subject: How Is Dude Ranch Different From Guest Ranch [print this page] What is a Dude Ranch? If you love the old western films, then a dude ranch is an experience that you really need to enjoy. It gives you a glimpse of life in the western era, complete with horseback rides, campfire nights and farm cooked meals. Dude ranches are technically a little different from a guest ranch and hence, before you pack for your perfect ranch vacation, it is worthwhile to understand the basic differences between the two.
Dude Ranch Basics
In the simplest term a dude ranch is living out your holiday exactly how a rancher lives. It includes family meals, riding out, rodeo trips and everything that comprises a life in a ranch. Obviously a minimum one week stay in dude ranches is mandatory to enjoy the essence of life in a ranch.
Guest Ranch Basics
A guest ranch is what you would call the complete opposite of a dude ranch. While it also offers you accommodation, there is no introduction to ranching activities. In fact, even simple activities such as horse riding may be separately charged. Other non ranching activities may also be included in such ranches. As such, guest ranchers are not looked at favorably by dude ranchers.
Lodging Differences
Lodgings in both these types of ranches offer comfort. When you go for a ranch holiday you need not worry if you have no horse riding experience. In guest ranches, you can easily opt not to ride a horse. However, dude ranches are an altogether different story. Yet there is no need to worry as experienced horsemen will train you in the basics of horse riding.
Almost 100 years ago, it was a tradition to offer boarding and food to travelers on their long treks from one part of the country to another. Slowly travelers enjoying such hospitality started paying their hosts for these services. This became an accepted practice until around the 1920s, guest ranches slowly became an accepted holiday destination. Today the best such ranches are located in Montana, Sheridan and Wyoming.
In order to have a great holiday whether it is at a guest ranch or a dude ranch, you need to select a ranch that is best for your needs. There are many ways you can research. You can ask your friends, contact a travel agent or look on the internet. Take a look at some of the factors to consider when selecting your dude or guest ranch.
1.The location, neighboring surroundings, list of activities and size of the ranch is important.
2.Ranches also form part of an association. Choose one that belongs to a good association as this will ensure that the ranch meets certain standards in their lodging, activities and other services.
3.Do an online research to narrow down on the best guest or dude ranch based on the pictures, ranch description and price listing.
With these tips, you should be able to locate the best dude ranch or the best guest ranch and you can be assured of a great and enriching holiday experience.
