Space tourism is on the horizon, and will become increasingly accessible to adventurous travelers.

One company is at the forefront of this movement, offering training for would-be space tourists through its unique holiday campuses around the globe - all be it at a hefty price.

On their website, Orbite describe their bespoke multi-day space experiences as “an immersive, educational journey into the world of space exploration.

"Paired with luxurious overnight accommodations, these experiences offer an accessible yet authentic way to experience what it’s like to become an astronaut”

Orbite aims to prepare guests for commercial space travel with innovative programmes, ranging from submarine expeditions to cooking lessons designed for the unique challenges of space.

These programmes will be offered at five specially designed campuses in Bordeaux (France), Neom (Saudi Arabia), Antarctica, Curaçao (Caribbean), and Florida (USA).

Each location provides a distinct, space-inspired training experience, with trips to begin in 2025.

Their unique space-themed experiences include:

Antarctica Adventure

For £173,000 (R4 million per person), an eight-day expedition to the South Pole offers glacier hikes and outdoor exploration. Antarctica’s harsh, remote conditions provide an ideal setting for simulating the challenges of life in space.

Guests will stay in futuristic “sky pods” at the White Desert Echo Camp. Designed to resemble structures straight out of Mars, these pods create an experience described as “feeling like you’re off the planet without leaving earth.”

Sea-Space Odyssey in Curaçao

Priced from £23,774 (R565,000), this four-night programme features three submarine dives, allowing participants to explore the underwater world while gaining insights into the physical demands of off-world missions.

Living in Space: Paris Experience

For £19,500 (R466.000) guests will visit a bio-farm lab to learn space farming techniques and a meal at the Stellar restaurant, which serves space-inspired cuisine. It’s described as an “educational yet entertaining introduction to life beyond earth”.

Astronaut Orientation in Florida

For £23,768 (R560,000), this four-night course includes virtual reality spacecraft simulations and a ride aboard a microgravity aircraft, offering the sensation of weightlessness.

On the final day, participants sit in a spacecraft cabin to experience real acceleration forces.

While programmes involve rigorous training, the company emphasizes a balance between challenge and leisure. Guests need to be in good health to participate, but the experiences are carefully designed to feel like a holiday rather than a boot camp.

As the final frontier becomes more attainable, these experiences are paving the way for travelers to boldly go where few have gone before.

IOL Travel