Latest news with #sightseeing
Travel Daily News
6 days ago
- General
- Travel Daily News
How to plan an epic helicopter tour
The bird's-eye view, the sound of the rotors, and the way everything looks from above isn't something you can easily replicate. That's what makes it an unforgettable adventure, no matter how many times you've done it before. Planning a helicopter tour isn't something you do on a whim. It takes a bit of coordination, especially if you want to get the most out of the experience. Whether you're looking for something low-key or something more extravagant, there are a few things you'll want to sort out ahead of time. Here's how to approach it without making it feel like a chore. Think Through the Type of Experience You Want Do you want to fly over a city skyline, follow a coastline, land on a mountain ridge, or touch down in a vineyard? The kind of route you pick will shape everything else that follows. Let's say you're considering a helicopter ride Melbourne has on offer. That could mean flying over the city center, hovering near the Yarra River, or heading out toward the Great Ocean Road. Knowing what you want to see helps narrow down your options fast. It also helps the operator recommend something that fits your expectations. Pick the Right Operator Once you've got a rough idea of your route, the next step is choosing an operator that matches your priorities. Some focus on quick tours, others on luxury packages. You might also want to check how many passengers per helicopter they take, especially if you're planning something private or low-key. If you're booking a helicopter charter Melbourne travelers often use for custom routes, check if they offer private tours, pilot commentary, and flexibility with pickup points. Not every operator can do last-minute route changes or special landings. Ask specific questions. You'll get more useful answers. Ask About Aircraft Types and Seating Some helicopters come with large windows and rear-facing seats, while others are more compact with tighter legroom. If you're aiming for clear photos or just prefer a more open feel during the flight, the aircraft type makes a difference. Also, find out if the tour guarantees a window seat. On a scenic helicopter experience, that's a big deal. No one wants to pay for an aerial adventure and end up in the middle seat with a limited view. If you're flying for work-related reasons or planning something for a client, this matters even more. In some industries, a helicopter flight can double as an important business tool. It offers a way to survey property, review infrastructure, or simply make an impression. In those cases, the seating, visibility, and overall aircraft setup shape how useful the trip ends up being. Know What's Included (and What's Not) Don't assume that everything is bundled into the price. Some tours include landing fees, fuel surcharges, and a champagne toast, while others add those later. It's better to ask than to be surprised. If the tour includes a canyon floor landing or a stop at a winery, confirm how long you'll be on the ground. And check if it's a guided stop or free time. If you're planning a day trip, the timing matters more than most people think. A rushed landing doesn't always feel worth it. Time It Right Flying in the morning usually means calmer air and better lighting. That's ideal if you're hoping for those sharp aerial views or want to catch that golden-hour glow on the way back. Late afternoon or early evening flights can offer epic views, especially during sunset. Just know that weather and visibility can shift quickly. Some operators reschedule if conditions change too much. It's smart to have some flexibility built into your plans. Consider the Occasion Helicopter tours work for a bunch of different occasions. Anniversaries, birthdays, proposals, or just doing something different on vacation. If it's for one of those special occasions, most operators will let you customize parts of the trip. That might mean booking the entire aircraft or arranging for something like flowers on board. Small touches like that usually make the experience feel more personal without turning it into a spectacle. Prepare the Right Way Most tours kick off with a quick safety briefing. Nothing too technical; just what you need to know to stay safe and comfortable. Pay attention to the tips about headsets, seatbelts, and camera use. It'll help you settle in faster once you're up in the air. Dress for the weather on the ground, but keep in mind it's often a little cooler once you get airborne. Layers are your friend. And go easy on the accessories; scarves and loose hats don't mix well with rotor blades. Book Early, Especially During Peak Season Tours fill up fast during school holidays and summer weekends. Booking in advance gives you a better shot at your preferred time slot and aircraft. Some operators also offer a better range of options if you're planning months out instead of days. This also gives you some buffer time in case the weather doesn't cooperate. Most companies will let you rebook if there's poor visibility or high winds. Just don't count on booking the day before and getting prime conditions. Don't Overcomplicate It At some point, you've got to stop planning and just go. Helicopter tours are meant to be fun. As long as you've picked a reputable operator, clarified the basics, and packed light, you're set. The rest is about being present. The bird's-eye view, the sound of the rotors, and the way everything looks from above isn't something you can easily replicate. That's what makes it an unforgettable adventure, no matter how many times you've done it before.
National Post
29-05-2025
- Business
- National Post
The Erie Canal is turning 200. New York is throwing a summer-long party
In 1995, Tammee Poinan Grimes's parents purchased a 60-foot-long tour boat to use for sightseeing cruises along the Erie Canal. The expense of shipping the boat from San Francisco to Upstate New York was prohibitive, so they came up with a different solution. Article content Article content Over the course of seven weeks, the family helmed the vessel south through the Pacific Ocean, northwest across the Panama Canal and into the Caribbean Sea, then north via the Atlantic Ocean and into the Hudson River at New York City, before connecting with the Erie Canal in Albany. Article content 'You can get anywhere in the world via the Erie Canal,' says Poinan Grimes, now the captain of the same patriotically painted boat, the Colonial Belle. Article content From its dock in Fairport, New York, the boat will participate in celebrations and events for the 200th anniversary of the Erie Canal this year. Article content Long before Poinan Grimes's family's journey, other dreamers and doers brought one of North America's most significant man-made waterways to life in 1825. Article content While the canal's builders understood the potential economic impact of the 363-mile channel connecting Buffalo in the west to capital city Albany in the east, they may not have anticipated its lasting reverberations on American culture. Article content 'I'm constantly learning and meeting people who have all kinds of great stories,' Poinan Grimes said. 'I don't think I'll ever stop learning about the canal because there's just so much [to know].' Article content Article content For the Erie Canal's bicentennial, more than 35 festivals, outdoor programs, lectures and performances will offer adventures and insights. Article content The Albany Symphony Orchestra will perform canalside concerts in Medina, Troy, Utica and other cities. In August, Flotsam River Circus is booked for dozens of live performances aboard its wooden raft turned stage. Article content In July, hundreds of cyclists are expected to gather for the eight-day Cycle the Erie Canal ride along the Empire State Trail, following a route from Buffalo east along the Erie Canal and south along the Champlain Canal and Hudson River to Albany. For some segments, bike-mounted historians will narrate key points of interest. Article content A recreational cyclist known as BillytheKid Klein, who has participated in the 400-mile bike tour annually since 2021, says residents treat cyclists like visiting rock stars, lining up to cheer on riders or provide bottles of water, watermelon slices, ice cream and T-shirts. Article content For Klein, the camaraderie is the allure. Article content 'The people are astounding, and so are their bikes,' he said. 'They bring antique bikes, big-wheel bikes from Britain, adaptive bikes they pedal with their hands. The whole experience is a lot like Woodstock. It's just a lot of love.'
Washington Post
26-05-2025
- Washington Post
The Erie Canal is turning 200. New York is throwing a summer-long party.
In 1995, Tammee Poinan Grimes's parents purchased a 60-foot-long tour boat to use for sightseeing cruises along the Erie Canal. The expense of shipping the boat from San Francisco to Upstate New York was prohibitive, so they came up with a different solution. Over the course of seven weeks, the family helmed the vessel south through the Pacific Ocean, northwest across the Panama Canal and into the Caribbean Sea, then north via the Atlantic Ocean and into the Hudson River at New York City, before connecting with the Erie Canal in Albany.
NHK
14-05-2025
- NHK
Tourists take route that emerges at low tide to visit Enoshima Island near Tokyo
Tourists walked to a famous Japanese sightseeing island south of Tokyo on Wednesday by taking a route that emerges only at low tide. People usually visit Enoshima Island in the city of Fujisawa, Kanagawa Prefecture, by bridge or pleasure boat. But low tide sometimes creates a sandy passage, called a tombolo, to the island. After the local tourist association held a ritual to pray for safety, visitors walked on the normally submerged pathway, with some in bare feet. They received a digital commemorative certificate when they reached the island. Visitors who wish to access the island using the tombolo need to climb the stairs that are usually used for shore management and protection. The tourist association says it considers factors such as weather and conditions of the sea to decide when the stairs can be opened to the public, and makes an announcement through the city's official tourism website and other means. A visitor in her 60s said that it was her first time to walk on the tombolo and she felt something mystical. She added that she was glad the weather was good. Yuasa Hirokazu, the head of the local tourist association, said he hopes visitors will come to enjoy the views that are different from usual, such as Mount Fuji and the greenery of Enoshima Island.
The Independent
13-05-2025
- The Independent
Is flying from Manchester to London via Iceland cheaper than train?
A TikTok user flew from Manchester to London via Iceland for £57, saving £94 compared to a direct train ticket. The 24-hour trip included a brief visit to Reykjavik, where he sampled local cuisine and did some sightseeing. The video sparked debate online, with some suggesting cheaper alternatives like a £25 coach journey. Others expressed outrage at the high cost of UK train travel, highlighting the absurdity of flying internationally being more economical. The TikToker's journey underscores the increasing search for affordable travel options amidst rising train fares.
