holiday

The top trending travel destinations for 2027 according to Expedia – and one UK location features among the top holiday spots

The hottest holiday destinations for 2027 include South Lake Tahoe in California, Hyogo in Japan and Punta del Este in Uruguay, according to Expedia Group.

The global marketplace has analysed flight and accommodation search data to pinpoint where traveller interest is soaring. Between 1 September 2025 and 27 July 2026, compared to 1 September 2024 to 27 July 2025, searches for “South Lake Tahoe” in California, USA, jumped by 195%.

The resort city nestled in the Sierra Nevada mountains is described as ideal for adventure seekers and outdoor enthusiasts, offering everything from skiing to picturesque hiking trails. Coming in second place is Hyogo in Japan, with searches climbing 95%, while Punta del Este, Uruguay secured third spot, with searches rising 65%.

The destinations form part of Expedia and Hotels.com’s “Unpack’27: The Trends in Travel” report, which details the destinations and travel behaviours expected to shape the year ahead.

Other locations making the top 10 include Sedona, Arizona, USA (up 55%), Busan, South Korea (up 50%) and Holbox, Mexico (up 45%). Perugia, Italy (up 35%), The Tweed, New South Wales, Australia (up 35%), Niagara-on-the-Lake, Canada (up 35%) and Chichester, UK (up 30%) also made the list.

CEO of Expedia Group Ariane Gorin said: “Travel is about creating memories, and Unpack ’27 uncovers the destinations and experiences shaping those moments.

“In 2027, travellers are being more intentional in choosing their next adventure, seeking experiences that are more personal and purposeful to them.”

The report from the global marketplace also surveyed 26,000 respondents worldwide, including 2,000 from the UK, all of whom have previously been on holiday and plan to do so within the next three years.

Adults from 16 countries took part – including the UK, USA, New Zealand, Singapore, Australia, Brazil, Canada, Germany, Denmark, France, Hong Kong, Japan, South Korea, Mexico, Norway and Sweden.

Both the research and search data were used to determine 2027 travel trends, including the ‘2027 Destinations of the Year’, ‘Un-Adulting’, ‘Trip Snacking’, ‘Gothic Getaways’ and ‘The 2027 Set-Jetting Forecast’.

‘Un-Adulting’ emerged as a standout trend, with 57% saying they are “likely” to book an over 18s trip to an amusement park next year, a figure that climbs to 71% amongst Gen Z and Millennials.

For UK travellers in particular, these trips are all about having fun and enjoying a carefree day out (74%) and spending quality time with their partner, friends or other loved ones (64%). Escaping the pressures of everyday responsibilities (60%) also plays a significant role.

The ‘Trip Snacking’ trend has come to light as searches on Hotels.com for one-night stays between Thursday and Sunday soared by nearly 10% over the past 12 months compared to the previous year . The poll revealed that 79% of travellers are planning to book a one-night stay in the coming year, with this figure climbing to 83% amongst Gen Z and Millennials.

The surge in popularity is driven by a desire to attend concerts, shows and sporting events (49%), to mark life milestones (42%) and to enjoy a break between ‘normal’ holidays (23%).

‘Gothic Getaways’ have also emerged as a major trend, with 65% of respondents expressing a specific interest in booking a Gothic-style hotel in 2027 – rising to 71% amongst Gen Z and Millennials. Some 56% have previously chosen hotels purely for their atmosphere or aesthetic.

Amongst the 54% of UK travellers keen on booking a Gothic-style hotel in 2027, 51% favour historic hotels, castles, or properties steeped in a rich past.

Furthermore, 41% are drawn to destinations associated with folklore, legends or the supernatural, while 40% find the dramatic architecture and striking visual atmosphere of Gothic-style hotels particularly appealing.

Finally, ‘The 2027 Set-Jetting Forecast’ comes as searches for Monaco soared by more than 120% in the 30 days after Emily in Paris season six was confirmed to be filming there.

It also emerged that 18% have booked a trip to a destination after seeing it featured on television or in films.

Meanwhile, 46% of those who watch TV or films have researched or booked trips to locations featured in yet-to-be-released shows and films – rising to 58% amongst Gen Z and Millennials. On average, UK respondents said they would splash out £600 to visit a set location – rising to £629 for those with children in tow.

Gorin added: “We’re making it easier to discover, plan, and book the right trip, so travellers can spend less time managing the details and more time enjoying the moments that matter.”

ROMEO Beckham’s girlfriend Kim Turnbull has suffered a nasty injury after being bitten by a wild dog on holiday.

The model, 24, shared a photo of her getting a rabies vaccination after the unfortunate incident.

She told fans on Instagram: “I just fed this stray dog and it was blowing away from him and I went to fix it and thought I was taking it back and he bit me.”

Kim shared a clip of the four-legged animal standing on the beach, while she also showed off the bite mark.

She wrote over the photo: “Best believe I went back and fed him a second time after he bit me.

“Now he’s back. Is he apologising right now or does he want more food.”

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Kim was then forced to have emergency treatment by getting a rabies jab.

She wrote: “The most on brand move I could have pulled.

“Rabies jab is on the way for all friends messaging concerned.”

Earlier this month, the Beckham family rallied together to support Victoria’s Paris Fashion Week show in a heart-warming family snap.

But as the Beckhams supported Victoria, her eldest son Brooklyn was nowhere to be seen.

Posing for a sweet family snap, the entire clan stood together and smiled, as Victoria gushed over the support she received.

David and Victoria stood in the middle, with youngest child Harper by their side.

Romeo and Kim stood on the left hand side, Cruz and his girlfriend Jackie Apostel stood on the other side.

Victoria shared the snap online, writing alongside it: “To my friends and family, I feel so blessed to have you all by my side xxx.”

The Beckhams were all in attendance for the launch of Victoria’s new clothing collection in the French capital – with Brooklyn the only absent child of the famous couple.

Despite also being in Paris for fashion week, Brooklyn, who has publicly fallen out with his family, has shown no sign of an olive branch, instead attending other events with his wife, Nicola Peltz-Beckham.

Brooklyn let loose on his family in a scathing social media post in January, with things remaining tense ever since.

Brooklyn said at the start of the year that he did “not want to reconcile” with his family, and accused his parents of “controlling” the narrative.

His initial statement read: “I have been silent for years and made every effort to keep these matters private.

“Unfortunately my parents and their team have continued to go to the press, leaving me with no choice but to speak for myself and tell the truth about only some of the lies that have been printed.

“I do not want to reconcile with my family. I’m not being controlled, I’m standing up for myself for the first time in my life.”

He then went on to recall the night of his wedding and how his mother danced in an “inappropriate way”.

NEW images have revealed what to expect from Paulton Park’s new holiday resort – the first ever on-site accommodation for the theme park.

Yet to be named, the £20million accommodation will have a range of lodges and cabins to choose from.

Images show lakeside and riverside lodges, treehouses and A-frame cabins.

Suites and ‘burrowed lodges’ that look like grass-covered Hobbit houses are part of the plans too.

The lodges will range from two bedrooms to four, suggesting space for as many eight guests in each.

There will be space for around 600 guests, with 129 lodges to choose from.

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Suggestions of a restaurant and supermarket will also be on-site too, so guests will be able to choose from dining or self-catered.

Play areas, indoor entertainment rooms and game rooms will be there too, so there is enough for rainy days as well.

You’ll be waiting a while as they will be built in phases up until 2030.

Plans for the holiday village were first announced back in 2025.

The park’s deputy managing director James Mancey previously said: “Our vision is to deliver 129 units, designed to comfortably accommodate just under 600 guests at full capacity, 100 guests fewer than previously outlined.

“We anticipate it will be several years before our vision for on-site accommodation is brought to fruition; however, we are committed to continually reinvesting in our attraction, providing a world-class experience for our guests, and planning for the long-term.”

In the mean time, Paulton’s Park is also opening a new water coaster called Serpent’s Curse next year.

Or you can visit the Viking-themed Valgard land, which opened back in May.

The Sun’s Head of Travel (Digital) Caroline McGuire was one of the first to visit.

She said: ” I loved Drakon – the park’s first-ever inverting coaster starts with a vertical hill and drop, followed by two great inversion flips at speeds of 44mph. 

But for all the speed, drops and twists, I never once felt nauseous – it is easily the smoothest rollercoaster I’ve ever been on and remarkably silent, none of that rattling you get on so many other coasters. 

“The second coaster, Raven, was almost scarier despite not going upside down, thanks to its high-speed bobsleigh style, which whips you round tight hairpin turns and was great fun. 

“There’s also a very cute new ‘Orchard Playground’ for kids up to the age of 10, the kind that Paultons does so well throughout the park, with treehouses, a lookout tower, net bridges and slides. 

“The rollercoaster fan next to me was right, everything felt like the extra quality that you expect of somewhere like Disney.”

A NEW Spanish tourist tax being introduced this year is set to cause a hike in holiday costs.

The rule, which will be rolled out from the start of December, could see some holidaymakers slapped with an extra fee.

Tourists visiting Spain and the Canary Islands after December 1st, 2026, may have to pay an extra new charge if they opt for self-catering accommodation.

Those staying in apartments or villas booked via the likes of Airbnb could end up shelling out for an additional 10 per cent in VAT.

The tax, brought in by the Spanish Government, applies to qualifying furnished holiday rentals in popular travel destinations such as Ibiza, Mallorca, Barcelona and the Canary Islands.

Tourist accommodation in Spain has previously been exempt from VAT payments.

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Any holiday home rented for 30 nights or fewer will be subject to the tax – unless the property is the landlord’s habitual home.

The government says that the VAT measure is being brought in to help combat the housing pressures faced by Spanish residents.

The Spanish property market is currently under strain due to the high amounts of apartments and houses being bought for short-term tourist use.

The new tax may not necessarily mean that tourists are forced to pay, though as it depends if the landlord of the holiday home decides to pay the additional VAT themselves.

Tourists are being urged to double check the price of bookings made for rental holiday homes before they pay.

Those booking accommodation that could be subject to the new tax should look carefully at the price breakdown of bookings

It is wise to check whether any additional VAT is included in the cost or whether paying it on top of the original booking will be a requirement.

The Foreign Office is urging UK travellers to ‘stay away’

The UK’s Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) has revised its travel guidance in an update today, October 13. In its latest update for those planning a trip to Mauritius, the Foreign Office is warning tourists about “localised demonstrations and community unrest” following a shooting.

The FCDO warns: “Localised demonstrations and community unrest have occurred in parts of Mauritius following a police shooting incident on October 9 2026. Further protests may occur at short notice and could result in road closures, transport disruptions and interruptions to public services.

“Stay away from demonstrations and large public gatherings, monitor local media, follow the instructions of local authorities and exercise caution if travelling in affected areas.” About 150,000 UK tourists travel to the island every year.

If you find yourself in a situation where you need help, you should report any incidents to the Mauritius tourist police by calling 999.

Emergency services in Mauritius

• Ambulance: 999 or 114
• Fire: 999 or 115
• Police: 999 or 112

Tourist police

Contact your travel provider and insurer

The Foreign Office stresses on its website: “Contact your travel provider and your insurer if you are involved in a serious incident or emergency abroad. They will tell you if they can help and what you need to do.”

Mauritius temporarily shut schools after shooting say reports

Mauritius closed schools in some parts of the country on Tuesday, October 13, reports say. It came after ‌a night of unrest that began when a police officer allegedly shot a young woman.

An investigation is under way. It is being reported by local media that a police sergeant has been provisionally charged over the shooting of Élodie Thomas, 27.

She has since had successful surgery to remove the bullet. The incident led to protests. Police were dispatched as people burned tyres and blocked roads in parts of the country on Monday night.

Mauritius entry requirements

The island country in the Indian Ocean, located off the eastern coast of Africa, is becoming increasingly popular, with around 1.3 million tourists visiting every year.

In order to enter the country, your passport must:

• be valid for the duration of your stay
• have one blank page

The Foreign Office urges people to check with their travel provider to ensure their passport and any other travel documents meet the entry requirements, and to renew their passport if needed. Tourists could be refused entry if they do not have a valid travel document, or if they try to travel on a passport that has been reported lost or stolen.

STILL stuck on where to go on holiday this autumn? One TUI travel expert has the insider track on places that are still hot, and great value.

Kim Boucher, who has worked in TUI’s Mansfield store for more than 25 years, has revealed her top five destinations that are still warm in autumn – and has beer as cheap as £1.50.

Marmaris, Turkey

For cheap breaks, average temperatures of 24C, a pint for less than £2, a glass of wine from £2.70 AND meals out from £10, Turkey is a great option for an autumn break.

There are still TUI breaks on offer too.

Kim recommends Marmaris in particular for break during October and November thanks to its sunshine and temperatures which sit at around 24C.

She said: “You can spend your days unwinding on the beach or taking a boat trip along the stunning coastline, then enjoy the town’s vibrant atmosphere once the sun goes down.

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“One of the things I love most about Marmaris is the buzz in the evenings. The waterfront and marina come alive with bars, restaurants and cafés, creating a fantastic atmosphere.”

Kim suggests Lalila Blue Suites for a “stylish and relaxing getaway”.

The hotel is a short walk away from the beach, it also has a swimming pool and is a five-minute drive from the centre of Marmaris which has lots of bars and restaurants.

TUI offers seven-night holidays to the 4T Lalila Blue Suites on an all-inclusive basis from £496per person or – £70.85pppn.

Tunisia

This North African country is pretty much a fail-safe when it comes to autumn holidays with average highs of 25C.

For Brits, it’s not as far as you’d think either – it takes just three hours to get from the UK to Tunisia.

Kim recommends it not just for the temperatures, but says it has “exceptional value” compared to some Mediterranean destinations .

She added: “Hammamet in particular offers beautiful beaches, a charming old town and a welcoming atmosphere that’s perfect for a relaxing getaway.”

In Hammamet, visitors can explore traditional Medinas, check out the local markets and try some traditional Tunisian food.

For a hotel recommendation, Kim suggests Hilton Skanes Monastir Beach Resort which is perfect for a “relaxing escape in Tunisia.”

It has five swimming pools, four restaurants and three bars – plus there’s a white sandy bay right on the doorstep.

TUI offers a seven-night holiday to the 5T Hilton Skanes Monastir Beach Resort on a bed and breakfast basis from £610per person – or £87.14pppn.

Majorca, Balearic Islands

When it comes to the Mediterranean, Kim says Majorca is one of the first destinations she suggests when customers ask about an autumn getaway.

She explained: “It offers something for everyone. Even later in the season, you can still enjoy plenty of sunshine, while the slightly cooler temperatures make it ideal for exploring the island’s picturesque villages, coastline and vibrant resort towns.”

“You can spend your days relaxing on golden sandy beaches, discovering hidden coves and enjoying waterfront restaurants, before wandering through the island’s beautiful old towns in the evening.”

Pints of beer on the island are around £3, glasses of wine can be picked up for £4.50 and meals out for £20pp.

Kim recommends the Grupotel Gran Vista & Spa which has two lagoon pools, a children’s splash park and it’s a short walk away from the beach.

TUI offers a seven-night holiday to 4T Grupotel Gran Vista & Spa on a bed and breakfast basis from £326per person – or £46.58pppn.

Algarve, Portugal

The Algarve is another trusted holiday option for autumn thanks to its warm temperatures and short flight time.

When it comes to the region, Kim suggests heading to Albufeira.

She calls it a “fantastic option for anyone looking to extend their summer.”

Albufeira in particular is ideal “for beach days, waterfront dining and exploring the picturesque Algarve coastline.”

She added: “What makes Albufeira so popular is its versatility. Whether you’re looking for a laid-back couples’ retreat, lively nightlife or scenic coastal walks, there’s something for everyone.

“Combined with great-value accommodation and plenty of sunshine, it’s easy to see why it remains a favourite year after year.”

The average temperature of the Algarve in autumn is 20C with the average price of a local beer being as low as £1.50.

TUI offers a seven-night break at the 4T Vila Gale Cerro Alagoa on a bed and breakfast basis from £363 per person – or £51.85pppn.

Orlando, Florida

Whether you’re after the theme parks, shopping malls or just want some great restaurants and entertainment, Florida is a great autumn getaway spot, especially Orlando.

It’s still hot at 24C during autumn, but it’s much cooler than during the summer months, and more pleasant for wandering around.

Kim said: “While Orlando is best known for its incredible theme parks, there’s so much more to discover beyond the attractions.

“From lively entertainment districts and world-class dining to nearby natural springs and golf courses, it offers something for all types of travellers.

“It’s a destination where you can fill every day with adventure while still finding plenty of opportunities to relax and unwind.”

For a hotel recommendation, Kim suggests Holiday Inn Resort Lake Buena Vista which she called a “peaceful retreat” away from the theme parks – but still close enough to get to.

It has a palm-tree lined swimming pool, video games arcade and movies in the lobby as well as an Applebee’s restaurant, a breakfast buffet and a tiki bar.

TUI offers a seven-night holidays at the 3T+ Holiday Inn Resort Lake Buena Vista on a room only basis from £832 per person – or £118.85pppn.

Tenerife, Canary Islands

While temperatures in the UK drop during October, the Canary Islands is one spot where they sit at around 24C.

Kim added: “Tenerife is one of the destinations I regularly recommend for an autumn getaway.

“I love the variety it offers. You can have a completely relaxing beach holiday, explore the island’s dramatic scenery or head into the livelier resort areas for restaurants, bars and entertainment.

“It’s a fantastic all-round choice for couples looking for sunshine, great value and a change of scenery this autumn.”

On the island, popular activities include sunbathing on the beaches, snorkelling, hiking in Teide National Park.

Or for those who love watercoasters, heading over to Siam Park – a Thai-themed waterpark.

The average local pint here starts from £2.50 with the average meal out being as little as £15pp.

For a hotel recommendation, Kim suggests TUI SUNEO Tamaimo Tropical which she called a “great-value escape”.

The hotel is a top pick thanks to its child-friendly entertainment with plenty of activities as well as having two swimming pools and waterside bars.

TUI offer a seven-night holidays at the 3T TUI SUNEO Tamaimo Tropical on an all-inclusive basis from £423 per person – or £60.43pppn.

They said the hotel was dirty and food on the all-inclusive trip was undercooked. They also claimed to see faeces in the swimming pool on more than one occaision

A family say their £4,000 holiday was ruined by a “filthy” hotel which left their five-year-old on antibiotics. Samantha Smithson, 34, and husband Dion Hart, 31, took their two children – aged two and five- and Samantha’s parents away to Tunisia in August.

But when they arrived at their hotel on August 10, they were apparently put in a room that had just a double, which Samantha shared with the children, and a single bed, which Dion took. The couple also claim they found exposed cabling, wobbly balcony railings, a smashed light, and a shower tray that did not drain inside the room.

They said the hotel was dirty and food on the all-inclusive trip was undercooked, so they shelled out around £500 extra buying food from outside the hotel. They claimed to notice faeces in the swimming pool twice and alerted staff. Booking provider On The Beach has offered the family a partial refund of £496.

Samantha, an operations manager, from Canterbury, Kent, said: “It was the most horrendous experience. Our room wasn’t safe and I spent the whole week feeling anxious about the kids. I was in tears all the time, it was awful. We just couldn’t wait to get home.

“I do not believe that £496 fairly reflects what our family experienced or the significant difference between the holiday we paid for and the holiday we actually received.”

The family said rubbish was left out, and their towels were dirty. Samantha said the hotel had no air-con in the 40-degree heat. Playground equipment was broken, and the advertised spa and gym were not open, Samantha said.

Their five-year-old has been given antibiotics for 40-degree temperatures and gunky eyes since coming home, and doctors said it was likely caused by dirty water, Samantha said. Samantha and builder Dion booked the holiday, in the Abou Sofiane Sousse hotel and aqua park, through online-travel-agent On The Beach.

Samantha made a complaint on August 17 and on August 25, and was offered a partial refund 28 days later. Samantha, who shared the story on Talk to the Press, said: “It’s just unacceptable to book in more people than they have capacity for, and to take bookings for rooms they don’t have.

“I’m really disappointed that On The Beach didn’t help us at all. We trusted them with our money and have been completely let down. We spent the whole time trying to contact them, but you can’t speak to anyone.

“It was filthy everywhere; it was horrible. Our kids were hungry the whole time because the hotel food we had paid for was so bad, and dangerous.”

A spokesperson for On the Beach said: “We’re sorry that Ms Smithson was disappointed with her hotel stay and we have been in contact directly in an effort to resolve her complaint.

“A partial refund of the hotel cost has been offered and has not yet been accepted.”

Abou Sofiane Sousse Hotel and Aqua Park were contacted for comment.

‘He had a personality that could light up a room, bring people together and make everyone around him smile’

A football coach has died suddenly while on holiday with friends at just 37 – leaving behind his fiancée and two young sons. Warren Coard, from Co Antrim, Northern Ireland, died while on a trip in Tenerife with a group of friends.

The dad-of-two was a former goalkeeper and coach for several clubs and is remembered as a much-loved character who could light up any room. A fundraiser has been launched to help his fiancée Olivia Greer cover medical costs and funeral expenses.

It reads: “It is with the heaviest of hearts that we share the devastating news of the sudden loss of Warren Coard, who sadly passed away in Tenerife while away on a trip with his friends. At just 37 years old, Warren was taken from us far too soon, leaving behind a heartbroken family, friends and everyone who had the privilege of knowing him.

“Warren was the life and soul of every gathering. He had a personality that could light up a room, bring people together and make everyone around him smile. He was the kind of person who made memories wherever he went, and his presence, laughter and infectious spirit will never be forgotten.”

The appeal paid tribute to Warren’s fiancée, his sons Charlie and Levi, his mum Carol and his wider family. It added: “No family should ever have to experience such heartbreak, especially so suddenly and at such a young age. At this incredibly difficult time, Warren’s loved ones are facing the unexpected financial burden of funeral costs.

“This has placed additional pressure on his family during an already devastating time, when they should be able to focus on grieving, supporting one another and remembering Warren for the amazing person he was.”

Football clubs Warren played for also paid tribute to the former goalkeeper and coach. A spokesperson for Barn United Football Club in Carrickfergus said: “Everyone at the club is devastated to hear of the untimely passing of our former goalkeeper coach, Warren Coard aka Coardy.

“Our thoughts are with the entire family circle at this difficult time. Rest easy Coardy.”

Islandmagee Football Club said: “The club are saddened to hear of the passing of our former goalkeeper, goalkeeping coach and long term supporter Warren Coard. Everyone at the clubs thoughts are with ‘Coardys’ family and friends at this awful time.”

The fundraiser appealed for donations to help ease the financial pressure on Warren’s loved ones as they prepare to say their final goodbyes. It said: “Warren was loved by so many, and the number of lives he touched is a testament to the person he was.

“At only 37, he had so much more life to live, so many more memories to make and so much more love to give.

“Fly high, Warren. You were taken far too soon, but you will never be forgotten. Forever loved, forever missed, and always in our hearts.”

IT’S not my first rodeo, as the saying goes. Actually, it is though, so I thought why not make it the biggest in the world?

Like many Brits, I’ve a new-found obsession for country music, listening to songs on repeat from Luke Combs and Ella Langley and binge-watching Western drama Yellowstone on Netflix.

But it’s time to pull on my boots and hat for real — and it doesn’t get much more cowboy than the Calgary Stampede.

Once a niche show of Western and indigenous cultures, the Stampede has evolved into one of Canada’s largest festivals, attracting more than a million visitors each year.

Every summer, the Blue Sky City is taken over for ten days by the self- proclaimed “greatest outdoor show on Earth” — and tickets have just gone on sale for 2027.

As well as the world’s biggest outdoor rodeo, the Calgary Stampede has live music, fairground rides and a gut-busting feast of food and drink.

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Boot heels click down every street and white cowboy hats bob past every window.

Rodeo director Kristina Barnes tells me: “This began as a last blast of the Wild West just as it was going away, and that’s what it continues to be. People come from all over the world to be here.”

Animals are the star of the show — the Alberta province has more cows than people — so the rodeo was top of my agenda at the festival.

Events including bronc and bull-riding, roping and barrel racing run every afternoon.

I watched as brave cowboys and girls clung doggedly to thrashing horses and bulls, or tried to lasso and tie calves in under eight seconds.

Later the crowds really got going and the beer flowed as the evening entertainment kicked off with chuckwagon racing.

This involves teams of four riders racing six horses and a wagon around the “half mile of hell” dirt loop.

And I got goosebumps when I watched the indigenous bareback relay event.

Here, athletic young riders leap from the ground on to their horses, thunder round a lap of the racetrack, dismount the moving horse and jump up on to a second horse, then repeat the feat for a third lap.

The crowd goes wild for the horses and riders, who wear barely any equipment — no boots, saddles or shirts.

If all this leaves you itching to get in the saddle yourself, the Boundary Ranch in Kananaskis sits an hour’s drive west of Calgary and offers hacking and trail rides suitable even for total beginners.

Kananaskis is in the foothills of the breathtaking Rocky Mountains, meaning the drive there was worth a day trip on its own.

That’s the other glorious thing about Calgary, it is the gateway to some of Canada’s most stunning landscapes in Banff, Jasper and Lake Louise, so a Stampede-based road trip practically plans itself.

At the ranch, I mounted my bay horse, Jake, for a group stroll through lush pine forest.

Jake turned out to have no respect for authority and a naughty habit of stopping to eat grass, but it was a pinch-me moment when we turned the final corner to a view of a huge snow-spotted mountain towering behind the trees.

If you are not one for riding, the city has enough going on to keep you entertained during the ten days of the Stampede.

Locals reckon the night-time party scene can compete with Nashville, the home of country music.

But it is not just that genre on offer. Big-name headliners this year included Rihanna’s rapper beau ASAP Rocky, punk-pop legends All Time Low and Canadian DJ Deadmau5.

Marquee stages are dotted around the city centre as well as in the Stampede grounds.

I was already a fan of young country star Bailey Zimmerman so seized the chance to see him on the festival’s biggest stage, Nashville North.

Music and drinking goes on into the early hours. And according to local legend, the city has a baby boom every spring, around nine months after the Stampede.

It’s also reportedly a great place to advertise if you’re a divorce lawyer . . . 

It is also reportedly a great place to advertise if you are a divorce lawyer . . . 

The late crowd is young and glamorous, with more skin on show but still heavy on the Western vibe with denim, boots and hats all-round.

But by day, the Stampede is more a family affair.

The Midway grounds, which sit at the heart of the festival, host a huge funfair with water slides, rollercoasters, a Ferris wheel and haunted house.

You’ll need some hearty grub to fuel the long days and the Stampede’s bonkers food scene is impossible, and foolish, to ignore.

There are more than 400 stands and if you can think it, you can probably order it.

Mad recipes included Oreos deep-fried in butter, moose pizza and Spam fries.

I tried loaded mac ’n’ cheese, ginger beef perogies (dumplings), a grilled cheese sandwich with spicy ramen noodles inside, churros in a pina-colada sundae, and a bison burger.

I can’t pick a favourite but I am gutted I couldn’t squeeze in the deep-fried pickle pizza.

On the last day we grabbed breakfast at one of the city’s 30-odd pop-ups, which give out free pancakes every morning through the Stampede.

It was set to be another 30C day in Canada’s sunniest city and a woman with a cowboy hat and guitar was standing on the roof singing Lainey Wilson song Country’s Cool Again.

Hot damn, she’s right.