With a total area of 1.2 million acres, the vast untouched wilderness of the Grand Canyon National Park is amazing. Running 270 miles deep into the core of the Earth, the canyon is located on both the Kaibab National Forest and on the Hualapai Indian Reservation. As one of the Seven Natural World Wonders, those visiting Las Vegas will need to ensure it is on their list of things to do. Anyone who would like to experience this site will want to book one of the bus tours available after reviewing the following tips.

Grand Canyon bus tours are all-day events. Most of them are all-inclusive, meaning the price includes a continental breakfast (coffee, juice and a pastry) and a simple lunch. Dinner isn't included, but you'll be able to duck into a restaurant, snack bar or convenience store for that. Anyone who has a restricted diet will want to bring along items that are going to meet their dietary needs. You will also want to bring items to snack on.

How old the motor coaches used by a tour company are important. Because of the time spent on the bus, you will want to be sure that it is a comfortable and safe choice.

Sadly, one of the places these companies cut costs on is the buses that they offer. A good idea will be to find buses with tinted windows, seating designed to be comfortable, individual air conditioners and blinds for your windows. Clean restrooms and plenty of space will also be important.

Be sure to pick one of the Grand Canyon bus deals that stops at Hoover Dam to let you take photos. Your goal is to find a selection that doesn't skip over the Hoover Dam and just heads over to the Grand Canyon instead. The best tours drive over the bridge and then double back to the dam on the Arizona side, because that particular view is best for photos. Your bus will stop there in the morning because you'll be heading back to your Vegas Strip hotel late in the day.

On average, you will have at least three hours which you can enjoy at the canyon. Anything less than two just isn't enough because there's so much to see and do. You'll find that your best experiences will come from spending more time at the canyon. Some of the points of interest you'll want to see at the West Rim are the Grand Canyon Skywalk, Eagle Point, Guano Point, the Indian Cultural Center and Hualapai Ranch. Grand Canyon Village, Yaki Point and Mather Point are must-sees at the South Rim.

For your trip, try to book at least three days ahead of schedule and if possible, before you even show up on vacation. There are a few reasons for doing this. Part of the reason is that these tours sell out very quickly. Also, you probably don't want to be arranging things while you're on holiday so book ahead so you can enjoy yourself instead. Plus, you'll pay more if you buy your tickets in Las Vegas, especially if you buy them through your hotel tour desk or at a booth along the Strip.

Make sure you look at their fees. You are going to find that while Grand Canyon bus discounts are possible, some companies do add in fees for the park, fuel and even the meals they provide. Because of this, you will want to be wary of any company that provides a price that is significantly lower than the other tour companies. Avoid them because they're probably loaded with extra fees. They may also have onerous cancellation policies that require you to notify the tour company you're canceling a full day before your tour in order to receive all your money back.