Travel That Transforms
When Matthew set out on his individual supported tour with ClubMates Travel, he thought it would be a break—some time away, a change of scenery. But by day 13, as seen in this heartfelt interview with our Director, Peter (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JVjHWZujkms), it had become something much bigger: a journey of learning, confidence, and personal growth.
Learning by Living
This wasn’t a standard holiday. It was a capacity-building experience shaped by real-life situations—and a supportive push in the right direction. As Peter warmly checks in with Matthew during the interview, it’s clear that their relationship is one built on trust and encouragement.
Matthew doesn’t just recount what he did—he explains what he learnt:
- Handling adversity: When things didn’t go to plan, Matthew learned to stay calm and work through it.
- Dealing with change: From unexpected roadblocks to shifting plans, he practiced flexibility and patience.
- Cooking meals: With guidance, he gained confidence using new appliances, trying recipes, and making food safely on his own.
- Driving practice: Safely supervised, he worked on key driving skills, preparing him for more independence in the future.
- Talking with new people: Whether it was shop owners, staff at accommodation, or locals in small towns, Matthew gained confidence socially—learning how to communicate in new environments.
And behind the scenes, Peter gently encouraged him to keep growing. “You don’t know what you can do until you try,” he says in the video—a motto that guided Matthew throughout the trip.
More Than Respite: Accessible Travel with Purpose
What started as respite turned into a carefully guided opportunity for skill-building. Matthew’s story is a reminder of how accessible travel—when led by experienced, disability-focused professionals—can build a person’s capacity in ways everyday life sometimes can’t.
It’s not just about going away and staying in a respite house for a few days—it’s about setting someone up for greater independence, better communication, and more confidence to take on the world. That’s what we call accessible holidays Australia can be proud of—real holidays for disabled individuals, with lasting impact.
Supportive. Respectful. Empowering.
The video also captures something more subtle: just how comfortable and safe Matthew feels. His body language is relaxed, his smile is genuine, and the conversation flows naturally. That’s the heart of what we do—creating an environment where people feel seen, respected, and supported to be their best selves.
What We Saw
As a team, we watched Matthew grow stronger each day. He started saying yes to things he’d usually avoid. He took on new tasks with curiosity. He laughed more, spoke more, and took pride in what he was achieving. It reminded all of us why we do what we do—and why we exist as a disability travel services provider that goes far beyond logistics.
Why It Matters
For many NDIS participants, the idea of travel might feel too hard. But the right support, with people who understand disability and care deeply, can turn the idea of “getting away” into a life-changing experience that meets key NDIS goals:
- Capacity Building
- Social Participation
- Improved Daily Living
- Increased Confidence and Independence
This is where supported holidays come in—offering not just an escape, but a journey of empowerment, connection, and new possibility.
Ready for Your Own Journey of Growth?
Whether it’s a group tour or an individual adventure like Matthew’s, our team is ready to help you or someone you support build skills and confidence through guided, supported holidays designed for growth.
Explore how it works and talk to our travel team today.
👉 Contact Us: https://clubmatestravel.com/contact or check out our upcoming experiences.
