What is space tourism – How to travel to space and what to expect

What do you think of boarding a spacecraft instead of an airplane, buckling in, and soaring past the clouds into the endless space taking your next vacation? Let’s explore the world of space tourism full of adventure and amazement and see if this type of vacations are possible. Once reserved only for trained astronauts, this dream is gradually turning into a commercial reality for daring travelers. So, what exactly is space tourism and how can you be part of this cosmic journey?

What is space tourism?

Civilians travelling to the space for recreation or for a thrilling and a life-time experience is known as space tourism. This extraordinary concept has opened up avenues for public who are adventurous travelers to view the earth from above without restricting it to just astronauts. With private companies stepping in, space has become the newest destination on the adventure traveling map. Space tourism has turned science fiction, many of us used to watch on the television into a real ticketed journey among the stars.

The rise of companies like SpaceX, Blue Origin, and Virgin Galactic has opened the skies to adventurous space travelers. These pioneering space companies are building rockets and capsules for joyrides, stargazing and exploration. And what is their goal? To make space accessible for anyone brave and curious enough to reach beyond our atmosphere.

Types of Space Tourism

There are various types of space tourism, not all space adventures are the same. Suborbital tourism will take you just past the boundary of space and let you float weightlessly for a few magical minutes in the space. These quick trips offer amazing views of Earth and are often the most affordable option for tourists who are inquisitive about space.

Orbital tourism, on the other hand, involves circling the Earth for longer periods. Sometimes it might take a few days. This type of travel is far more immersive but is much more expensive. In the future, lunar tourism and even Mars missions may become reality offering mind-blowing experiences beyond typical vacations.

How to travel to space as a tourist ?

How does one become a space tourist? First, you may have to choose a company—Virgin Galactic, Blue Origin or SpaceX, depending on your budget and your spirit of adventure. Then you will have to join a waiting list, don’t be surprise there are many others out there waiting to go on such a journey. Recent surveys show that the interest in space tourism is not limited to the wealthy, with 38% of luxury travelers expressing interest in taking a space flight for recreation and among luxury travelers aged 16-34, that figure rises to an astounding 58%.

You will also have to undergo some medical evaluations and participate in training to prepare your body for zero gravity and re-entry forces. Most training programs are curated for a few days or weeks, focusing on safety, basic space science and how to move in microgravity. Once you’re ready, it’s takeoff time! Your spaceship will take you into the sky, where silence dominates and where the Earth will be seen as just a blue ball below. It definitely is the most amazing journey you’ll ever take.

Space Tourism Cost Per Person

Space travel isn’t cheap. The space tourism cost per person for a suborbital flight currently ranges between $250,000 and $500,000. These trips last only minutes but promise lifetime memories and experience that is worth the money spent. Still, that is a hefty price tag even for some the successful entrepreneurs.

Orbital flights, especially those by SpaceX, are in a league of their own, costing between $20 million to $55 million per seat. Prices are expected to be in the hundreds of millions for future lunar missions. However, as the tech matures, demand grows and other players enter this segment, ticket prices are expected to fall over the time.

Is Space Tourism Good or Bad?

The growing popularity of private space travel has sparked debate though it looks lucrative from the outside. Space tourism give birth to innovation, inspires generations and might even come in handy as research into space-based solutions for Earthly problems which are all positive factors. The thrill of reaching space can spark creativity and global unity. Some critics call space travel a playground for the super rich while warning about the carbon emissions rocket launches add to the atmosphere.

Some others have voiced their worry about the risks involved and whether enough safety measures are in place. Every launch of a spacecraft generates debris that can stay in orbit for many years and as the number of space launches increases, the amount of debris will grow. This debris can cause problems for other spacecraft and even small debris can cause damage. So the answer to the question is space tourism good or bad lies in how responsibly it is managed as it expands.

Future of Space Tourism

So what’s next in space tourism? Imagine floating hotels orbiting the Earth or hotels on lunar complete with artificial gravity and spacewalk experiences. Or booking a package tour around the Moon, where you can witness the sunrise and sunset happen every few minutes.

Until the future lunar hotels come into place, for those yearning to experience the cosmos without leaving the planet, several hotels offer immersive space-themed accommodations. The Grande Centre Point Space Hotel in Pattaya, Thailand, the Galaxy Pod Hostel in Reykjavik, Iceland, Canada’s Fantasyland Hotel, the Barceló Sants Hotel in Barcelona, Spain, are just a few places that feature space robes and slippers, intergalactic room service, solar lobbies, meteor mini bar, zero gravity space deck, pool and bar, which have all been imagined through beautiful renders of a space hotel.

As more companies enter the race, the future of space tourism predicts larger spacecraft, more efficient launches and possibly even civilian life in orbit. The growing competition will lead to better technology and hopefully will also lower prices. The day when space travel will become just as ordinary as a flight from New York to London is no longer distant or a dream.

Space Tourism in 2050

What will space tourism scene resemble by 2050? Commercial space stations may have luxury resorts while universities might offer field trips to low-Earth orbit. You might also be able to plan your romantic getaway to view Saturn’s rings! Travel agencies might book lunar tours as casually as cruises. All these sound possibilities! Humans may even live part-time in space, with professionals working from there and artists finding new inspiration in the milky way. As infrastructure improves, space tourism in 2050 may be as exciting and accessible as it is unimaginable today.

Recent Milestone: All-Women Spaceflight

On April 14, 2025, Blue Origin’s New Shepard NS-31 mission made history by launching the first all-female crewed spaceflight since 1963. The six-member team included pop icon Katy Perry, journalist Gayle King, aerospace engineer Aisha Bowe, civil rights activist Amanda Nguyen, filmmaker Kerianne Flynn and pilot Lauren Sánchez. The 11-minute suborbital journey took them beyond the Kármán line, offering a brief but profound experience of space.​

During the flight, Perry sang “What a Wonderful World,” symbolizing the mission’s message of unity and inspiration. Upon landing, she expressed a deep sense of love and connection, dedicating the experience to her daughter, Daisy. While the mission was celebrated for its representation and empowerment, it also faced criticism regarding environmental impact and the commercialization of space travel. Nonetheless, it marked a significant step in making space more inclusive and accessible. ​

In conclusion, we can say space tourism is more than thrill-seeking experience but it is about pushing the boundaries of where humans can go and what they can experience. Space tourism takes the ancient wonder of star gazing to a whole new level to offer something you can experience and live through. As we stand watching the dawn of the new era in space travel, the question shifts from “Will we go to space?” to “When will you book your seat?” Yes, the universe is open for visitors and your seat may already be waiting!