As told to Irene Klotz
How did you find out about this opportunity?
About three years ago, I read stories about Virgin Galactic developing its spacecraft and selling tickets for future flights. Once I was familiar with the conditions and the cost, I didn't struggle with the decision.
From just $107.88 $24.99 for Kiplinger Personal Finance
Become a smarter, better informed investor. Subscribe from just $107.88 $24.99, plus get up to 4 Special Issues
Sign up for Kiplinger’s Free Newsletters
Profit and prosper with the best of expert advice on investing, taxes, retirement, personal finance and more - straight to your e-mail.
Profit and prosper with the best of expert advice - straight to your e-mail.
What's the attraction?
I grew up with the space program and many times dreamed of what it would be like to be on board the rockets that take off from Cape Canaveral.
Is this out of the box for you?
I love all kinds of air travel. I like going up in balloons. I flew on the Concorde twice. I flew around the world, just so I could fly in the new luxury Airbus A380. This will probably be my greatest adventure.
What do you want from the experience?
I'm doing this purely for the enjoyment and for the connection to my childhood. This is close to what Alan Shepard and Gus Grissom experienced, although it's going to be a good bit nicer. I'm not expecting champagne and sushi while I'm floating around, but it will be very comfortable, I'm sure.
Did you pay the full $200,000 cost upfront?
I've prepaid $175,000.
How can you afford it?
I made my money as the owner of an outdoor-advertising business.
How did you get into that line of work?
An opportunity came up with Omni Outdoor Advertising while I was waiting to start law school. I thought I'd go learn something, and I needed the money. I ended up really enjoying it. I got a much broader education than I would have in law school. We just don't need any more lawyers.
When do you take off?
If flight tests go according to schedule, the first commercial runs could begin in late 2011 or 2012.
The ride will last just a couple of hours and you'll be weightless for just four or five minutes. Is it worth it?
For the perspective of being outside the atmosphere and being able to see the blackness of space -- yes, I think that view will be well worth it.
-
The Stoic Retirement: Ancient Wisdom for Today's RealityA "Stoic retirement" doesn't mean depriving yourself. It's a character-based approach to life and aging that can bring calm and clarity.
-
My Teen Crashed His Car and Now Our Insurance Has Tripled. What Now?Dealing with the costly aftermath of a teen car accident is stressful. Here are your options for navigating it.
-
11 Outrageous Ways To Spend Money in RetirementWhether you have excess cash to spend or want to pretend, here’s a look at 11 ridiculous ways retirees can splurge.
-
Why It's Worth Booking a Winter VacationTravel Smart In the early months of the year, travel demand dips — and so do prices.
-
5 Ways to Save on a Trip to the 2026 Olympics in ItalyA guide to going to the Milan-Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics without breaking the bank.
-
The Best (and Worst) Airlines for Flight Delays and CancellationsWhich airlines should you book and which should you avoid if you want to make it to your destination on time?
-
Four Luxury Spa Resorts for Well-Heeled TravelersWe hand-picked these U.S. luxury spa resorts for their serenity, amenities and dedication to the comfort of older travelers.
-
Child-Free Cruises Perfect For Your Retirement CelebrationHow to find a bespoke ocean or river vacation for adults. Many of these options are smaller, charming river cruises, expeditions, or niche experiences.
-
Noctourism: The New Travel Trend For Your Next Trip"Noctourism" is a new trend of building travel and vacations around events and plans that take place at night. Take a look at some inspiring noctourism ideas.
-
My Husband and I Retired at 67 With $3.2 Million, But He's Frugal About Travel. How Can I Convince Him to Loosen Up?We asked financial planning experts for advice.
-
Cruise Lines Sue to Block Hawaii’s New Climate Tourism TaxState Tax Your vacation to the Aloha State could come at a higher price tag next year. Here’s why.
