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Vijay Chadda Chief Operating Officer, BTI-Sita, India answers your queries...

1. I have heard that Ireland is a beautiful country. Which are the destinations one should cover on a 10-day holiday and how safe is the country?

- Vikram Chawla, Indore

It's said that Ireland, once visited, is never forgotten. The Irish landscape has a mythic resonance; the country's history is almost tangible. The 'troubles' are far from over in the North, but the peace process, while battered, appears to be progressing. Meanwhile, the South has been on an economic roller-coaster ride. The country is home to one of the most gregarious and welcoming people in Europe.

For a 10day tour, the major places of tourist interests to visit would be:

Dublin: The Irish Republic's capital and its heart, Dublin now ranks among the top tourist destinations in Europe, and for the first time people are flocking to rather than away from it. Dublin museums offer a wealth of collectables.

Cork: The Irish Republic's second largest city has a town centre uniquely situated on an island between two channels of the Lee River. The city is a surprisingly appealing place - you'll find time passes effortlessly during the day, and by night the pub scene is lively.

Derry: The old centre of Derry is the small walled city on the west bank of the river, with the square called the Diamond at its heart. Barbed-wire barriers detract from the magnificence of the city walls while giving resonance to their history. Inside the walls, the Tower Museum tells the story of Derry from the days of St Columcille to the present.

Galway: With its narrow streets, old stone shopfronts and bustling pubs, Galway is a delight. It's the west coast's liveliest and most populous settlement, and the administrative capital of County Galway.

Waterford: Waterford has a decidedly medieval feel, with city walls, narrow alleyways and a Norman tower. Georgian times also left a legacy of fine buildings, in particular those on the Mall, a spacious 18th-century street. Important buildings include the City Hall (including a remarkable Waterford-glass chandelier) and the Bishop's Palace.

2. I am planning a trip to Mongolia. How many days would it require to get a feel and insight of the country and what would it cost? Are there any travel agents or tour companies who have packaged tours to Mongolia?

- Tushar Advani, Bangalore

The name 'Mongolia' has always stirred up visions of the untamed - Genghis Khan, camels wandering the Gobi Desert and wild horses galloping across the steppes. Even today, outside of Ulaan Baatar you may get the feeling you've stepped into another century rather than another country.

As far as cost is concerned, if you're travelling on an organised tour you'll probably spend about US$100 a day. You can travel independently, see the same sights and stay in the same places for about US$80 a day - a lot less if you share the cost of a private jeep and camp rather than stay in costlier gers (tents). Accommodation and food will cost at least US$10 a day in Ulaan Baatar, but you're better off budgeting closer to double that. In the countryside, allow about US$15 per day if you're using public transport and staying in hotels; if you take a tent and camp, you'll spend closer to US$7 per day.

All large travel companies like SOTC, Cox & Kings, Dewan Tours etc, have packages which include Mongolia along with China and Tibet but not many of them in India have packages for Mongolia alone, though there are various Internet based tour offerings such as www.infohub.com. They do have packages from 8 days to 22 days but you can always request for a tailormade one for yourself.