Clubmates Travel
Emotions to Expect During a Supported Holiday
Posted on November 1, 2025 by Matilda Negri
Reading time about 9 minutes
Anyone who’s travelled knows it can stir up a lot of emotions. But for people with disabilities, stepping into a new environment can be both exciting and confronting. It’s not just about visiting new places — it’s about stepping away from what’s familiar.
At ClubMates Travel, we’ve supported thousands of people to take that leap. And we can tell you — the emotions we see on our tours are very real.
This is the side of supported travel most people don’t see. It’s raw, beautiful, and deeply human. Here’s what a typical emotional journey on one of our tours really looks like.
Day 1: Nerves, Excitement, and Goodbyes
The first day is always intense. The bus is packed, carers wave goodbye, and everyone feels a mix of nerves and excitement. For some passengers, it’s pure joy—they can’t wait to hit the road. For others, the sudden change hits hard. They might miss their routine, their carers, or the comfort of home.
We see it all: tears, quiet withdrawal, the occasional “I want to go home.” And that’s okay. It’s part of the process. Our support crew are trained to meet people exactly where they’re at—with patience, reassurance, and warmth. We know that with time, those same tears often turn into smiles.
Settling In: Finding the Rhythm
A few days in, the energy starts to shift. The bus chatter grows louder. Familiar songs play. A few jokes are cracked. Everyone starts to find their rhythm.
Anxiety gives way to curiosity. Someone who hesitated to join in on day one might now be laughing during a group activity or sharing stories at dinner. The pressure of logistics—transport, meals, accessibility—is gone. That’s all handled. What’s left is the freedom to simply enjoy.
This is where supported travel truly shines. It’s not about ticking off destinations like for most of us. Our supported tours are about giving people space to relax, participate, and discover what they’re capable of.
Mid-Tour: Connection and Confidence
By the middle of the tour, something beautiful happens. The barriers start to fall away. Passengers who were once shy are now chatting like old friends. The ones who were nervous about leaving home are suddenly leading sing-alongs on the bus.
We see people trying new things—getting in a boat for the first time, joining in karaoke, or helping someone else get ready in the morning. There’s a growing sense of independence, pride, and belonging.
These are the moments that make it all worth it. You can’t measure confidence or friendship on a spreadsheet, but you can see it in every smile, every laugh, every new connection. Which is why our videos that are sent home weeks after the trip are so impactful.
Heading Home: Tired, Emotion, and Proud
The last day always feels different. There’s relief in going home, but also sadness that it’s over. Suitcases are packed, photos are being sent off and organised, and the bus feels quieter than usual.
There are often tears again—but now for the opposite reason. No one wants to say goodbye. The same person who once clung to their carer on day one now hugs their new friends and thanks their support worker for an unforgettable time.
These are the moments our crew never forget. They remind us why we do what we do.
For Families and Carers Back Home
If you’re supporting someone who’s about to travel with us, know that the ups and downs are part of the journey. The first-day nerves don’t mean something’s wrong—they mean change is happening.
Don’t be afraid to let your loved one go just because it might be emotional, or worry if you see them tear up before they leave. Those emotions are normal. They’re part of stepping out of comfort zones and growing stronger through new experiences.
Each emotional stage, from fear to freedom, is a sign of growth. And when your loved one returns home, you’ll see it too—the confidence, the spark, the stories that pour out days later.
A Word From Our Crew
When we watch our passengers grow through these moments—the nerves, the laughter, the tears—we’re reminded that courage doesn’t always look like climbing a mountain. Sometimes, it’s just getting on the bus. Every trip is proof that people are capable of far more than they believe, and for all of us in the crew, there’s nothing more powerful to witness than that.
Feel Every Emotion on Tour Today!
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.
