Sin City is a great spot from which to stage a day visit to the Grand Canyon. South Rim bus excursions are by far the most affordable way to get there. To help evaluate the numerous tours offered, here's a rundown of the types of coach packages offered and what you can expect.

The South Rim of the National Park is a lot more than 270 miles from Sin City. This means a 5.5-hour drive. Total round-trip drive time is 11 hours. Mix that with up to 3 hours of exploration inside the Park and you're thinking about a full-day trip.

Lots of people are of the opinion they will return to Las Vegas soon enough for dinner or a show. I do not advise it. These bus rides depart at 7 a.m. and come back at 9 p.m. That's a long day by anyone's count, and I'm sure most will look forward to relaxing in the hotel room.

Currently, you will find two types of bus excursions:

• South Rim bus. Takes you direct to the National Park.

• South Rim tour bus with Heli. Incorporates a chopper ride from Grand Canyon Airport. This rim-to-rim flight is 30 minutes and takes you to the North Rim and back, whereupon you'll rejoin your team for the ground tour section of the vacation.

Nearly all of these coach excursions are all-inclusive. This means they come with complimentary hotel pick up and drop off, a grab-and-go breakfast, box lunch (including vegetarian!), professional driver-guide as well as park access fees.

The route to the canyon crosses the Colorado River through the Hoover Dam Bypass. The good trip deals includes a Hoover Dam photo stop on the Arizona side of the dam. You will also get sufficient smoke and rest breaks on the way also.

Time inside the Park varies between two and three hours. In all likelihood, you'll visit Mather Point, the most famous lookout at South Rim. Other popular viewpoints include Yaki Point, Yavapai Observation Station and Hopi Point.

Tours wind down at Grand Canyon Village, the canyon's business hub. Here you will find coffee shops, gift shops, museums, restaurants, hotels (ensure that you have a look at El Tovar) and the mule barn. Nearby, is the Bright Angel Trail, which will take you below the rim and into the canyon.

Getting a good deal is not hard. Just follow this 3-step process: Book up to one-week in advance; book your tour bus trip on the internet; and complete your transaction on the website

Commit procedure number three to memory. Too many people give up and use an agent to book their trip. Using these individuals increases the price. These travel websites are safe, secure and extremely simple to use. Once you're finished with your booking, you'll receive a confirmation-receipt with all the information. If you have questions at this point, by all means, contact customer care.

Grand Canyon South Rim bus excursions a great option with regards to visiting the National Park. They're comparatively cheap, are all-inclusive and are perfect for large groups and families. As you plan your Las Vegas getaway, include a day trip to the South Rim. It is going to be the high point of your trip.