Flying is one of the best ways to see the world. Getting up off the ground and seeing planet Earth from a bird’s eye view is an exhilarating experience! Adding a scenic flight to your itinerary can make the vacation unforgettable. Oftentimes, the complete beauty of your destination is not understood until enjoyed from the air in a fresh new lens. Buckle up and get ready to be amazed as we highlight the world’s top 5 most scenic flights.

Grand Canyon

The majesty of the Grand Canyon can be seen in many ways. Whether you explore the mighty Colorado River by boat, take a hike along the rim, or stop at one of the many overlook areas, you are in for a treat. However, nothing quite beats the up-close views from inside the cabin of an aircraft zooming through the canyon. The surreal experience of floating through the jaw-dropping canyon is unbeatable. 

Taking a flight is not only a quicker option to see it all in a short time, but a great way to comprehend the vastness of the natural wonder. Fly over the widest and deepest sections of the canyon to see it in a most unique way. Scenic flight companies in the area usually give an option to add-on extra sights in the Southwest region. Imagine seeing the Grand Canyon, Horseshoe Bend, Lake Powell, Las Vegas, and more all in one scenic flight. 

Nepal

Ever dream of hiking Mount Everest? While hiking the monster is not for all, you still have a chance of seeing the incredible Himalayas from an airplane. Soar above the most dramatic landscape in the world from a guaranteed window seat. Experience the thrills of the famous peaks without intense training and expert hiking. Arise early and hop on the flight for a morning trip to get the best chances of seeing a clear shot of Everest and the surrounding mountains.

The pilot does a fantastic job of circling around to give both sides of the plane a great view. Our favorite aspect that makes the Everest flight so unique is the opportunity every passenger gets to enter the cockpit and see the pilot as he navigates the Himalayas. Sit back and enjoy the utter amazement that you will feel as you glide above the Earth (quite literally as Everest is the tallest point)!

New Zealand

How about a mix of rugged peaks, mountain lakes, waterfalls, and fiords. That sounds nice. The Milford Sound area in New Zealand is gorgeous for those reasons. While countless land activities dot the region, you will definitely want to take to the sky as the Milford Sound scenic flights are arguably the best in the world! Everywhere you look puts another mind-blowing landmark on display.

Catch views of the Queenstown region along with lovely vistas of the Southern Alps. Also, check Fiordland National Park off of your bucket list as the flight gives you fantastic views of the park. The pilots are very knowledgeable about the area and love to inform and answer questions. The magical experience can be topped off with a lake cruise and other add-ons if desired. Do not skip the Milford Sound scenic flight as you will certainly regret missing the skyline beauty encountered.

Vietnam

Vietnam is quickly becoming a tourist destination for its warm culture, delicious cuisine, and dazzling scenes. One of the most pristine locations in the country is Halong Bay. The bay is home to thousands of mini islands shooting out of its rather calm water. Take a seaplane to observe the bay from above as well as the surrounding highlights like Danang and Hue. 

Along with the lush islands, take in the mountains and beaches from the air. Fly low and close to the ground to get a real look at the Vietnamese countryside. The sightseeing tours are generally more affordable than other scenic flights, while still maintaining stellar quality, top-notch safety, and grand views. The tours explain the history of Vietnam and great detail about the sights to help you get the most out of the tour. Halong Bay is an unbelievable bucket list destination.

Kauai

We cannot talk about scenic flights without mentioning the mother of scenic air tours. The Hawaiian island of Kauai is home to world-famous helicopter and plane tours, and world-famous for a reason. The tours take off from the Lihue airport and embark on an adventure around the highlights of the small island. Helicopters weave in and out of the jagged canyons of the breathtaking Na Pali coast, giving guests a front-row view to thousands of waterfalls falling from the mountain peaks to the valley floor. 

Along with the Na Pali, tours fly right through the Hawaii red rock remix of Waimea Canyon, a perfect blend of waterfalls, rainbows, deep canyons, and lush jungle. We aren’t finished quite yet! The tours continue to the heart of the island at Mount Waialeale, one of the wettest places on Earth. The lush volcano crater sprouts waterfalls in every direction in an area so dense that exploring by foot is almost unheard of. On a clear day, the views of Kauai air tours are phenomenal. 

Acanela Expeditions creates travel adventures with local culture, unique experience, and crafty cuisine at the top of the priority list. See the world from a bird’s eye view as you enjoy experiences that are never to be forgotten. Our tours visit many destinations where you can enjoy your own scenic flight!

Post written by Collin Peterson