Sightseeing: Soar Tours

Thanks to a host of luxurious helicopter tours, even those without a private jet can enjoy priceless bird's-eye views of natural wonders and man-made monuments alike. Visitors to Dubai who are lucky enough to snag a suite at the "seven-star" Burj Al Arab hotel can book a high-performance Augusta 109 Executive helicopter for a tour of the city, encompassing such sights as the Burj, the world's tallest tower, and the Madinat Jumeirah, the resort re-creation of an ancient Arabian citadel ($3,500; burj-al-arab.com). In Cambodia, the luxurious Amansara Hotel can create customized helicopter itineraries for those seeking a unique perspective on the temples of Angkor Wat (about $3,000; amanresorts.com).

Nature lovers who head Down Under can sign on with Aviation Tourism's Blue Mountains Heli-Magic for a flight over Australia's famous mountains, blanketed in a blue vapor produced by lush eucalyptus trees (about $760; avta.com /au). Explore Arizona Tours flies along the vast rim of the Grand Canyon for dazzling views (from $289; explore arizonatours.com). And Safari Helicopters' flights over the Big Island pass over Mauna Loa, the world's most massive volcano, and Kilauea, the most active (from $219; safari helicopters.com). Not even the most luxurious chauffeured car can provide views like that.

© 2008