Planet Mars is often referred to as the Red Planet, and it is the fourth planet from the sun. From Earth, it is visible to the naked eye. This mysterious intergalactic universe beckons to be visited and explored. The population of Mars remains unknown, for now, but you are sure to find a few interesting ancient lifeforms. Main attractions include Valles Marineris (canyon), Proctor (Martian crater) and Olympus Mons.
If you're ready to take that bold step and be one of the first to traverse this fiery planet, book your cheap flights today! Mars is home to the Mars Orbital Station (MOS), which is located on the northern plains of the planet. A 2-hour ride in the newly-crafted SpaceX spaceships will take you to the Mars Colony. Flights from Earth to Mars are approximately 39 days at the point of opposition – when Earth and Mars are closest during their orbit around the sun. 2018 marks the opposition window - be sure not to miss out on this intergalactic voyage!
| Flight Route | Airline | Trip Type | Travel Dates | Searched | Price From |
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Mars is home to Olympus Mons, a shield volcano which is the largest volcano recorded in the solar system. Located in the Tharsis Montes region of the planet, Olympus Mons is an incredible sight to behold. It rises three times taller than Mount Everest – wow!
The sand dunes found on Mars are unique to the planet. Observations made by NASA recorded wind-sculpted sand ripples. Traverse along these sand dunes and have your mind blown away by their magnitude.
In case you’re wondering what the local cuisine is like, revolutionary greenhouses mimic food found on planet Earth, so you’ll never be without your beloved pizza.
Essential details you need to know before your trip
| Currency | 1 Martian Bitcoin (MBC) |
|---|---|
| Exchange Rate | 1 ZAR = 1 MBC |
| Language | English / Martian Creole |
| Hub Airport | Mars Orbital Station (MOS) |
| Airline | SpaceX |
| Time Zone | A solar day is approximately 24 hours, 39 minutes – referred to as a sol. |
| Travel Adaptor | Nano Microchips |
Due to its distance from the sun relative to Earth, Mars experiences a much colder climate. Intergalactic travellers can expect average temperatures of -20°C. Mars is the only planet in the solar system with seasons similar to Earth. However, Martian seasons are approximately twice as long as Earth’s. With the technological advances taking place on Earth you are sure to be geared up and protected against Mars’ unusual climate. Intergalactic travellers are warned against menacing dust storms. Mars is known for having the largest dust storms in the solar system. These storms are so powerful, some cover the whole planet and usually occur when Mars is closest to the sun during its orbit. The opposition window refers to Mars and Earth being the closest to each other during their respective orbit around the sun. The opposition window is considered the best time to visit Mars, and it only happens every 26 months. You’re in luck as 2018 is the year that the opposition window occurs. So, book your ticket right now or you’ll have to wait another two years for this otherworldly opportunity!
Average temperature (°C) & rainfall (mm) per month
| Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Low °C | 6°C | 10°C | 10°C | 12°C | 12°C | -10°C | -10°C | -5°C | -4°C | 0°C | 0°C | 4°C |
| High °C | 26°C | 25°C | 23°C | 23°C | 19°C | 17°C | 15°C | 13°C | 11°C | 8°C | 8°C | 8°C |
| Rainfall | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Named after the Roman god of war, Mars is famously known as the Red Planet due to its surface’s reddish iron oxide appearance. Mars is a terrestrial planet which means it is largely made up of rocks and metals, and has a solid planetary surface. Phobos and Deimos are the two moons found in Mars’ orbit. These two moons can be marveled at once you’re stationed at the Mars Colony. What was once only mentioned in science fiction can now be realised with a trip to Mars being possible! An interplanetary experience awaits you with incredible sights and mind-blowing experiences. You’ll encounter gigantic volcanoes, namely Olympus Mons, which is roughly the same size as the state of Arizona. Mars is home to the Valles Marineris system of canyons. This epic region of canyons can be seen from Earth with a telescope. Wouldn’t you want to be the one who walks this unbelievable surface of valleys and canyons?
Mars is home to unique animal species, including dragon-monkeys, chameleon-fish and rabbit-mice. While exploring the terrain found on Mars, be sure to visit the Mars Colony Mushroom Park – where the fungi kingdom reigns and visitors get to taste all kinds of delicious and nutritious mushrooms. With the help of technological advances, humans are able to imitate the vegetation found on Earth. The process is known as the bioregerative life system, you’ll see greenhouses located in the Mars Colony, this allows for food to be grown sustainably on Mars.
If you’re looking to unwind from all the exploration, locate the Star Gazer Station – you’ll get to marvel at the epic vastness of the galaxy. The Zero Gravity Chamber is another fun establishment to seek out. Here, you’ll have your mind blown as your entire body floats around endlessly.
You’ll be comfortably accommodated in the Mars Colony where you’ll find everything needed for your survival. A trip to Mars doesn’t come by everyday, so seize the opportunity and be sure to get your ticket for an out-of-this-world experience – literally!
Compare several airlines, and book your cheap flights to Mars online at Travelstart!
South African passport holders will require a silicon wafer microchip which will be given upon landing on Mars. This silicon wafer microchip enables you to record all your experiences on the planet. While on the planet, the only way to claim Martian citizenship is by reciting the lyrics of David Bowie’s “Life on Mars?”
All travellers who dare to explore Planet Mars must have all routine vaccinations before leaving Earth. The impressive Mars Colony has enviable healthcare in place to ensure that your health is at its prime condition throughout your stay on the planet. Simply pay with your Martian Bitcoins for any healthcare services. The Mars Colony healthcare has affordable services for all who require it.
The safety concerns to be mindful of would be the extreme weather conditions and geologic features on this fierce planet. Intergalactic travellers are encouraged to always remain cautious and alert when exploring the surface of Mars. Ensure that you pack enough thermal clothing for your stay and don’t forget your spacesuit!
| Item | Cape Town | Johannesburg | Mars |
|---|---|---|---|
| Meal, Inexpensive Restaurant | R120 | R120 | R120 |
| Domestic Beer (0.5 litre draught) | R30 | R28 | R28 |
| Cappuccino (regular) | R25 | R26 | R26 |
| Taxi 1km (Normal Tariff) | R10 | R14 | N/A |
| Pack of Cigarettes (Marlboro) | R10 | R10 | N/A |
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