The Rise Of Helicopter-Friendly Destinations In Tourism

Helicopter access has completely transformed how upscale tourists perceive international locations. Helicopter-friendly destinations are no longer exclusive to specialised or wealthy companies. They are becoming increasingly common in luxury travel itineraries because they provide quick, effective, and aesthetically stunning access to places previously thought to be logistically challenging or remote.

Helicopters are becoming a practical and luxurious form of transportation due to the development of aviation infrastructure and the growing desire for unique travel experiences, with specialised helipads, charter services, and aerial tours included in regional tourism offerings. Major central helicopter vacation spots worldwide can now accommodate landings. This growth is particularly noteworthy in regions with rugged terrain, protected ecosystems, or limited road networks.

Helicopter-friendly destinations combine logistical accessibility with scenic immersion. These spots are optimised for aerial entry, from vertical cliffs and remote islands to national parks and urban skylines. Helicopter flights reduce travel time and offer comprehensive views of landscapes that are inaccessible or fragmented by land routes.

This blog highlights 20 strategically located and visually rewarding helicopter travel destinations around the world. Each destination on this list has been carefully selected based on its infrastructure, visual appeal from the air, tourism value, and the availability of helicopter-based services.

What Makes a Destination Helicopter-Friendly?

Several logistical, legal, and geographic considerations determine a site's classification as a helicopter-friendly destination. These locations are particularly designed to accommodate helicopter arrivals and departures. It also provides a flight-enhanced travel experience.

• Infrastructure for Operations

One of the main prerequisites is the availability of certified helicopter landing locations, which can include helipads, rooftop pads in cities, and naturally occurring flatlands that have been authorised for use by aircraft. These needs have to be maintained for ongoing operations. It should also comply with national aviation safety regulations.

• Weather-Friendliness

Helicopter tourism destinations are more likely to be found in places with low wind turbulence and frequent clear skies. Hence, the weather has to be stable and predictable. For areas where sightseeing is a significant component of the flying experience, visibility and wind shear are essential considerations.

• Adherence to Law and Regulation

Every nation has its own set of airspace laws. A place must be in an area where helicopter tourism destinations are either specifically allowed or encouraged by licensing frameworks to be included in a helicopter travel guide. Well-known tourist destinations often collaborate with private aviation companies to ensure safe and compliant operations.

• Integration of Tourism

Sites that incorporate helicopter excursions into their main tourism packages demonstrate greater preparedness for air travel. These could include transportation links between several tourist destinations, sightseeing circuits, and chartered luxury helicopter tours. Tourism boards often promote air travel as a highlight of the experience in these regions.

• Sustainability of the Environment

Contemporary helicopter holiday destinations also assess the environmental impact of air traffic. Eco-tourism guidelines must be strictly adhered to when visiting areas that are part of conservation zones or UNESCO World Heritage sites. Regulated flight frequencies, height limitations, and noise reduction equipment are already standard operating procedures in many areas.

Europe's High-Flying Escapes

Zermatt, Switzerland – Chopper Views of the Matterhorn

• Best Time to Visit: December to March for snow-covered landscapes; June to September for hiking and glacier flights.

Zermatt is internationally recognised for its alpine charm, world-class skiing, and proximity to the Matterhorn, one of the most photographed peaks in the world. As a car-free village, access is limited, strengthening its position among top-tier helicopter-friendly destinations. The aerial approach showcases the stunning Pennine Alps, vast glaciers, and high-altitude hiking trails. Travellers must visit Zermatt for its world-class winter sports, high-end chalets, and stunning year-round scenery. Helicopter services support sightseeing and adventure activities, offering routes over Gorner Glacier and landing options on surrounding peaks. The village strikes a balance between modern tourism and traditional Swiss mountain life, making it an ideal destination for travellers seeking authenticity and sophistication.

Amalfi Coast, Italy – Coastal Drama by Air

• Best Time to Visit: April to June and September to early October for optimal weather and lighter crowds.

The Amalfi Coast is a UNESCO World Heritage-listed region renowned for its dramatic cliffs, pastel-coloured villages, and rich Mediterranean culture. Travellers mostly visit towns like Positano and Ravello for their architectural beauty, gourmet cuisine, and coastal views. However, road access is limited by hairpin turns and heavy seasonal traffic, which makes helicopter access highly practical. As a premier helicopter travel destination, the Amalfi Coast offers unparalleled views of coastal fortresses, lemon groves, and terraced vineyards. Helicopters offer direct access to exclusive resorts and private villas, providing panoramic routes that include the Gulf of Naples and Mount Vesuvius. This region combines heritage with elevated travel efficiency for travellers seeking luxury, speed, and visual grandeur.

Monte Carlo, Monaco – Luxury in the Skies

• Best Time to Visit: May to July, aligning with significant events and ideal Mediterranean weather.

Monte Carlo attracts global travellers for its casinos, yachting lifestyle, and luxury hotels. As the most developed of Europe's helicopter tourism destinations, it features a dedicated heliport with direct links to major cities on the Riviera. The aerial route from Nice to Monaco is the most beautiful and scenically compelling. Generally, tourists worldwide visit Monaco to explore the Prince's Palace, high-end fashion avenues, the Oceanographic Museum, and its F1 Grand Prix circuit. Helicopter transfers provide immediate access to these attractions, bypassing coastal traffic. Monte Carlo's tight terrain and high density of premium experiences make aerial transit functional and strategically superior for discerning travellers.

Reykjavík, Iceland – Volcanic Landscapes and Ice Caps

• Best Time to Visit: June to August for extended daylight and maximum visibility.

Reykjavík is the capital of a country defined by natural extremes—volcanoes, glaciers, geysers, and fjords. It serves as the operational hub for Iceland's helicopter network, offering flight access to remote areas with limited or seasonal road connectivity. Travellers visit Iceland for its geological diversity, Northern Lights, and geothermal activities. The city has direct flights to Þórsmörk Valley, Eyjafjallajökull glacier, and active volcanic zones. These scenic helicopter rides allow travellers to explore inaccessible regions. Many tours include guided landings, which makes the place a cornerstone for airborne adventure tourism in the North Atlantic.

Scottish Highlands, Scotland – Aerial Castles and Cliffs

• Best Time to Visit: May to September for stable weather and clear aerial visibility.

The Scottish Highlands are a destination of historical depth and expansive natural beauty. Every year, tourists are drawn here for its ancient castles, mist-covered lochs, and dramatic coastlines. Many of the region's iconic locations are remote, making helicopter access both practical and essential for covering large areas in a limited amount of time. Helicopter routes encompass Loch Ness, Ben Nevis, and the Isle of Skye—delivering vast, uninterrupted views. These bucket list helicopter experiences are often part of castle tours, whisky distillery itineraries, and elite golfing holidays. Multiple lodges and estates are equipped with private helipads, supporting fast and discreet access for international travellers. The region offers a blend of cultural heritage and landscape photography opportunities, all heightened by aerial mobility.

French Alps, France – Glacier Access via Helicopter

• Best Time to Visit: December to March for winter sports; July to September for summer glacier hikes.

The French Alps offer a unique blend of world-class skiing and high-altitude luxury. Tourists flock to resorts like Chamonix and Courchevel for winter sports, spa retreats, and gourmet dining. These resorts are also designed for those offering luxury helicopter tours. Hence, the resorts have designated helipads, altiports, and direct transfer systems to major airports, such as Geneva and Lyon. Helicopter flights provide sweeping views of the surrounding glaciers, summits, and national parks, with Mont Blanc dominating the region's skyline. These helicopter vacation destinations are renowned for mixing exhilarating activities with smooth planning. Helicopter drops are utilised for heli-skiing in the winter and alpine picnics or guided climbs in the summer. The Alps offer an ideal mix of accessibility, visual impact, and structured tourism infrastructure.

Asia's Sky-High Wonders

Mount Everest Base Camp, Nepal – Himalayan Majesty from the Air

• Best Time to Visit: March to May and October to early December for clear skies and stable wind conditions.

Mount Everest Base Camp is one of the world's most recognised helicopter-friendly destinations, offering rare aerial access to the highest mountain on Earth. Reaching the base camp by foot takes nearly two weeks; a helicopter flight from Kathmandu or Lukla reduces that journey to under an hour. This experience offers speed and exclusivity for travellers—flights pass over the Dudh Koshi River, Namche Bazaar, and ice fields before reaching an elevation of 5,364 meters above sea level. It is one of the few places worldwide where helicopters may operate at extremely high altitudes, and landing is feasible at designated high-altitude zones. This path is perfect for those wanting breathtaking natural beauty without the strenuous physical demands of trekking. Operators include oxygen systems and emergency-trained pilots for added safety.

Kyoto, Japan – Temples and Gardens from a New Perspective

• Best Time to Visit: Late March to April for cherry blossoms; mid-November for vibrant autumn foliage.

Kyoto seamlessly blends imperial history, traditional architecture, and seasonal beauty uniquely. Although most tourists explore it on foot, helicopter rides offer a carefully planned, time-efficient view of the city's temple complexes, Zen gardens, and cherry blossom-lined corridors. Offering scenic helicopter rides lasting 15 to 30 minutes, operators operate out of airfields in Osaka and Kyoto. From above, travellers can spot landmarks such as Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion), Nijo Castle, and the Katsura Imperial Villa, all framed by forested hills and symmetrical city layouts. Kyoto's harmony of nature and structure becomes more apparent from the air. This location appeals to cultural travellers seeking visual depth, history, and aesthetic precision, packaged in a modern, airborne format.

Bali, Indonesia – Tropical Paradise with Private Pads

• Best Time to Visit: May to September, during the dry season for clear skies and low humidity.

Thanks to its natural diversity, luxury tourism market, and compact geography, Bali is one of Southeast Asia's most established helicopter tourism destinations. Helicopter rides from Denpasar and Ubud provide rapid access to remote coastlines, volcanoes like Mount Agung, and temples perched on cliff sides, such as Uluwatu. The island draws millions annually for its spiritual ambience, surf culture, and upscale villas. Private helicopter tours streamline island-hopping for travellers with limited time, providing cinematic views of rice terraces, black-sand beaches, and coral reefs. Several resorts have on-site helipads, allowing direct landings without public interference. This destination is ideal for couples, honeymooners, and high-end wellness travellers seeking privacy and exploration.

Dubai Desert, UAE – Dune Flights and Skyline Views

• Best Time to Visit: November to March for cooler temperatures and optimal visibility.

Dubai's controlled airspace and luxury-focused infrastructure have made it a standout among helicopter vacation spots in the Middle East. Operating from several urban heliports, helicopter services provide a variety of itineraries over the Palm Jumeirah, the Burj Khalifa, and the surrounding desert terrain. Dubai's blend of Arabian tradition and contemporary architecture attracts tourists. Helicopter rides highlight this difference by offering aerial views of the vast desert sands, artificial islands, and a skyscraper-filled skyline. Desert tours often include optional landings near luxury camps or remote conservation zones. This location serves business travellers and tourists, combining luxury, convenience, and high photographic value in short, well-regulated flights.

The Great Wall of China – A Legendary Ride

• Best Time to Visit: September to November for crisp air, fewer crowds, and clear mountain visibility.

The Great Wall is one of the most significant structures in human history and among Asia's most dramatic helicopter holiday destinations. Sections like Badaling, Mutianyu, and Jinshanling are accessible via charter flights from Beijing, providing a sweeping perspective of its scale as it winds across mountain ridges. On land, the wall can be crowded and fragmented; from the air, it is uninterrupted and awe-inspiring. Helicopter operators offer short loops and custom charter routes, often accompanied by guided commentary and optional photography services. Some packages include cultural add-ons such as visits to the Ming tombs or private banquets nearby. This destination appeals to cultural and heritage travellers who value depth and panoramic appreciation.

Africa's Elevated Experiences

Victoria Falls, Zambia/Zimbabwe – The Smoke That Thunders from Above

• Best Time to Visit: May to July for peak water flow and clear skies for aerial views.

Victoria Falls is one of the most visually powerful waterfalls on the planet and ranks high among Africa's helicopter-friendly destinations. Spanning nearly 1.7 kilometres across the Zambezi River, the falls are best observed from the air, where the full breadth and mist columns—known locally as Mosi-oa-Tunya—become clear.

Helicopter operators in Livingstone (Zambia) and Victoria Falls Town (Zimbabwe) provide flights over the falls, the Batoka Gorge, and the savanna. The experience includes sweeping passes along the Zambezi River and downstream rapids. Several itineraries combine this aerial tour with access to wildlife reserves and riverside lodges. This location attracts adventure seekers and photographers, offering a natural spectacle and efficient sightseeing in one of Africa's premier conservation and tourism zones.

Maasai Mara, Kenya – Safari Meets Scenic Helicopter Rides

• Best Time to Visit: July to October during the Great Migration for optimal game viewing and dry weather.

The Maasai Mara National Reserve is a critical ecosystem and one of the leading helicopter tourism destinations in East Africa. Known globally for the Great Migration and Big Five sightings, the reserve also features vast plains, river crossings, and escarpments ideal for aerial photography.

Helicopter services operate from Nairobi and private lodges inside the reserve, allowing quick access to distant or restricted areas. Flights often include landings on ridgelines for breakfast picnics or direct transfers to tented safari camps with dedicated helicopter landing spots. For wildlife enthusiasts, the helicopter perspective enables full migration paths and herd coverage while minimising ground impact. This method is especially valued during peak safari season when roads can be congested or inaccessible.

Cape Town, South Africa – Table Mountain and the Cape Coastline

• Best Time to Visit: November to March for summer weather and clear coastal visibility.

Cape Town stands out as a city where urban infrastructure, natural landmarks, and coastline meet. It is also one of the most accessible helicopter vacation spots in Africa. Flights typically depart from the V&A Waterfront and cover Table Mountain, Robben Island, the Twelve Apostles, and Chapman's Peak Drive. The city attracts travellers for its cultural diversity, outdoor lifestyle, and scenery. Helicopter rides provide a structured overview of the coastal layout and mountainous terrain, which ground-based tours cannot fully capture. Operators offer packages ranging from 15-minute loops to complete scenic circuits along the Cape Peninsula.

The Americas from Above

Grand Canyon, USA – One of the Top Helicopter Rides in the World

• Best Time to Visit: March to May and September to November for mild weather and reduced crowding.

The Grand Canyon is globally regarded as one of the top helicopter rides in the world, drawing millions annually for its massive geological formations and deep ravines. Helicopter tours operate mainly from Las Vegas, Tusayan, and Grand Canyon West, offering efficient and visually rich access to otherwise time-intensive viewpoints. From the air, passengers can observe the Colorado River, stratified rock walls, and rarely seen sections, such as the Dragon Corridor or Tower Butte. Tours often include narration, photography stops, and add-ons like Skywalk access or canyon floor landings. For travellers seeking both speed and depth in their experience, the Grand Canyon offers unmatched natural spectacle via well-regulated aerial access.

Rio de Janeiro, Brazil – Christ the Redeemer and Copacabana Views

• Best Time to Visit: May to October during the dry season for clearer skies and ideal flight conditions.

Rio de Janeiro combines topographic drama with urban intensity, making it one of Latin America's most dynamic, helicopter-friendly destinations. Flights depart from Sugarloaf Mountain and other private heliports, covering iconic sites like Christ the Redeemer, Copacabana Beach, Ipanema, and the Maracanã Stadium. Tourists visit Rio for its rich culture, vibrant festivals, stunning beaches, and breathtaking geography. Aerial tours highlight the contrast between mountainous terrain and the Atlantic coastline, with flight paths designed to capture the best angles for photography and video. Helicopter operators offer flexible durations, ranging from 7 to 30 minutes, making it ideal for short-time visitors and detailed scenic explorers.

Niagara Falls, Canada – Waterfall Wonder via Chopper

• Best Time to Visit: June to October for peak water flow and favourable weather for flight operations.

Niagara Falls ranks among the world's most visited natural attractions and is one of Canada's leading helicopter holiday destinations. Helicopter tours offer unobstructed views of Horseshoe Falls, American Falls, and Bridal Veil Falls—all in a compact 12-minute flight from the nearby heliport in Niagara District Airport. Visitors choose this option to bypass crowded observation decks and appreciate the whole layout of the falls from above. Routes also cover the Niagara River and surrounding vineyards. The proximity of wineries and historic towns like Niagara-on-the-Lake allows travellers to combine their helicopter experience with day tours and culinary excursions.

Patagonia, Argentina – Glacial Landscapes and Rugged Beauty

• Best Time to Visit: November to March for warmer temperatures and clearer skies over southern Argentina.

Patagonia is vast, untamed, and visually powerful. As one of South America's most exclusive helicopter tourism destinations, it offers access to locations such as the Perito Moreno Glacier, Mount Fitz Roy, and Torres del Paine (located on the border). Helicopter routes are beneficial due to the region's remoteness and limited road connectivity.

Travellers visit Patagonia for glacier trekking, wildlife viewing, and untouched mountain terrain. Flights originate from hubs like El Calafate or Ushuaia and offer tailored landings near lodges, glacial plateaus, or turquoise lakes. The place is loved chiefly by eco-travellers, photographers, and adventurers who appreciate isolated beauty combined with logistical efficiency.

Hawaii (Big Island), USA – Volcanoes, Rainforests, and Coastlines

• Best Time to Visit: April to October for dry conditions and higher chances of volcanic visibility.

The Big Island of Hawaii offers volcanic terrain, dense rainforests, and dramatic shorelines, ideal conditions for scenic helicopter rides. Departures from Hilo or Kona cover active sites, including Kīlauea, lava fields, waterfalls, and valleys such as Waipi'o and Waimanu. Tourists are drawn to the Big Island for its remarkable geological diversity and rich cultural heritage. Aerial tours offer a unique opportunity for close observation of flowing lava (when present), crater formations, and remote beaches that are inaccessible by road. Some operators include landings in secluded areas or near eco-resorts with helicopter landing spots. This is one of the few destinations where you can witness active volcanic landscapes and tropical biodiversity in a single flight.

Oceania's Remote and Scenic Routes

Queenstown, New Zealand – The Adventure Capital by Air

• Best Time to Visit: December to April for clear skies and ideal summer conditions

Queenstown is one of the Southern Hemisphere's premier helicopter-friendly destinations, renowned for its adventure tourism, alpine scenery, and efficient air access to remote natural landmarks. Surrounded by Lake Wakatipu, the Remarkables mountain range, and Fiordland National Park, the area offers a comprehensive helicopter experience that balances speed, safety, and spectacle. Every year, travellers come to Queenstown for activities like skiing, skydiving, bungee jumping, and wine tours. Helicopter tours enhance these experiences by offering landings on glaciers, alpine lakes, and private vineyards. Operators run direct routes to Milford Sound, Mount Aspiring, and the Southern Alps, often including glacier picnics and snow landings options. The aviation infrastructure is robust, featuring modern heliports and licensed routes overseen by New Zealand's Civil Aviation Authority. Helicopter travel here is a core part of the region's tourism offering, especially for travellers looking to maximise time in hard-to-reach natural environments.

Bucket List Helicopter Experiences – Unique Add-ons to Your Airborne Itinerary

Helicopter travel opens access to extraordinary experiences that redefine the limits of luxury and adventure. These bucket list helicopter experiences combine breathtaking scenery, exclusivity, and once-in-a-lifetime moments that are otherwise unreachable.

• Glacier Picnics and Alpine Landings in New Zealand

Helicopter flights provide direct access to the pristine ice fields of New Zealand's Southern Alps, renowned for their stunning glaciers. Helicopters land on distant glacier tongues like the Tasman or Franz Josef Glacier from Queenstown or Wanaka, where flights usually begin. Once on the ice, tourists savour champagne brunches or gourmet picnics, frequently accompanied by knowledgeable guides who explain the local geography and glaciology. Adventure, comfort, and knowledge are all combined in these luxury helicopter tours to provide a singular and extremely exclusive immersive nature experience.

• Champagne Vineyard Landings in France

France's world-famous wine regions, including Provence and Chamonix, offer helicopter landings at private vineyards and mountain estates. These tours blend scenic flight paths over rolling vineyards and alpine landscapes with luxury tastings of premium champagne and wines. Avoiding the throng and securing first dibs on rare vintages, guests are whisked straight to estate cellars or remote mountain cottages. These trips, which are flagship offerings among European helicopter tourism destinations, exemplify the perfect combination of excellent food and air travel.

• Volcanic Hovering and Lava Viewing in Hawaii

Hawaiian volcanoes, especially Kīlauea and Mauna Loa, provide one of the most dramatic natural shows accessible via helicopter. Specialised pilots execute low-altitude hovering manoeuvres near active lava flows and volcanic vents, allowing travellers to witness molten rock glowing against the night sky or steaming craters by day. These tours are equipped with stringent safety protocols, thermal imaging cameras, and pilot expertise to ensure a secure yet unforgettable experience. The visual spectacle of glowing lava, juxtaposed with tropical flora and rugged coastlines, makes this one of the most dynamic scenic helicopter rides available worldwide.

• Polar Helicopter Expeditions in Antarctica

Antarctica remains the ultimate frontier for helicopter tourism destinations, with emerging operators facilitating flights over ice shelves, towering glaciers, and remote wildlife colonies. Helicopter excursions typically depart from research stations or expedition ships, offering unparalleled access to pristine environments rarely visited by humans. Travellers can land near emperor penguin rookeries or explore crevasse-riddled ice fields. Due to the extreme conditions, these experiences demand specialised equipment, trained pilots, and adherence to international environmental regulations. Although still developing, Antarctic helicopter expeditions represent the pinnacle of exclusive private helicopter tours for adventure seekers and scientists alike.

• Desert Dune Landings and Luxury Camps in the UAE

In the United Arab Emirates, helicopter tours over the desert offer unparalleled views of dunes, rocky outcrops, and oasis towns. Many luxury operators combine flights with landings at remote desert camps, where travellers enjoy private dinners, cultural performances, and stargazing. These experiences are tailored for travellers seeking a blend of natural beauty, cultural immersion, and high-end comfort. The precise coordination between heliports, ground services, and event planners makes these among the most seamless helicopter vacation spots in the Middle East.

Planning Your Helicopter Getaway – A Smart Helicopter Travel Guide

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Smart Helicopter Mini Guide

• Understand the Types of Helicopter Tours
• Examine Accessibility and Helicopter Landing Locations
• Verification of Booking and Licensing
• Weather considerations and Seasonal planning
• Be ready for restrictions on luggage and weight
• Safety and Health Information
• Evaluation and Cost Value
• Sustainability and Environmental Impact

Plan a helicopter trip carefully to maximise safety, comfort, and enjoyment.

• Understand the Types of Helicopter Tours

Helicopter tours range from short sightseeing flights to fully customised charters. Familiarise yourself with private helicopter tours for intimate groups, luxury helicopter tours featuring exclusive amenities, or standard sightseeing options focusing on scenic helicopter rides. Knowing the type of experience desired helps you select operators that align with your travel goals.

• Examine Accessibility and Helicopter Landing Locations

Direct helicopter access is not available at every location. Verify that helicopter landing sites are available and in good condition in your selected location. While some helipads are located in resorts, national parks, or metropolitan areas, others need prior authorisation or coordination with local authorities.

• Verification of Booking and Licensing

To experience one of the best helicopter tours for travellers, one should always opt for a respectable business with skilled pilots and the appropriate credentials. Travelling with operators who follow international aviation safety regulations is safer and more dependable. Request pilot qualifications and check reviews.

• Weather Considerations and Seasonal Planning

Weather plays a critical role in helicopter operations. Book your helicopter vacation spot during optimal seasons when visibility and wind conditions are favourable. Some regions have strict no-fly periods due to weather or environmental regulations.

• Be ready for restrictions on weight and luggage.

Strict weight restrictions on helicopters have an impact on both the number of passengers and the amount of luggage. Hence, policies must always be verified in advance and prepared appropriately. Comfort and adherence to safety procedures are enhanced by lightweight, necessary luggage.

• Safety and Health Information

Passengers must undergo pre-flight briefings that discuss safety equipment and emergency protocols. Specific trips might have limitations for travellers with medical issues and pregnant women, or they might require health declarations.

• Evaluation of Cost and Value

The cost of helicopter travel is high. To guarantee value, consider the inclusions, such as private transfers, narrated commentary, or extra landings. For a more complete experience, consider purchasing packages that include flights and additional activities.

• Sustainability and Environmental Impact

Select operators who practice eco-friendly flight procedures and noise reduction and support conservation efforts at helicopter tourism destinations. Responsible flying ensures preservation of natural and cultural sites for future travellers.

On the ending note

Exploration is redefined by helicopter travel, which combines luxury, efficiency, and stunning views. Helicopter-friendly locations provide experiences that terrestrial travel cannot compare to, from the majestic Alps to the expansive African plains, and from crowded cities to unspoiled wilderness. This all-inclusive guide to helicopter travel highlights the world's top destinations and incredible aerial experiences that will motivate any traveller.