Want a great winter travel tip? At that time of year, you can save big bucks on bus tours to the Grand Canyon. Especially if you plan to do the trip in 2014.

How does it work? Prices for tour tickets are lower in the winter because that is the slow season at the park compared to the peak season during the busy summer months.

Every bit of money you save on buying your tickets is money you can spend elsewhere on your trip. Further, by booking that bus trip now, you lock in that savings permanently.

You might be hesitant to buy your tickets so far in advance because of the risk of changing your plans. My answer is make sure your trip has a good cancel policy.

A word on cancellations.

The best Vegas bus tour companies will let you cancel within 24 hours and give you a full refund. They also return your money or reschedule your tour if weather conditions cause your tour to be canceled.

A cancellation policy like that fully protects your money so you don't have to worry about buying your seats early. Plus, you can plan your trip ahead of time so you get the best choice of tours, which may be sold out in peak season.

Coach tours out of Vegas go to the South Rim or the West Rim. The ride to the South Rim takes longer since it is 277 miles away and the West Rim is only 125 miles from Vegas.

West Rim

You could always get a rental car and drive to the West Rim, but that isn't a good idea. It might even cost more to drive yourself. You have to add up the cost of the car, gas, parking fees, and entrance fees. Plus, part of the trip is over rough dirt roads.

The West Rim offers a lot of fun and is where you can go on the Grand Canyon Skywalk. This is a glass bridge that you can walk out on for 70 feet past the edge of the rim. You can peer down through the canyon all the way to the floor that lies 4000 feet below where you stand.

Of course, the Skywalk isn't for everyone and that's why a number of tour companies offer it as an option that can be purchased once you arrive at the Park. This costs more than buying your passes up front, but at least you won't waste your money if you can't work up the bravery to use your pass.

South Rim

The South Rim takes 5.5 hours to reach so buckle up because it's a long road trip. During the ride, you see some beautiful rock formations and other scenery. But since it is such a long ride, you definitely want to choose an operator that uses comfortable sight-seeing buses.

The best coach tours give you up to 3 hours to explore the South Rim. That's plenty of time to do Mather Point, Yaki Point and Grand Canyon Village. After a fun-filled day, you return to Vegas around 9 at night, so if you want to do dinner and a show, you'll have to make late plans.

Sum-Up

The best way to save some money on your 2014 travel plans to the Grand Canyon is to book your tours this winter. Prices this time of the year are low and once you get them they can't be increased, thus resulting in you saving money (which really adds up if you are a group of three or more people). And to my mind, that's a great way to start the holiday season!