Tickets! I've finally got my tickets to Mongolia. I land in Ulaanbataar on the 18th of July. Unfortunately since its the peak tourist season (and I've only found out my travel date mere days before I arrive) I still dont have any accommodation sorted. I'm waiting to hear back from a few places, so fingers crossed.

I've been tossing up a number of traveling ideas for when I get there. However since everything is last minute its a little hard to get things organised...

My first idea was to rent/buy a motorbike or jeep and tour the country on my own. Its a little shady though because outside of the main cities Mongolia doesnt have roads, and if I break down in the middle of nowhere, well, I'm pretty well stuffed - as in could die. I'll certainly be taking a few essentials if I go with this option!

My second option was to organise a proper tour. Again though, since its all last minute its a little hard to get organised. (Most tours are booked a month in advance.) Tours in Mongolia seem to be SUPER expensive, but luckily I've managed to find a cheap(ish) outfit with decent reviews. Unfortunately I wont hear back from them until Monday (when I arrive) about whether there's any tours I can join, so this option isnt too flash at the moment either!

Pretty much at this stage my planning (or lack of it) falls back to the age old mantra of 'just turn up and try and find fellow travelers'. Fingers crossed it will work.

I was really keen to buy a GoPro video camera for my trip as well, but unfortunately the UAE has a disinct lack of places that stock them, and those that do are a ridiculous 200% of RRP. So no GoPro unless I find one in Duty Free...