New data from Travel Uni and industry body Discover Ferries reveals a major pivot towards closer-to-home and flight-free travel for summer 2026.

Based on responses from over 800 travel agents and tour operator staff, the research shows that 78% of agents have seen increased interest in European destinations closer to home, while 39% noted an uplift for UK staycations. Additionally, 37% reported rising demand for "flight-free" ferry and rail trips.

For travel agents, the findings offer clear insight into client behaviours and concerns when booking trips this summer. As agents look to provide both value and peace of mind for the remainder of the season and beyond, there is opportunity to leverage resilient, closer-to-home options to ensure that holidaymakers can travel with confidence.

Uncertainty has also heightened consumer caution, consequently, 74% of travellers are delaying bookings until closer to departure. 89% of agents report that clients are worried about disruption and cancellations, and 87% note anxieties over fuel surcharges and price hikes.

To assure bookers, Director of Discover Ferries, Abby Penlington, says: "The fuel used for shipping is not the same as jet fuel, so ferry services are not exposed to supply issues in the same way as airlines. Travellers can therefore feel reassured that ferries are a reliable, flight-free way to get away.

"With the opportunity to travel with your own vehicle and take as much luggage as you like, for price-sensitive consumers, agents can underline the value included within a ferry ticket. And, with many operators extending offers on short breaks, travellers can snap up a good deal."

Ian Dockreay, CEO of Equator Global and Travel Uni comments: “These findings help us to understand the impact of conflict and economic disruption in much better detail. They show how the public pivot, so as to continue to enjoy that all important holiday, maintaining a degree of wellbeing for all ages, during tough times.”