Around the World in 80 Days

Possibly the "Daddy" of travel programmes, the series even challenges Alan Whicker for the crown of travel programmes. Made over 20 years ago, Around The World in 80 Days has not dated; and is as watchable and engaging today as it was in 1988 - despite the transformation of most of the places featured in the series, not least the mecca that is Dubai. Palin is convincing and articulate as both a travel journalist and an "everyday bloke" who is viewing an exotic location for the first time. He never steals the show and allows the audience to make their own mind up about places. Highlights include the wonderful, emotive ...  Read the complete review

Fictional hero, Phileas Fogg, circumnavigated the globe in just 80 days. Mad as a hatter, Michael Palin decided to take up the challange to better this time, still using only the forms of transport that was available to Fogg. The BBC produced the programme "Around The World in 80 Days" from Palin's filmed records, and it's one of the most enthralling travel shows ever. Split over 8 episodes, this was unmissable viewing. So, complete with visas, an inflatable globe (which doubles as a pillow), helpful advice from seasoned globetrotter, Alan Whicker, and a pair of trainers, he sets off on his marathon voyage. Oh, and together with his ...  Read the complete review

Michael Palin's 'Around The World in 80 Days' stemmed from an idea loosely based on Jules Verne's book. Michael of course, didn't do his journey in a balloon. He did however have to arrange travel from various ports and stick to deadlines. There were a few ocassions when it looked like he wouldn't make it in time. In particular the lap from Singapore to Hong Kong. He made the trip in a cargoe vessel that had to battle typhoon conditions. He commented after this leg that he thought he wouldn't reach Hong Kong as the weather was so bad. Michael Palin delivers a commentary on his journey as he travels round the world. ...  Read the complete review

Around The World In 80 Days was Michael Palin's first travel documentary and easily the best. The fact that he had not done this kind of show before coupled with the deadline imposed by Jules Verne's book gave a background of pressure to this series that has not been bettered. Watching Michael struggle with basic travel problems, constantly worrying about the number of remaining days whilst still managing to show us the reality of the country he was visiting was truly entertaining. Definitely one to watch again and again. ...  Read the complete review

Micheal Palin makes an excellent travellor and writer, he has done a few journeys now including full circle pole to pole the hemingway experience each and every one of the programmes have been fascinating, he looks at the world from a different view, he doesn`t stay in all these fancy 5* hotels. He does things differently, he takes the time to look at the cultures of the countries he visits. Although in this particular series he doesn`t get the chance to stay long as he is doing exactly what the title says, he is going around the world in 80 days. It really opens your eyes how other countries live, not the glamourous sides but the working class sides. ...  Read the complete review