They say the worst thing about travelling and seeing the world is the actual travelling you have to do. Be it by plane, train or automobile, a long journey is rarely a good experience. (Featured image by Virgin Galactic)
Long flights are often the most strenuous, with queues at the airport, little legroom and no amount of in-flight entertainment making it any more enjoyable.
But it is always worth it in the end as we touch down in some far-flung land for a week or two of relaxation and enjoyment.
Most of the time, flights are a means to an end. But there are times when the flight itself is the main attraction. So what are some of the most unusual and inevitably memorable flights ever?
Comet flight in Germany
A German travel agency is selling a limited number of tickets on a flight to get a close-up view of a rare comet that is due to fly past Earth later this week.
The comet, called Pan-STARRS, is currently around 100 million miles from Earth but is getting closer and could even be visible from the ground with the naked eye.
But tour operator Eclipse Travel is taking no chances, and is sending 88 lucky passengers up to 36,000 feet on March 16 to see the comet above the clouds in all its glory.
Northern Lights in Scotland
The Northern Lights are one of nature’s most amazing spectacles, and something that everyone should see at least once in their lives.
This autumn will give the best opportunity to see the Lights in at least a decade, with opportunities to see them in places across Scandinavia, Iceland and even Scotland.
Witnessing the Lights from the ground is one thing, but seeing them from the air offers an entirely different perspective.
A number of tour operators and travel companies, such as Gift Experience Scotland, offer viewing flights in a plane or helicopter for a sight you will never forget.
Seaplane flight in Canada
A surreal and slightly unnerving experience, a flight in a seaplane is not one you’ll forget in a hurry.
Seaplanes are in use in places around the world, but for some of the most stunning and varied views head to Canada for the seaplane journey of a lifetime.
A number of tour operators offer seaplane flights that take in Canada’s rugged coastline and mountainous landscapes.
Sightseeing flights over Antarctica
Antarctica is one of the most inhospitable environments on Earth, but also one of the most beautiful. So what better way to experience it than from the comfort of a plane?
Tour operator Antarctica Sightseeing Flights lets you do just that with a 12-and-a-half hour flight over the beautiful continent in a Qantas 747 aircraft.
With informative videos, on-board talks from Antarctic experts and some truly amazing views, this is a once-in-a-lifetime trip.
Tickets are not cheap, but the next flight isn’t until New Year’s Eve so you have plenty of time to save up.
Flights into space with Virgin Galactic
The flight to beat all other flights, Sir Richard Branson’s edge-of-space aircraft will offer a genuinely out-of-this-world experience.
The inaugural commercial passenger flight of the Virgin Galactic “spacecraft” is due towards the end of this year; though a specific date has yet to be confirmed as safety concerns are likely to dictate when history is made.
More than 400 people have already booked a seat on one of Virgin Galactic’s flights, and if you fancy taking one small step into space all you need is $200,000. Don’t have that kind of money lying around? Don’t worry; you can make an initial deposit of a mere $20,000.
