Hot Travel Destinations for 2011

Mongolia – This wide-open country north of China is known for its nomads and endless steppes; Mongolia is the second largest landlocked country in the world. The large, sparsely inhabited land is the ultimate destination for adventurers, but it is now drawing attention from mainstream travelers as well. With the steppe landscape, winding rivers, Gobi Desert and Lake Uvs Nuur, Mongolia is now becoming a viable alternative to China’s nature destinations, especially for those who are in search of something off the beaten path. If you’re looking for a very unique travel experience in the summer, Mongolia’s Naadam festival is the place to be. Naadam takes place over three days and features horse riding competitions (races and trick riding), Mongolian wrestling (no weight categories in this competition) and archery.