With citizens now accepted for space travel, albeit at a price tag in the $20-35 million range, space tourism looms as a very real possibility.  American Dennis Tito was the first Space Tourist, spending nine days in space back in 2001.  Since then, five others have made space their destination, including one woman, with visits ranging from 11 to 15 days.  In October 2009, Guy Laliberté (founder and CEO of Cirque du Soleil) will make the trip.

Now’s your chance to sound off about what you would do.  If money were not part of the consideration, would you take a vacation in space? Vote below and feel free to expand you answer in the comments.

Post from: Fly Away Cafe

Check out the listings at Odd Inns and Unaccommodations for a sense of the unusual, exotic, and even a little wacky. and make your next vacation out-of-the-ordinary.  Even if you can’t get away any time soon, you’ll probably enjoy looking at the site and all the unusual places to stay.

See if these catch your eye:

• Castle Unicorn Bed & Breakfast in Pacific Junction, Iowa.  You wouldn’t expect to see a Bavarian-style castle in the middle of Iowa, but that’s where you’ll find this B&B.  It’s a 440-acre secluded estate, although it’s a modern retreat it comes complete with a tower, fountains and a moat.  You can hike, fish, picnic, or just relax and enjoy.
• Jules’ Undersea Lodge in Key Largo, Florida is sort of a dive.  You’ll actually have to scuba dive 21 feet, through a tropical mangrove habitat, to enter the Lodge.  Once inside, you’ll be able to watch the underwater world through large round windows that let you look out on the environment. 
• Caboose Bed & Breakfast Resort in Nice, California features nine little cabooses that have been refurbished into private suites on the south shore of Clear Lake.  You’ll find all sorts of water and outdoor activities in the area, and you’ll find lots of wineries nearby.
• Chambery Inn Bed & Breakfast is a former 19th century parochial school that’s been turned into a French country inn in the Berkshire Hills of Massachusetts.  Large suites are decorated with traditional French appointments, but you’ll still find modern amenities.  School was never quite this comfortable before.
• And finally my favorite, and a choice that is clearly out of my budget range, is the Alysia (in photo above).  With five decks to accommodate up to 36 guest (and a crew of 34), this is lavish living and entertainment.  You can spend your days on the Sun Deck, with a gorgeous view to boot, including a circular sunbathing terrace (that also serves as a heli-pad).  This is peaceful luxury on the water, allowing you to enjoy the day on deck enjoying the weather and view, opt to take out the Wave Runners for a little water activity, and spend evenings inside with spacious suites, entertainment facilities and gourmet meals.  This, my friends, is really living large!

Accommodations cover the world, and include a nice selection here in the U.S.  Price ranges vary and run the gamut, but there are affordable options not too far from home.

Photo credit:  Liveras Yacht

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Post from: Fly Away Cafe