Published 15th Apr. 2025
Reading time
Who hasn't, at some point, imagined themselves galloping across a prairie, Clint Eastwood-style, decked out in leather and a Stetson? Just us? The growing popularity of ranching holidays would suggest otherwise, as more and more people are opting to swap their usual summer holiday for a bit of Western wish fulfilment. You could say it's just for the children (what youngster wouldn’t want to channel their inner Sheriff Woody?), but really the adults have just as much, if not more, fun. If you’ve been swept up in the ‘cowboy core’ trend, read on as we trot you through the best cowboy holidays around the world, from the Wild West of the USA to the Australian Outback...
It doesn’t get much more iconic than America's Wild West, and Big Sky in Montana is one of our favourite destinations for cowboy holidays. In the rocky terrains of the Wild West, you’ll typically find ranches that offer a host of activities alongside plenty of riding – and if you’re travelling as a family, then these charming retreats are perfect. According to our USA expert Dave, thorough planning is one of the most important things to consider when preparing for a ranching holiday, especially with children – so Montana’s lively mix of fabulous children’s programmes and varied ranch activities make it a great choice. Whether you want to go horse riding from dawn till dusk or would prefer to sneak in some fly fishing and helicopter tours, Montana boasts a smorgasbord of ranches, each offering a different (but equally excellent) cowboy experience.
Image by Alexander Bailey / Unsplash.com.
Texas has a long and rich history with cowboys, so it’s no surprise that it’s home to some of the best cowboy holidays in the world. The state boasts a lively mix of working cattle ranches and ‘dude’ ranches – a ranch set up to host city slickers looking to learn about the cowboy lifestyle – so holidaymakers can choose whether to immerse themselves fully into the rustic Wild West or keep a few luxurious home comforts. If you’d prefer the latter, get ready to say ‘howdy, partner!’ to the cowboys at Wildcatter Ranch, a 1,500-acre expanse nestled deep in the heart of Texan Hill Country. Riding is the order of the day here, so saddle up and enjoy a guided tour with a local through more than 20 miles of stellar trails. The ranch also offers clay shooting, archery and axe throwing for the active types, alongside a jacuzzi and infinity pool for those who aren’t too keen on getting their hands dirty – there truly is something for everyone.
Image by Gerhard Lipolg / Pexels.com.
Latin America has a rich history of working ranches and is home to the cowboy's southern cousin, the gaucho. This might not be the cowboy holiday of your Spaghetti Western-inspired imagination, but hear us out: Argentina’s estancias (ranches) offer you the chance to stay on real-life working cattle farms. Many of these traditional estancias have been owned by Argentine families for generations, meaning they are positively steeped in history and tradition. While on the ranch, you’ll be able to watch the gauchos at work, get involved with their day-to-day activities and enjoy sprawling rural landscapes dotted with cattle and horses – everyone will be in the cowboy spirit in no time.
Image by Mathieu Richer Mamousse.
Half a world away, the Australian Outback, with its untamed nature, is as much cowboy country as the Americas. The region boasts millions of acres of wilderness and awe-inspiring landscapes, and many ranches are extremely remote, meaning each one is a natural haven for those in need of an escape. Due to their isolation and size, many ranches offer helicopter rides or other modes of transport to allow you to look over the entire estate and reach remote springs and fishing spots. At El Questro homestead, for example, you’ll be up bright and early to marvel at the fantastic views as you ride through winding rivers and sprawling valleys with a local guide before hopping into a helicopter to reach the breathtaking Zebedee thermal springs. Each ranch in Australia’s Outback has its own distinctive history, ways of life and atmosphere, so throw on your cowboy hat, soak in the nature and imagine how the first Australian cowboys tried to tame the Outback. Yeehaw!
Image by LuckyViks / Getty Images.
Written by Emma Begley | Header image by Michael Turek.
Practical advice and inspiration for your next trip
Wondering what to see in San Francisco? Wonder no more. This is your invitation to discover the city beyond postcards and social media posts (though we’ll admit, it’s a very photogenic place). We’ll delve into its history, highlight some of the most walkable neighbourhoods and lead you to green spaces for a breath of fresh air. Explore the fantastic food scene and find the best spots to enjoy unforgettable views.
18th February 2026 - USA Travel Inspiration
Slow down, take in the spectacular scenery, and savour the unhurried pace of life around the Italian Lakes. The lakes were made by glaciers retreating at the end of the last ice age and have been a popular destination since the Romans were in power, so the region has a rich history. Add in the landscapes, nature and the charm of the towns and villages, and you’ve got a recipe for relaxation. Here, our Italy expert, Valeria, runs through what you can do at the lakes and how to plan your trip.
18th February 2026 - Italy Travel Inspiration
Spring in the City of Angels has had some rather downbeat descriptions over the years, with Angelinos annually bemoaning May Gray and June Gloom. April, however, retains a glowing reputation – and not just because it’s a harder rhyme. Always an exciting time, April is marked by desert-dwelling festivals, migrating marine mammals and a (slight) decline in crowds. For the lowdown on all the exciting events popping up in and around the city, read our roundup of reasons to visit Los Angeles in April.
16th February 2026 - USA Travel Inspiration
Our team of destination experts will get to know you and your unique requirements for your holiday
We work with you to build an ultra-personalised holiday itinerary with your choice of accommodation, experiences and activities
All of our holidays include little extras designed to make a big difference to your trip, from fast-tracking you through airport check-in and security to our network of local Concierges
