Jokes apart, it looks like the possibility to do space tourism exists, but it is only there for a few privileged persons that can allow themselves the cost. One of the possibilities that impressed me most is the one offered by a company called Space Adventures. And I promise I don’t have an affiliate account with them, so that’s free publicity!

What they have in place is a space tourism program that allows you to travel with the Soyuz to the International Space Station (ISS) and, fortunately, also allows you to come back. Further from going there 2 hours before departure, fastening your seatbelt and looking at the security measures typical “show”, the trip starts some months before it really departs with an intensive training dealing mainly with 0 gravity operations, flight control and survival activities.

When all this training is over, your space tourism trip begins. You get the opportunity to jump on the Soyuz and be launched on a mission to the ISS. The trip can be planned exactly for your needs, either if you are there for scientific research, for pure knowledge and education, for publicity to cover a cause that you feel needs attention, or simply as an adventure traveler that has not enough with the challenges on Earth and needs a little bit more. Probably you will not find any other kind of trip than space tourism where all details are planned so carefully for your enjoyment.

One of the great things, even if it would make your space tourism trip a bit more expensive, is that you could require that a space walk is included within your trip, and that would be definitely a good opportunity to go outside with your loved one and dance around with the sound of a slow waltz… Sorry, I forgot again there’s no sound in space!

Whatever the option that you choose, it is almost possible that you encounter no problems apart from the money to pay for it, as the requirements seem to be less than the ones for getting a visa. Height between 160 and 185 cm, weight between 50 and 95 Kg and be in general good health. Still you are always on time to lose a bit of weight for this extra pounds that would not let you get on board. They have departures every 6 months so you can plan ahead.

Finally, the question you’ve had in your mind during the whole article gets answered. OK, you say space tourism is expensive, but… Tell me how much is it! And I will: for a normal scheduled flight to the ISS you will be paying between 30 and 40 millions of US Dollars. But hey! A Russian language course is included!

In any case, here you can find some free travel certificates to more realistic accommodations: Free Hotels

Looking to travel to Europe or do a Round the World Tour? Travel to Europe

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Dani Alonso

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Though a huge revenue earner for a lot of countries, regular forms of tourism also causes much harm to tourist centers.  This includes exploitation of poor people, pollution, rise in prices, adverse impact on culture and minimal benefits to the local population (as most of the profits are appropriated by tour operators and hotels). An example is the popular tourist resort of Kovalam, in Southern India. This is a beautiful stretch of beach attracting a lot of foreign and domestic tourists, and a big revenue earner for the state tourism department. However a lot of poor people including women and children are exploited in the name of attracting tourists. A lot of unscrupulous people have also set up fake Ayurvedic massage centers near the beach, exploiting the fame of this traditional form of treatment.

This is where eco tourism can lend a helping hand. Not only would it be a source of income for the local population, tourists can positively contribute towards the maintenance and development of the places they visit. For local transport, you may choose from walking, cycling or public transport instead of using cars. Taking care not to litter, and not to damage the environment in any way by removing stones or plucking flowers and plants are also part of this movement. Learning a few important words in the local language would help easier communication with the local population. It is very useful to read and get more information about the culture and tradition of the people so that it is easier to understand and communicate with them.

In the state of Karnataka, where I stay, some of centers being developed for eco tourism include the national parks of Bandipur and Nagarhole and the hill station of Coorg. In my home state of Kerala, national parks including the Periyar Wild Life Sanctuary and the Silent Valley Forest, back waters in Alleppey and the Munnar high ranges are ideal spots. As most of these places attract a large number of regular tourists, too, it would only take a little effort to convince likely tourists to try this alternative.

If you are planning to go on an eco tourism holiday, however, it is advisable to check the credentials of the tour operator and the place to be visited. Due to the popularity of the concept, a lot of tour operators and businessmen try to cash in on the concept by organizing fake eco tourism ventures with scant regard for the preservation or protection of the site or benefit for the local people. By simply building a multi-storied hotel nearby natural surroundings, some operators advertise their business as eco tourism. A little bit of back ground check can eliminate these risks.

Considering the negative effects of  the present  form of  tourism on the environment as well as the local population and the numerous ways in which eco tourism can be beneficial to all concerned, you may consider going on an eco tourism holiday the next time.

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