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Phileas Fogg Win a Wager Day commemorates the fictional date of December 21, when Jules Verne’s iconic character, Phileas Fogg, completed his incredible ‘Around the World in Eighty Days’ journey. This day invites you to embrace the spirit of adventure, explore new horizons, and perhaps even embark on a mini-expedition of your own.
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Expected Phileas Fogg Win a Wager Day Deals
While we await official 2027 promotions, history shows that travel agencies, bookstores, and entertainment brands often lean into the spirit of adventure. Look for deals from companies like Expedia, Lonely Planet, and Barnes & Noble on travel packages, guidebooks, and classic literature bundles. Streaming services like Netflix or Hulu might feature films or series inspired by global travel or historical adventures. Even apparel brands like Eddie Bauer or Columbia Sportswear could offer discounts on travel gear. We will update this page with confirmed live deals as December 21 approaches.
Platform Guide for Phileas Fogg Win a Wager Day
Tag @nationaltoday_ and use #PhileasFoggDay. Share photos of your favorite travel destinations, books, or vintage maps.
TikTok
Tag @www.nationaltoday.com and use #PhileasFoggWinAWagerDay. Create short videos showcasing your dream travel itinerary or a quick ‘around the world’ food tour.
X/Twitter
Mention @NatlToday and use #AroundTheWorldIn80Days. Discuss your favorite moments from the novel or share travel trivia.
Phileas Fogg Win a Wager Day Hero
Phileas Fogg
History of Phileas Fogg Win a Wager Day
Set and published in 1872, Jules Verne’s adventure novel is certainly a classic, and with good reason. Since it was written during the Franco-Prussian War in 1870 and 1871, it was a difficult time for Verne and his country. It was already a financially dire period for him, and he was called upon as coastguard during the war. Two events had greatly affected him during this time — one was his father’s death, and the other was a public execution that greatly disturbed him.
Just before this time, by 1870, there were three major breakthroughs that made a tourist-like around-the-world journey possible for the first time. This development in circumnavigation fascinated Verne, whose character was inspired by the real around-the-world journey of the adventurous American writer William Perry Fogg.
Before we knew it, the novel was serially published starting on December 21, 1872, while it was published in book form on January 30, 1973. It is no wonder that December 21 was chosen as the significant wager day in the book. Or was it? Because of this coincidence of dates, people believed the journey was actually taking place in real time!
In the novel, when Phileas Fogg argues about the possibility of traveling around the globe in 80 days, he is challenged by his fellow club members to prove it. The argument stems from an article in “The Daily Telegraph” which mentions the opening of a new railway section in India, with which it would then be theoretically possible to travel around the world in just 80 days. Later that evening, on October 2, 1872, without wasting any time, Fogg departs London with his valet. To win the wager — and £20,000 — he must arrive back at the club on December 21, 1872, at the same time. Spoiler alert — he wins, and 140 years later, we still celebrate his victory.
Phileas Fogg Win a Wager Day timeline
A decision is made on October 2, the day Phileas Fogg sets off on his iconic journey.
Phileas Fogg succeeds in proving the titular challenge of the book, winning his wager on December 21!
The novel is serially published starting on December 21, 1872, but is published in book form on January 30, 1973.
Nellie Bly is the first to take up the famous challenge and manages to complete the journey in 72 days.
The first film adaptation of the book is released in 1919, with Conrad Veidt playing the role of Fogg.
How Businesses Can Celebrate Phileas Fogg Win a Wager Day
Local businesses can celebrate Phileas Fogg Win a Wager Day by embracing a global theme. Bookstores can host readings or display ‘Around the World in Eighty Days’ prominently. Travel agencies could offer special ’80-Day Adventure’ packages or discounts on international flights. Restaurants might feature a ‘Passport Menu’ with dishes from various countries Fogg would have visited, encouraging customers to embark on a culinary journey.
Phileas Fogg Win a Wager Day FAQs
When is Phileas Fogg Win a Wager Day?
Phileas Fogg Win a Wager Day 2026 falls on Monday, December 21. This fixed date annually commemorates the fictional day Phileas Fogg completed his epic journey.
How popular is 'Around the World in Eighty Days'?
Jules Verne’s ‘Around the World in Eighty Days’ remains one of the most beloved adventure novels globally, translated into countless languages since its 1873 publication. Its enduring appeal is evident in numerous film, television, and stage adaptations.
What was Phileas Fogg's wager?
Phileas Fogg wagered £20,000 (a substantial sum in 1872) with fellow members of the Reform Club that he could circumnavigate the globe in 80 days. This daring bet drives the entire plot of Verne’s famous novel.
Who was Jules Verne?
Jules Verne (1828–1905) was a pioneering French author whose adventure novels, including ‘Around the World in Eighty Days,’ are foundational works of science fiction. His imaginative stories often featured technological advancements ahead of their time.
How to Celebrate Phileas Fogg Wager Day
Read the novel
Give the classic a read if you haven’t already. It doesn’t matter if you know how it ends. The journey is more important than the destination, and this read is quite the ride.
Watch its adaptations
There are numerous film and TV adaptations of this classic book and they have not stopped coming throughout the past century. It’s also worth checking out Verne’s other fine works, such as “Journey to the Center of the Earth” and “Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Sea.”
Travel the world
The best homage you could pay to the classic is by actually going around the world, even if it’s not in 80 days. Please take your time and more importantly, take precautions. Write a travelogue of your own.
5 Facts About “Around The World In Eighty Days”
A thousand adaptations
With numerous film adaptations over the years, actors Conrad Veidt, David Niven, Simon Callow, Steve Coogan, Pierce Brosnan, and Michael Praed have all played the character of Phileas Fogg — the latest to join this list is David Tennant for a 2021 series.
A thousand inspirations
In the past century, people have succeeded in taking this signature journey around the world in 80 days in multiple forms — on foot, by bicycle, using public transport, using other trains and ships, wearing an iron mask, and even going the opposite way!
Another imitation
Actor and comedian Michael Palin made a BBC television travel series in 1989 mimicking the journey as closely as he could, achieving the feat in 79 days and 7 hours.
Fogg drinks
A chain of U.K. pubs called Mr. Fogg’s specializes in international drinks and cocktails, to take you around the world in a glass — the pubs are named after places where the fictional Phileas Fogg lived or visited.
Fogg food
Founded in 1982, Phileas Fogg Snacks is a brand of British crisps aimed at adults and branded with a well-known, iconic character — the snack offered different flavors from around the world, like garlic bread and tortilla chips.
Why we love Phileas Fogg Wager Day
No worries
Fogg’s philosophy in life is to accept things he can’t change, but change things he finds unacceptable. He travels light and, befitting a traveler, is knowledgeable about geography. These things make him a great, carefree adventurer.
Balance is key
He is a balanced man, not just with his thought processes, but also physically. His precise habits could be considered borderline eccentric, but he manages to find love. He is brave, but not reckless, and knows when to let things be.
Knowing what’s important
He avoids being drawn into useless confrontations, believing them to be a waste of time and energy. While he is a reserved man, he is decisive in his actions. He has high moral standards but doesn’t shy away from offering the occasional bribe.
Phileas Fogg Win a Wager Day dates
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | December 21 | Monday |
| 2027 | December 21 | Tuesday |
| 2028 | December 21 | Thursday |
| 2029 | December 21 | Friday |
| 2030 | December 21 | Saturday |
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