Are you interested in going rafting in the Grand Canyon but don't want to do a white-water trip? Take a smooth-water float tour. These one-day, no-rapids trips are perfect for the entire family and provide you with a way to experience the canyon from top to bottom!

Start from Grand Canyon National Park and Tusayan, AZ, the town just outside the Park's main gate. Choose to go by bus or plane to Page, AZ, where you'll end up making an incredible two-mile drive through a tunnel to the base of Glen Canyon Dam.

Here's where you'll board your rubber pontoon river raft and start your 15.5-mile float trip down the refreshingly tranquil Colorado River. Immediately, the scenery gets interesting as you cruise around world-famous Horseshoe Bend. Downstream, you pull out and take a short walk to a cliff wall where the Puebloan peoples made ancient petroglyphs.

Questions regarding the canyon? Ask your professional river guide. These individuals are well-educated on the river, it's history, topography, geology, and the abundant wildlife that call the canyon their home.

The float tour, which takes approximately 2.5 hours, breaks for lunch at the midway point, then continue to historic Lee's Ferry. It's here where you'll step into a luxury, air-conditioned motor coach and make your way back to the South Rim. On the way, you'll views of the famous Painted Desert as you pass through a real Navajo Indian reservation. There's also a stop at the Cameron Trading Post where you can purchase authentic Indian handicrafts.

These 1-day rafting trips operate from April to November and last an entire day. Departure time is always in the morning. The actual river float is less than three hours. Summer is hot (May through September), and I recommend you bring plenty of sunscreen. Bring a brimmed hat and a light, long-sleeved shirt. If you plan to jump in the water, bring a swimsuit. Each raft is stocked with free water and juice to keep you hydrated.

One day rafting tours come with everything including a guide, park fees, motor coach or airplane transportation to and from Page, AZ, and free hotel shuttle to accommodations in Tusayan and Grand Canyon Village. Arrangements can be made to be picked up at Grand Canyon Airport, too.

Bus-rafting packages are the most economical and start at $170 per person. The airplane option will run each person about $329 each. Shop the Internet for the absolute best price. My research shows that you can get up to 35 percent off if you book on the Internet. Some of you may be hesitant to book online. Don't be. I purchase all my raft trips on the Web and I've never had any issues.

To really know the Grand Canyon is to go below the rim and ride the river. You don't have to conquer Class 5 rapids to do this. Just hop a bus or board a plane and make the trek upstream to the Colorado River's more calm waters. Put your feet in the water. Relax and watch the condors soar. Head for the banks and gaze at ancient Indian art. There is not any rush. This is a smooth water float trip, and it's going to be the high point of your vacation.