As a starter look at "Ride the Road". Sally and Peter Blommer have cycled the world for the last 30 years and have ranked each of their destinations based on a 15 factor scorecard. This site caught my attention when I noticed that the Lao PDR was ranked #1.

Also google "cycling in _________(fill in the blank)". You will get, among other things, trip reports, blogs, etc. that will give you both ideas and a feel for the places. Dig deep into the search listings to find the gems.

After you have considered the "where", narrow the field further by considering the "what". Define the ideal tour for you. You may have to relax a few constraints in the end, so categorize the list into "must haves" and "nice to haves". Use your "wish list" as your benchmark.

You might hit everything on the nose.

Now, evaluate the fit between what's available and what you want. Google "cycling tours in _______" and you will turn up options. Go to the sites, look at the tours, look at the pics, find the guestbook. Talk to the folks at the company. Talk to a customer. Score each option based on your checklist.

Most of all, "listen" to the people that have been on the tours, or better yet, have been on many tours and with several different companies. Biketour-reviews.com specializes in receiving input from riders and making the info available to all.

Most people don't give this enough consideration.

Yes, you lose some ready made camaraderie and the convenience of support. However, you pick up destinations, independence and flexibility. You are governed by no schedules, you can do things on the fly and you tend to meet people that you otherwise would not meet on the road.

You also can forget about #'s 1,2 and 3 and you come back with GOOD stories!