Clubmates Travel
Packing for New Zealand Made Me Appreciate What ClubMates Travel Really Does
Posted on August 17, 2026 by Matilda Negri
Reading time about 12 minutes
Growing up, ClubMates Travel was simply part of life. My dad, Peter Negri, has dedicated decades to helping people with disabilities experience Australia and the world through supported travel. As a child, I knew he was always planning another tour, answering another phone call or checking another itinerary, but I never really understood just how much work happened before a single passenger stepped onto the coach. To me, it looked like people were going on incredible adventures together, and Dad was lucky enough to be part of it.
Now, as I’m preparing for my own ski holiday to New Zealand, I finally understand what he was talking about all those years. My bedroom floor has disappeared beneath jackets, thermals, travel adapters, chargers and a growing pile of things I don’t want to forget. Every day I remember another item that suddenly feels essential, and every day my packing list seems to get longer instead of shorter. The funny thing is, I’m only organising one person. It has made me realise that if preparing one holiday takes this much planning, the work that goes into a fully supported group tour must be extraordinary.
Sometimes You Don't Appreciate the Planning Until You Have to Do It Yourself
Like most people, I assumed packing would be one of the easiest parts of travelling. I imagined throwing a few warm clothes into a suitcase, checking my passport and heading off to the airport. Instead, I’ve spent weeks making lists, checking the weather, researching baggage allowances and trying to work out whether I’ve remembered everything I’ll need for a week in the snow.
Every time I think I’m finished, something else comes to mind. Have I packed enough warm socks? Did I remember my waterproof gloves? Are my chargers in my carry-on? Do I have copies of my travel documents? It isn’t that any one task is particularly difficult, but together they create a surprising amount of preparation before the holiday has even begun.
While I’ve been crossing things off my own checklist, I couldn’t help thinking about what the ClubMates team does before every tour. They’re not organising one traveller; they’re planning for an entire group, with every passenger bringing different needs, different goals and different expectations. Suddenly, all those conversations I’d overheard growing up made perfect sense.
Behind Every Great Holiday Is a Great Plan
When people look at photos from a ClubMates tour, they see smiling faces, beautiful destinations and people enjoying themselves. They see friendships forming over dinner, laughter on the coach and unforgettable moments shared together. What they don’t see are the weeks, and often months, of preparation that made those moments possible.
Every itinerary has been carefully considered. Accommodation has been checked to ensure it is suitable for the group. Transport has been organised with accessibility in mind, activities have been assessed, and support requirements have been discussed long before departure day arrives. There are conversations with families, participants and support coordinators to make sure everyone understands what to expect and feels confident about the journey ahead.
None of this planning is glamorous, but it is the reason passengers can relax once the holiday begins. Instead of worrying about logistics, they can focus on enjoying new experiences, meeting new people and making memories. The planning fades into the background, which is exactly how it should be.
Travel Support Is So Much More Than Being There on the Day
Before working more closely with ClubMates, I probably thought travel support started when everyone met at the airport. Watching the team over the years has shown me that’s far from the truth. By the time passengers arrive to begin their holiday, an enormous amount of work has already taken place behind the scenes.
Support workers and tour leaders have already reviewed passenger information, discussed individual requirements and worked through countless scenarios to make sure the trip runs smoothly. They know who might need extra encouragement in unfamiliar environments, who has dietary requirements, who may need additional assistance during long travel days and who is hoping to achieve particular goals while they’re away.
It isn’t simply about helping someone from one place to another. It’s about creating an environment where every traveller feels supported, included and confident enough to enjoy the experience. That level of preparation is something I don’t think many people fully appreciate until they see it firsthand.
Organising One Holiday Made Me Think About Organising Fifty
As I zipped and unzipped my suitcase for what felt like the tenth time, I found myself laughing at how much thought had gone into packing for one week away. I kept remembering little things that would make my trip more comfortable, and I didn’t want to arrive in New Zealand wishing I’d packed differently.
Then I thought about our tour leaders.
They’re not thinking about one suitcase or one traveller. They’re considering an entire group of people, each with their own personalities, preferences and support requirements. They’re thinking about long travel days, changing weather conditions, accessible transport, accommodation, activities and all the little details that help a holiday feel enjoyable rather than stressful.
It gave me a completely different appreciation for what the ClubMates team does every day. Their preparation isn’t about ticking boxes; it’s about making sure every passenger has the opportunity to enjoy their holiday with confidence.
The Little Things Are Often the Biggest Things
One of the things I’ve realised while planning this trip is that the smallest details often have the biggest impact. Forgetting a phone charger is inconvenient, but forgetting something essential can quickly become stressful when you’re away from home. That’s why preparation matters so much, especially when supporting people with different accessibility requirements and individual routines.
The experienced team at ClubMates understands that no two travellers are the same. Every passenger brings their own goals, interests and support needs, and those differences are never treated as obstacles. Instead, they become part of the planning process so that everyone has the opportunity to participate in ways that work for them.
I think that’s one of the reasons so many passengers return home already talking about their next adventure. When people feel supported, they feel confident enough to try new things, build friendships and create memories they may never have thought possible.
Looking at ClubMates Through Fresh Eyes
Growing up around ClubMates meant I probably took a lot of things for granted. Organising tours, supporting travellers and solving problems before they happened simply seemed like normal business. It wasn’t until I started preparing for my own overseas holiday that I realised how much work goes into making travel feel effortless.
Packing for New Zealand has reminded me that the best holidays don’t happen because everything goes perfectly. They happen because someone has spent the time planning carefully, thinking ahead and preparing for the unexpected. Whether you’re organising one traveller or an entire group, those invisible hours of preparation make all the difference once the journey begins.
As excited as I am for my own adventure, I’ll also be leaving with a completely new appreciation for the people who make supported travel possible every single day. The next time I see one of our coaches heading off on another ClubMates adventure, I’ll know that behind every smiling passenger is a team whose hard work started long before the engine was even turned on.
FAQs
How far in advance should I start planning a supported holiday?
It depends on the trip. Regional events and New Year’s Eve tours may need 6 to 9 months’ notice, cruises 9 to 12 months, and international trips 3 to 6 months. Some smaller domestic coach trips may be available with as little as two weeks’ notice.
What information does ClubMates need before someone travels?
ClubMates speaks with the traveller or their family, carer, support coordinator or other people involved in their support. This helps the team understand routines, communication preferences, mobility needs, dietary requirements, personal care needs, health considerations, behaviours, interests and, where applicable, NDIS goals.
How does ClubMates plan for different support needs within one group?
Each passenger is considered as an individual. The team reviews how people communicate, move through different environments, manage changes to routine and participate in activities. The itinerary and support arrangements are then planned depending on their ratio so passengers can take part safely and comfortably.
What happens if a traveller becomes anxious or overwhelmed while away?
The team plans ahead by learning about each traveller’s communication style, routines, triggers and preferred calming strategies. Support workers can adjust the pace, offer reassurance, provide quiet time or help the traveller step back from an activity when needed.
How does ClubMates choose suitable accommodation and activities?
Accommodation, transport and activities are reviewed with the needs of the group in mind. This may include physical accessibility, bathroom arrangements, travel distances, meal options, activity demands, sensory considerations and whether the experience can be adapted for different passengers.
Ready to Make Travel Possible?
If you or someone you support would love to get away but needs help with the planning and support, ClubMates Travel can take care of the details. Talk to our team about your support needs, interests and goals, and we can help find or create an experience that feels right for you.
China is one of those countries that keeps surprising people—especially when you see the landscapes that don’t even look real. Towering rainbow mountains, glass walkways over steep cliffs, mist-covered peaks that inspired movies like Avatar—China’s natural wonders feel like stepping into another world.
And guess what? With the right support and planning, these mind-blowing places can be explored by people of all abilities. At ClubMates Travel, we believe that accessible travel should be more than just getting from A to B—it should be about awe, wonder, and saying “I can’t believe I’m actually here.”
Here are a few incredible spots in China that look out of this world—and why they might just end up on your travel wishlist.
Zhangjiajie National Forest Park – The Real-Life Pandora
Ever seen floating mountains? Well, you’re about to. Zhangjiajie is a UNESCO World Heritage site and the inspiration behind the flying mountains in Avatar. Giant stone pillars rise up through misty clouds—it’s so surreal it feels like CGI.
There are cable cars and glass elevators that take you up into the peaks, and accessible walkways in many areas, making this a great option for travel for people with disabilities when paired with the right support crew.
The Rainbow Mountains – Zhangye Danxia Geopark
Imagine layers of red, orange, gold, and green rock stretched across rolling hills. These colourful formations look like someone took a paintbrush to the land. They’re even more breathtaking in person.
The Rainbow Mountains are best explored in daylight hours when the colours shine brightest. Some viewing platforms and paths are paved and can be navigated with mobility assistance. Like all our accessible holidays, having specialist travel support makes a huge difference in comfort and safety.
Yuanyang Rice Terraces – A Living Mirror
At sunrise or sunset, the rice terraces of Yuanyang reflect the sky like an enormous mirror. It’s peaceful, dreamlike, and incredibly calming—perfect for travellers who want to slow down, connect with nature, and just take it all in.
This spot is especially powerful for people who are working toward NDIS goals like mindfulness, emotional regulation, or confidence in new environments. With supported travel, it’s more than sightseeing—it becomes a sensory and emotional experience.
The Glass Bridge – Zhangjiajie Grand Canyon
If you’re feeling brave, there’s a 430-metre-long glass bridge suspended over the canyon. Yes—it’s see-through. But it’s also safe, sturdy, and absolutely unforgettable. For those not afraid of heights, this is an epic moment that will stick with you for life.
We understand that thrill-seeking looks different for everyone. At ClubMates, our support crew are trained to encourage, not push—so passengers can take part in activities at their own comfort level.
Jiuzhaigou Valley – China’s Fairytale Water World
Think turquoise lakes, sparkling waterfalls, and snow-capped peaks. Jiuzhaigou is a dreamscape—peaceful, scenic, and full of charm. It’s also one of the more accessible nature parks in China, with eco buses and walkways that help make the journey smoother.
This kind of environment is great for building confidence, promoting social participation, and feeling part of something beautiful.
Why China? Why ClubMates?
Travelling to a country as big and bold as China might feel impossible—but that’s where we come in. As one of Australia’s most experienced NDIS holiday providers, we specialise in international supported travel that opens up the world for people with disabilities. We design every itinerary to work toward common NDIS goals—things like independence, community access, resilience, and joy.
Our team handles everything: accessible hotels, ground transport, daily activities, and of course, personal support workers who are trained specifically for disability travel.
If you’ve ever dreamt of seeing the Great Wall, watching lanterns float across the sky, or standing in a place that feels like another planet—then maybe it’s time to get curious.
ClubMates makes accessible travel across the globe achievable, enjoyable, and unforgettable.
Talk to our team about our upcoming tours to China or ask about designing your own supported adventure. We’ll help you figure out how your supports work with your NDIS funding and what out-of-pocket costs you can expect.
Because no one should miss out on the wonders of the world—especially you.
