Here’s How You Can Plan an Around-the-World-in-80-Days Style Trip

‘I see that it is by no means useless to travel, if a man wants to see something new.’

― Jules Verne, Around the World in 80 Days

 

 

Published in 1873, Jules Verne’s classic adventure novel has become synonymous with travel over the years. It follows the travels of Phileas Fogg, who makes a £ 20,000-bet with his friends at the Reform Club that, with the opening of a new railway section in India, it was now possible to travel around the world in 80 days (which in those days of travel by sea and road, was a near-impossible feat!) So, along with his French valet Passepartout, Fogg sets off on an epic adventure that takes him all over the world. Here’s how they did it, and how you can take that epic journey for yourself today! #TravelThroughFiction

London to Suez

Then: Fogg and Passepartout begin their journey by train through Europe to the Mediterranean coast, and then by steamer to Egypt.

Now: Start off your journey by flying to Rome. Stay for a few days (or as many days as you like: you don’t have a bet to win!) to explore its major attractions. Then head down to the Mediterranean coast, either by flight or train, to spend some time at Nice or Cannes or catch a flight straight to Cairo, heart of Egypt, to explore the ancient city and its pyramids.

 

Suez to Bombay and Calcutta

Then: Fogg and Passepartout then set off aboard the Mongolia to reach Bombay by sea via the Suez Canal. From Bombay, they take a train to Calcutta, but since things go wrong, they ultimately reach Calcutta on an elephant!

Now: You can easily take a flight from Cairo to Mumbai today. In Mumbai, you can spend the day exploring the city’s main attractions, sampling some vada pav by the beach and walking down the Marine Drive at night. In Calcutta (which you can reach by train, not elephant!), see the Victoria Memorial or grab a kathi roll at Park street.

Kolkata to Hong Kong and Yokohama

Then: Fogg, Passepartout and their new accomplice Aouda (whom they rescued from a sati in India) now proceed to Hong Kong by steamer and then onwards to Yokohama via Shanghai.

Now: In Hong Kong, go on a Harbour Night Cruise, sample the delicious Sampan style crab and experience the amazing nightlife! From Hong Kong, you can head to Tokyo and soak up some Japanese culture.

 

Yokohama to San Francisco and New York

Then: Weary and cash-strapped by this time, our protagonists reach San Francisco by steamer. From there they take a transcontinental train to New York, braving herds of bison, an attack on their train and a failing suspension bridge.

Now: From Japan, catch a flight to San Fran to see the famous Golden Gate Bridge, explore Chintown and take some selfies at the bottom of Lombard Street. Then take a flight (no need for transcontinentals!) to the Big Apple. Stay for a few days in the ‘best city in the world’ to sample its unique food and culture and, of course, to give yourself a break from all the travelling!

New York to Liverpool

Then: Fogg and his team miss their ship to sail across the Atlantic back to England, and find a steamer to take them to Bordeaux, France, instead. On the way, Fogg incites a mutiny and the ship ultimately sails to Liverpool after braving strong winds. On their way, Fogg and co. disembark in Ireland and make their way from Dublin to Liverpool by train.

Now: Now that you’re on the home stretch, it’s only a hop, skip and a jump (by which we mean a flight) to Ireland. Gawk at the magnificence of the Cliffs of Moher, spend a day or two in Dublin to see the castles and have a pint of Guinness before heading to London.

 

Liverpool to London

Then: After a series of adventures, Fogg, Aouda and Passepartout finally arrive at London, but they’re five minutes later than their deadline. Or so they think! They have forgotten to take into account the time gap, and they realize that they have arrived 24 hours early! Fogg not only wins the bet, but also the love of Aouda to whom he’s eventually married.

Now: Now that you’ve completed the grand adventure, take a deep breath, relax and spend some time in London, seeing the historic city’s many attractions, sampling the fish and chips or heading out to one of the beaches nearby, before finally flying back home.

There you have it! Fogg’s (and yours!) great adventure: around the world in 80 days!