The Mars Inspiration team is aiming for a January 2018 launch because it coincides with a close alignment of Mars and Earth, such that a round trip would take about a year-and-a half, or 501 days - whereas outside of this window such a trip might take two or three years .

BBC: US private sector hopes to send older couple to Mars

His longer journeys will include such distances as a 500-mile round trip to Hartlepool and more than 200 miles each way to Grimsby - both in January.

BBC: Footie fan's bike challenge

When Air Canada implemented its new pricing structure, it also eliminated many travel restrictions that passengers hated, such as requiring a Saturday-night stay and a round-trip ticket to get the lowest fare.

CNN: Pros and cons of a la carte airfare pricing