Clubmates Travel
Wheelchair Holidays: A Practical Guide for Accessible Travel
Posted on October 24, 2025 by Matilda Negri
Reading time about 9 minutes
We hear it every day. Planning travel in a wheelchair is overwhelming. SOme people we speak to have given up the idea of travel years ago but it seemed too stressful to research, only to find the destination isn’t accessible to the standards they need when arriving.
Yes, travelling with a wheelchair adds an extra layer of complexity, we’re not going to sugar coat that. But with the right planning and support, you can achieve what you see everyone else doing. At ClubMates Travel, we’ve spent decades helping people with high mobility support needs enjoy safe, supported trips across Australia and the world.
In this guide, we’ll share expert advice from our Director, Peter Negri, on the key things you need to think about before planning a wheelchair holiday, and the common pitfalls to avoid.
Both can be life-changing. The right choice depends on your comfort, your goals, and the kind of experience you want.
Flights: Getting On and Off the Aircraft
Flying with a wheelchair is often the most stressful part of a trip. Peter says the first thing to consider is your level of mobility:
- Can you self-transfer into an aircraft seat?
- Do you need a slide board or an eagle lifter to assist with transfers?
- Can you stand and shuffle a few steps, or do you need full support?
Every airline has different equipment, so you need to know in advance what’s available.
Tip from Peter:
“It’s not always about the airline—it’s about the aircraft. Smaller regional planes don’t have the same cargo hold space as city-to-city jets. That means not all wheelchairs will fit. Always check the dimensions and weight of your wheelchair against the aircraft you’re booked on.”
He also notes that while ClubMates has been fortunate never to have a chair badly damaged, mistakes can happen if ground staff don’t know how to stow motorised chairs safely. Laying a powered chair on its side, for example, can cause serious damage.
What to do:
- Confirm your wheelchair’s measurements and weight.
- Ask the airline about transfer assistance and equipment.
- Double-check if your chair can be safely stowed on the specific aircraft type.
Accomodation: What "Accessible" Really Means
Hotels often advertise “wheelchair accessible rooms,” but Peter warns that this can be misleading.
What to check before booking:
- Bathrooms: Roll-in showers, no glass screens, and grab rails.
- Room size: Space for your chair, luggage, and possibly extra equipment like a shower commode.
Photos: Always request recent photos of the exact room type.
Tip from Peter:
“Even if it’s a manual chair, you’ve got a person, their bag, the chair, and sometimes a commode. That’s four items in one room. If the room’s too small, it becomes a real challenge.”
Activities: Planning with Flexibility
Not every attraction is designed for wheelchair users, but that doesn’t mean you have to miss out.
Peter’s approach:
- Check accessibility ahead of time.
- Be upfront with passengers if a site isn’t accessible.
Offer alternative activities so no one feels left out.
“We always explain things before the booking is finalised. If someone loves the idea of a tour but can’t access one part of it, at least they know up front and can choose another option—or we’ll organise a different fun activity for them.”
Transport: Getting Around Safely
Accessible transport is often the trickiest part of travel. Not every destination has wheelchair accessible taxis or vehicles. At ClubMates Travel, all transport is checked and booked in advance, so passengers don’t have to worry.
This is one of the biggest differences between trying to plan your own trip and booking with a specialist disability travel agency—there are no surprises when you arrive.
Common Pitfalls of Wheelchair Holidays
Peter highlights some of the most common mistakes first-time wheelchair travellers make:
- Assuming “accessible” means fully accessible.
- Not checking wheelchair dimensions against aircraft cargo doors.
- Forgetting to ask for photos of accessible bathrooms.
- Believing all destinations have wheelchair taxis available.
- Booking with providers who don’t specialise in accessibility.
This is why using an experienced accessible travel agency is so important.
The Most Important Thing for First-Timers
Peter puts it simply:
“Nearly all of the above. Who knows what they’re doing? Come to somewhere like ClubMates, because we know what we’re doing. Otherwise, people risk having a really bad holiday.”
Why Choose a Supported Holiday
Start Your Wheelchair Holiday Today!
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.
