in Arizona during a breeding season. It's the first time that once captive California condors have produced a record number of three chicks in the wild, giving the conservation organization hope.

“We are delighted to see our wild population reproducing and increasing their numbers on their own,” said Eddie Feltes, field manager for The Peregrine Fund in northern Arizona and southern Utah. “Three chicks in one year increases our confidence that this endangered species will thrive again someday without our assistance.”

The California condor, which is the largest North American bird, used to thrive in the United States until the late 20th century. Poaching, lead poisoning, and habitat destruction led to their dramatic decline until a conservation plan was put in place by the United States government.

"The California condor was on the verge of extinction, with only 22 living in the wild by 1987," says James Hoke, president of TourGuy.com, LLC. "Today, the numbers are still tiny with only about 400 condors alive and only about half in the wild."

For Hoke, seeing the condors thriving in Grand Canyon National Park is a dream come true. As a tour operator, he believes that responsible tourism that follows the principles of Leave No Trace help people see the natural world with their own eyes and then makes them more likely to respect it.

Learning To Live With Nature Encourages Conservation.

"Eco-tourism isn't about locking off segments of nature, but rather coexisting with it and respecting how beautiful and important it is to our world," he said. "The more we show people how beautiful some of America's vastness really is, the more likely they will want to preserve and protect it as well."

According to the release, the three young condors — now about six months old — bring the number of chicks hatched in the wild to 15 since they were first released in Arizona in 1996. The Peregine Fund anticipates that these new condors will take their first flights in October. They will remain dependent on their parents for about another year.

“The chicks were finally old enough to venture to the opening of the caves where we were able to see them with our own eyes,” Feltes said. There are only about 67 condors that make up the Arizona-Utah population. There are 396 in the world; 196 are wild.

The success story is certainly attributed to The Peregine Fund. The nonprofit organization produced the parents of these three chicks at its World Center for Birds of Prey in Boise, Idaho, and the Los Angeles Zoo. They also released them into the wild near the Vermilion Cliffs National Monument in northern Arizona.

"If you see people looking up at the skies in the Grand Canyon instead of the vast openness, you'll know why," said Hoke. "Sooner or later, someone will have the honor of seeing these new condors in flight for the very first time."

Since 1984, The Peregrine Fund has been headquartered at the World Center for Birds of Prey, a 580-acre site. Its campus includes an interpretive center, falconry archives and breeding facilities that currently produce chicks from captive flocks of endangered Aplomado falcons and California condors. For information on how to get involved, please visit The Peregine Fund participation page.

TourGuy.com is a rapidly growing tour company located in Las Vegas. It offers several dozen tours from Las Vegas to the Grand Canyon as well as select national parks in California, Utah, and Nevada. Most tours are eco- or adventure tours. The company opened last year.

Grand Canyon North Rim Season Nears End

noreply@blogger.com (Tour Guy) — Thu, 08 Sep 2011 15:00:00 +0000

Almost five million people see the one mile deep Grand Canyon each year. And most of them see it from their cars at overlooks along the South Rim, which is the most accessible part of the park and is open all year.

A much smaller number of people see the Grand Canyon from the North Rim, which lies just 10 miles across from the South Rim. The North Rim rises a thousand feet higher than the South Rim, and is much less accessible. The North Rim is open from mid-May to mid-October, with only a few weeks left during the season.

While the South Rim is spectacular, especially when snow begins to fall on the North Rim, James Hoke, president of TourGuy.com LLC, encourages anyone who wants to put a different twist on the Grand Canyon to make plans before the North Rim closes. He said that his company will still provide tours from Las Vegas to the South Rim and West Rim. But the North Rim must be booked now.

"People really want an opportunity to experience the Grand Canyon as many ways as possible, especially if they have already visited the famous South Rim," says Hoke. "We're the only tour company from Las Vegas that includes the North Rim as part of our ground tours until the National Park Service closes it for the season."

According to Hoke, the only experience more breathtaking than visiting the the less traveled North or West Rims of the Grand Canyon is an air tour his company arranges for Las Vegas visitors.

To illustrate how dramatic the experience can be, he cites the most stunning footage of the Grand Canyon he has ever seen. Shot by Aerial Filmworks in cooperation with Grand Canyon National Park, the company is using an amazing gyro-stabilized aerial system.

Hoke said he is equally impressed with the film team's values to maintain a carbon neutral planet. They have partnered with TerraPass, investing in carbon offsets for every hour of flight time that their Cineflex equipment is on a helicopter.

"I've seen hundreds of hours of footage of the Grand Canyon, but I have never seen anything as beautiful as the work being done by Aerial Filmworks," said Hoke. "With film, they best capture what it feels like to soar above the Grand Canyon. This is what you see from the air."

While Hoke says his company provides a number of aerial tours to the Grand Canyon, the most popular adventures include a Grand Canyon basin landing that descends more than 3,200 feet below the West Rim, and a combination that includes a helicopter tour over the Grand Canyon, riverboat ride along the Colorado River, and stop at the famous Grand Canyon Skywalk.

"There is nothing more memorable than one of these adventures," said Hoke. "It was because of my travels around the Grand Canyon that originally convinced me to open and operate an adventure and eco-tour company in Nevada with tours in four of our neighboring states."

For more information on the helicopter basin landing or helicopter riverboat tour, visit TourGuy.com. Both tours are discounted between $90 to $120 per reservation off direct booking rates. For the more adventuresome, TourGuy.com can custom create vacations for travelers that include white water river rafting, overnight ranch stays, and almost anything else they can dream up.

Labor Day Vegas: Busy For Restaurants And Outdoors

noreply@blogger.com (Tour Guy) — Thu, 01 Sep 2011 15:00:00 +0000

According to the National Restaurant Association, the best time to start thinking about dinner reservations for Labor Day weekend is now. More than 35 percent of people will dine out, order takeout, or request delivery for a picnic over the weekend.

"This Labor Day weekend is shaping up to be a busy one for restaurants, as more than one-third of Americans plan to dine out or order takeout," said Hudson Riehle, senior vice president of the Research and Knowledge Group for the National Restaurant Association. "This is especially good news for restaurants located at destinations along the Eastern seaboard that are eager to welcome guests after Hurricane Irene."

According to James Hoke, president of TourGuy.com LLC, he is not surprised. Summer is a favorite time of year for vacations nationwide. In heavily visited vacation destinations like Las Vegas, he expects Labor Day weekend to set new records.

"It's not uncommon for people to book their dinner reservations lock step with whatever day tour they plan in Las Vegas," says Hoke. "We're always happy to give them recommendations or even place their reservations if they request a customized tour package. Labor Day is especially busy for Las Vegas, given it marks the end of summer, is one of the last long weekends to play at the hotel pools, and often hints at milder temperatures for people looking to enjoy the outdoors on Labor Day weekend."

Additional Highlights From The National Restaurant Association.

• 25 percent of consumers plan to dine at a restaurant over the Labor Day weekend.
• 15 percent plan to order takeout or delivery from a restaurant for a cookout or picnic.
• 5 percent plan to both dine out and order takeout during the last long summer weekend.

Men who make plans are especially more likely to use restaurant services for Labor Day weekend, 40 percent to 30 percent. The study also said that people ages 45 to 54 were more likely to dine in on Labor Day whereas people ages 18 to 34 were more likely to use takeout or delivery, giving them more time to enjoy the outdoors.

"The study falls right in line with what we've experienced as a major tour operator in Las Vegas," says Hoke. "Interestingly enough, Labor Day tends to beat the Fourth of July and Memorial Day in terms of restaurant business. It's almost as if people see it as a last chance to be served during the summer."

Hoke added that patrons may break statistical data and pick their dining options before arriving in Las Vegas. According to the survey, most people (66 percent) picked restaurants randomly during their stay, 24 percent chose restaurants that were close by, and only one-fifth selected restaurants before arriving at their designation. On a positive note, he said when guests forget to place reservations after a day tour, he recommends the oldest Thai restaurant in Las Vegas because they deliver right to the hotel room. Some tours, he said, include dinner.

TourGuy.com offers the most diverse eco- and adventure tours from Las Vegas. For the more adventuresome, TourGuy.com can custom create variations for travelers that include river rafting, overnight ranch stays, and almost any other adventure someone can dream up. For more information, visit TourGuy.com.

Las Vegas: The Gateway To National Parks

noreply@blogger.com (Tour Guy) — Thu, 25 Aug 2011 15:00:00 +0000

There is no question that the driving force of Las Vegas tourism is the Las Vegas Strip, with its casinos, celebrity shows, clubs, shopping, conventions, and fine dining. But lately, there is something else that has been attracting tourists to the Las Vegas area.

"More and more people are thinking of Las Vegas as a gateway destination for outdoor activities and natural beauty," said James Hoke, president of TourGuy.com LLC. "As people discover how many national parks are located within a one-day drive of Las Vegas, some people book their trips specifically for the abundance of outdoor adventures."

Hoke ought to know. For more than a year, he has been managing the fastest-growing tour and travel concession company in the area, with almost 100 different adventure and eco-tours available. In addition to creating custom tours, TourGuy.com works with the finest concessioners in Arizona, California, Nevada, and Utah.

Eight National Parks Near Las Vegas.

• Bryce Canyon (Utah). Located in southwestern Utah, Bryce Canyon is best known for its giant natural and colorful amphitheater. The canyon is striking because it has the highest concentration of hoodoos of any place on earth, silent spires that look like watchmen over the valley.

Bryce Canyon is included as part of an extensive list of ground tours. On clear days, visitors can see panoramic views of up to 200 miles. You can learn more about Bryce Canyon at TourGuy.com.

• Death Valley (California). Best known as one of the most foreboding places on earth, Death Valley is the lowest, driest, and hottest location in North America. At Furnace Creek, this park came close to setting a world record when it reached a sizzling 134 degrees in 1913.

There are many more natural wonders to see besides Furnace Creek. The entire area is riddled with dramatically changing landscapes, ranging from painted canyons to white sand dunes. In contrast to lowland areas, the entire valley is surrounded by mountains. It makes for an unforgettable place any time of year; fortunately the ground tours include an air conditioned luxury SUV. You can learn more about Death Valley at TourGuy.com.

• Grand Canyon West (Arizona). The West Rim is the only place on earth that rivals the scenery of the Grand Canyon. Located on the Hualapai Indian Reservation, the ruggedness and closeness of the canyon walls help put this natural wonder into perspective. It is also home to the horseshoe-shaped skywalk bridge, which provides a unique glass bottom view of the canyon over a vertical drop ranging between 500 and 800 feet.

Many tours — air, ground, and water — are all arranged in cooperation with the Hualapai people. Unlike the South Rim, these native Americans have preserved much of the natural beauty of the canyon with unobstructed views from several vantage points. You can learn more about Grand Canyon West at TourGuy.com.

• Grand Canyon South (Arizona). Considered one of the natural wonders of the world, it is the only place on earth where you can see two billion years of geological history by gazing into a canyon about one mile deep. Created in the last 40 million years, the Grand Canyon was made as the Colorado River carved out one of the most beautiful terraced canyons, making it visually overwhelming.

After crossing the newly-built Hoover Dam Bypass Bridge and several other brief stops at scenic locations, this ground tour travels to the Grand Canyon with stops at some of the best places to take in the scenery, including Yavapai Point and Bright Angel Lodge. This tour, specifically, has the longest run time inside the park and was voted "Best Of Las Vegas." You can learn more about Grand Canyon South at TourGuy.com.

• Lake Mead (Nevada). Although the water levels are still low compared to several decades ago, Lake Mead National Recreation Area is still a favorite as one of the largest manmade lakes in the world. Created with the completion of Hoover Dam, this massive lake with seven sections is as amazing as the dam that made it. Hoover Dam itself is one of the eight engineering wonders of the world.

Although there are several tours to Lake Mead, one of the best features a 12-mile, rapid-free raft trip down the Colorado River to Willow Beach, Arizona. Quiet and relaxed, the ride begins at the foot of Hoover Dam and then continues through the famed Black Canyon. The trip includes a Hoover Dam tour too. For more information about Lake Mead, visit TourGuy.com.

• Red Rock Canyon (Nevada). This is a unique recreation area in the United States, known for a set of large red rock formations that consist of sandstone peaks and the Keystone Thrust. The Red Rock area has a complex geological history, which over millions of years helped to create the dramatic landscape, with river washes, pine trees, and desert plant life that changes as the elevation climbs and descends throughout the area.

Even more exciting than a guided tour of the conservation area is an adventure tour that takes visitors even closer to the remarkable formations on horseback. With both breakfast and lunch rides, each with their own trails, visitors experience a close encounter with the Wild West in designated areas that are not accessible by foot or vehicle. For more information about Red Rock Canyon, visit TourGuy.com.

• Valley Of Fire (Nevada). Perhaps one of the most mysterious parks within close proximity in Las Vegas, primarily because it used to be a place of great importance to the Anasazi, the Valley of Fire is home to dozens of historic and natural sites with odd and one-of-a-kind red sandstone formations that date back to the age of the dinosaurs. The park has also been featured in several films because of its unique and otherworldly qualities.

The ground tours to the Valley of Fire include stops at several unlisted and remarkably well-preseved petroglyphs. The tour is sometimes referred to as the jewel of the American West, especially because it provides a glimpse into early civilizations, including the Great Anasazi “Lost City." You can learn more about the Valley of Fire at TourGuy.com.

• Zion National Park (Utah). One of the most compelling aspects of Zion National Park is its rich and diverse ecosystems that include desert, river banks, woodlands, and forests spanning 230 miles. Hundreds of birds and dozens of animal and reptile species make the area their home (with wildlife sightings not uncommon). What makes the area unique is that the the Great Basin, Mojave Desert, and Colorado Plateau all converge at Zion.

There are two tours to Zion National Park with one including a stop at Bryce Canyon. In addition, one tour includes a visit to the ghost town of Grafton and several historic places where the classic movie “Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid” was filmed. For more information about Zion National Park, visit TourGuy.com.

For more information about things to do in Las Vegas, please visit TourGuy.com, which has dozens of tours to some famous locations around Las Vegas. All of these adventures range from half-day to full-day tours.

TourGuy.com Promotes "Fly Forward, Give Back"

noreply@blogger.com (Tour Guy) — Thu, 11 Aug 2011 15:00:00 +0000

Virgin America teamed up with Twitter for a good cause yesterday. The California-based airline on a mission to make flying good again, is launching a "Fly Forward, Give Back" flash fare sale (#FlyFwdGiveBack).

In the United States, the airline currently serves Boston, Chicago, Dallas, Fort Lauderdale, Los Angeles, Las Vegas, New York, Orlando, San Diego, San Francisco, and Washington D.C. Las Vegas-based TourGuy.com encouraged people planning travel to Las Vegas to consider the airline.

"The campaign gave travelers an opportunity to save on bookings, raise awareness for cancer research, and fund the Stand Up To Cancer initiative," said James Hoke, president of TourGuy.com. "This gives people an opportunity to save money and do good at the same time. I wish more companies would do it."

With sale fares as low as $49, Virgin America donated $5 for each Aug. 10 booking to cancer research. People were encouraged to retweet the deal, including the hashtag #FlyFwdGiveBack. Virgin America is the only airline based in Silicon Valley, and its use of technology, social media and design has made it a favorite among local travelers.

Special fares included San Francisco to Las Vegas flights for as low as $49 and New York to Las Vegas for $139. More information about the program can be found at Virgin America.

"We retweeted the special fares and programs because we would like to see more people make travel plans to Las Vegas," said Hoke. "I'm personally a fan of Virgin America, and although there is no incentive for us to do so, we lowered several of our tour prices to help people discover that there is even more to do in Las Vegas than visit the famed Strip. We invite anyone who participated to take advantage of the savings but will honor our listed prices for all travelers too."

TourGuy.com offers many types of Las Vegas tours including helicopter, airplane, jeep, bus, horseback, all-terrain vehicle (ATV), off road and rafting. It also staffds tour specialists who can help guests find the right tour or custom build tours from the ground up. For more information, call 1-888-801-1575 or 1-702-664-2599.

You can also follow TourGuy.com on Twitter or join other eco- and adventure travelers on Facebook.

Five Fun ATV Spots Near Las Vegas

noreply@blogger.com (Tour Guy) — Thu, 28 Jul 2011 15:00:00 +0000

If you like to enjoy the great outdoors but want to add some excitement, there is no question that ATVs are the answer. In the last decade, especially, the sport has exploded. Part of the spike in popularity is because the vehicles are safer, the riders are becoming more responsible, and the opportunities for novice riders more common.

Nevada and California have always been among the most popular places for ATVs. The reason for their popularity grew with Nevada becoming home to the old Mint 400 and Primm 300 races. For people visiting Las Vegas, there are hundreds of trails to choose from, but we carved out our top five ATV fun spots that are within a one-day drive of Las Vegas.

Five Fun ATV Adventures Near Las Vegas.

1. Dumont Dunes, California. Although it's a popular spot for off-loading, the Dumont Dunes are still exceptionally fun because the remote location includes about 8,200 acres of sand dunes. It's also fun for people with different degrees of experience because the smaller dunes near the highway won't intimidate riders.

The closest town is Baker. California recently added a entry fee. Although the entire area would generally be considered novice, there are some amateur and expert opportunities to have even more fun. The sand dunes are bordered by steep volcanic hills and the slow-running Amargosa River.

2. McCullough Mountains, Nevada. When looking south of Las Vegas about 30 miles, the highest point is McCullough Mountain, which is part of the McCullough Mountain Range — a range that spans from Las Vegas almost all the way to the Nevada-Calfornia border. Some of the ride includes the Jean Roach Dry Lake Bed to open to ATVs.

Geologically, the range is made up of two distinct features. The northern range is volcanic and the southern range is made up of 1.7-billion-year-old metamorphic rock. There is an ATV tour provided that has a unique course, spanning 20 to 50 miles depending on ability. It's the longest tour in southern Nevada and can be booked through TourGuy.com.

3. Paiute ATV Trail, Utah. Located in South-Central Utah, the Paiute ATV loop trail is 275 miles long and is consistently listed as one of the top 15 trails in the United States and top 5 by ATV Illustrated. Part of the appeal is that the trail caters to relaxed family ATV riding with panoramic scenes along ridges that allow riders to see hundreds of miles into the distance.

Riders are able to access the Paiute ATV Trail from a number of small towns throughout central Utah including Marysvale, Richfield, Beaver, Fillmore, and Salina. Due to the elevations, it's usually moderate weather. In fact, snowdrifts usually close the trail over the Pahvants and the Sevier Plateau until early July. For more information, visit Utah.com or ask TourGuy.com to include it in a custom package.

4. Logandale Trails, Nevada. Usually too hot for the summer, the Logandale Trails are located on the eastern boundary of the Valley of Fire. The Valley of Fire is about 50 miles from Las Vegas, and TourGuy.com does offer a guided tour experience of the area. Expect to see formations including arches, beehive structures, and rock art.

There is a surprising amount of wildlife if you take the time to notice. People have spotted bighorn sheep, lizards, and even tarantulas on the trails. What makes the area most fun is the mix of trails, with sandy trails, washes, and gravel roads. It's good for one or two days and is generally considered a fun novice system.

5. Agua Caliente, Arizona. Although best saved for the early spring or winter, Agua Caliente is perfect for riders looking to explore old mines. The ATV experience isn't challenging, but it does include a large network of sand washes that can be fun. There are also opportunities to view prehistoric petroglyphs and a nice mix of ragged and flat riding areas.

The trails are located right outside of Phoenix, and include about 25 miles of trail that are unmarked, lightly maintained, and not rated. The best part of the Agua Caliente is the overall remoteness and lack of people. A few steep hills, water crossings during the rainy season, small and large jumps and intersections must be navigated on the trail.

TourGuy.com offers the most diverse eco- and adventure tours from Las Vegas. For the more adventuresome, TourGuy.com can custom create variations for travelers that include river rafting, overnight ranch stays, and almost any other adventure someone can dream up. For more information, visit TourGuy.com.

Youth Art Exhibit Celebrates Grand Canyon Inspiration

noreply@blogger.com (Tour Guy) — Thu, 14 Jul 2011 15:00:00 +0000

Recently, several young artists spent seven days on a river trip being mentored by photographer Michael Buchheit, artist Sarah Hooker, and park ranger Juliet Oakes as part of a program called Grand Inspiration.

This unique experience included riding the rapids and taking remote day hikes. All the while, participants painted, wrote, and took photographs. Although many youth had an individual specialty, each participated in workshops for painting, photography, and creative writing.

The Grand Inspiration Exhibit At The Grand Canyon.

Between now and Aug. 8, all the work completed by the students will be on display at Grand Canyon National Park Headquarters. the exhibit initially opened on July 8, but continues to attract word-of-mouth traffic from park visitors.

What makes the collection unique is that it touches on one of several human experiences at the park. People feel inspired by the majestic setting, spectacular views, and immense nature of the area to produce works of art. The other is how well the park ties into science, especially with the addition of new and interesting exhibits and trails by the National Park Service.

The program, Grand Inspiration, is full for the remainder of the summer along the Grand Canyon River. However, there are several programs that are open for youth interested in visiting the San Juan River. Most programs are only open to 8 to 16 participants.

Helping People Achieve Their Dream Of Visiting The Grand Canyon.

There are so many opportunities to discover the richness and beauty of the Grand Canyon, but few people ever have that opportunity when they visit Las Vegas. TourGuy.com makes it possible because its experienced guides have more than 20 years of experience planning and plotting the optimum number of stops, sites, and experiences.

"I recently read an article where a Frenchman mentioned that Americans often say something is 'huge' or 'amazing' but the French don't," said James Hoke, president of TourGuy.com LLC. "But then the Frenchman went on to say that the first time he ever used that word was at the Grand Canyon. 'Amazing is here,' he said."

According to Hoke, the man went on to say that he cried when he saw the canyon. And that's without even considering the science of how the Grand Canyon was carved out by waterways like the Colorado River over millions of years. Today, it's one mile deep.

"Over the last few weeks, there were several fire scares. But now that the monsoon season has arrived, fire restrictions have been lifted on the South and North rims of Grand Canyon National Park," said Hoke. "While fire restrictions seldom affect day trippers from Las Vegas, they do affect anyone who wants to stay overnight."

TourGuy.com offers one of the most diverse menus of Grand Canyon excursions from Las Vegas, including the West, South, and North rims. Even more adventuresome, TourGuy.com can custom create variations for travelers that include river rafting, overnight ranch stays, and almost any other adventure someone can dream up. For more information, visit TourGuy.com.

Explore The Frontier For The Fourth Of July

noreply@blogger.com (Tour Guy) — Thu, 30 Jun 2011 15:00:00 +0000

When people think about Independence Day, most think about the Revolutionary War between what would become the United States and the United Kingdom. But what they don't always know is that the same period was the beginning of the American West and advancing the frontier.

Not everyone was engaged in the revolution. While the original thirteen colonies were engaged in the war, other men were traveling across what would become the United States. In fact, the third President of the United States saw expansion as one of the most important aspects for the future of the country.

It's also why this founding father quickly accepted the Louisiana purchase, doubling the size of the United States by acquiring land France had acquired from Spain just three years earlier. The price of the purchase was remarkable by today's standards. The United States paid $15 million (4 cents per acre). Not everyone agreed with the purchase, but Jefferson saw it as necessary for the perfect republican society, governed lightly and promoting self-reliance and virtue.

The Predecessors Of Lewis And Clark.

In 1804, it was Jefferson who commissioned two Virginia-born veterans of Indian wars in the Ohio Valley, Meriwether Lewis and William Clark. What many people don't know is that they discovered many Native Americans who were already accustomed to dealing with European traders.

It was these earlier frontiersmen, prior and leading up to July 4, 1776, that had already laid much of the ground work. Some of these men included: Francisco Vásquez de Coronado, who traveled from Arizona to eastern Kansas; the sons of Robert de LaSalle reached the Big Horn Mountains of Wyoming; and Juan José Pérez Hernández explored the Pacific coast in 1774.

What Was It Like To Explore The Frontier?

One of the most interesting historical places on the East Coast that touches on early history is The Frontier Culture Museum, which tells the story of the thousands of people who migrated to colonial America, and of the life they created here for themselves and their descendents. The Frontier Culture Museum is located in Virginia.

On the West Coast, TourGuy.com provides a hands-on experience with several horseback riding adventures from Las Vegas. While most of the tours tend to conjure up images of the American Frontier in the late 1800s and early 1900s, all of them are also connected by a history that dates back to the Revolutionary War (and further).

Depending on personal preferences, these tours include riding Red Rock Canyon trails, visiting a live working ranch in the Great Basin, or visiting the remarkable Grand Canyon Ranch. TourGuy.com has even compiled an electronic handbook about these Las Vegas horseback tours.

"One of the best things about the Fourth of July is that, even if it is only for a brief period, we all start thinking of our heritage as a country and what our ancestors did to make it possible," says James Hoke, president of TourGuy.com LLC. "The best way to experience it is on horseback, imagining early frontiersmen traveling the same paths carved out of nothing."

Most excursions offered through TourGuy.com include complimentary pick-up and drop-off from Strip hotels. For reservations and other Las Vegas attractions, visit the site or call toll free 1-888-801-1575. Tours range from one and a half hours to two days. Group tour arrangements are also available. Have a happy and safe Fourth of July weekend!

Three Thrilling Father's Day Gifts

noreply@blogger.com (Tour Guy) — Thu, 16 Jun 2011 15:00:00 +0000

In a recent survey conducted by Man Of The House, as many as 80 percent of men said that Mother's Day gets more attention than Father's Day even if many dads deserve equal praise. That's right. Many dads have stepped up their game.

As many as 60 percent of men surveyed say they share child care equally. And many of them have taken on what used to be traditional homemaker jobs (laundry and mopping) while still juggling traditional male-oriented jobs (car and yard work).

You could make this Father's Day different. More than half of the men surveyed in the same study said that spending time with their children is among their top priorities. They are looking for experiences that they can share and remember.

Three Ways To Make Father's Day Memorable From Las Vegas

• Longest ATV Tour In Las Vegas. Most dirt bike adventures require a certain skill level to navigate the desert, but ATV tours do not. TourGuy.com recently picked up the longest ride in Southern Nevada, covering 20 to over 50 miles of desert terrain, depending on group size and riding abilities.

The entire tour time is a full six hours and starts at 8 a.m. to avoid the harshest summer heat (which is later in the day). The only limitation is that participants must be ages 16 or more. Gloves, googles, and helmets are all provided.

• Wild West Horseback Ride In Las Vegas. Head out to the famous Sandy Valley Ranch as seen on The Travel Channel and The Food Channel for an experience reminiscent of the movie City Slickers.

Expert and beginning riders are welcome. What is especially unique about the sunset ride is that it includes one-on-one instruction on how to herd and pen cattle. The evening ride finishes up with a campfire and barbecue dinner.

• Ride High About Las Vegas In A Helicopter. In what might be the perfect high-tech adventure, TourGuy.com is a leader in booking helicopter flights over the Las Vegas skyline. The 12- to 15-minute flight takes you as close to the iconic Las Vegas sites as possible after a champagne toast.

The ECO-Star is the most advanced state-of-the-art helicopter of its kind. It's known for a quieter ride, great views, and large cabin. While certainly the shortest tour that can be enjoyed while visiting Las Vegas, the Vegas Neon Lights flight is one of the most memorable.

For more information about Things To Do In Las Vegas, please visit www.tourguy.com. TourGuy.com has approximately 50 tours to some famous locations around Las Vegas, including the Grand Canyon, Death Valley, and Zion National Park. All of these range from half-day to full-day tours.

Was The USSR Really Behind Roswell?

noreply@blogger.com (Tour Guy) — Thu, 02 Jun 2011 15:00:00 +0000

We all know the story. Officially, the United States has never acknowledged the existence of Area 51. Unofficially, it is the most well-known top secret military location in the world. You can see it on Google maps. And there are scores of books about it. Almost 400 of them.

The newest book, Area 51: An Uncensored History of America's Top Secret Military Base by Annie Jacobsen, proposes something new, sinister, and unnerving. The creation of Area 51 was the result of governments conspiring against each other.

"The idea that Area 51 was this test facility working to move science and technology faster and further than any other nation is true and is one of the great hallmarks of Area 51," Jacobson told NPR. "There are other areas of the base that are controversial — but they both exist simultaneously — out there in the desert."

One of the most controversial theories is that the Roswell UFO was a Russian plot to unhinge the United States by thinking it was being invaded by aliens. Jacobson alleges that the UFO was a top secret Nazi-inspired spy plane manned by mini-pilots who had been experimented on by Josef Mengele. The goal was simple. They wanted to scare Americans.

Ironically, the story getting all the attention is one of the weakest in her new book about Area 51. Some of it is more compelling. There are scores of stories detailing research and paranoia of a government during the cold war.

"All I can do is tell people what I always do. Until you've taken the ride out as close as you can go to Area 51, you're only a spectator," says James Hoke, president of TourGuy.com LLC. "But once you sit in the SUV and scan the horizon, you'll think differently. You're going to see someone staring back at you and their orders are to use excessive force."

The tours, which are available every Wednesday (or by special arrangement), give Las Vegas visitors the closest encounter possible without getting arrested or worse. Beginning at 7 a.m. with a hotel pick up, the tour takes visitors into some of the most desolate and uninhabited areas of the United States and right up to the point of no return. All of them fear and hope for some type of experience.

"One of my favorite stops along the tour is looking at Indian petroglyphs that resemble aliens located on the edge of an ancient dry lake," says Hoke. "Many Native Americans brush up against the possibility that we have been visited and may not even be alone. Many speak of Star Beings that could travel about the skies in beams of light like the sun."

Along with this stop, the full-day tour includes all of the most famous sites in Nevada that are related to the extraterrestrial, including the Extraterrestrial Highway, Little A’le’ Inn restaurant, infamous Black Mailbox, and the perimeter of Area 51.

With almost 80 percent of all Nevada owned by the government and the largest no-fly zones in America, anything is possible. All of these sightings could be aliens or a long series of government experiments and espionage.

For more information about Area 51 tours from Las Vegas, please visit www.tourguy.com. TourGuy.com has approximately 50 additional tours to some famous locations around Las Vegas, including the Grand Canyon, Death Valley, and Zion National Park. All of these range from half-day to full-day tours.

Remembrance: Las Vegas Memorial Day Weekend

noreply@blogger.com (Tour Guy) — Thu, 26 May 2011 15:00:00 +0000

Memorial Day has special meaning in the United States. It honors all the U.S. soldiers who died while in the military service.

Originally, it was known as Decoration Day, specifically honoring Union and Confederate soldiers following the American Civil War. While most of action occurred in the Eastern United States, there is some historic relevance in the West too.

For anyone visiting Las Vegas for the long Memorial Day weekend, there are several activities that provide a greater historic relevance for Memorial Day. Both Red Rock Canyon and the Colorado River have ties to the Civil War and Indian Wars, giving people an opportunity to walk a mile or two in their shoes.

Red Rock Canyon.

Famous for becoming a landmark on the California Road Trail from Ft. Smith, Arkansas, to Santa Fe, New Mexico, before merging into the Old Spanish Trail, Red Rock Canyon is steeped in history. During the American Civil War, volunteer troops sometimes made incursions into Indian country like Red Rock Canyon Recreational Area.

You can ride the same trails that were once scouted by U.S. cavalry and famous Wild West explorers and outlaws during The Ol' Spanish Horseback Lunch Ride or Maverick Horseback Breakfast Ride. Both tours average about 5 hours, with experienced tour guides and working cowboys sharing their insights into the American West.

Colorado River.

While Fort Yuma was best known for its troops patrolling the Colorado River to protect gold seekers, the Colorado River was one of the most utilized supply lines during the American Indian Wars from the late 1850s to the late 1880s.

You can see important historic sections on several tours down the Colorado River. The first is a full-day calm water tour (Wednesday and Saturday) of the Black Canyon. This scenic tour begins at Hoover Dam and ends at Willow Beach in Arizona. For the more adventurous, take a white water rafting trip on Native American land. Both tours provide unique insight into the early American West from two very distinct perspectives.

Memorial Day.

After World War I, this special day expanded to honor those who have died in all American wars. And in 1971, Memorial Day was declared a national holiday by an act of Congress.

"Until the world knows no aggressors, until the arms of tyranny have been laid down, until freedom has risen up in every land, we shall maintain our vigil to make sure our sons who died on foreign fields shall not have died in vain." — President Lyndon B. Johnson, Memorial Day, 1963

With more observers noting that the significance of Memorial Day seems diminished over the years, TourGuy.com would like to ask that no matter what any holiday plans might be, please take a moment to observe, honor, and respect all the brave men and women who paid the ultimate price for our freedom.

And if nothing else, please remember the National Moment of Remembrance, which encourages all Americans to pause wherever they are at 3 p.m. local time on Memorial Day for a minute of silence to remember and honor those who have died in service to the nation. Thank you and God bless.

How To Save Time For National Parks

noreply@blogger.com (Tour Guy) — Thu, 19 May 2011 15:00:00 +0000

In a recent study, Nestle Waters North America Inc. (Nestle Waters) found that the only reason more Americans don't visit national parks is because of the perceived time commitments. Seventy-nine percent of Americans feel they do not have enough time to enjoy nature's offerings and nearly three-quarters of Americans (74 percent) say that spending time enjoying life's pleasures takes a back seat to work and other day-to-day responsibilities.

The study also suggests that while four out of five Americans (81 percent) agree that "me time" is an important part of making the most of life, they don't always consider visiting a national park as part of that "me time." When they do have time, many plan vacations centered around metropolitan areas because they have the perception that national parks are less accessible.

"This is the kind of perception we work to change every day," says James Hoke, president of TourGuy.com. "Although Las Vegas visitors spend most of their time on the Las Vegas Strip, Las Vegas is surrounded by several major national parks, all of which are readily accessible with the help of a tour operator."

Hoke says most Las Vegas visitors stay in Las Vegas approximately 4.6 days. He suggests dedicating one-half or one full day to exploring the national assets around Las Vegas, including Bryce Canyon, Death Valley, Grand Canyon West, Grand Canyon National Park (South), Lake Mead National Recreation Area, Red Rock Canyon, and Zion National Park.

"A half- or full-day trip to one of our nation's national parks tends to help relax people, giving them a more well-rounded and satisfied experience," said Hoke. "The average tour costs less than what most people gamble in a day, even among those who don't plan to gamble during their trip."

According the Las Vegas Convention & Visitors Authority, only 10 percent of return visitors come back to gamble. However, more than 80 percent report gambling about $500, which is twice as much as they plan to spend on food and drink, four times as much as they plan to spend on shopping, and ten times as much as they intend to spend on shows.

Hoke says that he believes more people would consider including national and regional parks, provided they place their trip reservations before arriving in Las Vegas. He says many people don't consider visiting national landmarks until they are in the hotel room and notice an advertisement in an in-room magazine or hear other people talking about it.

Reserving Eco- And Adventure Tours Early Can Save Money.

"By that time, many of the trips are sold out or cost significantly more than placing reservations with specialists who can offer discount tours in Las Vegas," explains Hoke. "It's especially true during national holidays like Memorial Day. Foreign visitors are much more likely to place reservations early but they appreciate they may never have another chance."

In reality, Americans sometimes feel the same way. Hoke says the most common complaint of people who visit Las Vegas is that they did not make time to visit a national park. That coincides with the study by Nestle Waters.

The study said nearly every American polled (98 percent) considered visiting America's national parks one of the best ways to enjoy nature. The most popular sight to see while visiting the Western United States was Grand Canyon National Park.

TourGuy.com offers dozens of other area eco- and adventure tours in and around Las Vegas. Hoke says people who place reservations through the site can save as much as 50 percent off some Las Vegas attractions. Since tour operators have pre-routed tours, visitors generally see two to four times as much than if they tried to duplicate the trips on their own.

In addition to the study, Nestle Waters launched a "Better Things in Life" sweepstakes. By visiting any of their brand websites, Americans can enter for the chance to win a grand prize trip for four to their choice of one of our country's 394 national parks.

Jetman Cancels And Then Flies Over Grand Canyon

noreply@blogger.com (Tour Guy) — Wed, 11 May 2011 14:22:00 +0000

Last week, Swiss pilot, inventor and aviation enthusiast Yves Rossy was scheduled to fly over the Grand Canyon with nothing but a jet pack. Unfortunately, he apologetically called off the flight after the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) wasn't sure how to classify his jet pack.

The disagreement by officials was whether to classify his jet pack as an experimental aircraft, power glider, or something else. The last-minute disagreement might have shaken Rossy, who addressed the crowd that had gathered in anticipation. He said he was not prepared to make the flight.

The next day however, free from the pressure of crowds and media, everything changed. In what was meant to be a practice run, Jetman launched from a helicopter at 8,000 feet over the canyon, descending low enough to skim the walls and capture some dramatic footage.

"While I was disappointed not to be able to see the stunt, the footage that has been released is breathtaking," said James Hoke, president of TourGuy.com, LLC. "Some segments of the footage even create the illusion of flying over the Grand Canyon in a helicopter, especially when the canyon walls suddenly come into view. I love it."

According to news reports, Jetman averaged speeds of 125 miles per hour over the canyon. One of the more creative articles from The Telegraph compared his speeds to other fast-moving creatures and manmade creations. The closest comparison was to a Bugatti Veyron, which reaches peak speeds of 267 miles per hour.

"My first flight in the U.S. is sure to be one of the most memorable experiences in my life," Rossy said. "Not only for the sheer beauty of the Grand Canyon but the honor to fly in sacred Native American lands."

The flight was one of his lifelong dreams and the first time the jet pack has been used in the United States. To date, Rossy is the only man trained to fly a jet suit. He launched from a helicopter before turning on the jet pack. After the successful flight, he deployed a parachute that allowed him to have a safe and soft landing.

Helicopter Flights Over The Grand Canyon From Las Vegas.

Since the commercial prospects of everyone owning their own jet pack, let alone receiving permission to fly over the Grand Canyon, will likely take decades of development, the closest equivalent is a helicopter flight from Las Vegas.

"Two of our most popular tours include trips on the beautiful and environmentally friendly Eco-Star helicopters," said Hoke. "It is the only helicopter that beats noise output limits imposed by the National Park Service and makes for the quietest helicopter ride possible. The whole idea of flying over the Grand Canyon is to come as close as possible and soar over it in near silence as if you were gliding."

For other unique Las Vegas attractions that take you above and beyond the Las Vegas Strip, visit TourGuy.com. Helicopter excursions to the Grand Canyon also tend to be among the most popular Las Vegas attractions during long weekends and holidays. Hoke recommends booking as early as possible.