Less than 600 people have been to space. There are two major companies, Virgin Galactic and SpaceX that are trying to built THE rocket to transport private astronauts into space. This is meant to happen within the next few years. Many successful launches have been done. We are getting closer and closer to commercial flights for space. If you want to be a part of the first travelers, you'll need hundreds of thousands of dollars. Or you can wait for the prices to drop. As there are more and more space startups that are stepping in.
What are the benefits of flying to space? The excitement of a rocket ride. The experience to weightlessness. Getting a dramatic new outlook of the Big Blue Marble. Oh and let's not forget... HUGE bragging rights!