Clubmates Travel
Kristie's Story: From Passenger to Team Member, 10 Years of Smiles and Support
Posted on May 22, 2026 by Matilda Negri
Reading time about 13 minutes
If you’ve ever been on a ClubMates trip, there’s a very good chance you’ve met the vibrant, cheeky and much-loved Kristie Small. She is not only a long-time traveller with us, but also now part of the ClubMates crew. With a smile that lights up the room and a personality that makes people feel welcome almost instantly, Kristie has become a familiar face in the ClubMates community.
Kristie joined our Managing Director, Peter, for a chat at a conference in Cairns. What followed was a heartwarming conversation filled with laughter, honesty and the kind of simple wisdom that reminds us why supported travel matters so much.
As part of one of Australia’s leading providers of inclusive group tours and supported holidays, Kristie’s story shows the power of the right support, the right environment and the right people around you. Her journey is about more than going on trips. It is about confidence, friendship, belonging and finding a place where you can truly be yourself.
From First Trip to ClubMates Family
Kristie started travelling with ClubMates more than 10 years ago. When Peter asked how many trips she had been on, Kristie quickly made it clear that she could not count them on one hand.
Peter, of course, had to jump in with a cheeky guess.
“8756,” he joked, before admitting, “not quite that many!”
It was a classic ClubMates moment, warm, funny and full of connection. For Kristie, those trips have clearly become a huge part of her life. Over the years, she has joined many different adventures, made countless memories and become part of the ClubMates family in every sense of the word.
When Peter asked her to name her favourite trip, she did not need much time to think.
“Tamworth,” Kristie said straight away.
“Because we get to have fun and dance the night away.”
That answer says so much about Kristie. She loves the music, the dancing, the people and the pure joy of being away with others. Tamworth is not just a destination for her. It is a place where she feels free, social and completely in her element.
Building Confidence, One Trip at a Time
For many people with disabilities, travelling away from home can be a big step. It can mean leaving familiar routines, meeting new people, trying new activities and learning how to manage new environments. With the right support, those experiences can become powerful opportunities for growth. When Peter asked Kristie if she feels more confident now than when she first started travelling with ClubMates, her answer was simple and full of pride.
“Yes!”
She then added, “I started getting lots of confidence. ClubMates is always happy and smiling every time.”
That confidence has grown across many years of supported travel. Each trip has given Kristie the chance to step outside her comfort zone, join in, speak up, make choices and experience new places with people she trusts. Sometimes confidence is built through big moments. Sometimes it is built through little ones. For Kristie, it has been built through dancing at music festivals, laughing with friends, travelling away from home and trying activities she may not have done on her own. One memory that stood out during the interview was a very funny moment on a giant swing. Kristie got a little stuck and needed some help getting out.
“It was very funny for us,” Peter joked.
And luckily, Kristie was giggling too.
These are the kinds of moments that make supported travel so special. Not everything has to be perfect to be meaningful. Sometimes the best memories come from the unexpected moments, especially when everyone feels safe, supported and able to laugh together.
Feeling Safe, Included and Part of Something Special
Being away from home can feel nerve-wracking, especially for someone joining a trip for the first time. There are new people, new places, new routines and sometimes a lot of unknowns. That is why feeling safe and included is such a big part of what we do at ClubMates. Kristie knows what that feels like. She has experienced it as a passenger, and now she helps create that feeling for others. When asked what she would say to someone who might be nervous about joining a trip, Kristie gave a beautifully simple answer.
“You come along, you’ll have fun, and you won’t regret it.”
There is no big sales pitch in that. Just honesty from someone who has lived it. Peter also shared something many people around ClubMates already know, Kristie has a very special way of helping people feel comfortable.
“Kristie’s superpower is getting people very comfortable and happy when she’s away with them.”
And it is true. Some people have a natural gift for making others feel safe. Kristie is one of those people. She brings warmth, humour and a sense of fun to the group. She helps people settle in. She cheers others on. She understands what it feels like to be a passenger, and that gives her a special kind of empathy.
From Passenger to Team Member
One of the most beautiful parts of Kristie’s story is that she has gone from being a ClubMates passenger to becoming part of the ClubMates team. After years of travelling, joining in and building her confidence, Kristie now helps bring that same joy to other people. Peter summed it up in his usual warm and cheeky way.
“I thought you had a bit of magic, so we employed Kristie!”
That magic is easy to see. Kristie understands the fun, the nerves, the friendships and the little moments that make a trip special. She knows what it is like to arrive as a passenger, meet the crew, make friends and slowly feel more confident as the days go on. Now, she gets to help others experience that too.
This is what supported holidays can do when they are done with care. They can help people discover strengths they did not know they had. They can create new roles, new confidence and new ways to connect with the world. Kristie’s journey is a reminder that travel is not only about where someone goes. It is also about who they become along the way.
A Travel Experience That Makes a Difference
When Peter asked Kristie why travel is important for people with disabilities, she spoke from the heart.
“To come along and they will have fun, and I won’t regret it.”
She also talked about confidence again, adding that people can become “more confidence coming.” Her words may be simple, but the meaning behind them is powerful. Kristie has felt that change herself. She knows what it is like to grow through travel, to feel more comfortable around others and to realise that being away from home can be exciting instead of scary. For people who are unsure, nervous or wondering whether a supported trip could be right for them, Kristie has one clear message.
“Come along, you’ll have fun.”
And for those who are feeling really adventurous, Peter joked about going bungee jumping with her. But he was quick to make it clear that bungee jumping is absolutely not required. At ClubMates, trying something new is encouraged, but never forced. Everyone travels at their own pace. Some people want to dance all night. Some want to sit back and watch. Some want to try the giant swing. Others would rather cheer from the sidelines. All of that is okay. The goal is not to push people into doing things they do not want to do. The goal is to provide the support, encouragement and opportunity for each person to take their own next step.
More Than a Holiday
Kristie’s story is a beautiful example of why inclusive group tours can be so meaningful for people with disabilities. These trips are not just about sightseeing or ticking destinations off a list. They are about connection, confidence and being part of something. For Kristie, ClubMates has meant fun, friendship and a place where she can shine. It has given her years of memories, the chance to build confidence and now the opportunity to support others on their own travel journeys. When asked to describe ClubMates, Kristie summed it up perfectly.
“Fun, smiling, and having lots of memories.”
That really is the heart of it. These trips create space for people to laugh, dance, explore, make friends and feel included. They give passengers the chance to be part of a group, to try new things and to experience life beyond their usual routines. And for families, carers and support teams, stories like Kristie’s show what can happen when someone is given the right support to step into the world with confidence.
The Heart of What We Do
As the interview wrapped up, Peter looked at Kristie and smiled.
“We love what we do, don’t we, Kristie?”
“Yes, we do, Peter,” she replied, grinning.
That little exchange says everything. At ClubMates, we are lucky to witness so many special moments on the road. We see passengers grow in confidence. We see friendships form. We see people try things they never thought they would try. We see families breathe a little easier knowing their loved one is safe, supported and having the time of their life.
Kristie’s story brings all of that together. She started as a passenger, became part of the ClubMates family and now helps bring joy to others as part of the team. And if you ever meet Kristie on a trip, you will see that love in action. She will be the one cheering people on, helping them feel welcome and reminding everyone that travel should be fun, supported and full of memories.
Ready to Experience Supported Travel?
Our inclusive group tours and supported holidays are designed for people of all abilities, with trained support, accessible travel planning and a whole lot of fun along the way.
Click below to speak to our friendly team and get started on planning your supported 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.
