Jules Verne’s novel Around the World in 80 Days was inspired by the opening of the Suez Canal and also train travel across the US. It makes for great reading and I just love the names of our two travellers
- Phileas Fogg of London and his newly employed French valet Jean Passepartout. And they did this on a wager of £20,000.
Although it is a work of fiction it inspired others – and one of the most amazing is Nellie Bly. I did not know about her until I read her story in an online history site called History Extra.
Man, she was a piece of work. She went around the world in under 80 days and apparently met Jules Verne along the way.
She had to fight to get this assignment – and had another female journalist competing with her going in the opposite direction.
Apparently, Bly travelled through England and France (where she met with Verne) and Italy, Suez Cana,l Colombo, the Straits of Penang, Singapore, Hong Kong and Japan. Wow.
And she did it on her own – All praise to the solo female traveller. That is why so many companies are now realising that this is indeed a rising market.
She took one small bag with her – that’s a feat in itself! – and apparently was horribly seasick on the Atlantic crossing to Southampton.
So, if the idea of travelling round the world is appealing to you but you don’t have 80 days then a round the world by private jet tour of only 28 days sounds very appealing. What is even nicer is that the jet has lie flat seats. Pretty cool! Of course, this is not a quick fly and flop down to Mexico – it is a luxurious trip with a luxurious price to match. But it got me thinking. What a great gift to give myself…Mmmm – I have been a very good girl after all! 😊
2 Responses
Go for it, Lesley!! And then tell us all about it !
LOL …. I will keep you posted 🙂