7 Top Space Travel Destinations Around the World

You don’t need a ticket to the moon or to raid Area 51 to get your space fix. Lend some cosmic goodness to your next trip with a stop at one of these seven space travel destinations around the world. © Irina Kozhemyakina | Dreamstime.com

A visit to the Very Large Array is a must. The New Mexico telescope facility offers self-guided tours, during which guests learn about the mammoth dish antennas scientists use to uncover the mysteries of space. © Palms | Dreamstime.com

A quick stop during any trip to Los Angeles, the Griffith Park Observatory not only offers amazing views of the city, but also the Samuel Oshin Planetarium, which hosts frequent astronomic events and daily space-themed programming. © Ellen Golla | Dreamstime.com

If you’ve already planned your retirement on Mars, go to the Mars Desert Research Station in Utah to see what scientists expect life is like on the Red Planet. The station is only open to visitors in the summer months. © Irina Kozhemyakina | Dreamstime.com

For travelers who prefer to marvel at the universe, but who aren’t into the science side of things, a trip to an International Dark Sky Park is a good pick for your next trip. Try one of the newest, Anza-Borrego Desert State Park in California. © Kevin Key | Dreamstime.com

If you find yourself in Kazakhstan in the near future, book a tour of the Baikonur Cosmodrome. The world’s oldest facility for launching spacecraft, guests enjoy access to a space museum and rocket prep facility. © Igor Ovsyannikov | Dreamstime.com

Another tour-only space travel destination, Star City was Russia’s cosmonaut training center during the Cold War. The miniature city includes its own shops and train station and now a museum with thousands of artifacts on display. © Peter Sobolev | Dreamstime.com

Explore the Canary Islands and the beautiful Caldera National Park and, while you’re at it, book a tour at the Roque de los Muchachos Observatory located within the park. The observatory is home to one of the largest telescope collections. © Eric Gevaert | Dreamstime.com