S5 Ep81: Is the Era of Space Tourism Here?

In 2021, the internet reacted as the world’s wealthiest men blew millions of dollars to spend just a few minutes traveling to the edge of space. Right now, space tourism is for the rich and famous, but in the coming years, it may become more accessible to regular travelers.  We chat with space tourism journalist Valerie Stimac about what it's like to travel to space, the future of the space tourism industry, equity and representation in space, sustainability concerns, how much space travel will cost, and how to enjoy space from earth. GUEST: Valerie Stimac has lived across the globe but spent her formative years in Alaska admiring the northern lights each winter. After living in cities including Seattle, London, and the San Francisco Bay Area, Valerie re-discovered a childhood passion for space and combined it with her professional career as a travel writer. Today, she is an author for Lonely Planet, and a space tourism & dark sky advocate. Valerie's website: https://valeriestimac.com/  Valerie's Instagram: @vstimac Join Valerie's astronomy-focused Jordan tour: https://spacetourismguide.com/guided-tours/jordan/ RESOURCES: How the billionaire space race could be one giant leap for pollution  Rocket Launches Are Shockingly Bad for the Environment  NASA's African-American Astronauts  THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSOR, WORLD NOMADS! Inspiration, opportunities and travel insurance to help you fuel your curiosity, find your journey and travel bravely. @worldnomads Check out www.worldnomads.com. Benefits limits, conditions and exclusions apply. Be sure to read your policy wording. If you're a fan of the show, don't forget to subscribe, rate and review Curious Tourism: Responsible Travel Podcast! Read Erin's award-winning blog: https://pinatravels.org/ Follow us on social media @curioustourismpod Subscribe to Kattie's podcasting newsletter Pod the North, here. SUPPORT US ON PATREON for as little as $5 a month! CREDITS Written and Hosted by: Erin Hynes Producer: Kattie Laur Music from Motion Array Logo by Nicole Hall