In the regard to the FF style of the game, FF9 and 9 were the last that actually did have it, FF10 didn't really have the traveling unless you took a walk (same with FFX-2/FF12).
If we talk about a real traveling mechanic it stopped at FF9 where you had an airship or a chocobo.
I also agree that FF series gameplay in combat stops and becomes more like DMC style, it stopped at FFX-2, but still had that charm in FF12, although there was no class specific stuff in it there were spells and abilities you could use to your hearts content.
I would so much prefer FF6/7 style to return though, Class specific style from FF 6(and X-2 where each dress sphere had only class specific abilities) and deep gameplay of FF7 and 6, the story was damn long and so interesting you couldn't just stop at the save point.