There is a specific kind of magic that happens when a few thousand travel addicts gather under one roof. At the beginning of January, the Business Design Centre in Islington was buzzing with it. Maps were being unfolded, gear was being tested, and the air was thick with the phrase: “Where are you going next?“
At Bicycle Wanders, we didn’t just attend the Adventure Travel Show; we lived it. Between speaking at the “Round the Campfire” sessions and meeting dozens of you at our exhibition stand, we’ve come home with full hearts, a few new friends, and a serious case of “Asia wanderlust.”
Round the Campfire: Why Asia Still Steals the Show
It was an absolute privilege to engage in an on-stage conversation with Emma Cole, discussing a topic close to our hearts: The Top 5 Bucket List Destinations in Asia. Travel, for us, has always been about more than just the miles covered; it’s about celebrating what makes us different while realising how much we have in common. Sharing the stage with other amazing riders and business owners like Mark Beaumont, Molly Weaver, Duncan Covey, Clare Dewey, Liam Mercer, Ian Hughes and many others, reminded us that whether you’re breaking world records or enjoying a “Slow Adventure,” the spirit of hospitality is a universal language.
The Asian Top 5: Where We’re Riding in 2026
If you couldn’t make the talk, don’t worry. We’re letting you in on the list that had the crowd reaching for their notebooks:
- Vietnam: The New Frontier. Vietnam is currently the “value king” of Asia. From the lush Mekong Delta to the dizzying heights of the Ha Giang Loop, it offers world-class infrastructure at a fraction of the cost.
- Japan: The Heartlands. We’re looking north of the “Golden Route.” Think Tohoku and Hokkaido: safe, predictable, and soul-stirringly beautiful. It’s the ultimate “hassle-free” adventure for families and solo riders alike.
- Taiwan: The Cycling Paradise. Did you know cycling is practically the national sport there? It’s a high-tech island with a deep, soulful fusion of Chinese and Japanese culture (and arguably some of the best food in Asia).
- China: The Sleeping Giant Wakes. With newly agreed visa-free entry for over 50 countries, China is fast emerging as the most exciting “undiscovered” playground for gravel and road enthusiasts.
- Kyrgyzstan: For the Wild at Heart. If you want off-grid, high-altitude grit, this is it. Home to the Pamir Highway, it’s a land of horses, goats, and gravel tracks that will test your legs and fill your soul.
Shaping Up Your Adventure Plans For 2026 At Our Exhibition Stand
The best part of the weekend? Meeting you.
We had over a hundred visitors stop by our booth to chat about everything from “How do I pack for the humidity?” to “Can I really do this if I haven’t ridden in years?” (The answer is a resounding YES, check out our 6-Week Training Plan).
We were blown away by the response to our new Mindfulness Reset Tour. It turns out that in 2026, people aren’t just looking for a holiday; they’re looking for a reset. A way to disconnect from the noise and reconnect with themselves on and off the bike.
What’s Next for the Wanders?
To the many of you who signed up on the spot for our mindfulness waitlist: Welcome to the family. We’ll be in touch very soon to help you design your dream journey.
To everyone else: The show might be over, but the road is just beginning. Whether you’re dreaming of the spice-scented hills of Sri Lanka or the neon-lit backstreets of Japan, we’re here to help you navigate the “how” so you can focus on the “wow.”
Where is your heart taking you this year?
