Tips For Finding the Perfect Place for Your Ranch Vacation

When you were a kid, chances are you played cowboy/cowgirl in the imaginary old west of your back yard. Have you ever dreamed of yourself in a Wild West setting? There seems to be such a fascination with the old west. Perhaps it's the freedom the cowboy has to ride all day without seeming to have a care in the world. Perhaps it's the endless trails leading to many exciting adventures. Whatever the reason, you're not alone. Since childhood most of us have pretended to be cowboys and cowgirls. Some have even imagined they could jump into the movie screen and ride along with the herd or wagon train. Now just may be the perfect time to live out your dream. Just don't let your dream turn into a nightmare!

Watching movies and seeing the actors drive the cattle from Texas to Montana looks great; however, eating dust yourself may be another story! If its adventure you're seeking, just make sure that you can handle the reality of the task you're giving yourself. After all, your vacation won't be a movie and you won't be able to yell, "Cut". Windstorms, dust storms, thunderstorms and stampedes are all very real. You won't be watching it at the theater or the comfort of your own home; you'll be in it. That's what makes a ranch vacation so thrilling for so many of us. The fantasy of our childhood can finally become reality.

Hopefully the following list of tips may guide you in your search for your dream western vacation and show you how to pick the right ranch vacation for you.

There are several different types of ranch vacations available. You should choose the one that's best suited to your needs and experience to assure you'll have a wonderful and memorable time. If your dreams have been only in your mind and you've never been on a horse then perhaps you should get some riding experience prior to your trip. If you don't ride some before you go you may find that you're spending the bulk of your vacation nursing sore muscles and you may miss many of the activities the ranch has to offer. There's also the possibility of increasing your chances of an accident or pulled muscles if you haven't learned to handle a horse prior to your vacation.

I suggest preparation in advance to help you avoid an uncomfortable time. Also, try to be realistic with yourself as to what you can and can't handle when it comes to ranch work and roughing it goes. If you've never gone camping, have never slept out of doors, you may want to try it for a weekend near your home area before committing yourself to a week or more in an unbearable situation you can't get out of. Don't wait until you're there to find out that you can't handle it. Remember you may be stuck in the middle of nowhere and not be able to get back to civilization at the time you discover that sleeping under the stars isn't your cup of tea. So, be true to yourself with your evaluation of what you'll be able to do and the conditions you'll be able to tolerate on this ranch vacation. It could mean the difference in a great time or a bad experience. No one wants to take the vacation from hell and only you know what your limits are.

THE DUDE RANCH VACATION:

The dude ranch vacation will give you a taste of the west without having to take the whole bite. It's like getting the horse without the manure! There will be horseback riding, (western style), and western activities offered. Chances are that there will be other non-western activities as well, such as golf, swimming and tennis. You'll need to ask each Dude ranch what activities they do offer. Also ask whom they cater to. Some only take couples and no children under 18 while others only take singles, or some take families.

Your room will be very comfortable and meals will be more like those found in a good restaurant. Comfort is the name of the game at a Dude ranch and if you'd like to have a small amount of riding and a large dose of pampering, then this is the vacation that is right for you. This is, no doubt, the best starter vacation for a beginner cowpoke. Next year you may want to go for a little less pampering and more of the true grit. Also, you may want to start with the Dude ranch for a week and work up to the rougher setting for your second week. Ask your travel agent if this is possible. Most areas where you find one type of ranch will also offer, in the same general area, other types of ranch vacations.

Many European travelers begin at a Dude ranch to give them a chance to recover from jet lag and get their bearings. This also gives a person a chance to acclimate to any elevation changes. Then, after a brief pampering they continue to a more challenging adventure at a working ranch, cattle drive or pack trip. You can even decide to start at a Dude ranch, move on to the working cattle ranch, on to a cattle drive and then back to the Dude ranch to rest up for your trip home. This, of course depends on the time you have to spend and the funds you're willing to let go of for this western adventure. This may appeal to you and would certainly give you a wider variety of activities and experiences.

THE WORKING RANCH:

A working ranch is just that. It may be a cattle ranch or a horse ranch, or possibly a combination of both. Your accommodations will not be as comfortable as those offered at the dude ranch. You should ask in advance of your booking just what accommodations are available. You may be sleeping in a bunkhouse with several other visitors and a shared bath. If it's branding time you may spend a few days sleeping in a bedroll under the stars. Each working ranch is different and you'll need to ask what activities will be done while you are there. You may be mending fences, gathering cattle for market or branding. You could also find yourself cleaning out the barn or corrals. Your meals will more than likely be home cooked, but a lot lower keyed than at the dude ranch. You certainly won't be pampered here. You'll be working as if you lived there and were a part of the crew. This is the great part about this type of vacation. You get to see first hand just what makes up a normal day at a cattle or horse ranch. Don't forget the liniment and the work gloves.

CATTLE DRIVE:

Cattle and horse drives are just that. You move the animals from point A to point B. It's a dirty job, yet it can be the adventure of a lifetime. Be prepared for a lot of time on the back of a horse. Be ready to eat dust and face the unexpected with the dawn of each new day on the trail. You'll be spending your nights sleeping under the stars. Remember, the weather is never guaranteed. Pack old, well warn cloths. There won't be any fashion show here. You'll want to be comfortable, warm at night and dry. Meals will be simple and are likely to be the same menu served to cowboys for centuries as they moved cattle over these same trails you will now ride. At least you won't face cattle rustlers and hostile Indians along the way, but don't be surprised if you bump into snakes, scorpions and wild animals. You're on their turf after all.

PACK TRIPS:

A pack trip will put you on the back of a horse, along a trail to a specific destination. Several horses or mules will be loaded down with the equipment and foodstuffs you will need for your journey. Your food and tents will be coming along with you. If you forget something there will be no store to go to. You will be in the wilderness and what the horses/mules carry in their packs is all you have till you return to civilization. As you can see you can't bring three suitcases full of your "stuff". Pack only the essentials. Ask the outfit you choose for a list, well in advance, of what you should and shouldn't bring. Meals will be cooked over an open fire. They will be very simple but filling. The scenery and wildlife will not doubt be breathtaking. Pack trips will differ depending on the location/state you are interested in visiting. It is important to ask each outfit you contact just what they offer. Don't forget the camera and plenty of film.

WAGON TRAIN:

I you have a burning desire to relive the life of a pioneer on their move west this would be a great chance to experience, first hand, just what these brave people went through. There aren't that many opportunities available, but there still are a few. If you would like to experience this historic mode of transportation you must book well in advance. Because there are so few wagon trains in operation, they are usually booked over a year in advance. This is another choice for a western vacation that won't offer much in the way of comfort. Either sleeping in or under the wagons, or under the stars are your choices. You may spend time walking beside the wagon, riding a horse or riding in one of the wagons. You'll learn a lot about survival and the times of the pioneer. Meals will be simple with no frills. It'll give you a new appreciation of the automobile after a day in a prairie schooner. You'll experience what our forefathers/mothers went through to seek out their own land and take advantage of the opportunities of the untamed west. SPECIALTY VACATIONS:

This choice of vacation would include a specific subject of study or education. These specialty vacations have become increasingly popular in recent years. Specialty vacations offer some of the following topics of study: Indian beliefs and the Indian way of life, Frontier life and the survival methods of the early pioneer, western riding lessons, nature packing, and pack trips with photography of the wild life as its topic, herb studies and more. This type of vacation is more like a seminar and is geared to a specific field of interest. These specialty vacation packages are rare and therefore harder to find but they are out there. Also, because of their increasing popularity it may be necessary to book a year in advance.

HELPFUL HINTS AND QUESTIONS YOU SHOULD ASK WHEN SEARCHING FOR THE RIGHT RANCH VACATION FOR YOU:

Try not to put everything off until the last minute. Plan ahead. Make your reservations well in advance and confirm your reservation at least a week before you leave. Also, confirm your flight. Have everything ready and packed ahead of time and try to get plenty of rest during the week before your trip. This should help with your jet lag and you may arrive well rested. If things are too hectic just before you leave you may arrive all stressed out and your trip will be off to a bad start.

Don't by new jeans and boots and then expect to be comfortable. If you need western wear for your trip make your purchases well in advance, giving yourself plenty of time to break in new jeans and/or boots. This way they will be much more comfortable by the time you are ready to leave for your vacation. If you wear a new pair of jeans that aren't broken in on your first ride, you'll remember this hint and it'll be too late then. The same goes for new boots. You may spend half of your vacation on the sidelines because you can't sit or walk without pain. If you can't find the western wear you want in your own country/city there are several companies in the U.S. that have catalogues and of course there is the Internet. Just be sure to order in time to not only get the merchandise (allow 4 to 6 weeks for delivery) but also allow the time to break in your purchases when you get them. Also take into consideration any turn around time for items you need to return for another size.

Purchase all personal items you think you'll need. Chances are that the ranch you're going to is miles from any store. If there is a store at the ranch you may have to pay double that you'd pay at home. If you need something and you forgot to pack it, chances are great that you'll just have to manage without it. So, remember to get plenty of film, aspirin, shaving gear, shampoo, soap etc. Cowgirls don't forget any feminine products you will need. Be sure to pack any prescription medications you need to take daily and be sure you pack the correct amount to see you through the entire vacation. Also, a small first aid kit may be very useful. A camera and an abundance of film, or digital camera (with plenty of charged batteries) are a must to capture your memories and show your family and friends when you get home. They will, of course, be green with envy. Bug spray and sun lotion will be good products to pack as will lip balm. You may want to pack a notebook or journal to record your thoughts along the trail. It would be a shame to think of it while on the trail because then the only thing to writ on may be dead bark that has fallen off of a tree! If you don't want to take the time to write, take a small tape recorder with you to record your thoughts. Just make sure your have a supply of new batteries.

The most important thing to take with you is a positive attitude. Both positive thinking and a good sense of humor are essential. Remember the saying, "If you get lemons, make lemonade"? Things will not be perfect and that's part of the adventure. You must decide to go with the flow and accept anything that happens out there. Make the best of it just like the original settlers and cowpokes did. If it rains for days remember you are experiencing what the cowboys/cowgirls did for centuries. Weather plays a big part in ranch/range life. If you want to experience the life of a cowboy/cowgirl, you'll be uncomfortable, get dirty and run up against many obstacles. Just remember that the charm of the cowboy/cowgirl is that they could face adversity and overcome it.

If you have any health problems be sure to clear this type of adventure with your doctor first. Travel insurance is a must for the foreign traveler. For those in the U.S., be sure all premiums are up to date and if you don't have heath insurance it is also wise for you to purchase travel insurance for this type of adventure. No one wants to think of having an accident while on a vacation but it's better to be prepared. Taking a ranch vacation may increase your chances of having an injury and although you do take great care to avoid injure one can never tell. It will give you a sense of security to know that you have the insurance and hopefully you'll never need it, but it's better to be safe than sorry.

Also, be sure to start your search for a ranch in plenty of time. You'll probably need months to do your research. First find several ranches that are of interest to you. Next, call each of the ones you've chosen for information and a brochure. This will all take time. If they can fax you the information or they have a website, this will cut down the "snail mail" time. Just remember not all ranches are listed on the Internet, in fact I'd venture to say that only a few of the vast array of ranches available have a website, yet even ranches are getting up to speed more and more over time. When you have a collection of ranches you're interested in then you must decide which on it'll be that gets your business.

Ranch vacations are very popular and often seasonal. They may only operate spring through fall. Some are open all year. Many ranches are already booked solid by the fall of the previous year for this entire calendar year and you may have to book for next year already. You must, in such cases decide if you're willing to wait the extra year to go to that particular ranch or if you'll continue your search for a ranch you can visit this year. QUESTIONS TO ASK EACH RANCH:

1.) What is the weather normally like during the time I want to come? Ask for normal daytime and nighttime temperatures for the timeframe you will be visiting. Also, ask if there is still snow or there is a typical rainy season during the time of your visit. Ask for any special information they may be able to give you with regards to the normal weather conditions during the period you are planning to visit.

2.) What is the elevation? You may not be used to a very high elevation and you do need to consider this. If you have health problems or breathing difficulties, you my need to seek a ranch that is located at a lower elevation.

3.) Ask how far the nearest town is from the ranch. Also, ask how far the airport is from the ranch. You may have to rent a car to get there. The problem with renting a car is if the rental plan charges a weekly rate for a vehicle you may only use to get to and from the ranch /airport. Ask if there is a shuttle bus from the airport to the nearest town and also ask if the ranch could pick you up and drop you off when your visit is over. There may be a fee for the shuttle bus and the ranch may also charge to pick you up in town. The ranch may also offer to pick you up at the airport and you should ask if there is any additional charge for this. You will have to decide if the charge of the bus and/or ranch transportation would be less or more than the car rental. At least you'll be informed of these additional charges and won't be shocked when you get the final bill or your credit card reflects this added fee.

4.) Ask each ranch what is included in the price you have been quoted. Some ranches may charge extra for the use of the horse. Some may charge extra for each event that you participate in. So, if the quote for the price of a week in one ranch seems lower than others you've checked be aware that you may be charged for any extra activities. It's better to ask in advance.

5.) Each ranch has their own program and set of activities. Be sure to ask when their program week starts. You need to be sure you arrive when their program starts. If you choose cattle drive or wagon train adventures you don't want to miss the train. If you do schedule two weeks to a month at two to four varied ranches (as suggested above) you need to pay special attention to each ranches starting date. You must also consider the travel time between each ranch. It may be best, time wise, to book all ranch choices in the same general area. If you want to go to a dude ranch in California, then move on to a cattle drive in Montana, then a pack trip in Colorado, you could spend days traveling from state to state. You could loose precious time on the road. You'll see some spectacular scenery, but you may be overly rushed and stressed to get to your next destination. You could also consider flying from one to the other but remember to make arrangements to be picked up at each destination. Just keep good records so you assure arrival to the next ranch prior to their program start date.

6.) You should bring what you need in the way of clothing and personal items, but ask the ranch what is supplied other than that. You'll need a hat to keep the beating sun out of your eyes, as well as protection from the wind and rain. You should also bring some type of rain slicker and you may need a sleeping bag. Spurs and other related gear are really optional. If you have chaps or chinks you may want to bring them if you're going on a cattle drive or to a working cattle ranch. Gloves are also something to consider in these working situations. If the mornings and evenings are cold you should also bring heavier underwear and a heavier jacket. Just be sure to ask the ranch what is and what isn't furnished. In some cases you may need to bring a towel or blanket.

7.) At a Dude ranch there's a higher likelihood of laundry facilities being available to you. On the trail you may find the need to wash out a shirt in the stream. Ask the ranches if there are provisions for doing your laundry. There may be provisions but there may also be an additional charge for this service.

8.) You should ask the ranches policies as to payment and refund. If you should become ill and can't make it, will they refund all or part of your deposit? Will they reschedule you later? Find out ahead of time so that in the event that you aren't able to make it, you're aware of their policy and won't have a big surprise to deal with on top of your illness.

9.) Get all contact names, phone numbers and directions written down and kept with you in the event you need to contact the ranch, are lost or have a delay.

I hope that I've listed some things that will be helpful to you in finding the riding ranch that is right for you. Best of luck on your western adventure, and happy trails.