Ranch Holidays

Introduction

The big difference between ranch holidays and cattle drive holidays is in the level of riding experience required, as cattle drive holidays require a high level of experience whereas ranch holidays can require less experience and are also ideal for families.

Ranch holidays are available in the USA and Canada and there are four types of ranch to choose from, each of which has a different focus - dude ranch, working ranch, guest ranch and resort ranch. The following page provides more detail on each type of ranch.

Our focus at Medway Travel is on providing holidays that are experiences to remember, and we welcome you to contact us without obligation so that we can provide you with options available that would best match your level of riding expertise and type of ranch holiday that you are looking for. We typically find that clients looking for ranch holidays also want to incorporate other activities such as Grand Canyon visits, Las Vegas breaks, and more - the possibilities are endless. That's the beauty of Medway Travel because we don't offer you a package but instead offer you a range of options to match your desires so that you have a holiday experience to remember forever. 

The following illustrations of ranches are simply examples of the many exciting and diverse holidays we are able to arrange for you.  It is not intended to provide the details for a specific booking, since our aim is to create a holiday tailored to your particular wishes after discussing these with you in detail.

In order for us to tailor make the perfect trip for you we would need to know the following information:- your level of riding expertise, the type and style of ranching holiday, and the area you would like to visit.

Our tailor-made holiday service allows you to fly from many locations in the UK to the airport nearest your chosen ranch before commencing your ranching holiday. Due to their remote locations, it is rare that a ranch is located near to an airport, so we can arrange the overnight hotels and car hire that you may require. Whether you are looking for a week on a ranch, or a multi-centre holiday in the USA or Canada to include an authentic cowboy experience, Medway Travel can help to find the very best holiday solution for you.

 

Overview

Before selecting your final holiday destination and ranch, we strongly recommend that you take the time to read this section about the different styles of ranches that we make available to you. Some ranches will suit people who wish to simply relax and enjoy the pleasant surroundings, whereas others will appeal to the more energetic types that will involve the hard work of cattle round-ups and duties associated with the running of a working ranch.

It is especially important to make the correct choice when holidaying with young children and Medway Travel are pleased to provide you with a great variety of ranches, many of which are ideal for families and couples.

For those wishing to take part in horsemanship, there are ranches available that will be suited to your level of riding ability and we are able to advise you accordingly. Even if you are an experienced rider, who hankers after that "cowboy life", we will be only too happy to point you in the right direction. It is very important to us that you gain maximum satisfaction and enjoyment from your ranching holiday... the key is choosing the right ranch for you.

Dude Ranch

While riding is a big thing, dude ranches are geared to catering for a wide variety of interests and are ideal for those people who want a 'something-doing-all-the-time' vacation. A full weekly programme of Western activities is usually included in your holiday price - such as Wild West shows, rodeo visits, square dances, barbecues and a host of sports and outdoors activities. Many ranches have Child Counsellors during the main season. As guest numbers tend to be higher than at other ranches, meals are usually taken family style - all together. When it comes to riding, abilities can range from novice to experienced at most Dude Ranches making this option a real family vacation.

Working Ranch

The principal activity of a Working Ranch is the raising of cattle and crops but guests have become and important part of the operation. For the best experience, you should be a reasonably confident adult rider and not too fainthearted - remember these operations are involved in rearing beef for the table. We stress that daily activities will probably be unstructured as they are geared around the ranch's annual cycle. Springtime sees more calf work (branding & inoculating) and moving cattle out to summer pastures, they return in September or October. Summertime means checking stock, fences, water supplies etc. Accommodation will be comfortable but rustic and home cooked food. While meat dishes are a main feature, most ranches can provide alternatives with prior notice. This is a great option if you want to experience genuine Western ranch life.

Guest Ranches

These are designed primarily to take care of the guest. Generally horses may be the only livestock so riding tends to be the major activity. Some properties may have cattle work available on neighbouring ranches but more often than not, you will ride and relax. Alternative western activities are available on an informal basis. While the emphasis is on riding and relaxing, a number of Guest Ranches can cater for families with kids, mainly during the summer holidays. Accommodation and food tend to be of a high standard all located in varied locations throughout Western North America.

Resort Ranch

Resort Ranches are as varied in their locations as they are in what they have to offer. Some emphasis their luxurious cabins, meals and wine list placing riding as a secondary activity. Others may offer full the "Cowboy experience" in delightfully decorated log cabins with gourmet cuisine and a great and varied riding programme no matter what level of rider you are. In addition there is usually a full weekly schedule of activities set around the riding and meal times plus numerous off-ranch activities such as rafting, golf and ballooning. Many resort ranches encourage children with their excellent summer Counsellor programmes giving parents the chance to relax. Needless to say, the kids never get bored!

 

Destination Information

 

Weather

For the summer months from late May to early September we would recommend you consider ranches in California, Colorado, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, Kentucky, Wyoming, Nevada, Oregon, South Dakota, Utah or Canada whereas in the winter you should look at New Mexico, Arizona or Texas as the ranches are open October through to April.

Passports and Visas

The US Visa Waiver Programme (VWP) allows most British Citizen passport holders to visit the US for up to 90 days. The types of journeys that are permissible under the VWP include general travel/tourism, certain types of business and when transiting to another country.

The US requires all those travelling under the Visa Waiver Programme to provide details online at least 72 hours prior to travel. This is known as an Electronic Travel System Authorisation or ESTA. This is mandatory. If you do not have an ESTA you will be refused travel to the USA. For more information, and to apply online, please visit the ESTA website at esta.cbp.dhs.gov. ESTA is valid for a period of two years, or the validity of the traveller's passport (whichever is shorter)

To visit the USA, your passport must be valid for at least six months from the date on which the holder enters the USA.

Health

For up-to-date health advice for the USA, please consult your GP.

Insurance

We recommend that you obtain comprehensive travel insurance before travelling. You should check any exclusions from the policy, and that your policy covers you for all the activities you want to undertake whilst on holiday. Medway Travel can provide you with a quote for this – please contact a member of the Leisure team for further details.

 

Testimonials

"Hi Mel,

Well I still can't really believe that I did it!

Everything went very smoothly, the ranch was absolutely wonderful. A very family orientated ranch with lots of support for the less well ridden and magnificent rides for those already experienced, which I was able to join in with after just a couple of days of expert tuition. The horses were all well feed and looked after and very well behaved. The accommodation was very good, plenty of room.

The food was all home cooked, fresh and delicious. The meals were taken with the family and rest of the guests so I didn't feel like a single traveller, in fact there were two other ladies travelling alone too.
All the connections worked well, I managed to get to an earlier flight from Chicago to Denver as I was ready with my bag.

I would certainly like to go back to the ranch, just need to save up!

Regards
Sue"

Rocking Z Ranch – September 2009

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"Mel,

I am now home and settled after an amazing 4 week journey across the US.

The ranch was everything I expected and more, they made me feel so welcome and definately part of the family. I learned new skills and got to ride plenty considering the bad weather.

Because we had such bad weather, there was times when riding was not possible, but instead Tony (ranch owner) took us out to see the other local sites which offered spectacular beauty and far exceeded my expectations...

Neil"

Double Spear Ranch –May 2009

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"Hi Mel,

Had a FANTASTIC time.

The ranch was a delight. Had a superb time in Yellowstone, Vegas was a triumph, the Canyon was just too much for words, and piccies don't do it justice. And we wanted more time in ‘Frisco. So, all in all it was pretty successful....

One sour note, the wife eloped with the chopper pilot (Just kidding)

Might be looking to do something like this again next year. Will let you know after new year if there's anything to be planned.

Thanks for all your patient help

Simon"

Ranger Creek Ranch – August 2009