It is no secret that 2020 has turned the travel industry, and the world for that matter, upside down. Any kind of plans, especially for a vacation, more than likely changed more than once! As people are starting to get more and more interested in traveling again, finding the best destination that provides everything they are looking for and is taking the extra recommended precautions can be difficult. One industry that has seemed to “take the bull by the horns”, if you will, has been the dude ranch industry. When COVID-19 became a global pandemic last March, Dude Ranchers’ Association member dude ranches immediately starting working to find ways to still give their guests an authentic Western experience that was safe and inviting for all travelers.
Individual Cabins/Accommodations
Each dude ranch is different, but almost all of the DRA member ranches have individual cabins for each group of guests. Whether you have a family of five or are a solo traveler you will find cozy rustic-chic accommodations fit for any size group. In these cabins, you will find comfortable beds, individual bathrooms, beautiful western themed decorations, and more. Your cabin will be your home away from home for your stay; settling in and letting the stresses of the world melt away won’t be a problem. Kick back, relax, and make peace in knowing you do not have to share accommodations with anyone besides your group on your dude ranch vacation. Some ranches do have lodge rooms with their own bathrooms and lounging space if you do not want to share common areas with other folks.
Budget-Friendly – All-Inclusive
Dude ranch vacations really are perfect for any traveler and that means even the travelers on a budget. Since DRA member ranches are all-inclusive (meals, lodging, and most activities) they are much more affordable, and much easier to plan, than a day-to-day vacation that is five to seven days long. DRA member ranches range in prices and are reasonably priced for everything that is included in the stay. Three meals a day, activities all day long (if you choose to do guided activities that can be an additional fee), and beautiful accommodations to come home to at the end of the day are built into the price. Plus, the memories and friends you make at a dude ranch are lifelong and priceless!
Top-Notch, Carefully Prepared Meals
Great food is a guarantee at a dude ranch! Some ranches even have their own farm-to-table programs and serve some of the cleanest, healthiest, and most delicious food you will ever find at an all-inclusive destination. In addition, top-notch chefs prepare all meals carefully and great precaution, even more so this year. DRA member ranches want their guests to feel safe and comfortable, always, and through all of the uncertainties, one thing that is for certain is that dude ranches are providing their guest meals in the safest and cleanest environment possible. Extra sanitization, taking staff members temperatures before entering any food preparation areas, no buffet lines, families, and groups sitting together at the same table all week, and more precautions have been implemented. If you want to know the details of what extra steps a ranch is taking during these times, visit their websites or give them a call. They are happy to answer any questions folks have.
Scenery and the Great Outdoors
Breathtaking scenery and the great outdoors are just outside your cabin door at a dude ranch. Many folks have said that dude ranches were social distancing before it was even a “thing”, which is true! Being outside gives people a large space to spread out, but still enjoy each other’s company and all that nature has to offer. At a dude ranch, almost every activity available is offered outside. Whether you are on a horse or fishing the stunning stream that flows through the ranch, you will find plenty of wide-open spaces and social distancing on your dude ranch vacation. Did you know that if you are on a trail ride, the next closest person either in front or behind you is at least six feet away? While you are on a trail ride you will be surrounded by some of the world’s most incredible landscapes and scenery. Many DRA member ranches are in very close proximity to national parks as well, you can get the beauty of a national park without all of the crowds or lines! Is there anything better than that? No matter what ranch you choose to visit, the views will be amazing and the air crisp and clean.
Rent out the Ranch
Still not sure about embarking on a destination vacation? Grab your best friends and their families and head out on a dude ranch vacation where you can have the ranch to yourselves! Many folks are concerned about coming into contact with people they do not know this year, but if you and your close family friends travel together that issue is eliminated. Several ranches are running specials this year for renting out the entire ranch. Special pricing could be applied and splitting the cost between the families could be the best way to vacation this year. Experience a vacation like never before at a dude ranch that is all yours for the week. Ride horses with your closest friends, watch the kids create even stronger friendships to take home and relax knowing that you are in a safe and clean environment.
Courtesy of Dude Ranchers Association