Byway reveals 2026 travel trends as flight-free travel takes off

Flight-free travel platform Byway has unveiled its 2026 travel trend report, revealing a sharp rise in overland holidays and new traveller habits shaped by sustainability, technology, and wellbeing. Bookings for Byway’s flight-free trips have surged by 80% compared to 2024, with off-season and family travel seeing the strongest growth.

Key trends identified include ‘peak creeping’, ‘athleisure tourism’, and ‘reward tourism’ – alongside the continued rise of no-fly families, and artificial intelligence (AI) enhanced planning.

Peak creeping refers to the growing popularity of shoulder seasons, as travellers seek quieter destinations and milder temperatures. Byway data shows off-season departures up 50% year on year, with September proving the most popular month. “The new sweet spot is clear: April to May and September to October,” the report states, adding that this shift helps spread tourism and support local communities beyond the summer rush.

Athleisure tourism, meanwhile, reflects a gentler approach to active travel. “There’s been a marked rise in requests for trips that combine movement and relaxation,” said a spokesperson for Byway, citing examples such as cycling through Siena’s vineyards or wild swimming in Lake Constance.

No-fly families are also on the rise, with flight-free family trips up 50% year on year. Families are embracing train and ferry travel for comfort, space, and the adventure of the journey itself.

A newer concept, reward tourism, highlights destinations offering perks for low-impact arrivals. Copenhagen’s CopenPay programme trades train arrivals for free yoga or museum entries, while Bremen rewards rail travellers with welcome packs. Byway says such initiatives are helping shift traveller behaviour towards greener choices –collectively saving 2,220 tonnes of CO₂ last year.

As Europe warms, Alpine escapes are also gaining appeal, with new sleeper trains linking Malmö and Copenhagen with Switzerland from spring 2026.

Technology is reshaping trip planning too. Byway’s new AI-powered Place Finder tool blends artificial intelligence with human expertise to create low-impact, personalised itineraries.

Cat Jones, Founder of Byway, said: “We’ve seen demand for overland holidays rise across every category. The journey is reclaiming its rightful place at the heart of travel as we move towards holidays that are more meaningful, sustainable, and considered.”

Wild Frontiers recently revealed the 16 emerging adventure travel destinations for 2026.