How Joanne Gained Confidence and Friendships on Her First Group Experience Away From Home
When Joanne first joined one of our ClubMates supported holidays, she was understandably nervous. She had never travelled without her family before — not even once. Her world was comfortable and familiar, and the idea of being away with a group of people she didn’t know brought on a lot of anxiety.
But what unfolded over the next few days was a beautiful transformation that we were proud to witness. This is exactly why we do what we do as NDIS holiday providers and as an accessible travel agency.
Starting with support
Joanne’s needs weren’t physical — they were emotional. What she needed was understanding, patience, and someone to guide her through the uncertainty. Our crew did just that, offering reassurance from the start, including a friendly meet and greet before departure. This helped Joanne see a familiar face when she arrived, easing that first moment of nerves.
She joined our Christmas experience from Melbourne to the Gold Coast — one of our biggest supported holidays of the year, with 34 people on board and a fun-packed itinerary including theme parks and a big New Year’s Eve party.
Slowly stepping out of her shell
Joanne was quiet at first, as many people are in new situations. But as the trip went on and she got to know the crew and her fellow passengers, something shifted. She began to relax. Then she began to smile. And soon, she was joining in everything.
The highlight for her? The New Year’s Eve party — she had an absolute blast! Once she let go of her fears, she realised how much fun accessibility travel could be. Her constant feedback throughout the trip was: “I’m having such a great time. This is so much fun.”
New friends, new confidence
It wasn’t just about the fun — Joanne also began building real connections. She formed friendships with both the crew and the other passengers. That’s something we always hope for. Because making friends, sharing experiences, and learning to be comfortable with new people are all big parts of growing in confidence and independence — key goals for any supported holiday.
By the end of the trip, her anxiety had eased. She kept talking about how much she was enjoying herself and how proud she was for doing something new.
The impact that lasts beyond the trip
When we checked in with Joanne later, she was already looking at brochures and chatting to her sister about joining another trip. That’s when we know the change has stuck — when someone who was once scared to take that first step is now ready and excited to do it all again.
As Peter from our crew said, “Someone grows as a person, loses their anxiety, and does something they’ve never done before — that’s very rewarding. Not just for them, but for all of us.”
Why supported holidays and accessibility travel matter
What Joanne experienced isn’t unique — it’s what we see time and time again with passengers who are given the right support and the right environment.
If someone has never been away in a group before, this kind of experience can open up a whole new world. It builds friendships, teaches social skills, and creates a sense of independence that carries over into everyday life.
There’s no downside. Just growth, connection, and joy. That’s the power of choosing the right NDIS holiday provider — and working with experienced travel agents who truly understand inclusive needs.
Ready to help someone you know take that first step?
Talk to our team today and see how our supported holidays can help build confidence, friendships, and life skills — all while having an unforgettable time. We’re proud to offer accessibility travel options as a leading accessible travel agency and NDIS provider that makes a real impact.
