Since Redion began tracking modes of transport in 2021, travel behaviour has continued to evolve, but not always in a linear way. In Europe, a milestone was reached last year when air travel overtook the car as the primary mode of transport for holiday trips. While car usage has continued to decline in 2026, the growth of air travel has now stabilised. Importantly, this shift has not benefited alternative lower-carbon options: train and bus usage have also fallen, underscoring the limited scope for substitution.
In North America, transport habits have been more stable over time, although planes similarly emerged as the dominant option in 2025. In both regions, age remains a differentiating factor. Older travelers are significantly more likely to rely on the car, while younger generations favour air travel, also mirroring the fact that young people travel more internationally. In Europe, half of travelers over 55 travel with their personal car, compared with just over a third of under-35s; a similar pattern is observed in North America.
Modes of transportation planned to go to destination (%)
North America
Europe
North Asia
North America, 2021 to 2026. Personal car: 55, 48, 48, 48, 52, 53. Plane: 38, 41, 43, 47, 47, 47. Train: 5, 8, 7, 12, 15, 13.
Europe, 2021 to 2026. Personal car: 64, 55, 50, 49, 48, 46. Plane: 22, 33, 37, 44, 50, 47. Train: 14, 15, 16, 17, 22, 19.
North Asia, 2024 to 2026. Plane: 67, 70, 71. Train: 30, 35, 34. Personal car: 20, 26, 22.
In North Asia (71%) and India (63%), the plane clearly dominates, followed by the train. However, even here, signs of constraint are visible: car usage has declined in North Asia, while train usage in India has fallen by seven points. The plane also remains the leading mode of transport in Oceania (64%) and the Middle East (57%), with the car continuing to play a secondary role.
Modes of transportation planned to go to destination (%)
| Mode of transport | US | Canada | Argentina | Brazil | Mexico |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Plane | 54 | 51 | 60 | 46 | 55 |
| Personal car | 46 | 48 | 25 | 21 | 15 |
| Train | 13 | 14 | 11 | 6 | 5 |
| Bus | 8 | 10 | 35 | 32 | 40 |
| Rental car through an agency | 21 | 15 | 9 | 17 | 10 |
| Boat | 8 | 6 | 6 | 3 | 6 |
| Rental car between private individuals | 8 | 4 | 5 | 12 | 4 |
| Camper van | 4 | 4 | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| Carpooling | 4 | 4 | 3 | 5 | 5 |
| Bike | 3 | 3 | 2 | 4 | 1 |
| Motorbike | 4 | 1 | 3 | 3 | 2 |
| Other | 1 | 2 | 1 | 2 | 1 |
Reasons of choice of the main transportation mode (%)
| Reason | EU | West EU | South EU | East EU | North Asia | India | Oceania | Middle East | North America | South America |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| It is the most convenient way to reach my destination | 55 | 56 | 54 | 56 | 57 | 53 | 59 | 44 | 59 | 47 |
| I am used to taking this mode of transportation | 38 | 38 | 34 | 44 | 39 | 41 | 34 | 35 | 38 | 37 |
| It is more affordable for me | 26 | 27 | 28 | 23 | 27 | 41 | 29 | 30 | 35 | 32 |
| It is the only possible way to reach my destination | 21 | 24 | 19 | 17 | 34 | 39 | 34 | 31 | 23 | 20 |
| It is more environmentally friendly | 8 | 9 | 7 | 7 | 14 | 36 | 10 | 21 | 11 | 8 |
| Other | 2 | 2 | 1 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 3 | 1 | 2 | 2 |
| None of these | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 2 | 2 |
Despite the continued dominance of carbon-intensive modes of transport, sustainability remains firmly on travelers’ agendas in 2026. Across all regions, a clear majority say they are already adopting, or would be willing to adopt, a range of more sustainable travel practices, confirming that environmental awareness continues to shape attitudes toward travel.
The strongest commitment is expressed around actions that are immediately tangible and easy to integrate into the travel experience. Supporting local economies, avoiding waste of local resources and steering clear of socially irresponsible activities consistently rank highest. Around eight to nine in ten travelers across regions say they already practise, or would be prepared to practise, these behaviours.
However, the data also points to a gradual easing of momentum. The softening in sustainability attitudes observed in last year’s Barometer continues in 2026, particularly among European travelers, with further declines visible in North Asia, Oceania and North America. Middle East and India stand out as a partial exception, where willingness to adopt responsible behaviours has increased compared with 2025.
Looking ahead, generational differences suggest that sustainability will remain a lasting dimension of travel decision-making. Younger travelers consistently show higher levels of engagement. In Europe, for example, 72% of 18 to 24-year-olds say they are open to switching transport modes to reduce their carbon footprint, compared with 58% of travelers aged over 55. Together, these findings underline both the persistence of sustainability as a core value, and the challenge of translating intention into action under increasingly constrained travel conditions.
Willingness to adopt sustainable travel practices, yes, whether people are already doing it or would be ready to do it (%)
| Practice | EU | West EU | South EU | East EU | North Asia | India | Oceania | Middle East | North America | South America |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Supporting local economy | 82 | 80 | 87 | 79 | 83 | 91 | 84 | 87 | 80 | 89 |
| Adopt responsible behaviors not to waste local resources | 82 | 80 | 87 | 78 | 84 | 90 | 80 | 86 | 76 | 88 |
| Avoid activities that are not socially responsible or respectful of the local culture, environment or wildlife | 77 | 76 | 84 | 72 | 83 | 90 | 78 | 86 | 74 | 83 |
| Travel during off-peak seasons | 75 | 73 | 81 | 69 | 77 | 91 | 69 | 83 | 68 | 83 |
| Opt for buses, trains or other forms of on-site public transport instead of cars or taxis | 71 | 68 | 79 | 69 | 79 | 89 | 69 | 84 | 62 | 84 |
| Picking an accommodation with a green certification | 69 | 67 | 77 | 61 | 71 | 87 | 66 | 83 | 64 | 83 |
| Travel to a closer destination to reduce carbon footprint | 63 | 59 | 72 | 57 | 67 | 83 | 56 | 78 | 59 | 76 |
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