(1888PressRelease)
November 09, 2007 - While many people still place bets on the chances of experiencing a White Christmas it’s almost always, for those who live in the UK, slightly less probable than an entire summer without any sunshine. There are some US destinations however, that will suit members of both camps: that is, those dreaming of a white Christmas and those desperately in need of a healthy dose of sunshine, after a non-existent summer. Ranch Rider would only make one suggestion in terms of yuletide bookings and that is to travel either earlier than December 18th or after December 26th.
Before declaring ‘Baa Humbug’ it is worth noting that the tour operator does have sound reasons for making this point, as enjoying a festive holiday a little earlier or later than planned will ensure greater availability with airlines and savings of up to £300pp on flights. Travelling in these periods also has positive benefits where family is concerned since Christmas is but once a year, and jetting away without the relatives can lead to feelings of guilt and stress – not a positive start to any holiday. In addition, a ranch stay is, by its very nature an active one, so fitting into that little black number at the Christmas party will be a swizz for those travelling pre-Christmas, and if it’s a post New Year vacation it could stop travellers straying from the path and help them stick to that plan for a healthier lifestyle.
SADDLE UP FOR SOMETHING SPECIAL PRE-CHRISTMAS: The Triple Creek Ranch is Lapland Montana style! Perfect for some winter romance, ranchers are bound to feel festive in Big Sky Country, regardless of their travel dates, as there will probably be snow on the ground long before Christmas Day. A Condé Nast Johansens’ award winner, the adult only ranch is situated at the base of the highest peak in Western Montana’s Bitterroot Mountains and is described as a wilderness hideaway. In the winter months the scenery certainly has a more romantic feel to it, with the individual snow-covered cabins and fairy lights offering up a winter wonderland setting for pre-yuletide travellers. All the accommodations feature king, queen or twin beds, a smattering of occasional furniture, dreamy log burning fireplaces, steam showers and whirlpool baths – ensuring a ranch stay centered around indulgence. Activities include, snowshoeing and cross-country skiing in the Bitterroot National Forest and downhill hill skiing on the nearby Lost Trail Powder Mountain. Resort ranchers can also partake in dog sledding and snowmobile trekking, and in the evenings, snuggle up with a liqueur next to a romantic log fire or ride a horse drawn sleigh under Montana’s starlit skies. A 7-night stay at the Triple Creek with Ranch Rider costs FROM £1,670pp (based on two people sharing), with year round departures.
‘PONY UP’ AND BOOK A BREAK IN SUNNIER CLIMES: Families looking to avoid continual winter frostbite in the UK might want to consider Arizona. Offering a more temperate climate than in the summer time where temperatures can soar to well over 100F – more moderate daytime highs of 70-80F make a festive holiday in Arizona the perfect option for those who want a less restrictive riding schedule and some winter sun. The Tanque Verde, based in Tucson, is yet another award winner, courtesy of the Travel Channel, in terms of its family friendliness. The ranch caters to all ages, through its Buckaroos Club for children aged four to six and Wrangler Kids programme for ages seven to 11 years. All the programmes include riding, swimming and Western art, but more importantly, they also ensure Mum and Dad have plenty of time to enjoy some parent pampering at the ranches own La Sonora Spa. Nestled in the foothills of the Rincon and the Catalina Mountains between the Coronado National Forest and the Saguaro National Park, the surroundings are perfect for all sorts of outdoor pursuits, whether exploring by mountain bike or on horseback; and with facilities for tennis, volleyball and swimming also on offer, this is an active winter break that will keep ranchers on track with their New Year’s resolutions for a healthier lifestyle. A 7-night stay at the Tanque Verde with Ranch Rider costs FROM £3,515 including, gratuities and transfers, (based on a family of four with 2 children) with year round departures.
All the above prices (unless otherwise stated) include all accommodation (based on two adults sharing), transfers, gratuities, meals, and all ranch based riding. Excludes International flight, which can be booked through Ranch Rider from the following departure airports, Heathrow, Gatwick, Manchester, Edinburgh and Glasgow.
Additional departure airports including Aberdeen, Bristol, Cardiff, Leeds/Bradford, Humberside, Teeside, Newcastle and Norwich are available at a £50pp supplement. Telephone Ranch Rider on 01509 618811 or visit Ranch Rider at www.ranchrider.com for further information. ATOL PROTECTED No 4660 ABTA 96395/V9150.
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