Dude ranches gear up for peak season as families continue to search for all-inclusive vacation options

CODY, WYOMING – April XX, 2013 – The saddle bags are dusted off, the horses are groomed and the wranglers are driving the cattle home all in preparation for the opening of another season at dude ranches throughout the western U.S. The Dude Ranchers’ Association – which currently has more than 100 accredited members – is proud to welcome guests back to its guest ranches for peak season, which runs from May through September for most member ranches.

The Dude Ranchers’ Association represents a broad spectrum of guest ranches across North America, ranging from rustic, no-frills working ranches to luxury resort-style ranches offering five-star cuisine and spa treatments, located in some of the most scenic areas of the country. Established in 1926, the non-profit organization was founded to preserve, protect and promote the unique experience and identity of a dude ranch vacation.

Vacationing at dude ranches has been a long-standing tradition for many families as repeat visits are quite common. The Dude Ranchers’ Association has seen an increase in new bookings over the past couple of years, which the organization attributes to the fact that travelers are searching for an all-inclusive vacation experience without the large crowds often seen on cruise ships or very well-known tourist destinations. The U.S. Travel Association recently released a study citing that 62 percent of adult’s earliest memories were of family vacations taken when they were between ages 5 and 10, leaving many families in particular searching for a vacation that will create unique and lasting memories.

As the original all-inclusive vacation, dude ranches offer value and numerous advantages over other all-inclusive vacation options including no planning once you arrive, flexibility to customize your itinerary, and no additional costs once you arrive to your destination. Guest ranches also offer a wide variety of summer activities. From horseback riding and hiking, to ziplining and archery, to swimming and yoga, a dude ranch vacation guarantees a memorable experience and memories that will last a lifetime.

Choosing a summer vacation that makes everyone happy can present quite a challenge, from the stress of planning your vacation and budget considerations, to selecting a destination that has activities to please everyone. Whether you’re planning a vacation for multiple generations of the family, a romantic getaway for two, or the outdoor adventure of a lifetime, the Dude Ranchers’ Association can help you select and plan the perfect guest ranch vacation.

“As travelers continue to plan their summer vacations, we want to remind them that dude ranches are more than just cowboys and cattle drives – there’s a variety of activities at our ranches to suit guests of all ability levels, interest and ages,” said Colleen Hodson, executive director of the Dude Ranchers’ Association. “The Dude Ranchers’ Association is eager to welcome both new and repeat visitors for another season as our member ranches continue to provide guests with an authentic dude ranch experience they’ll never forget.”

No matter which guest ranch you choose, it is sure to strengthen the bond between your family, loved one or friends and become a destination you’ll want to return to time and time again. Like the ranches themselves, accommodations vary from luxurious and elegant to rustic and cowboy-chic, from private cabins that can sleep entire families to lodge rooms that share common space. All Dude Ranchers’ Association-accredited lodging options will soon feel like your “home away from home.

A complete listing of DRA-accredited dude and guest ranches can be found online at duderanch.org. Visitors can search for ranches by location or activities and amenities. For assistance planning your dude ranch vacation, contact the Dude Ranchers’ Association at (866) 399-2339.

About the Dude Ranchers’ Association
Dude ranches are the original Western vacation. The Dude Ranchers’ Association (DRA) was founded to preserve, protect and promote this unique vacation experience and its identity. Though guest expectations have changed and ranchers have had to change with them, the core principles of dude ranching remain the same: horses, hats, hospitality, heritage, honesty and heart. DRA was founded in 1926 and currently has more than 100 accredited members, all of which are required to uphold the highest quality and standards within the dude ranching industry. For more information on the DRA or individual ranches, visit www.duderanch.org. The DRA can also be found on Facebook at www.facebook.com/DudeRanchers and Twitter @DudeRanchers.