Space tourists will become vagabonds of the vacuum. Free-floating travelers are likely to enjoy a range of microgravity sports and acrobatics, even taking a zero-G dip in a giant bubble of water. In years to come, science fiction-themed hotels, spas, retreats and conference centers will populate low Earth orbit.

The sphere of tourist travel will eventually spread outward, with moon flights available for those craving a true getaway.

Mars also will beckon the experienced space vacationer.

As civilization settles in on Mars, families and friends will welcome visitors from Earth. Fun times can be had by all thanks to hiking and rock climbing in Valles Marineris. Visitors can have that special Kodak moment with Olympus Mons, the huge volcano on Mars. They can even hunt for fossils, or how about a little sand car racing across Martian dunes?

Such speculation is not far out fantasy, reports a study group of the International Space University (ISU). Over 40 young professionals from 21 nations took part in the study: "Space Tourism -- from Dream to Reality".

The study was done as part of ISU's summer session, recently completed at the Universidad Técnica Federico Santa María in Valparasio, Chile.