If you plan on going to the Grand Canyon from Vegas, You ought to take a luxury motor coach. Don't let the word "luxury" spook you. Coach tours are the most affordable way to view the canyon. It's also the main reason travelers sign up for them in droves. Book in advance and be sure you get your seats. Here are five more reasons why it's smart to RSVP this trip:

1. You will not get bumped. Almost 40 million people visit Las Vegas each year. This includes large groups, families, and individuals. Most go on a Grand Canyon bus tour. If you're trying to book a visit for the next day, cross your fingers. You will likely be put on a waiting list. That ensures nothing. I've personally suffered being bumped when a corporate group showed uplast minute. By RSVP'ing, I'd have been untouchable.

2. You get the best seats. The front and the middle are the best parts. Better air-conditioning and views. Companies fill the bus from front to back. Reserve as far beforehand as you can and there's a high probability you'll get some prime real estate. Same is true of group seating: If your reservation is eleventh hour, your people will be dispersed about the bus or negotiating with other passengers to change seats.

3. Peace of mind. Planning a trip takes a lot of thought and energy. Personally, the last thing I want to do is make bookings at the destination. It's a stress and in the end you almost certainly won't get what you would like. Lock-down your bus tour before getting to Vegas and it's simply a matter of getting a wake-up call and getting on the bus.

4. You lock in priority scheduling. Weather at the West Rim and South Rim can be flighty. Tours have been known to be rescheduled as a result of snow or high winds. You can't control Mother Nature. You can determine your re-booking if you're a pre-paid customer who has booked in advance. If this ever happens to you, re-confirm the new tour date and time and see if you can improve your seating arrangement. There'll be people that can't make the following day trip, thus freeing up some seats.

5. You get an excellent price. I field this question continuously: "Is it cheaper to buy my canyon bus tickets now or when I'm in Las Vegas?" You know my answer: Always buy ahead of time. If you get your seats in Vegas, anticipate paying out the nose for them. In comparison, book on the web and you'll a) save lots of money and b) you'll lock down the price. The Internet is where all the best bus deals are. I've seen some that take 35% off. There are high seasons for bus tours and during these periods prices climb with demand. Purchase early on the Internet and your savings really start to mount.

Vegas to Grand Canyon bus rides go to the West Rim or the South Rim. The West Rim, which is merely 120 miles from Vegas, is known for fun-based activities like the Grand Canyon Skywalk. The South Rim, which purists refer to as the "real" canyon, is where you go for views. This rim is 270 miles from Las Vegas and requires a five-hour drive.

Bus trips to the West Rim include helicopter trips to the bottom (only available at this rim) and a pontoon boat ride down the Colorado River. South Rim trips can upgraded to include a helicopter tour across the Dragoon Corridor, the widest, deepest part of the national park.

These tours are all-inclusive and come with free hotel shuttle service, a light breakfast, and a box lunch. Coaches are state-of-the-art and are outfitted with oversized windows, lounge-style seats, TVs, and sanitary lavatories. The driver-guides are 100% professional and are full of information. Buses are also equipped with tour narrations translated into more than 10 languages.

Grand Canyon bus tours from Vegas are the way to go if you are hunting for an inexpensive but fun day trip to the national park. Buses are modern and comfortable and the trips are all-inclusive, which means the only thing you need to bring is your sense of adventure. Due to their popularity, I highly recommend that you book in advance. Doing this guarantees your seats and keep you away from the frustration that accompanies buying these tours in Vegas.