Bringing Your Own Support Worker on Holiday: What to Consider Before You Decide
One of the most common questions we hear is:
“Can I bring my own support worker?”
The short answer is yes—but the long answer is worth exploring.
There are many valid reasons why someone might want to bring a familiar support worker on holiday. Comfort, medical needs, anxiety, and trust all matter deeply.
But travelling—especially on holidays for people with disabilities—is very different from daily support at home or in the community. That’s why, before you decide, we encourage you to ask a few important questions:
1. Have They Travelled with Someone with a Disability Before?
Just because someone has travelled doesn’t mean they’re ready for the unique challenges of wheelchair tours or accessible travel. From inaccessible hotel bathrooms to unexpected schedule changes or extreme weather—travel throws curveballs.
We’ve seen experienced support workers become overwhelmed by the demands of being “on” 24/7 in unfamiliar environments. Our team isn’t just trained in disability support—we’re also seasoned accessibility travel professionals. We plan, prepare, and adjust calmly on the go. This is especially important for wheelchair-friendly vacations or remote travel where access and flexibility matter most.
2. Are They Prepared for the Physical and Emotional Demands?
A multi-day trip is not the same as a 9-to-5 job. There are long days, social energy, and very little downtime. Are they ready to manage that kind of energy over multiple days—or even weeks?
At ClubMates, we build in crew rotations and structured rest to prevent burnout. Whether it’s a camping holiday or one of our supported holidays, our itineraries are designed for endurance, enjoyment, and safety—for both travellers and their support team.
3. Have You Agreed on Pricing and Hours?
Travel support is often a 24-hour commitment. Some travellers are surprised after the holiday when their support worker sends an invoice with overnight rates they hadn’t budgeted for.
With ClubMates, pricing is completely transparent. We clearly separate NDIS-funded support from your out-of-pocket holiday expenses, so there are no surprises—whether it’s a relaxed beach trip or a fully supported holiday adventure.
4. What Happens If Something Goes Wrong?
If your support worker isn’t employed or insured through ClubMates, who’s responsible during emergencies or insurance claims?
When you travel with us, we’ve got it covered. We’re fully insured, and safety is built into every layer of the trip. That’s why families trust us as their go-to accessible travel agency—we handle the hard parts, so you can focus on fun.
5. Are You Missing an Opportunity for Growth?
We get it—comfort is important. But growth often happens outside your comfort zone.
We’ve seen travellers do things they never imagined possible—simply because they had the right support. Our experienced crew brings fresh energy and encouragement. Many guests discover a love for camping holidays or gain confidence through our supported wheelchair tours.
6. Could Your Regular Support Worker Use a Break?
Sometimes the best thing you can do for your regular carer is let them recharge.
Travelling with ClubMates gives your home support network peace of mind while you explore new places safely with experienced, travel-trained professionals by your side. It’s one of the reasons many families prefer using travel agents who specialise in accessibility travel and understand the unique needs of every traveller.
So, Can You Bring Your Own Support Worker?
Yes, you can. But before you do, we recommend asking yourself—and your support worker—these six key questions.
If bringing your own support worker is still the best choice, we can employ them casually for the trip and build them into your itinerary and budget.
At the end of the day, we’re here to make travel possible, joyful, and safe—for every kind of traveller.
Ready to Talk It Through?
Before you book, chat with our team. We’ll help you weigh the pros and cons, assess your support needs, and guide you to the best decision for your wellbeing.
Contact us at https://clubmatestravel.com/contact or call us on 1300 158 003
