See a rocket launch in real life: Kourou, Florida or China?

The video came out during World Space Week, held every year from 4 to 10 October (2026 theme: "Rocket Revolution"). But the idea works all year round: you can watch a rocket lift off in real life, as an ordinary tourist. In 2025, the world saw more than 300 orbital launches, a record: there's no shortage of opportunities.

In China: the beaches of Wenchang, on Hainan Island

The Wenchang launch site, in southern China, sits right by the sea. On launch days, the nearby beaches fill up, sometimes with thousands of spectators who come to watch Long March rockets rise above the ocean. "Launch tourism" has become a real business there, with hotels and dedicated viewing spots.

In the United States: Kennedy Space Center, Florida

Kennedy Space Center, at Cape Canaveral, has its own launch viewing areas, with special tickets on launch days. The visitor complex (Space Shuttle Atlantis, Saturn V rocket) is worth the trip even without a launch. It also put on a special exhibition for World Space Week 2026.

In French Guiana: Kourou, the most accessible of the three

This is the surprise of the video. French Guiana, in South America, is a French territory: people speak French there, and it's from Kourou, at the Guiana Space Centre, that Europe's Ariane rockets take off.

Viewing sites, free by invitation

The Space Centre has viewing sites a few kilometres from the launch pad. They are free, but you need to request an invitation in advance (limited places, and a minimum age depending on the site).

Without an invitation

• Mont Carapa, 12.5 km from the launch pad: open access, around 1,500 places;
• in Cayenne, Plage des Roches and Place des Amandiers: the rocket flies out over the sea.

At 12 km, you see the flame first: the rumble reaches you more than half a minute later. An unforgettable moment.

The visa: watch out for French Guiana

If your passport needs a visa for France (as a Cameroonian passport does), remember this: French Guiana is not part of the Schengen Area. A Schengen visa is not enough: you need a specific overseas-territory visa, issued for French Guiana. Be clear about your destination when you apply.

For the United States and China, you also need a visa with a Cameroonian passport: check the steps in Travora's visa guide.

So which will it be: China, Florida or French Guiana? Your next destination might be waiting in Travora's destination explorer.