Clubmates Travel
How Group Travel Helps Adults with Disabilities Build Friendships
Posted on June 19, 2026 by Matilda Negri
Reading time about 12 minutes
Ask a ClubMates traveller about their favourite holiday and most will probably start by talking about the destination. The Gympie Muster. The Gold Coast. Bathurst. A cruise. A bus trip. The theme park ride they finally went on. The artist they got to see live.
People travel because they want experiences, adventure, excitement and memories. But when our team looks back on successful trips and we speak to our passengers’ families, we often notice something else happening alongside the itinerary. The friendships, confidence and sense of belonging that develop along the way are often the unexpected bonus.
Why Friendships Often Happen More Naturally on Tour
Making new friends is not easy for anyone these days, so imagine for nuerospicys. The desire for friendship is there, but the opportunities are not always available. Transport can be challenging. Social activities may not feel inclusive. Some people need support with communication, anxiety, confidence, routines or sensory regulation. Others have social circles that are largely made up of family members, support workers or housemates.
Nobody is placed in a room and told to make friends. Instead, friendships grow naturally through shared experiences. Travellers eat together, explore together, sit together on long coach rides and create memories together.
Alicia one of our support crew told us:
“Friendships usually start in very ordinary moments. It might be someone sharing a joke at dinner, helping another passenger with a bag or sitting together on the bus. By the end of the trip, those same people are often planning their next adventure together.”
Joanna's Story: The Trip That Changed Everything
Joanne’s first ClubMates holiday remains one of the clearest examples of how supported travel can transform confidence and social connection. When Joanne joined our Gold Coast NYE trip, she was travelling away from her family for the first time. Like many first-time travellers, she was stepping away from familiar routines, familiar faces and the comfort of home.
The first few days were difficult. Joanne was understandably nervous and emotional. She missed her family and found the adjustment challenging. There were tears, reassurance from the support crew and plenty of gentle encouragement as she settled into the trip.
Then came Movie World. Surrounded by the excitement of the park, the characters, the rides and the energy of the group, Joanne gradually began connecting with the other passengers. Throughout the day she shared experiences, enjoyed attractions with the group and started building friendships.
She began smiling more on the bus. She joined conversations more confidently. At dinner she became increasingly engaged with the group. By the end of the holiday, Joanne had become one of the most conversational people at the table and had formed friendships with several of our regular travellers. She discovered she could travel without her family, be supported safely, enjoy herself and build genuine connections with other people.
The following year Joanne returned for another Gold Coast holiday and her demeanour was completely different. She arrived with confidence, excitement and familiarity. She knew what to expect. She already knew people. She felt like she belonged. When speaking with our team, Joanne shared how much her life had changed since taking that first trip.
Read Joanne’s Full Story here.
Or watch her interview with our Director Peter Negri below.
Why Familiar Faces Matter
One of the unique things about ClubMates group holidays is that many travellers come back again and again. They may choose different destinations, but they return to a familiar environment where they know they will be welcomed and supported. Over time, travellers begin recognising familiar faces. They remember who they sat with on previous trips. They talk about friends they met years earlier. They look forward to seeing particular people again.
This familiarity creates something powerful. A traveller who felt shy on their first holiday may feel completely different by their third or fourth trip. They know the routine. They know how things work. They know they belong.
We often see this at events like the Gympie Muster, where travellers reconnect with friends they have met on previous ClubMates adventures. Some live hundreds of kilometres apart and would never normally cross paths in everyday life, yet through travel they have built genuine friendships that continue across multiple holidays.
Kristie's Story: From Passenger to Tour Assistant
Kristie’s journey demonstrates what can happen when confidence, belonging and opportunity come together.
Kristie first joined ClubMates as a passenger. Through music festivals, group holidays and shared experiences, she became known for her enthusiasm, energy and willingness to get involved. As she continued travelling, her confidence grew. She was no longer simply attending trips. She was becoming a recognised and valued member of the ClubMates community.
Eventually, that confidence and experience led to something remarkable. Kristie transitioned from passenger to ClubMates tour assistant. Her story is not simply about travel. It is about personal growth, confidence, identity and discovering what she could contribute to others. For many adults with disabilities, being remembered, valued and included can be life changing. It helps people see themselves differently. They become known for their personality, humour, interests and strengths, not just their support needs.
Read Kristie’s Full Story Here.
Or watch her interview with our Director Peter Negri below.
Shared Interests Break Down Social Barriers
Friendships often form more easily when there is already something in common. That is why themed supported holidays can be so effective. A country music festival gives people something to talk about. A motorsport event creates shared excitement. Wildlife encounters, cruises, city adventures and nature-based holidays all provide natural opportunities for conversation and connection.
For travellers who find social interaction difficult, shared interests can remove some of the pressure. A conversation about a favourite singer, a rollercoaster ride or a memorable experience often feels easier than trying to start a conversation from scratch. Support workers also play an important role here.
Their job is not only to assist with personal care, transport, medication or routines. They also notice opportunities for connection. Sometimes that means introducing two people with similar interests. Sometimes it means helping someone join a group conversation or creating a calm space when the environment becomes overwhelming.
These small moments often become the foundation for lasting friendships. On tour, people are not simply participants receiving support. They are friends, travellers, adventurers and valued members of a community.
Community Participation That Feels Real
A person can be surrounded by people and still feel isolated. Real participation happens when someone feels included, recognised and connected. That is why supported group travel is so groundbreaking.
Whether travellers are attending a music festival, visiting a major attraction, exploring regional Australia or enjoying a themed adventure, they are actively participating alongside others while receiving the support they need to enjoy the experience. At the same time, it’s normalising disability within the greater community and promoting tourism to destinations that otherwise wouldn’t have the education of how to be truly accessible.
For families, support coordinators and disability professionals, this is often one of the most valuable outcomes of all.
Find Your People on Tour
The best group tours for disabled adults are about helping people find connection, confidence, friendship and belonging in a safe and supported environment. Sure, the destination becomes one of many great memories. But it’s the people they meet often become the reason they come back.
If you or someone you support is looking for supported group holidays that focus on both adventure and connection, ClubMates Travel can help you find the right experience. Explore our upcoming supported group tours or speak with our team about finding a holiday that matches your interests, support needs and travel goals.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can adults with disabilities make friends on supported group holidays?
Yes. Many friendships develop naturally through shared experiences, meals, activities and travel. Some ClubMates travellers stay in touch and reconnect on future trips.
Are group holidays suitable for people who feel anxious about travelling?
Many travellers feel nervous before their first trip. ClubMates provides personalised support to help people settle in, build confidence and enjoy the experience at their own pace.
What if someone has never travelled away from family before?
Many ClubMates travellers take their first independent holiday with us. Our support crew work closely with families and participants to ensure travellers feel safe, comfortable and supported throughout the trip.
Do people travel with ClubMates more than once?
Yes. Many travellers return regularly and often reconnect with friends they have met on previous holidays.
Does the NDIS pay for group holidays?
The NDIS does not fund holidays themselves. However, some participants may be able to claim eligible support costs associated with travel depending on their individual plan and circumstances.
Why are shared-interest trips so popular?
Shared-interest holidays such as music festivals, sporting events and themed adventures create natural opportunities for conversation and connection, making it easier for friendships to develop.
Ready to build your own friendships and connections?
Click below to get the ball rolling on your own group travel experience and look forward to making new friends on a ClubMates tour!
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.
