I would rather be in...Mongolia

Mongolia is sometimes referred to as "Blue Mongolia", because of the eternal blue dome hanging over endless steppes. This is the image in my mind.

It's hard to beat Mongolia for outdoor travel, particularly during its mild, sunny summer. Camping, hiking, horseback riding or biking through stunning landscapes - from lush pastures to alpine forests to desert - offer a dream vacation for the active traveler.

The only problem is getting there. Roads are terrible, distances vast and language barriers challenging. It has often been said that you need plenty of money and time to get the most out of Mongolia . But that was when the country's former rulers controlled tourism.

Here are some basic costs:

Taxi/Jeep (including gas):Tg 250 or 20 cent per km

Park permits: $ 1 per day

Guide (English-speaking): $ 10 to $ 20 per day

Gher camp (with meals): $ 15 to $ 60 per day per person

Homestay (including meals): $ 15 to $ 20 per day per person

Horseback riding $ 2 to $ 5 per hour

Mongolia is known for its unreliable transportation infrastructure, so you need to be prepared for delays....late airplanes, late buses, late trains, etc, etc... I think it's best to see Mongolia with guides for the first time.

But, if you can rough through all of this, Mongolia is paradise for a the kind of traveller who is looking for unique adventures. By jeep, on foot, or on horseback, the natural wonders of Mongolia rival any in the world. Roam the dry washes of the Gobi famous for dinosaur bones or watch the Naadam festival; horse racing, wrestling and archery.

Quick Facts:

Language: Mongolian (official)

Population: 2,600,000

Currency:Tugrik (Tug)

Visa Overview: Entry and exit visas are required of all nationalities, as is a valid passport. No visa is required for Americans visiting for fewer than 90 days.