Virgin Galactic: The Ultimate Adventure

Luxury Travel: If you're aching to do something that no one else has done, to experience a stimulating quest into the unknown, or simply want to use your airline miles on something outlandish, than get in line with only 156 people in the entire population who have already purchased tickets in advance. Since money is no object in your quest for the ultimate adventure, pack your bags and get ready to head into outer space; and don't forget your bathing suit! (Yes, I said bathing suit; but have no fear, you won't be wearing it at 63 miles above sea level, only to the lavish after-party!)

British billionaire, Richard Branson dreams big, and is anticipating the first flight into outer space in 2009. At $200,000 per seat, the first adventurers will be throttled into outer space after a three-day assessment and passing vigorous medical tests. When all systems are a go, you will board Virgin Galactic's SpaceShipTwo with five other passengers and two pilots.

Set to be a 2.5-hour flight, your countdown to launch will occur from an altitude of about 60,000 feet in mid-air. SpaceShipTwo will detach, firing its hybrid rocket and propelling you into what used to be never-never land. Since Virgin Galactic will only reach 3,500 mph, and to orbit the earth a velocity of 17,500mph is required, you won't experience a true earth orbit, but will simply encounter awe-inspiring views, the curvature of the Earth, and peaceful solitude: an experience so surreal you won't know how to put it into words. All this prep and money for 15 minutes in space and the biggest highlight: five minutes of weightlessness.

This exotic flight is coupled with a lavish after-party and mini luxury vacation held on Sir Richard's private island retreat in the British Virgin Islands. For each "astronaut" and accompanying guests, luxury Balinese accommodations are provided on the Necker Island with four nights of all-inclusive festivities. Surrounded by pristine white beaches and acres of nature trails, Sir Richard will hold a private celebration to personally present each passenger with a set of Virgin Galactic astronaut wings. The rest of your time will be spent "coming back down to earth!"

For LxM Sherry Martin