You’ve only got to take one glance at Beyonce’s   Cowboy Carter tour or at the hype around   blockbuster TV show Yellowstone to know that   cowboys are cool right now. Around the world,   travellers are taking a boots-and-all approach to   living out their own Wild West dreams, seeking outranches, rodeos and rugged landscapes.   

“The cowboy-cation trend is gaining real traction with Aussie travellers, striking the sweet spot between nostalgia and adventure,” says Brett Mitchell, Intrepid Travel’s managing director for Australia and New Zealand. He attributes the growth to the sense of freedom and connection to nature these trips offer, citing particular growth in US bookings among travellers over 50.

It’s not only America where the trend is taking hold, though. Hold onto your hat, and immerse yourself in cowboy-inspired getaways around the world.

1. Explore the best of the West

Western USA

From the world’s first national park, Yellowstone, to the gold rush town of Deadwood, there’s so much to explore in America’s cowboy country that joining a multi-day tour is an excellent idea. Intrepid Travel’s 13-day Great American West trip delivers highlight after highlight through South Dakota, Wyoming and Montana: marvelling at Badlands landscapes, tracking wolves in Yellowstone, following Buffalo Bill’s footsteps in Cody, and rafting in Glacier National Park. If you’re pressed for time but still want the best of the West, consider Collette’s eight-day America’s Cowboy Country tour.

2. Stay like a Gardian

Camargue, France

In the south of France, beautiful white horses and black bulls roam the plains and salt marshes of the Camargue, herded by gardians - the region's answer to cowboys. Despite its striking landscapes, this flamingo-filled wilderness region has remained largely off the tourist radar - that is, until the arrival of luxury resort Les Bains Gardians last year. The 4ha estate features traditional whitewashed, thatched-roof homes used by Gardians, updated with modern interiors.

3. Drive the Cowboy Trail

Alberta, Canada

Sure, a 700km road trip is possible in a day but, trust us, there's so much to see and do along Highway 22 - aka The Cowboy Trail - you'll need at least a few days. Stop to admire the rugged mountain scenery, join a trail ride through specular countryside, enjoy ranch-style cooking and sample drinks from the Cowboy Trail Brewery. Learn about ancient hunting techniques used at Head-Smashed-In Buffalo Jump, a site older than the Pyramids of Egypt and Stonehenge. Time your trip in July to coincide with the Calgary Stampede, a celebration of cowboy culture that's been dubbed "the greatest outdoor show on Earth".

4. Experience gaucho culture

Pampas, Argentina

The legendary nomadic horsemen of the Pampas grasslands are revered as outback heroes, and you don't have to venture far from the city for a taste of Argentina's gaucho heritage. Head to a ranch like Estancia La Bandada, an hour from Buenos Aires, to explore traditions passed down through generations. Think saddling up to try your hand at Argentina's national sport, pato, a version of polo, and getting hands-on in the kitchen as you learn the secrets to cooking empanadas. A visit to the estancia is one of the highlights of Insight Vacations' nine-day Contrasts of Brazil & Argentina itinerary.

5. Go glamping

Montana and Utah, USA

The scenic backdrops are the same, but the cowboys of the 19th century wouldn't recognise the tents of today. Modern glamping get-ups are making the prospect of sleeping under the stars a whole lot more appealing, and feature in two new US tours from Tauck. The Paradise Valley, Yellowstone & the Tetons itinerary includes two nights at Under Canvas West Yellowstone, just outside the national park, while the eight-day Wild, Wild West Family Adventure takes in a three-night stay in suite-style tents at Ulum Moab, complete with views of Canyonlands National Park.

6. Live it up at an Aussie cattle station

Northern Territory, Australia

Cattle station stays across Australia are having a moment. After the Netflix show Territory - dubbed the Australian Yellowstone - thrust the Northern Territory's Tipperary Station into the spotlight, this year the vast working cattle station has begun offering safari tours from its on-site Territory Lodge. And Bullo River Station in the East Kimberley has been elevated to the ranks of Australia's exclusive Luxury Lodges collection, with demand for working cattle station experiences seeing this season nearly fully booked, while a major redevelopment next year will add new accommodation including a family suite.

7. Star in your own cowboy movie

Tabernas, Spain

Maybe you haven't heard of the Tabernas Desert, but chances are, you've seen it. The only desert in Europe, it has been used as a filming location for hundreds of movies and TV shows, from Clint Eastwood Spaghetti Westerns and Indiana Jones to Game of Thrones. Just inland from the beautiful beaches of Almeria, the desert is a drawcard for daytrippers, with theme parks bringing original Hollywood film sets from the'60s and'70s to life. Visitors can watch cancan dancing saloon shows at Minihollywood Oasys and spend the night in the Wild West village at Fort Bravo.

8. Stay at a dude ranch

Colorado, USA

There's nothing like a ranch stay for Western culture, but with so many to choose from, how do you decide? Turn to the advice of Top50 Ranches, which recently recognised Vista Verde Ranch in Colorado as an "ultra ranch" - meaning it's the best of the best. By day, expect horseback riding and fly-fishing in summer and dog-sledding in winter, and by night, hot tubs and boot scootin'. Yeehaw!

9. Go west, island style

New Caledonia

Think of New Caledonia and sandy white beaches spring to mind. But on the main island's west coast, the landscape turns to savannahs, hidden valleys and ranches run by the rural Broussard people. The best way to appreciate Broussard culture is at the Bourail Agricultural Fair, which draws huge crowds for its rodeo, demonstrations and produce tastings each August. Or opt for a farm stay like Pocquereux Randonnees. The cattle and sheep farm, set on 12,000ha near La Foa, hosts activities including horse riding, hiking and mountain biking.

10. Be a Charro for a day

Jalisco, Mexico

Tequila and mariachi music aren't the only special things to come out of Mexico's Jalisco state. Charreria - the traditional culture of Mexico's livestock herding communities - is so unique it's scored World Heritage status. On a tour with Entre Charros, you'll learn directly from the charros themselves the history of their practices and practical skills like how to use a lasso and ride a horse. The tour finishes with mariachi and tequila. Salud!

See also: 

I followed the Yellowstone tourism boom to a Montana ranch

What to pack for a Yellowstone National Park holiday

9 things every Calgary Stampede visitor should know

Stay like a Gardian Camargue, France In the south of France, beautiful white horses and black bulls roam the plains and salt marshes of the Camargue, herded by gardians - the region's answer to cowboys. Despite its striking landscapes, this flamingo-filled wilderness region has remained largely off the tourist radar - that is, until the arrival of luxury resort Les Bains Gardians last year. The 4ha estate features traditional whitewashed, thatched-roof homes used by Gardians, updated with modern interiors.