Clubmates Travel
Group vs Individual Supported Tours: Which Accessible Travel Options Suits You Best
Posted on October 17, 2025 by Matilda Negri
Reading time about 10 minutes
Planning a holiday is exciting—but if you’re a person with a disability or a carer, there’s one big question that comes first: should you join a group tour or plan an individual supported trip?
Both can be life-changing. The right choice depends on your comfort, your goals, and the kind of experience you want.
At ClubMates Travel, we specialise in both options—each designed to help travellers build confidence, independence, and social connection through safe, supported holidays. Here’s how to decide which one’s right for you.
What Is Group Supported Travel?
Group supported holidays bring together travellers with disabilities to share adventures, discover new places, and form friendships that last long after the trip ends.
Each tour is led by experienced travel support workers who understand accessibility, communication, and behaviour supports—so you can relax knowing every detail is handled.
What’s included:
- Fully planned itinerary and accessible transport
- Accommodation and meal coordination
- Support with medication, budgeting, and daily living tasks
- A trained team focused on your safety and enjoyment
Why People Love Group Travel:
- Social connection – Meet others who share your interests and challenges.
- Confidence building – Step out of your comfort zone with crew who support you every step of the way.
- Fun and variety – Join music festivals, cruises, sporting events, and scenic outback adventures.
- Shared supports – Travel with others to make your NDIS claim go further.
During our annual Tamworth Music Festival trip, passengers sing, dance, and bond over their favourite Aussie tunes—many making lifelong friends who later travel together again.
Group travel is perfect for anyone who enjoys a social environment, thrives in shared energy, or simply wants to experience more of the world without the stress of planning.
What Is an Individual Supported Tour?
For those who prefer personalised experiences, an individual supported trip might be the best fit.
This option is all about you—your pace, your interests, your goals. You’ll travel one-on-one with a trained ClubMates support worker who provides the right level of assistance and companionship, wherever you choose to go.
Why choose an individual supported tour:
- Tailored itinerary – You choose where to go, what to do, and how fast to travel.
- One-on-one support – Ideal for complex needs, mobility limitations, or first-time travellers.
- Goal-focused – Designed around NDIS objectives like skill building, independence, and confidence.
- Privacy & comfort – Enjoy space to relax, reflect, and move at your own rhythm.
One of our travellers, Matthew, took a solo outback trip guided by our Director, Peter. Over two weeks, he practised cooking, packing, and managing change. The experience strengthened his independence and became a major milestone in his NDIS goals.
Individual supported travel offers flexibility and deeper personal outcomes. It’s especially suited to those who find groups overwhelming, want to visit unique locations, or have specific support needs.
Group vs Individual Supported Travel: How to Choose What's Right for You
Choosing between group and individual supported travel depends on your comfort level, social preferences, and goals. Here’s a quick comparison:
Do you want to make new friends? Yes – perfect for social connection and community participation. Focus is more on personal growth and one-on-one connection.
Do you prefer a structured plan? All activities, meals, and accommodation pre-organised. More flexible – you decide what to include
Do you enjoy shared experiences? You’ll travel with a group and crew. You’ll travel privately with your support worker.
Are you nervous about travelling alone? Crew and fellow passengers make you feel part of a team. Your one-on-one guide provides comfort and confidence.
Do you have specific NDIS goals to work on? Broader outcomes like confidence and social skills. Customised to build individual capacity and independence.
If you’re unsure, many passengers start with a group tour to build confidence, then move to individual trips as they become more comfortable travelling further or managing daily routines.
How Both Options Align with the NDIS
Whether you choose group or individual supported travel, both can align with your NDIS plan—as long as the supports help you achieve a goal such as:
- Increasing independence
- Building social or community participation
- Learning new life skills
- Boosting confidence or decision-making
How ClubMates keeps it compliant:
- You receive two invoices: one for NDIS-claimable supports (e.g., staff hours and personal assistance), and one for out-of-pocket travel costs (e.g., accommodation, flights, activities).
- We clearly identify support ratios, daily hours, and line items.
- Our consultants can help you or your support coordinator understand which parts of the trip can be claimed under your plan.
Transparency is key. You’ll always know what’s funded and what you’ll pay privately.
The Outcomes: Growth, Confidence & Connection
Group travellers often come home with new friendships and a renewed sense of belonging.
Individual travellers return with newfound independence and practical life skills.
We’ve seen passengers who started their first trip barely speaking to others, later leading group games and helping fellow travellers on future tours. That’s the power of supported travel done right.
Both options are about more than just a holiday. They’re opportunities to explore the world—and yourself—in a safe, supported way.
Case Study: From Solo Traveller to Group Leader
When Joanne first joined ClubMates, she requested an individual tour to the Gold Coast. She was shy and anxious about being away from home.
After a few days of gentle encouragement, she began joining group dinners, helping plan daily activities, and even suggesting sightseeing stops.
A year later, Joanne joined a group cruise—and she hasn’t looked back since. She now travels twice a year with ClubMates, encouraging new passengers to step out of their comfort zones.
Her journey shows how supported holidays can gradually build the skills and confidence needed for true independence.
Accessible Travel That Adapts to You
At ClubMates, we know that no two travellers are the same. That’s why we offer flexible accessible travel options—from escorted group tours to private itineraries—so you can travel in a way that feels safe, supported, and empowering.
Our role goes beyond travel planning. We’re your travel support service, ensuring that accessibility, fun, and personal growth go hand in hand. Whether you need wheelchair-friendly transport, sensory-aware activities, or trained assistance throughout, our team makes it possible.
Ready to Plan Your Next Supported Trip?
Whether you’re dreaming of a social adventure or a quiet one-on-one getaway, ClubMates Travel will design a safe, supported experience tailored to your needs.
Our team has helped thousands of Australians with disabilities experience the joy of travel—across cities, cruises, and continents.
Start Planning Today!
Click below to visit our website and browse upcoming Group and Individual tours. Find the perfect supported holiday 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.
