The #1 day trip from Las Vegas? The West Rim bus tour to the Grand Canyon. It's no wonder, either. This in-demand excursion is packed with activities and attractions, making it popular with families, groups, and independent travelers alike. If you haven't booked this tour yet, here are eight reasons why you should:

1. It's close to Las Vegas. Grand Canyon West is 120 miles east of town, requiring just a 2.5-hour bus ride.

2. You get to see Hoover Dam. The road to the West Rim crosses the Dam, with a pull out on the Arizona side for photos.

3. The Grand Canyon Skywalk. Walk the Glass Bridge 70 feet past the edge and get suspended 4,000 feet above the Colorado River. Unparalleled views of the rim. More than 200,000 people a year experience the bridge, making it Las Vegas' #1 natural attraction.

4. Take a helicopter ride to the bottom. The west rim is the only place in the entire Grand Canyon where you can do this. The 4,000-foot descent is incredible. Enjoy a Champagne toast at the base.

5. You can go river rafting. Take a helicopter to the bottom and transfer to a pontoon boat for a ride down the Colorado River.

6. Experience real Native American culture. Grand Canyon West is on the Hualapai Indian Reservation and managed by the Tribe. Interact with tribal members and explore a traditional Indian village.

7. Better value than hiring a car. Self-drivers pay park entrance fees, gas, rental car fees, insurance, and a parking fee. Bus tours are all-inclusive. Pay once and it's done (and it's a lot cheaper).

8. The Grand Canyon is one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World. Its status makes it a "bucket-list" item. If you come all the way to Las Vegas, Grand Canyon West is a "must-do."

Most west Rim bus tours include hotel pick up and drop off and a BBQ lunch. Only luxury motor coaches are used on this trip. These buses feature over-sized seats, climate-controlled interiors, television screens, over-sized windows, and professional driver-guides.

There are several variations of the West Rim bus tour. The most popular includes the Grand Canyon Skywalk, followed by the helicopter descent to the bottom. Pontoon boat rides are seasonal, and usually run from March to Late November. These tours require a full day and will have you back in Las Vegas by late afternoon.

This trips are a great deal. Prices start at $94. If you upgrade you package, the cost goes up accordingly. For example, if you bundle the Grand Canyon Skywalk, you're looking at around $129 per person. The prices I'm quoting are from Grand Canyon Coaches. They are promotional and only available on the company's website. Try to reserve your trip in advance as these tours sell out quickly.

Grand Canyon bus tours offer phenomenal value. For less than $100 per person, you can be standing on the edge of the America's greatest natural wonder. If you opt to upgrade your package, you can experience the Canyon's floor and the Colorado River. The West Rim's proximity to Las Vegas also makes it a stellar day trip for people of all ages. Next time you need a break from The Strip, book a bus trip. There's a good chance it will change the way you look at the planet.