The long, dark days of January rarely provide optimum conditions for an adventure, especially when funds and morale are low after the excesses of Christmas and the weather often bleak and uninviting. That’s why we love using January to pull together all our adventures for the upcoming year, and what better place to do so than at the annual Adventure Travel Show, held each year at the Olympia Events Centre in London.
In case you’re wondering why it’s worth the trip, we’ve put together a run-down of everything that’s going on at this year’s show, along with all the essential information to help you plan your visit. Plus, if you do decide to visit, we’ve got an exclusive discount for Adventure Travel readers, saving you 10% off ticket prices when you quote ‘ADVENT’ at the checkout.
Over 70 inspirational talks
This year, over 70 talks will be held across four different theatres, with legendary headliners such as Sir Ranulph Fiennes, Benedict Allan and Reza Pakravan alongside a whole host of industry insiders and experienced adventurers, photographers and filmmakers.
Whether you want edge-of-your-seat drama from epic first-hand travel tales or practical advice on travelling to remote or unusual destinations, you’re sure to find a seat in one of the theatres to hear all about it. You could even be one of the first to discover new trekking routes, cycleways and overland expeditions, all sure to ignite inspiration and wanderlust.
Speakers include Julia Bradbury of BBC Countryfile, wildlife film makers (BAFTA winner Sophie Darlington and camera operator Tania Estaban) photographers (Doug Allan), climbers (Jo Bradshaw, James Forrest) and adventurers (Ash Bhardwaj, Benedict Allen).
A chance to hone your skills with travel seminars
From multi-media seminars covering travel writing, photography and filmmaking to more specific workshops on adventure by motorcycle, these seminars will provide in-depth, one-to-one advice from expedition leaders and industry professionals. Sir Ranulph Fiennes will be presenting his legendary talk ‘Living Dangerously, in which he details his life’s work and record-breaking achievements, while dependable guidebook brand Cicerone will be hosting trekking and cycle-touring seminars covering a vast range of routes.
Meanwhile, a more general workshop on Adventure Planning will be hosted by Chris Scott, an experienced overland planner and expedition leader, with trip planning processes and advice on everything from budgets to life on the road.
Travel inspiration and exclusive discounts
The Adventure Travel Show is the place to be for anyone planning an adventurous holiday or expedition this year, primarily because of the endless ideas and inspiration offered by over 150 specialist travel operators, who are all on hand to help you plan and book your adventure. Discover hot new destinations or uncover hidden travel gems while you browse the exhibitors stands, picking up exclusive show-only discounts along the way.
An evening of escapism at the Adventure Film Festival
On Saturday evening, you’ll also get the chance to enjoy an immersive array of independent adventure travel films curated by Austin Vince from the Adventure Travel Film Festival. Some of the lasted and greatest in adventure filmmaking will be premiered on the evening, with a series of short films culminating with the full-length feature ‘Going the Distance’ from newlyweds Mike and Anna Clear, who will also introduce the film themselves and hang around after the screening for a Q & A session.
The Adventure Travel Show: Everything to know before you go
Ready to book your tickets? We don’t blame you. Here’s all the practical information you need to ensure your trip is a success.
Where is it? Olympia Events Centre in London
When is it? Saturday 18 and Sunday 19 January 2020
How much is it? Tickets can be bought online in advance and cost from just £11 for a day ticket or £20 for the full weekend ticket. Specialist seminars are extra and children 13 and under go free. Quote ‘ADVENT’ at the checkout and you’ll get a 10% discount off your ticket price.
Where do you buy tickets? Tickets can be bought online by clicking here.
How do you get there? The best way to get to the Olympia Events Centre is by public transport, either by rail or bus. For those travelling on the London Overground, alight at Kensington (Olympia), which is one stop from Shepherd’s Bush (Central Line) or West Brompton (District Line) on the London Underground. There is on-site parking for those travelling by car, however this should be booked well in advance. Search for nearby hotels here.