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65 Songs About Travel & Adventure For The Ultimate Wanderlust Playlist

Add these songs to your travel playlist to fuel your wanderlust..

Last updated on Jun 28, 2023

woman smiling for songs about wanderlust

There's nothing better than having music in your life that encompasses what you are doing or how you are feeling. And what better time to have music explain your feelings than on vacation?

Whether you're looking for the perfect songs to accompany your travel videos or are putting together a playlist for your vacation, these songs about traveling will fuel your wanderlust and set the tone for adventure.

65 Best Songs About Wanderlust, Travel & Adventure

1. "go your own way" by fleetwood mac.

If you haven't heard this song before, it will likely become your favorite travel song. It's one of those travel songs that's infused with the best travel tips: go your own way.

RELATED: 7 Reasons People Who Travel A Lot Are More Likely To Be Successful

2. "Leaving On A Jet Plane" by Peter, Paul, and Mary

You can listen to music while traveling by downloading songs to your phone. If you're traveling by plane, this song will definitely set the mood for you. John Denver also has a popular recording of it.

3. "On The Road Again" by Willie Nelson

This song is absolutely perfect for road trips . Pump up the music and sing along with your friends.

4. "Come Sail Away" by Styx

You don't have to be literally sailing away for this song to resonate. Sailing away, metaphorically speaking, can represent leaving home to jump into the unknown.

5. "Road To Nowhere" by Talking Heads

This is a great song to rock out to when you're traveling to a new destination for the foreseeable future. When moving, you might have to wrestle with a lot of bittersweet, complex emotions. This song is perfect for coping with those changes.

6. "Midnight Train To Georgia" by Gladys Knight & The Pips

This Grammy Award-winning song is about traveling from L.A. to Georgia on a train that departs at midnight.

7. "Travelin’ Man" by Ricky Nelson

Or a traveling woman, or traveling person, of course. This song is quite literally about traveling, so it will be perfect for any travel-themed playlist.

8. "Homeward Bound" by Simon & Garfunkel

Ever wanted to travel so you could avoid home? This song is about leaving home and constantly being reminded of it.

9. "Send Me On My Way" by Rusted Root

This is a song about moving forward in life — but being happy and hopeful about it.

10. "Life Is A Highway" by Rascal Flatts

"Life Is A Highway" is a metaphor for living life to the fullest and taking big risks.

RELATED: The Best Road Trip Songs To Sing (& Rock Out To) While Driving

11. "Space Oddity" by David Bowie

"Space Oddity" came out the same year that astronauts landed on the moon: 1969.

12. "Fast Car" by Tracy Chapman

If you're driving down the road in a fast car — or even a slow one — this song will be perfect for your travel playlist.

13. "Orinoco Flow" by Enya

In this song, the narrator fantasizes about sailing away and traveling the world.

14. "See The World" by the Kooks

Want to see the world? Turn this song up to the full blast.

15. "Road Trippin'" by the Red Hot Chili Peppers

This song is perfect for your road trip playlist, as it is all about going on a road trip.

16. "Hot Fun in the Summertime" by Sly & The Family Stone

Nothing screams summer vacation like hot fun summertime.

17. "Malibu" by Kim Petras

"Malibu" is such a good vacation song. It's perfect for relaxing and chilling by the beach.

18. "Island in the Sun" by Weezer

"Island in the Sun" is all about sailing away to a fantasy beach. If only escaping your problems could be so easy.

19. "Surfin’ USA" by The Beach Boys

The music was based on “Sweet Little Sixteen” by Chuck Berry. This song covers all of the best surfing locations in the United States.

20. "California Gurls" by Katy Perry ft. Snoop Dogg

California Girls — they're undeniable! If you've ever been — or lived — in California, it might not ring true. But it definitely covers all of the California stereotypes that potential tourists might assume are accurate.

21. "School’s Out" by Alice Cooper

Nothing better than the end of the school year! What's more fun than celebrating the beginning of summer with a little Alice Cooper?

22. "Don’t Worry, Be Happy" by Bob Marley

This carefree song will perfectly put your work-life woes on pause. Close your eyes, take a breath, listen to this song, and enjoy yourself.

RELATED: What Traveling The World For 450 Days Taught Me About Relationships

23. "Soak Up The Sun" by Sheryl Crow

Traveling to a sunny place? This song is perfect for listening to by the pool or beach.

24. "Vacation" by The Go-Go's

What better way to celebrate your vacation than with a song that's literally called "Vacation"?

25. "It's Nice To Go Trav'ling" by Frank Sinatra

It's nice to go traveling, don't you think? Rocking out to this song is the best way to enjoy your travels.

26. "Meet the Parents" by Kim Petras

In this song, Kim Petras sings about taking someone to the beach, Paris, Miami, and New York.

27. "Galway Girl" by Ed Sheeran

The song is about a narrator that falls in love with a girl from Galway, Ireland.

28. "New York, I Love You" by LCD Soundsystem

What better way to embrace the Big Apple than with this song? Though it's about contradictions and a love/hate relationship with New York City, it's a reminder for anyone traveling that this city has a lot of heart.

29. "Night in Bangkok" by Murray Head

Bangkok is the capital of Thailand, and this song is great for traveling, as it describes what a literal night in Bangkok looks like.

30. "Free Man In Paris" by Joni Mitchell

Ever been to Paris? Ever been to Paris listening to this song? It's perfect for the first or next time your plane lands there.

31. "Paris, Tokyo" by Lupe Fiasco

Lupe Fiasco said he wrote this song because he loves Paris and Tokyo!

32. "American Boy" by Estelle ft. Kanye West

In this song, one of the narrators asks the other to take her to New York and L.A. And if either of those locations is your destination, you can rock out to this jam on the way there.

33. "Destination Calabria" by Alex Gaudino ft. Crystal Waters

This song is about leaving home without a plan set in stone.

RELATED: 5 Liberating Reasons Why You Should Consider Traveling By Yourself

34. "Havana" by Camila Cabello

Camila Cabello is from Havana, so who better to sing a song about this beautiful city than a native?

35. "Sweet Home Alabama" by Lynyrd Skynyrd

Whether you're visiting Alabama or just love the tune, it's a great song about never forgetting your roots.

36. "A Thousand Miles" by Vanessa Carlton

"A Thousand Miles" is a fun travel song, especially if you're traveling a thousand miles (or more!) away from home.

37. "I’ve Been Everywhere" by Johnny Cash

This song is great if you've been traveling all over the place and is known to inspire wanderlust in anyone who listens.

38. "Everywhere" by Fleetwood Mac

Though "Everywhere" may not be about travel specifically, it conveys the lovely feeling of being anywhere in the world with your love by your side.

39. "Roam" by the B52s

This song invites you to explore the world, wherever you want, whenever.

40. "My Traveling Star" by James Taylor

"My Traveling Star" explores the tension between home and the road.

41. "Come Away With Me" by Norah Jones

This song is all about asking someone to leave with you.

42. "Shut Up and Drive" by Rihanna

Definitely consider adding this to your road trip playlist, especially if the driver talks too much.

43. "The Long Way Around" by The Chicks

Any song by The Chicks will suffice for your road trip blues.

RELATED: 75 Happy Songs To Make You Smile & Feel Good

44. "Route 66" by Nat King Cole

Route 66 is one of the most famous routes in the United States. So if you're planning to drive the entire 2,000-mile stretch, consider adding this one to your wanderlust playlist.

45. "I Left My Heart In San Francisco" by Tony Bennett

This is the perfect song when moving feels more bittersweet than sweet.

46. "Montego Bay" by Amazulu

Montego Bay is Jamaica's third most populous city, and this song is all about relaxing.

47. "Proud Mary" by Tina Turner

Originally performed by Creedence Clearwater Revival, this song is about a steamboat traveling up and down the river. But its deeper meaning has an encouraging message to appreciate the simple things in life outside of bills and work.

48. "On Top of The World" by Imagine Dragons

This song is all about moving forward and letting go of the past . It's an anthem that radiates positivity, and its upbeat energy and empowering message of triumph make it a perfect choice for a road trip or adventure.

49. "I’m Gonna Be (500 Miles)" by The Proclaimers

This song is perfect for road trips. It's one of those songs that everyone loves to sing along to in a car.

50. "Runaway" by Kanye West

This song is perfect for any trip, especially if you're traveling to get away from your problems.

51. Bruno Mars TikTok Song

This Bruno Mars remix is a staple for travel TikTokers.

52. TikTok Snapping Song

Transition your travel videos with a snap with this song in the background for a cool effect.

53. "Sunny Day" by Ted Fresco

This upbeat song adds a fun, lighthearted mood to your travel videos or wanderlust playlist.

54. "Vacation" by The Dirty Heads

This has quickly become the ultimate vacation video song thanks to TikTok.

55. "Paradise" by Bazzi

Show everyone a piece of your own paradise with this wanderlust song.

56. "Knee Deep" by The Zac Brown Band ft. Jimmy Buffet

An ultimate vacation goal is what this song represents. The Zac Brown Band and Jimmy Buffet paint a picture of a peaceful oceanfront property and not worrying about anything.

RELATED: Why I Travel To Cure My Broken Heart

57. "Empire State of Mind" by Jay-Z ft. Alicia Keys

Anyone going to New York City will be inspired by the glamorous and freeing descriptions of the concrete jungle.

58. "Traveling Alone" by Passenger

The song discusses wanting to travel all over, even if you're alone. So, if you have wanderlust this song is right up your alley.

59. "Down Under" by Men at Work

This classic 80s hit is all about how amazing Australia is. Once you hear it, you'll definitely want to visit the land down under.

60. "Guaranteed" by Eddie Vedder

This song was written for the film "Into The Wild" and won a Golden Globe. Why not add an award-winning hit to your playlist?

61. "Vienna" by Billy Joel

"Vienna" by Billy Joel discusses the importance of slowing down in life and enjoying the moment. It reminds us to take a break and smell the flowers.

62. "Born To Be Wild" by Steppenwolf

If you love riding along the open road, this song is for you. Originally recorded in 1968, it was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.

63. "Graceland" by Paul Simon

This recording is a timeless masterpiece that has a vibrant and uplifting musical journey. Its introspective lyrics capture the essence of growth and exploration.

64. "Come Fly With Me" by Frank Sinatra

"Come Fly With Me" was written specifically for Frank Sinatra, and is a romantic song where Sinatra invites listeners to visit exotic places with him, like Peru and Bombay.

65. "Travelin Band" by Creedence Clearwater Revival

This is a high-energy rock and roll classic that captivates listeners with its infectious rhythm and spirited guitar riffs. You have to tap your feet when you hear it!

RELATED: 35 Best Songs About Life To Keep You Motivated On Your Journey

Izzy Casey is a freelance writer, former YourTango writer and associate editor, and copy editor who received her MFA in Poetry from the Iowa Writers' Workshop. Her work has been published in Corriere della Sera, The Iowa Review, Bennington Review, Gulf Coast, Black Warrior Review, BOATT, NY Tyrant, and elsewhere.

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93 Best Songs About Travel and Adventure for Your Playlist

Looking for great songs for your next trip? Well, you’re in the right place! I’ve put together 93 of the BEST adventure songs for the ultimate wanderlust playlist! Be sure to add them to your travel playlist before you leave so you don’t run into trouble with Internet connections.

When you get out on the open road, there’s nothing quite like turning up the music and listening to the perfect song to get you excited about your travel plans! Exploring new places, getting out of your comfort zone, meeting new people, basking in the sun — whatever travel adventures you are taking on your next vacation will help keep you young, healthy, and happy!

woman looking out an airplane window with earplugs in listening to the best adventure songs

We are traveling out west to Wyoming, Idaho, Montana, and South Dakota soon! I am beyond excited to be off on our next adventure for 15-days! My road trip playlist has already been keeping me company as I plan and prepare for the trip, but I’ve discovered even more great songs to add before we leave!

Related Article: 30 Reasons Why Traveling Is Important To Your Overall Wellness

Disclaimer : This list of the best adventure songs has been curated by me, thus they represent my taste and preferred style and genres. You will note that the selected songs are primarily clean, traditional songs from mainstream genres. I recognize that there are many other enjoyable songs about travel today that may not have been included in this list.

Best Adventure Songs to Inspire Your Wanderlust

I think travel and music go together just like peanut butter and jelly. A perfect playlist in the background almost always enriches your adventures.

Favorite songs bring back wonderful memories of past travels, as well as inspire a clear and present mindset for your current adventures.

Whether you are riding along country roads or flying across the mid-west on a jet plane — or maybe both — the best travel songs inspire positive vibes and great memories!

These are my all-time favorite travel and adventure songs that bring me great joy on every trip!

  • “Welcome to New York” by Taylor Swift
  • “Highway Don’t Care” by Tim McGraw and Taylor Swift
  • “Surfin’ USA” by The Beach Boys
  • “California Girls” by Katy Perry ft. Snoop Dogg
  • “Havana” by Camila Cabello
  • “It’s Five O’Clock Somewhere” by Alan Jackson
  • “Proud Mary” by Tina Turner
  • “Kokomo” by The Beach Boys
  • “Escape (The Pina Colada Song)” by Rupert Holmes
  • “Cruise” by Florida Georgia Line
  • “Dirt Road Anthem” by Jason Aldean
  • “Blowin’ Smoke” by Kacey Musgrave
  • “On The Road Again” by Willie Nelson
  • “My Church” by Maren Morris
  • “I’m Gonna Be (500 Miles)” by The Proclaimers
  • “I Know Where I’m Going” by The Judds

Travel and Adventure Songs from Country Artists

Country music is generally my preferred genre of music. But when I travel, I enjoy a variety of music genres because of the upbeat tempo of many of the songs.

These are some of my favorite adventure songs from country music that I have on my playlist. They take me back to many times in my life when I traveled with loved ones and they are a breath of fresh air that bring back wonderful memories.

  • “Soak Up The Sun” by Sheryl Crow
  • “Leaving On A Jet Plane” by John Denver
  • “Life Is A Highway” by Rascal Flats
  • “I’ve Been Everywhere Man” by Johnny Cash
  • “On The Road Again” by Willy Nelson
  • “Ramblin’ Man” by The Allman Brothers
  • “Drunk on a Plane” by Dierks Bentley
  • “Somewhere on a Beach” by Dierks Bentley
  • “Highway Vagabond” by Miranda Lambert
  • “I’m a Ramblin’ Man” by Waylon Jennings
  • “Take Me Home, Country Roads” by John Denver
  • “Jackson” by Johnny Cash and June Carter

Best Songs for Beach Vacations

I’ve spent my entire life going on vacations to the beach. We live about 3 hours from Ocean City, Maryland so that has always been our vacation spot every summer. And since we are a family of teachers, it worked out especially well during our summer break.

The Beach Boys songs went on every vacation with us for years, so today their songs bring me great joy! I have such wonderful memories! Plus, who doesn’t have a little summer love story that comes to mind when you listen to some of these songs?

I’ve also discovered some new favorites, too. When I listen to these songs, they magically take me back to the beach where I am carefree and happy. Where I am making great memories with family and friends over the years.

I hope these summertime beach adventure (and love:) songs bring great joy to your heart and mind.

  • “Toes” by Zack Brown Band
  • “Surfin’ Safari” by The Beach Boys
  • “When The Sun Goes Down” by Kenny Chesney and Uncle Kracker
  • “Pontoon” by Little Big Town
  • “Summertime” by Will Smith & DJ Jazzy Jeff
  • “Yellow Submarine” by The Beatles
  • “California Dreamin’ ” by The Beach Boys
  • “No Shoes, No Shirt, No Problems” by Kenny Chesney
  • “All Summer Long” by Kid Rock
  • “Itsy Bitsy Teenie Weenie Yellow Polka Dot Bikini” by Brian Hyland
  • “Under the Boardwalk” by The Drifters
  • “Summer Nights” by Olivia Newton-John and John Travolta
  • “Surf City” by Jan & Dean
  • “Beachin’ ” by Jake Owen
  • “Summertime” by Kenny Chesney

Relaxing Adventure & Travel Songs

Sometimes when we are traveling, we just want to sit with our music, our favorite people, and relax. These are some of the best songs for that. Enjoy those moments!

  • “Margaritaville” by Jimmy Buffett
  • “Somewhere Over the Rainbow” by Ava Cassidy
  • “Come Away With” Me by Norah Jones
  • “Leaving On A Jet Plane” by Chantal Kreviazuk
  • “New York State Of Mind” by Billie Joel
  • “Homeward Bound” by Simon & Garfunkel
  • “Orinoco Flow” by Enya
  • “Road Trippin'” by the Red Hot Chili Peppers
  • “New York State of Mind” by Billy Joel
  • “Fast Car” by Tracy Chapman
  • “Free” by Donavon Frankenreiter
  • “Hotel California” by Eagles
  • “Africa” by Toto

Favorite Rock Songs About Travel

These rock songs are all pretty amazing. My husband is going to especially love these songs on our vacation playlist.

I know and love almost all of these songs from my youth, and I find it very interesting that they have common themes that reflect the times several decades ago. The world was free and wild back then — people hitchhiked across the United States with no worries — and these songs reflect that freedom.

Let these songs take you back to a more simple, yet wild and free time!

  • “Born To Be Wild” by Steppenwolf
  • “Born to Run” by Bruce Springsteen
  • “Travelin’ Man” by Lynyrd Skynyrd
  • “Sweet Home Alabama” by Lynard Skynard
  • “A Horse with No Name” by America
  • “Go Your Own Way” by Fleetwood Mac
  • “Like a Rolling Stone” by Bob Dylan
  • “Life is a Highway” by Tom Cochrane

Best Classic Songs About Adventure and Travel

No list of songs is ever going to satisfy everyone simple because we each have our own opinions and preferences. But there are classic songs about adventure and travel that seem to make every list — just because everyone knows and loves them.

Each of these songs is on this list for a different reason. Sometimes the lyrics are meaningful and remind us of a great adventure on the open road. Sometimes the music is upbeat or inspiring and makes us excited about our adventure. Sometimes it’s just a happy beat that gets our toes tapping and puts a smile our faces.

Some of these songs go back decades but they are ingrained in our minds and inspire our wanderlust dreams. Who could put together a playlist of the best adventure songs without these classics?

  • “I Left My Heart In San Francisco” by Tony Bennet
  • “Midnight Train To Georgia” by Gladys Knight And The Pips
  • “Island in the Sun” by Weezer
  • “Coming To America” by Neil Diamond
  • “California Dreamin’ ” by The Mamas And The Papas
  • “Travelin’ Man” by Ricky Nelson
  • “Come Fly With Me” by Frank Sinatra
  • “What a Wonderful World” by Louis Armstrong
  • “New York, New York” by Frank Sinatra
  • “Send Me On My Way” by Rusted Root
  • “Carry on Wayward Son” by Kansas
  • “Sittin’ On the Dock of the Bay” by Otis Redding
  • “Leaving On a Jet Plane” by Peter, Paul, and Mary
  • “Wayfaring Strangers” by Johnny Cash
  • “American” by Paul Simon and Art Garfunkel

Contemporary Songs About Travel

I honestly don’t know too many of these songs, but I noticed they were frequently found on other lists of best adventure songs. I listened to them and didn’t find anything offensive, so I included them on my list since they are obviously popular songs and inspire new adventures and fun!

  •   “Galway Girl” by Ed Sheeran
  •  “A Thousand Miles” by Vanessa Carlton
  • “Shut Up and Drive” by Rihanna
  • “On Top of The World” by Imagine Dragons
  • “Around the World” by Daft Punk
  • “All I Want” by Joni Mitchell
  • “Take Me Home” by Phil Collins
  • “My Traveling Star” by James Taylor

Best Travel Songs for Reels and TikTok

These are some super fun songs to use for your vacation and travel videos! They are staples on Reels and TikTok, so when you are putting together a little music video of your vacation to share on social media, consider one of these great songs.

Or, you can even consider one of the songs in the above — any of them would be a great song to go with your short-form, vertical video! A classic song that everyone knows is always a good choice, too.

  • “Magic in the Hamptons” by Social House
  •  “Vacation” by The Dirty Heads
  • “Sunny Day” by Ted Fresco
  • “Explore the World” by Brainheart
  • “Dancing in the Streets of Barcelona” by Ed Sheeran

Final Thoughts: Best Adventure Songs for your Playlist

I have thoroughly enjoyed curating this list of best adventure songs for all of us! I can hardly wait to add new songs to my travel and adventure playlist in preparation for my national parks vacation out west.

While researching songs for this article, if I didn’t already know a song, I asked Alexa to play it for me to determine if it would make the cut or not. There are more travel songs out there than I ever imagined! And I didn’t realize how many travel and adventure songs were also about LOVE:)

Did you know that traveling and adventure are beneficial to your overall wellness? That’s why I include articles about adventure on my website about personal growth and wellness:) Traveling actually helps you live a happier, healthier, and longer life! So while you’re singing your way through your adventures, you might want to check out these other articles about travel and adventure:

  • 5 Secrets to Help You Plan an Adventure Vacation
  • Adventure Quotes to Inspire Your Youthful Spirit
  • 19 Awesome Adventurous Bucket List Ideas to do in America

5 Cool Things To Do on a Weekend in Charleston, SC

  • Family Fun in Nashville – Over 50 Things to Do in 2021!

Have fun in all of your travels and adventures ! Meet new people… see new places… learn new things…all while relaxing with your favorite travel and adventure songs!

Love to ALL! ~ Susan

Did I Forget Any of the Very Best Adventure Songs?

Do you have favorites that aren’t on this list? Please share them with us in the comment section below:)

If you found value in my words, please consider sharing it on your socials by clicking the buttons below. Thank you for your continued support! It means so much to me!

travel trip songs

Susan Ballinger is an award-winning educator, author, speaker, PTSD survivor, and advocate for ALL who has always been passionate about supporting and inspiring others in their personal growth. In her retirement years, she became the primary caregiver of her aging parents and developed an extensive knowledge-base about the elderly. You can learn more about Susan's professional work and compassionate nature by exploring her ABOUT page and connecting through her social media platforms.

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That Texas Couple

125 Songs About Travel To Fuel Your Wanderlust

travel songs pin image

If you are like me, then you are always dreaming of travel. 

If I’m not researching  travel captions for Insta , I listen to  songs about travel.  

Honestly, I sometimes wonder if I have a problem…I really seem to be obsessed with travel!

If someone were to see my  travel songs   playlist , they would probably be really confused as to what genre of music I am into. 

I think that is the great thing about music; all genres have great songs.

Playing these songs makes me dream of the days we were honeymooning in Italy , or the many times we sat on the beach in  Mexico .

These travel songs make me happy and are a blessing on a road trip!  

I wanted to share this list of 125 travel songs with you. 

Hopefully, you will find inspiration and happiness in them as well!

*This post contains affiliate links.  By purchasing through these links, we get a small commission at no additional cost to you. That Texas Couple also participates in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program.  As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

125 Songs About Travel

Kokomo by Beach Boys

“Aruba, Jamaica ooo I wanna take you To Bermuda, Bahama come on pretty mama Key Largo, Montego baby why don’t we go “

B lue Hawaii by Elvis Presley

“Dreams come true In blue Hawaii And mine could all come true This magic night of nights with you”

Holiday by Madonna

“If we took a holiday Took some time to celebrate Just one day out of life It would be, it would be so nice .”

Gravity by Coldplay  

“Baby It’s been a long time coming Such a long, long time And I can’t stop running Such a long, long time Can you hear my heart beating? Can you hear that sound? ‘Cause I can’t help thinking And I won’t stop now “

Margaritaville by Jimmy Buffet

songs about travel-beach

This is a classic song about travel, so much so that there are bars worldwide celebrating it! 

Listening to Margaritaville by Jimmy Buffet makes me wish I was drinking a margarita in the  Riviera Maya !  Let’s check out the lyrics!

Midnight Train to Georgia by Gladys Knight and the Pips  

“Oh, he’s leavin’ (Leavin’) On that midnight train to Georgia, yeah (Leavin’ on that midnight train)

Said, he’s goin’ back (Goin’ back to find) To a simpler place in time”

Read Next: The Ultimate List of Friends Traveling Quotes

What We Live For by American Authors

If this song doesn’t make you want to load up your  road trip essentials  and hit the road, then I don’t know what will!  What do you think?

“I drive a beat-up car, a caravan, the color blue Reminds me of your eyes and all the places we’ve been to We’re tethered to the leather, searching for a better view It’s interstellar when it’s me and you”

Travelin’ Man 1961 by Ricky Nelson

“I’m a travelin’ man Made a lot of stops all over the world And in every port I own the heart Of at least one lovely girl. “

Waka Waka (This Time for Africa) by Shakira

“When you fall, get up, oh oh And if you fall, get up, eh eh Tsamina mina zangalewa ‘Cause this is Africa”

Hello Seattle by Owl City

It’s a pretty simple song, but it will definitely get you thinking about Seattle. LOL!

Havana by Camila Cabello

“Havana, ooh na-na Half of my heart is in Havana, ooh-na-na He took me back to East Atlanta, na-na-na Oh, but my heart is in Havana”

Rio by Michael Nesmith

“And I think I will travel to Rio Using the music for flight, There’s nothing I know of in Rio, But it’s something to do with the night. It’s only a whimsical notion To fly down to Rio tonight, And I probably won’t fly down to Rio, But then again, I just might.”

Leaving Las Vegas by Cheryl Crow

Las Vegas sign-travel songs

“I’m leaving Las Vegas Lights so bright, palm sweat, blackjack on a Saturday night Leaving Las Vegas Leaving for good, for good I’m leaving for good I’m leaving for good”

Fr ee by Donovan Frankenreiter

“Here comes corner winds and the changin’ tide We better drop them sails and get inside When will the weather ever let us go I guess we’ll have to wait until the trade winds blow”

Come Fly With Me by Frank Sinatra

“Come fly with me, let’s fly, let’s fly away If you could use some exotic booze There’s a bar in far Bombay Come fly with me, let’s fly, let’s fly away”

One Night in Bangkok by Murray Head

“One night in Bangkok and the world’s your oyster The bars are temples but the pearls ain’t free You’ll find a God in every golden cloister A little flesh, a little history I can feel an angel slidin’ up to me”

Graceland by Paul Simon

“In Graceland, in Graceland I’m going to Graceland For reasons I cannot explain There’s some part of me wants to see Graceland:

The Passenger by Iggy Pop

“I am the passenger And I ride and I ride I ride through the city’s backsides “

Life is a Highway by Rascal Flats

Life is a Highway is definitely a song that will get you in the mood to hit the open road.  Of course, I always relate it to Route 66 thanks to the Cars movie.

Come Away With Me by Norah JonesThis one is all about sneaking away with your loved one.  It makes me want to check all of the items off of my  couple’s bucket list  with Marty!

“Come away with me and we’ll kiss On a mountain top Come away with me And I’ll never stop lovin’ you”

Leaving on a Jet Plane by Peter Paul and Mary

“I’m leavin’ on a jet plane I don’t know when I’ll be back again”

Have Love, Will Travel by The Sonics 

“Well I might take a boat or I’ll take a plane I might hitch hike or jump a railroad train Your kind of love drives a man insane So look for me walking just a any old way”

These Days by The Foo Fighters

Ok, this one is a bit of a stretch and I realize that.  I think I consider this a travel song because I think about how one day we will all be gone and so you better live life to the fullest while you can.

American Boy by Estelle featuring Kanye West

“Take me on a trip, I’d like to go some day Take me to New York, I’d love to see LA I really want to come kick it with you You’ll be my American boy.”

First Day of My Life by Bright Eyes

“I went out in the rain, suddenly everything changed They’re spreading blankets on the beach”

Miles Away by The Maine

“I didn’t ever want to come down From that west coast rush and summer high And easy, peaceful sense of time (I felt so alive)”

Take Me Home by Phil Collins

“Take that look of worry Mine’s an ordinary life (Ohh ohh) Working when it’s daylight And sleeping when it’s night”

Hopeless Wanderer by Mumford and Sons

“So when your hope’s on fire But you know your desire Don’t hold a glass over the flame Don’t let your heart grow cold I will call you by name I will share your road “

Carolina In My Mind by James Taylor

“Gone to Carolina in my mind In my mind I’m goin’ to Carolina”

Destination Calabria by Alex Gaudino featuring Crystal Waters

“I left my job, my boss, my car and my home I’m leaving for a destination I still don’t know”

Toes by The Zac Brown Band

where to stay in Cancun

“I got my toes in the water, ass in the sand Not a worry in the world, a cold beer in my hand Life is good today”

Travelling Alone by Passenger

“Australian man Scandinavian tan kicking stones round a square he sat for a while and carved out a smile as if someone would care”

You Only Live Once by The Strokes

“Twenty-nine different attributes Only seven that you like, oh Twenty ways to see the world, oh”

Two Tickets To Paradise by Eddie Money

“I’m gonna take you on a trip so far from here, I’ve got two tickets in my pocket, now baby, we’re gonna disappear. We’ve waited so long, waited so long. We’ve waited so long, waited so long. “

Walking in Memphis by Mark Cohn

“Then I’m walking in Memphis Walking with my feet ten feet off of Beale Walking in Memphis But do I really feel the way I feel”

Africa by Toto

” I hear the drums echoing tonight But she hears only whispers of some quiet conversation She’s coming in, 12: 30 flight The moonlit wings reflect the stars that guide me towards salvation”

Road to Nowhere by Talking Heads

Have you ever just jumped in the car and head out to an unknown destination?  I know we have, especially on one of our  road trips in Texas . 

“We’re on a road to nowhere Come on inside Takin’ that ride to nowhere We’ll take that ride”

California Dreaming by The Mamas and Papas

“…I’d be save and warm if I was in L.A. California dreaming on such a winters day”

Beverly Hills by Weezer

“Beverly Hills That’s where I want to be Livin’ in Beverly Hills”

wildflowers on road trip in Texas

Born to Be Wild by Steppenswolf

“Get your motor runnin’ Head out on the highway Looking for adventure In whatever comes our way”

Not Today by Imagine Dragons

I love the creativity of Imagine Dragon songs, and this one is no exception.

Do You Want to See the World by the Kooks

“Do you want to see the world? In a different way, yeah”

April in Paris by Ella Fitzgerald and Louis Armstrong

Eiffel Tower Paris- travel songs

Paris  is definitely a place of dream, and who wouldn’t love to see Paris in April? 

“April in Paris, this is a feeling No one can ever reprise”

A Million Miles Away by David Byrne

“Oh oh A million miles away from here”

Get Here by Oleta Adams

This song is all about all of the ways you can travel to get to the one you love.

“You can reach me by railway, you can reach me by trailway You can reach me on an airplane, you can reach me with your mind You can reach me by caravan, cross the desert like an Arab man I don’t care how you get here, just get here if you can”

Vacation by The GoGo’s

The chorus of this song sums up my travel addiction:

“Vacation, all I ever wanted Vacation, had to get away”

Catch & Release by Matt Simons

“There’s a place I’m going No one knows me”

Road Trippin’ by the Red Hot Chili Peppers

“Road trippin’ with my two favorite allies Fully loaded we got snacks and supplies It’s time to leave this town, it’s time to steal away…”

Take Me Home (Country Roads) by John Denver

A classic song about someone dreaming of being in a different place.

“Country roads, take me home To the place I belong”

Lovers in Japan by Coldplay

“Lovers, keep on the road you’re on Runners, until the race is run”

London Calling by The Clash

take the bus during your London itinerary 4 days

Anyone mentioning London takes me back to the  4 days in London  that Marty and I spent there.  We had such a great time and really loved the city!

“Now get this London calling, yes I was there too “

Around the World by Daft Punk

Simple lyrics, but still a fun song.  It really just says “around the world.”

Are You Gonna Go My Way by Lenny Kravitz

This song has many meanings, but I associate it with grabbing the person you love and setting off on a great journey.

We Gotta Get Out of This Place by The Animals

“We gotta get out of this place Girl, there’s a better life For me and you”

Sail Away by David Gray

This is one of the best travel songs. It just makes you feel like you want to get on a boat and never return.

“Sail away with me honey I put my heart in your hand Sail away with me honey…”

travel trip songs

Best Travel Songs To Get You Singing Along

Wake up in paris by hot sardines.

Paris is a great city and one that Marty and I really enjoyed visiting.  Let the lyrics of this song get you to dreaming about it.

“I want to wake up in Paris As the city greets the day”

Malibu by Miley Cyrus

“We watched the Sun go down as we were walking I’d spend the rest of my life just standing here talking”

I’m Gonna Be (500 Miles) by The Proclaimers

“But I would walk five hundred miles And I would walk five hundred more…”

Ramblin Man by The Allman Brothers Band

This song speaks to me because I have the hardest time staying in one place. LOL!

“Lord, I was born a ramblin’ man”

San Francisco by Scott McKenzie

Planning a trip to San Francisco? Check out our list of the top attractions and tours in San Francisco so that you can make the most of your time here. #sanfrancisco #visitsanfrancisco #sanfranciscoattractions #whattodoinsanfrancisco

“For those who come to San Francisco Summertime will be a love-in there”

Change by Some Poetries

I love the following verse of this song so much.  It reminds me that each day we can determine what our life will be.

“Today I woke up, knowing that thing will change, and that thing will change So I open up my eyes ready to write the story of my life.”

Take It Easy by The Eagles

“Lighten up while you still can Don’t even try to understand Just find a place to make your stand, and take it easy”

Come Away by Sons of the East

“Come away with me, baby Join me in my car We can go real far away Away from here”

Back in the U.S.S.R. by The Beatles

“I’m back in the U.S.S.R. You don’t know how lucky you are, boy Back in the U.S.”

Wanderlust by The Weeknd

This is me.  I’m in love with wanderlust!

“You’re in love with something bigger than love You believe in something stronger than trust Wanderlust Wanderlust”

Sweet Home Alabama by Leonard Skynard

“Sweet home Alabama Where the skies are so blue”

New York by Cat Power

“Start spreading the news I’m leaving today I want to be a part of it New York, New York”

Sitting on the Dock of the Bay by Otis Redding

“So I’m just go sit on the dock of the bay Watching the tide roll away”

Surfin’ USA by The Beach Boys

“If everybody had an ocean Across the U.S.A. Then everybody’d be surfin’ Like California”

Mexico by James Taylor

where to stay in Cancun

“Oh, Mexico It sounds so simple I just got to go The sun’s so hot I forgot to go home Guess I’ll have to go now”

Island in the Sun by Weezer

“When you’re on a holiday You can’t find the words to say…”

Send Me On My Way by Rusted Root

“I would like to hold my little hand How we will run, we will, how we will crawl

Send me on my way…”

Wonderful Life by Black

“Here I go out to sea again Sunshine fills my hair… You know it feels unfair There’s magic everywhere.”

When I’m Gone by Anna Kendrick

“I’ve got my ticket for the long way ‘round The one with the prettiest of views…”

See the World by Gomez

“See the world, find an old fashioned girl”

Travelin’ Prayer by Billy Joel

Travelin’ Prayer by Billy Joel is a man’s prayer to protect his loved one while she is traveling.

“Hey Lord, take a look all around And I’d a find where my baby’s gonna be Hey Lord, would ya look out for her tonight ‘Cause she is far across the sea”

America by Siman & Garfunkel

“They’ve all come to look for America All come to look for America”

Born to Run by Bruce Springsteen

“We’ll run until we drop, baby we’ll never go back Will you walk with me out on the wire…”

Kathmandu by Bob Seger

“I think I’m going to Katmandu That’s really, really Where I’m going to”

Wish You Were Here by Incubus

“I dig my toes into the sand The ocean looks like A thousand diamonds Strewn across a blue blanket …”

Come With Me Now by KONGOS

I know this song isn’t officially about travel, but I tell Marty often to “come with me now!” LOL!

“Far away I heard him say (Come with me now)”

End of the Line by Traveling Wilburys

“Well, it’s all right, riding around in the breeze Well, it’s all right, if you live the life you please”

Moon River by Audrey Hepburn

“Two drifters, off to see the world There’s such a lot of world to see…”

California Love by Tupac and dr. Dre

“California love! California knows how to party…”

God Bless Texas by Little Texas

canyons and a river in Big Bend

“‘Cause God blessed Texas with His own hand Brought down angels from the Promised Land…”

Englishman in New York by Sting

“See me walking down fifth avenue A walking cane here at my side I take it everywhere I walk Im an Englishman In New York”

Galway Girl by Ed Sheeran

“You know, she played the fiddle in an Irish band But she fell in love with an English man…’”

On The Road Again by Willie Nelson

“On the road again Just can’t wait to get on the road again…”

Big Jet Plane by Angus and Julia Stone

“Gonna take her for a ride on a big jet plane Gonna take her for a ride on a big jet plane Hey hey, hey hey”

Go Your Own Way by Fleetwood Mac

I know this song is more about breaking up, but I like to think of it more like a getaway song just encouraging people to go their own way and see the world!

“If I could Baby I’d give you my world Open up Everything’s waiting for you”

I’ve Been Everywhere by Johnny Cash

“I’ve been everywhere, man I’ve been everywhere, man Across the deserts bare, man I’ve breathed the mountain air, man Of travel I’ve had my share, man I’ve been everywhere”

Castle on the Hill by Ed Sheeran

“I’m on my way Driving at 90 down those country lanes Singing to “Tiny Dancer”…”

Anywhere by Passenger

“If you get up in a jet plane Or down in a submarine If you get onto the next train To somewhere you never been If you wanna ride in a fast car And feel the wind in your hair Darling just look beside you Oh, I’ll go with you anywhere”

Miami by Will Smith

“I’m goin to Miami Welcome to Miami…”

Traveling On by KONGOS

“So long my friend, my foe, my love, my pain The road’s calling out my name…”

Fast Car by Tracy Chapman

must haves for road trip

“You got a fast car I want a ticket to anywhere Maybe we make a deal Maybe together we can get somewhere”

Budapest by George Ezra

“My house in Budapest My hidden treasure chest…”

King of the World by First Aid Kit

“I keep running around Trying to find the ground But my head is in the stars My feet are in the sky”

Hotel California by The Eagles

“Welcome to the Hotel California Such a lovely place (such a lovely place) Such a lovely face…”

Adventure of a Lifetime by Coldplay

“Then this adventure, more than I And if we’ve only got this life You’ll get me through alive And if we’ve only got this life”

Leave by R.E.M.

“It’s under, under, under my feet. The sea spread out there before me. Where do I go when the land touches sea?”

On Top of The World by Imagine Dragons

“‘Cause I’m on top of the world, ‘ay I’m on top of the world, ‘ay Waiting on this for a while now Paying my dues to the dirt I’ve been waiting to smile, ‘ay Been holding it in for a while, ‘ay Take you with me if I can Been dreaming of this since a child I’m on top of the world.”

A Thousand Miles by Vanessa Carlton

“If I could fall into the sky Do you think time would pass me by? ‘Cause you know I’d walk a thousand miles If I could just see you Tonight”

Californication by Red Hot Chili Peppers

Another song about California.  This one is pretty catchy.  Check it out if you’ve never heard it!

Permanent Vacation by Aerosmith

“I got to take myself a permanent vacation The sky’s the limit but my plane won’t fly…”

In America by Neil Diamond

“Free, Only want to be free…”

Roam by the B-52s

“Roam if you want to Roam around the world…”

Viva Las Vegas by Elvis Presley

An aerial view of Las Vegas is a great thing to do in Las Vegas for couples.

“Viva Las Vegas with you neon flashin’ And your one arm bandits crashin’ All those hopes down the drain …”

I Still Haven’t Found What I’m Looking For by U2  

“I have climbed highest mountains I have run through the fields…”

Barcelona by Ed Sheeran

“And you and I we’re flying on an aeroplane tonight We’re going somewhere where the sun is shining bright Just close your eyes And let’s pretend we’re dancing in the street In Barcelona”

Marrakesh Express by Crosby, Still, and Nash

“Looking at the world Trough the sunset in your eyes Trying to make the train To clear Moroccan skies…”

Pompeii by Bastille

“And if you close your eyes Does it almost feel like You’ve been here before?”

Ho Hey by The Lumineers 

“Took the bus to china town (hey!) I’ve been standing on Canal (ho!) And Bowery (hey!) (ho!) And she’d be standing next to me (hey!) 1, 2, 3 I belong with you you belong with me you’re my sweet heart…”

On My Way by Phil Collins 

“Tell everybody I’m on my way New friends and new places to see With blue skies ahead, yes I’m on my way…”

Ventura Highway by America

“Ventura Highway in the sunshine Where the days are longer The nights are stronger than moonshine You’re gonna go I know …”

New York State of Mind by Billy Joel

“It comes down to reality And it’s fine with me ’cause I’ve let it slide Don’t care if it’s Chinatown or on Riverside I don’t have any reasons I’ve left them all behind I’m in a New York state of mind”  

Fly Away With Me by Tom Walker

“So come on fly away with me To a place where we could be anyone we wanna be…”

Time of Your Life by Green Day

“Another turning point a fork stuck in the road Time grabs you by the wrist directs you where to go So make the best of this test and don’t ask why It’s not a question but a lesson learned in time

It’s something unpredictable but in the end It’s right I hope you’ve had the time of your life”

Paris by The Chainsmokers  

“We were staying in Paris To get away from your parents…””

Travelling by Paper Lions

“Travelling the road, less known is where I want to be My compass directing, electing, an open road with golden trees…”

Escape (The Pina Colada Song) by Rupert Holmes

“If you like Pina Coladas and getting caught in the rain If you’re not into yoga, if you have half-a-brain If you like making love at midnight in the dunes of the cape I’m the lady you’ve looked for, write to me and escape”

Rocky Road To Dublin by The Irish Descendents

travel trip songs

“In the merry month of june, from me home I started left the girls of Tuam, so sad and broken hearted saluted father dear, kissed me darlin’ mother…, frightened all the dogs, on the rocky road to Dublin,”

Running Away by Ed Sheeran ft. Kygo 

“You got your bags packed Hoppin’ on the train tonight Nothing to say cause you’re drifting like a satellite”

Final Thoughts  

Well, there you have it, our list of the 125 best travel songs that will inspire your wanderlust.  I hope that his list of travel songs has something that you fall in love with also.  

Of course, our list isn’t all-inclusive, so be sure and comment below what other songs we should add to our list!

Happy Travels, Friends!!

While You’re Here, Check Out These Posts:

100 Perfect Quotes About Paris

The Road to Hana: 22 Must-See Stops

85 Quotes About Italy to Inspire Your Wanderlust

25 Roman Ruins In Rome That You Have To See

3 Days in Venice: A Great Venice Itinerary

150 Dreamy Beach Quotes

101 Travel Quotes for Insta

Perfect Sunshine Captions for Instagram

The Best Wheeled Backpack for Travel

The Best Travel Backpack for Europe…and Beyond

How We Travel With Only a Backpack

The Perfect Gifts for Travel Lovers

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travel trip songs

Book Your Trip: Logistical Tips and Tricks

Book Your Flight:

We love using CheapOAir, Kayak, and Kiwi to search for the best flight prices. We love using these search engines because they search the web for airlines worldwide to ensure you get the best deal! In addition to flights, you can also find great hotel prices on Kayak and Kiwi.

Book Your Vacation Package:

If you want to book an entire vacation package, we suggest using Expedia. We love how easy Expedia is to use, and we always find good deals on entire vacation packages on their site.

Another great site for vacation packages is BookVIP . BookVIP offers super cheap vacation packages to incredible destinations. You are sure to save money using their site!

For full guided vacations, including hotels, some meals, transportation, and guides, then we book with Trafalgar. Trafalgar is a trusted tour company that will meet all your needs while ensuring a great experience.

Trip.com allows you to book flights, hotels, train tickets, rental cars, airport transfers, tours, and more all on one site. Owned by the parent company that also owns Skyscanner, this is a trusted resource for travel booking and a great “one-stop shop.”

Book Your Accommodations:

We always begin our search by checking out honest reviews on TripAdvisor hotels. This allows us to narrow our search for specific properties once we are ready to book. Of course, you can also book directly on the TripAdvisor site!

There are several accommodation sites that we like to use. One of our favorites is Booking.com because it offers a wide variety of hotels and guesthouses at a good price.

Another “go-to” hotel booking site for us is Hotels.com . We love their loyalty program that allows you to earn free nights, and their “secret prices” for members are fabulous deals!

HotelsCombined is another cool site. They allow you to compare all the top travel sites with one search to ensure you find the best deal out there. Kayak works in this way as well.

If you want a luxurious all-inclusive vacation, consider checking out the Sandals/Beaches properties. Sandals properties are for couples only and Beaches are for families. We have visited Sandals in the past and absolutely love the attention to detail and the service they provide.

Tour Companies We Trust:

We love taking guided tours when visiting new places. Our go-to tour companies are Viator.com and Get Your Guide . Both of these companies have been in business for years and provide excellent customer service. You can trust booking tours from their sites for sure!

For a guided city tour, check out City Sightseeing and BigBus Tours . These bus tours are so much fun and easy to hop on and hop off at top attractions in cities around the world.

CityPass is a great way to save money when visiting large cities. CityPass allows you to get free admission to major attractions once you buy their pass. The savings add up quickly with this pass, often saving 50% with combined admissions.

Another great pass to save money in larger cities is the Sightseeing Pass . This pass allows you to save valuable time and money by combining admissions to major attractions. They also have a handy app that keeps everything you need at your fingertips.

Looking to Save Time and Money?

Check out our resource page for all of our favorite vendors. These companies help us to save time and money on our travels!

Michelle Snell-Founder That Texas Couple

About the Author

Michelle Snell is a travel writer, history buff, wine lover, and enthusiast of different cultures. Michelle enjoys bringing places to life through creative content creation and her informative writing style on her blogs, That Texas Couple and Totally Texas Travel and accompanying social media accounts.  She is happiest sipping wine in Italy or chilling on a beach with her husband, Marty.

Monday 15th of February 2021

This is a super fun post! Thanks for the inspiration and an awesome diverse list of music!

Sunday 14th of February 2021

Ah so many great songs! You definitely had me humming along as I was reading through the list!

Saturday 13th of February 2021

Thank you got this amazing list. Such a good new fun way to travel through music .

thattexascouple

Thank you for checking it out!

Friday 22nd of January 2021

This list is already fuelling my wanderlust! I am on the same boat as you, that I love specific songs, not necessarily belonging to the same genre. By the way, while reading this, I just started playing some of these songs, my favorites from the list :-)

This is so fun to know! Thank you, Pubali. I hope you enjoyed it!

Renata - bye:myself

Tuesday 19th of January 2021

What a comprehensive and varied list - includes some of my favorite artists like Coldplay...totally unexpected. Nevertheless, you're actually starting with the cheesiest song ever - it really made me love - and then I had this tune for hours in my head.

Wednesday 20th of January 2021

Haha. I didn't think of that, Renata but I see it and agree with you :)

72 Best Songs about Travel and Adventure

Published by sarah vaughan on february 9, 2022 february 9, 2022.

In this article, we list our top 72 favorite songs about travel and adventure, with the option to listen to them on a Spotify playlist. As full-time nomads and constant road-trippers, we spend a lot of time in the car, which means hours upon hours of listening to music. In 2021 alone, we drove over 10,000 miles on our journey from Virginia to California and back. So needless to say, we spend an inordinate amount of time listening to music in the car.

Often, we find ourselves gravitating towards songs that align with our two favorite things – travel and adventure, but it can be hard to find songs that fit that mood. Songs that inspire wanderlust, that make you feel like a you just took a deep breath of mountain air, that remind you of a travel memory, or, in their own unique way, perfectly capture the essence of life on the road. It’s not one particular genre or type of music, just anything that makes you feel inspired to pack your bags and go on an adventure !

travel trip songs

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travel trip songs

Our life as nomads

In March of 2021, we sold most our belongings, packed up what was left into our Jeep Cherokkee, left our apartment in Virginia and hit the road: California bound! We drove from Virginia to St. Louis before making our way to Denver.

After spending a week in Denver, we continued to Southern California, then to southern Utah, Arizona, northern California, Idaho, South Dakota, Minnesota… eventually we decided we loved life on the road too much to ever give it up and we made this nomadic lifestyle permanent.

We both secured jobs that would allow us to work remotely full-time during the week and are now full-time nomads. We typically settle into a new “home base” each month with space for us both to work, usually in small towns strategically located near beautiful places with abundant opportunities for outdoor adventuring.

P.S: You can read more about us here and keep up with our road trip adventures here .

Inspiration for our Songs about Travel & Adventure Playlist

We love listening to music that stokes our wanderlust and gets us excited for new adventures. We’ve found it tough to find songs that fit that bill, so we’ve been slowly compiling our own playlist as we come across songs we relate to.

Our lifestyle demands a lot of road tripping, and over the many miles and hours in the car, we’ve crafted the perfect playlist of songs about travel and adventure that we’re excited to share with you!

We hope our playlist will leave you feeling inspired to get out there and see the world!

Details | 64 Best Songs about Travel & Adventure

Our music taste tends to lean towards the Folk, Americana, and blues-y Country genres, and that’s mainly what you’ll find on this playlist.

A few of our favorite bands, like Caamp , Trampled by Turtles , Turnpike Troubadours (we are beyond thrilled they are back together!), Lord Huron , and The National Parks, make an appearance on the list a few times. We hope you love these songs as much as we do, and that our playlist inspires you to hit the road, start a new adventure, or discover a new place that you love!

In the article below, we list our favorite songs about adventure and travel, sorted roughly into the following categories:

  • Wanderlust & travel inspiration songs
  • Songs about the outdoors and nature

Songs about road tripping

Songs inspired by specific locations.

And if you don’t see one of your favorites, let us know! We are always looking for new music and would love to add new songs to the list.

Download our Songs about Travel & Adventure Spotify Playlist

For our complete list of songs about travel and adventure already in playlist form and ready for your enjoyment, enter your email below and we’ll send you a link to download our ultimate travel playlist on Spotify.

We add to the Spotify playlist periodically as we find music that inspires us, so it may contain additional songs not yet included in this blog post. Happy listening!

Download the Travel & Adventure Playlist on Spotify

Songs about travel inspiration & wanderlust.

The songs in this section are sure to stoke your wanderlust, leaving you with the urge to “ see the world ” and travel to “ the ends of the earth “! If you’re planning a trip, setting off on a new adventure, or just dreaming of future travels, you are sure to find some lyrics you relate to from the songs below.

As we packed up our lives in Virginia and planned to become full-time nomads, we found ourselves relating to Rob Baird’s “Fade Away”. We were certainly packing our “ bags a little heavy this time” , with no immediate plans to return to the place that we had always called home, but we were so “ ready for the big ol’ world ” and the pain of leaving home was overshadowed by our urge to explore!

  • See the World | Caamp
  • Vagabond | Caamp
  • Never Come Back Again | Austin Plaine
  • As We Ran | National Parks
  • Sprawl II | Will Daily
  • 7 Wonders | Jon Robert Hall
  • Mason-Dixon Line | Judah & the Lion
  • Only the Wild Ones | DISPATCH
  • Next to You | John Vincent III
  • See the World | Brett Dennen
  • Free | Zac Brown Band
  • Starting Over | Chris Stapleton
  • Traveller | Chris Stapleton
  • Nomads | John Craigie
  • Hopeless Wanderer | Mumford & Sons
  • Ends of the Earth | Lord Huron
  • Ba Ba Ra | The National Parks
  • Wildflowers | Trampled by Turtles
  • I’ve Been Everywhere | Johnny Cash
  • Castaway | Zac Brown Band
  • The Life You Chose | Jason Isbell
  • Mountain Song | Little Chief
  • Sleep on the Floor | The Lumineers
  • Fade Away | Rob Baird
  • Borderlines | Hollow Coves
  • Wherever I Go | The National Parks
  • Middle of Nowhere | Vancouver Sleep Clinic
  • Open Road | Roo Panes
  • Woodland | The Paper Kites
  • Yellow Eyes | Rayland Baxter
  • Wild + Free | Andrew Simple
  • Every Mile | Layup

CAAMP songs about travel and adventure

Songs about the outdoors & nature

The songs in this section are inspired by adventure in the great outdoors and the beauty of the world around us. These songs will make you want to hit the trails, climb that mountain, go on a camping trip or just inspire you to get outdoors.

Perhaps my favorite song on this list, “Blue Above the Green” by Mike Edel perfectly captures that feeling you get when you’ve reached the summit after hiking up a mountain. When you look up, all you can see is green leaves and blue sky. If you’re a hiker, this may become your new favorite song!

  • Blue Above the Green | Mike Edel
  • Specks | Matt Pond PA
  • Mountain Sound | Of Monsters and Men
  • Painted Sky | The National Parks
  • Coastline | Hollow Coves
  • Mountains | Jess Taylor
  • To the Mountains | Lizzy McAlpine
  • Meet Me in the Woods | Lord Huron
  • Mighty Mountains | National Park Radio
  • The Woods | Hollow Coves
  • Wildflower | The National Parks
  • Old Pine | Ben Howard
  • The River | Good Old War
  • These Mountains | Sunday Best

Young by The National Parks on Amazon Music - Amazon.com

This section includes songs about traveling on the road! From Willie Nelson’s classic “On the Road Again” to lesser-known gems like National Park’s Radio’s “The Road Ahead”, these songs will make you want to pack a bag, “fill the car with gasoline” and hit the road.

Hollow Coves’ song “The Open Road” perfectly describes the urge to travel, when you’ve been feeling stuck in your hometown for too long and you just “ miss the way it feels to roam “, that feeling of freedom that the open road ahead of you brings, as every twist and turn brings the possibility for new adventure.

If you’re planning a road trip, add this song to your travel playlist and you’ll be listening on repeat as your “ troubles fade away “!

  • America | Austin Plaine
  • All the Debts I Owe | Caamp
  • On the Road Again | Willie Nelson
  • Heads Carolina, Tails California | Jo Dee Messina
  • The Open Road | Hollow Coves
  • Life is Good on the Open Road | Trampled by Turtles
  • The Road Ahead | National Park Radio
  • Born to Be Wild | Steppenwolf
  • Ramblin’ Man | Allman Brothers Band
  • Road Runner | Vincent Neil Emerson
  • Lost, Scared & Tired | Jared & The Mill

America by Austin Plaine (song about traveling the US)

These songs about specific locations will make you want to travel to new places and seek out somewhere new to explore!

Maybe you’ll be inspired by the “ red sandstone ” landscapes in Sedona, set “ off to Colorado ” to find that “ rocky mountain high “, lay peacefully watching for “ shootin’ stars in Oklahoma “, be enchanted by the mystery of the Marfa Lights as they “ dance across the horizon ” or come “ alive down in New Orleans “. Wherever your travels take you, these songs are sure to add new places to your bucket list!

During our 2021 road trip , we absolutely fell in love with Idaho (so much so that we ended up buying a piece of land…), and we played Yonder Mountain String Band’s song Idaho on repeat as we road tripped from Idaho Falls to the Sawtooth Mountains. This Bluegrass tune truly captures the beauty of state! Add it your playlist and you may just find yourself planning a trip to Idaho…

  • Oklahoma Stars | Turnpike Troubadours
  • Wyoming | Family & Friends
  • Stockholm | Judah & the Lion
  • New Orleans | Parachute
  • Colorado | CHAPPY
  • Sedona | Houndsmouth
  • Shenandoah | Trampled by Turtles
  • Morocco | Moon Taxi
  • Ohio | Caamp
  • Colorado | Alex Gunthrie
  • Carolina | Corey Smith
  • Idaho | Yonder Mountain String Band
  • Rocky Mountain High | John Denver
  • Alabama Pines | Jason Isbell
  • Marfa Lights | Kaitlin Butts

Marfa Lights - song by Kaitlin Butts | Spotify

About the artists

We love all the artists and bands on this list, but we wanted to highlight a few of our favorites.

When I find a new artist that I love, I can listen to their songs on repeat for hours. This is Caamp for me! We started listening to their songs on our first cross country road trip and then went to a Caamp concert and we’ve been hooked ever since!

Evan Westfall, Taylor Meier and Matt Vinson make up the trio behind this American Folk band originally from Ohio. Caamp released their first album in 2016 and has been gaining popularity ever since. Many of their songs are about nature, being outdoors, and traveling, which is part of why we love them so much!

The National Parks

Songs from The National Parks take up several spots on our list of the best 72 songs about travel and adventure! This Indie folk/pop band formed in Provo, Utah consists of 4 members, Brady Parks, Sydney Macfarlane, Cam Brannelly and Megan Taylor Parks. They released their first single in 2013 and have since released four albums, “Wildflowers”, “Places”, “Until I Live”, and “Young”.

The National Parks songs have many songs about the beauty of the world around us, from the peaks of the Grand Tetons to the “painted sky” of the desert in the southwest. In fact, their single “As We Ran” was written for a short documentary by REI called “ Love in the Tetons” .

Hollow Coves

Another group that takes up a few spots on our list of songs about travel and adventure is Hollow Coves, an Australian Indie band led by sing-songwriters,  Ryan Henderson and Matt Carins.

The band’s earthy folk songs are inspired by the singers’ own travels, and their passion for seeing the world shines through in their music. In fact, their first album released in 2017 was titled ‘Wanderlust”, and includes several of the songs on our list, such as “Coastline” and “The Woods.”

travel trip songs

Other useful resources

Planning a road trip or a new adventure? We think you may find some inspiration and useful information here:

  • Travel tips | 11 Proven Tips for Road Tripping with a Cat
  • Road trip| Complete List of Road Trip Camping Essentials
  • Road trip | 27 Highlights of Our Life on the Road in 2021
  • Southwestern USA | The Ultimate 1 Week Arizona and Southern Utah Road Trip
  • Wyoming | 18 Best Hikes in Grand Teton National Park

What are your favorite songs about travel and adventure?! What songs would you add to the list? Let us know what you think of our playlist – we would love to hear from you!

travel trip songs

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Sarah Vaughan

Hello! I'm Sarah, one half of the couple behind Two Outliers! In 2023, I quit my job as a Data Scientist to travel around the world on an epic 15-month journey in search of the world's greatest hikes and outdoor adventures. Matt and I started Two Outliers in 2021 as a place for visitors to find concise, accurate, and honest information to plan their own adventures. We hope our experiences inspire you to hit the trail! Happy Hiking! Sarah

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Josh Sanders · February 9, 2022 at 10:00 pm

Wow an amazing list and photo!

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twooutliers · February 10, 2022 at 8:12 am

thank you! we love this playlist, enjoy!

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Girl With The Passport

Insider’s Guide to the 100+ Best Songs about Travel

By: Author Girl with the Passport

Posted on Last updated: July 7, 2022

Categories Travel Tips

Looking for an expertly curated, super comprehensive selection of the all-time best songs about travel ?

If so then this list of 100+ best songs about travel is DEFFO for you. I mean, not only have I been traveling the world for the past 15+ years but I also love music.

So, when I’m not traveling, you can find me rocking out to some of the best songs about travel on this list.

Yeah, you may or may not find me hardcore lip-synching to some of these best travel songs while I dance around my room like Elaine from Seinfeld .

Heck, I even listen to a lot of these sick beats when I’m on the road and jamming to my very own travel songs playlist .

Therefore, if you’re in need of a bit of musical inspiration then give this list of the best songs about travel a read.

Because whether you’re traveling to New York, San Francisco, or somewhere in between, you’re sure to find the top travel songs for you!

This post may contain affiliate links. Please see my disclosure for more information. As an Amazon Associate, I earn a small commission from qualifying purchases.

1. Alaska by Maggie Rogers

Colorful, stilted homes on the water in Ketchikan, Alaska.

“I was walking through icy streams

That took my breath away

Moving slowly through westward water

Over glacial plains

And I walked off you

And I walked off an old me

Oh me, oh my, I thought it was a dream

So it seemed”

2. Taj Mahal by Sam Roberts Band

“Sitting with you on the banks of the Ganges

Stealing a kiss on the streets of Bombay

Caressing your hair like the wind through the palm trees

I never dreamed that anyone could take you away

Keep on keep on keep on singing

I’m building a beautiful statue

To make sure that no one forgets you”

3. Carolina in My Mind by James Taylor

“In my mind I’m gone to Carolina

Can’t you see the sunshine?

Can’t you just feel the moonshine?

And, ain’t it just like a friend of mine

To hit me from behind?

Yes, I’m gone to Carolina in my mind”

4. New York State of Mind by Billy Joel

Some folks like to get away

Take a holiday from the neighborhood

Hop a flight to Miami Beach or to Hollywood

But I’m takin’ a Greyhound on the Hudson River line

I’m in a New York state of mind”

Pro Tip: Be sure to check out some of the other best songs about NYC . This is also just one of my personal picks for best travel songs since I’m from New York.

5. Hello Seattle by Owl City

“Hello Seattle, I am a manta ray

Deep beneath the blue waves

I’ll crawl the sandy bottom of Puget Sound

And construct my summer home”

6. Miles from Minnesota by The Lower 48

“Yes next year we’ll go traveling

Our escapades so baffling

Our sovereign love returning to the sea

We’ll be miles from Minnesota then

Writing letters we won’t send

For no words shall contain what will be

Well your sweet voice and my rough hands

When darkness prowls we will dance

Through bluffs and fields and orchards with the moon

Yes next year we will leave this place summer’s kiss is just a taste

Fall’s warm embrace is coming to us soon

Oh! We’ve got everywhere to go

You should sleep, I’ll see you in the morning”

7. God Blessed Texas by Little Texas

“God blessed Texas

With His own hand

Brought down angels from the promised land

Gave ’em a place where they could dance

If you want to see heaven, brother, here’s you chance

I’ve been sent to spread the message

God blessed Texas”

8. Graceland by Paul Simon

“The Mississippi Delta was shining

Like a National guitar

I am following the river

Down the highway

Through the cradle of the civil war

I’m going to Graceland”

9. Miles Away by The Maine

“I took a trip up the west coast

Was searching for a temp so low

And a summer high

The Sun swayed and set slow

Made waves with some friends I know

Got lost in the ebb and flow

Of the drifting tide

I didn’t ever want to come down

From that west coast rush and summer high

And easy, peaceful sense of time”

10. I’m Shipping Up To Boston by Dropkick Murphys

“I’m a sailor peg

And I’ve lost my leg

Climbing up the top sails

I’ve lost my leg!

I’m shipping up to Boston, whoa

I’m shipping off to find my wooden leg”

11. Lovers in Japan by Coldplay

View of the streets of Japan and reminds me of one of the best travel songs

“Tonight, maybe we’re gonna run

Dreamin’ of the Osaka sun

Ohh, ohh, ohhh

Dreamin’ of when the morning comes”

12. Aux Champs-Élysées by Joe Dassin

“Aux Champs-Elysées, aux Champs-Elysées

Au soleil, sous la pluie, à midi ou à minuit

Il y a tout ce que vous voulez aux Champs-Elysées”

And in English:

“Champs-Elysees, Champs-Elysees

In the sun, in the rain, at noon or midnight

There is everything you want on the Champs-Elysées”

I’m Shipping Up To Boston – Dropkick Murphys

I’m a sailor peg

13. Rock the Casbah by The Clash

“Sharif don’t like it

Rockin’ the Casbah

Rock the Casbah

Sharif don’t like it

Rock the Casbah”

14. Brazil by Declan McKenna

“I wanna play the beautiful game while I’m in Brazil

‘Cause everybody plays the beautiful game while out in Brazil

‘Cause it’s all you’ve ever wanted, and it’s all that you want still

Don’t you wanna play the beautiful game out in Brazil?”

15. Surfin’ USA by The Beach Boys

“Haggerties and Swamies

Pacific Palisades

San Anofree and Sunset

Redondo Beach L. A.

All over La Jolla

At Waimea Bay

Everybody’s gone surfin’

Surfin’ U.S. A.”

16. California by Phantom Planet

“Hustlers grab your guns

Your shadow weighs a ton

Driving down the 101

California here we come

Right back where we started from

California, here we come.”

17. Mexico by James Taylor

“Way down here you need a reason to move

Feel a fool running your stateside games

Lose your load, leave your mind behind Baby Jane

It sounds so simple I just got to go

The sun’s so hot I forgot to go home

Guess I’ll have to go now”

18. Beverly Hills by Weezer

“Beverly Hills

That’s where I want to be (gimme, gimme)

Livin’ in Beverly Hills

Beverly Hills

Rollin’ like a celebrity (gimme, gimme)

Livin’ in Beverly Hills”

19. Barcelona by George Ezra

Parc Guell Barcelona Spain

“Every time you have to go

Shut my eyes and you know

I’ll be lying right by your side

In Barcelona”

20. Rocky Road to Dublin by The Irish Descendants

Well in Dublin next arrived, I thought it’d be a pity

To be so soon deprived a view of that fine city

So then I took a stroll down among the quality

Me bundle it was stolen in a neat locality

Something crossed me mind, then I looked behind

No bundle could I find upon me stick a-wobblin’

Inquiring for the rogue, said me connaught brogue wasn’t much in vogue

On the rocky road to Dublin”

21. America by Simon & Garfunkel

“Cathy, I said as we boarded a Greyhound in Pittsburgh

Michigan seems like a dream to me now

It took me four days to hitchhike from Saginaw

I’ve gone to look for America”

22. Walking in Memphis by Marc Cohn

“Saw the ghost of Elvis

On Union Avenue

Followed him up to the gates of Graceland

Then I watched him walk right through

Now security they did not see him

They just hovered ’round his tomb

But there’s a pretty little thing

Waiting for the King

Down in the Jungle Room

When I was walking in Memphis

I was walking with my feet ten feet off of Beale

Walking in Memphis

But do I really feel the way I feel?”

23. Africa by Toto

“The wild dogs cry out in the night

As they grow restless, longing for some solitary company

I know that I must do what’s right

As sure as Kilimanjaro rises like Olympus above the Serengeti

I seek to cure what’s deep inside, frightened of this thing that I’ve become

It’s gonna take a lot to drag me away from you

There’s nothing that a hundred men or more could ever do

I bless the rains down in Africa

Gonna take some time to do the things we never have”

Pro Tip: Weezer also did a fantastic cover of this song in 2018 that you should DEFFO add to your list of best travel songs today.

24. Waka Waka (This Time for Africa) by Shakira

“Today’s your day

You paved the way

If you get down get up oh oh

When you get down get up eh eh

Tsamina mina zangalewa

This time for Africa”

25. Marrakech Express by Crosby, Stills, & Nash

“Take the train from Casablanca going south

Blowing smoke rings from the corners of my my, my, my, my mouth

Colored cottons hang in air

Charming cobras in the square

Striped jellabas we can wear at home

Don’t you know we’re riding on the Marrakesh Express”

26. Blue Hawaii by Elvis Presley

“Come with me

While the moon is on the sea

The night is young

And so are we, so are we

Dreams come true

In blue Hawaii”

27. I’ve Been Everywhere by Johnny Cash

“I’ve been everywhere, man

I’ve been everywhere, man

Crossed the deserts bare, man

I’ve breathed the mountain air, man

Travel, I’ve had my share, man

I’ve been everywhere

I’ve been to

Winslow”

28. Rio by Netsky and featuring Macklemore

“It’s the “Rio” remix, you should see us

Swimming in the ocean like the pool is hella heated

Expedited Visa and I’m posted with my feet up

Parasailing over beaches, got my girl from Ipanema”

29. Back in the U.S.S.R. by The Beatles

“Well the Ukraine girls really knock me out

They leave the West behind

And Moscow girls make me sing and shout

That Georgia’s always on my mind

Aw come on!

Yeah I’m back in the U.S.S.R.

You don’t know how lucky you are boys

Back in the U.S.S.R.”

30. April in Paris by Ella Fitzgerald and Louis Armstrong

View of the Eiffel Tower from the Arc de Triumphe and reminds me of one of the best soungs about travel

“I never knew the charm of spring

I never met it face to face

I never knew my heart could sing

I never missed a warm embrace

Till April in Paris, chestnuts in blossom

Holiday tables under the trees

April in Paris, this is a feeling”

31. Budapest by George Ezra

“My house in Budapest

My hidden treasure chest

Golden grand piano

My beautiful Castillo

I’d leave it all

My acres of a land

I have achieved

It may be hard for you to

Stop and believe

But for you

I’d Leave it all

Give me one good reason

Why I should never make a change

And baby if you hold me

Then all of this will go away.”

32. Viva Las Vegas by Elvis Presley

Bright light city gonna set my soul

Gonna set my soul on fire

Got a whole lot of money that’s ready to burn

So get those stakes up higher

There’s a thousand pretty women waitin’ out there

And they’re all livin’ devil may care

And I’m just the devil with love to spare

Viva Las Vegas, viva Las Vegas”

33. Vienna by Ultravox

“The music is weaving

Haunting notes, pizzicato strings

The rhythm is calling

Alone in the night as the daylight brings

A cool empty silence

The warmth of your hand and a cold grey sky

It fades to the distance

The image has gone only you and I

It means nothing to me

This means nothing to me

Oh, Vienna”

34. Midnight Train to Georgia by Gladys Knight & the Pips

“He’s leaving (leaving)

On that midnight train to Georgia (leaving on a midnight train)

Said he’s going back (going back to find)

To a simpler place and time (and when he takes that ride)

Oh yes, he is (guess who’s gonna sit right by his side)”

35. Malibu by Miley Cyrus

“But here I am

Next to you

The sky is so blue

Next to you”

36. New York Groove by Ace Frehley

“Many years since I was here

On the street I was passin’ my time away

To the left and to the right,

Buildings towering to the sky

It’s outta sight in the dead of night

Here I am, and in this city, with a fistful of dollars

And baby, you’d better believe

I’m back, back in the New York groove”

37. Road to Nowhere by the Talking Heads

“We’re on a road to nowhere

Come on inside

Takin’ that ride to nowhere

We’ll take that ride”

38. California Love by Tupac and Dr. Dre

“Say what you say, but give me that bomb beat from Dre

Let me serenade the streets of L.A

From Oakland to Sacktown

The Bay Area and back down

Cali is where they put they mack down give me love!

California, knows how to party

In the city of L.A.

In the city of good ol’ Watts

In the city, the city of Compton

We keep it rocking”

39. Renegades by X Ambassadors

“Run away-ay with me

Lost souls in revelry

Running wild and running free

Two kids, you and me

Hey, hey-hey-hey

Livin’ like we’re renegades

Hey-hey-hey

Renegades.”

Pro Tip: This is a fantastic song that is highly underrated IMHO. So, be sure to add it to your playlist filled with the best songs about travel.

40. Miami by Will Smith

Multi-colored lifeguard tower in Miami in best warm winter vacations USA.

“Party in the city where the heat is on

All night, on the beach till the break of dawn

‘Welcome to Miami’

‘Bienvenidos a Miami’

Bouncin’ in the club where the heat is on

I’m goin to Miami

‘Welcome to Miami'”

41. The Wanderer by Dion DiMucci

“I’m the type of guy that likes to roam around

I’m never in one place I roam from town to town

And when I find myself a-fallin’ for some girl, yeah

I hop right into that car of mine and ride around the world

Yeah I’m the wanderer, yeah the wanderer

I roam around around around, let’s go”

42. Hotel California by The Eagles

“Welcome to the Hotel California

Such a lovely place (Such a lovely place)

Such a lovely face

Plenty of room at the Hotel California

Any time of year (Any time of year)

You can find it here.”

43. Where the Streets Have No Name by U2

“Where the streets have no name

Where the streets have no name

We’re still building then burning down love

Burning down love

And when I go there, I go there with you

It’s all I can do.”

44. Empire State of Mind by Jay-Z and featuring Alicia Keys

“In New York (Ay, aha) (Uh, yeah)

Concrete jungle (Yeah) where dreams are made of

There’s nothing you can’t do (Yeah) (OK)

Now you’re in New York (Aha, aha, aha) (Uh, yeah)

These streets will make you feel brand-new (New)

Big lights will inspire you (Come on) (OK)

Let’s hear it for New York (You welcome, OG) (Uh)

New York (Yeah), New York (Uh)”

45. Around the World by Daft Punk

“Around the world, around the world

Around the world, around the world

Around the world, around the world”

46. Down Under by Men at Work

“Buying bread from a man in Brussels

He was six foot four and full of muscle

I said, “Do you speak-a my language?”

He just smiled and gave me a Vegemite sandwich

And he said:

I come from a land down under

Where beer does flow and men chunder

Can’t you hear, can’t you hear the thunder

You better run, you better take cover.”

47. Traveling On by The Decemberists

“Cause we’re traveling on

Sold for a song

We’re traveling on

And it won’t be long

‘Til we’re traveling on”

48. Hopeless Wanderer by Mumford & Sons

“But hold me fast, hold me fast

‘Cause I’m a hopeless wanderer

And hold me fast, hold me fast

‘Cause I’m a hopeless wanderer”

49. When I’m Gone (The Cups Song) by Anna Kendrick

“I’ve got my ticket for the long way ‘round

The one with the prettiest of views

It’s got mountains, it’s got rivers, it’s got sights to give you shivers

But it sure would be prettier with you

When I’m gone

You’re gonna miss me when I’m gone

You’re gonna miss me by my walk

You’re gonna miss me by my talk, oh

You’re gonna miss me when I’m gone”

50. Born to Run by Bruce Springsteen

“Someday girl I don’t know when

We’re gonna get to that place

Where we really wanna go

And we’ll walk in the sun

But till then tramps like us

Baby we were born to run”

51. Moon River by Audrey Hepburn

“Two drifters, off to see the world

There’s such a lot of world to see

We’re after the same rainbow’s end, waitin’ ’round the bend

My huckleberry friend, moon river, and me”

52. Life is a Highway by Rascal Flatts

“Life is a highway

I wanna ride it all night long

If you’re going my way

I wanna drive it all night long”

53. Kathmandu by Bob Seger

“I think I’m going to Katmandu

‍That’s really, really where I’m going to

If I ever get out of here

That’s what I’m gonna do

I know my plane is due

The one that’s going to Katmandu

Up to the mountain’s where I’m going to

K-k-k-k-k-k Kathmandu‍”

54. The Passenger by Iggy Pop

“I am a passenger

And I ride and I ride

I ride through the city’s backside

I see the stars come out of the sky

Yeah, they’re bright in a hollow sky

You know it looks so good tonight

I am a passenger

I stay under glass

I look through my window so bright

I see the stars come out tonight

I see the bright and hollow sky

Over the city’s ripped-back sky

And everything looks good tonight”

55. Havana by Camila Cabello

“Havana, ooh na-na

Half of my heart is in Havana, ooh na-na

He took me back to East Atlanta, na-na-na, ah

Oh, but my heart is in Havana” ‍

56. Fast Car by Tracy Chapman

“You got a fast car

Is it fast enough so we can fly away?

We gotta make a decision

Leave tonight or live and die this way”

57. Paris by The Chainsmokers

Jardin du Luxembourg in Paris and one of the best songs about travel.

“We were staying in Paris

To get away from your parents

You look so proud

Standing there with a frown and a cigarette

Posting pictures of yourself on the internet”

58. Hotel Walls by Smith & Thell

“So I stand back and I watch us fall

As we break everything inside these hotel walls

Life’s for rent and it called us out

So I hand back the key as the door man bows”

Pro Tip: This is a really great Swedish band and you should listen to some of their other best travel songs too, like Forgive Me, Friend .

59. Vacation by The Go-Go’s

“Vacation

All I ever wanted

Had to get away

Meant to be spent alone”

60. On Top of the World by Imagine Dragons

‘Cause I’m on top of the world, ‘ey

I’m on top of the world, ‘ey

Waiting on this for a while now

Paying my dues to the dirt

I’ve been waiting to smile, ‘ey

Been holding it in for a while, ‘ey

Take it with me if I can

Been dreaming of this since a child

I’m on top of the world”

61. No Sleep Till Brooklyn by The Beastie Boys

“No sleep ’till

No sleep ’till Brooklyn

No sleep till Brooklyn”

62. Barcelona by Ed Sheeran

“And you and I we’re flying on an airplane tonight

We’re going somewhere where the sun is shining bright

Just close your eyes

And let’s pretend we’re dancing in the street

In Barcelona

Barcelona”

63. Homeward Bound by Simon & Garfunkel

“Every day’s an endless stream

Of cigarettes and magazines

And each town looks the same to me, the movies and the factories

And every stranger’s face I see reminds me that I long to be

Homeward bound

I wish I was

Home where my thought’s escaping

Home where my music’s playing

Home where my love lies waiting

Silently for me”

64. Tennessee by Arrested Development

“They tell me my ears are so young

Go back, from whence you came

My family tree, my family name

For some strange reason it had to be

He guided me to Tennessee

Take me to another place, take me to another land

Make me forget all that hurts me, let me understand your plan”

65. In America by Neil Diamond

“Everywhere around the world

They’re coming to America

Every time that flag’s unfurled

Got a dream to take them there

Got a dream they’ve come to share

They’re coming to America”

66. No Roots by Alice Merton

“I like standing still, but that’s just a wishful plan

Ask me where I come from, I’ll say a different land

But I’ve got memories and travel like gypsies in the night

I count gates and numbers, then play the guessing game

It’s just the place that changes, the rest is still the same

And a thousand times I’ve seen this road

A thousand times

I’ve got no roots, but my home was never on the ground”

67. California Dreamin’ by the Mamas and the Papas

“All the leaves are brown (all the leaves are brown)

And the sky is gray (and the sky is gray)

I’ve been for a walk (I’ve been for a walk)

On a winter’s day (on a winter’s day)

I’d be safe and warm (I’d be safe and warm)

If I was in L.A. (if I was in L.A.)

California dreamin’ (California dreamin’)

On such a winter’s day”

68. Party in the USA by Miley Cyrus

“I hopped off the plane at LAX

With a dream and my cardigan

Welcome to the land of fame excess (Whoa)

Am I gonna fit in?

Jumped in the cab, here I am for the first time

Look to my right, and I see the Hollywood sign

This is all so crazy

Everybody seems so famous

My tummy’s turnin’ and I’m feelin’ kinda homesick

Too much pressure and I’m nervous

That’s when the taxi man turned on the radio

And a JAY-Z song was on

So I put my hands up

They’re playin’ my song, the butterflies fly away

I’m noddin’ my head like, “Yeah”

Movin’ my hips like, “Yeah”

Got my hands up, they’re playing my song

You know I’m gonna be okay

Yeah, it’s a party in the U.S.A.

Yeah, it’s a party in the U.S.A.”

69. Galway Girl by Ed Sheeran

“You know, she played the fiddle in an Irish band

But she fell in love with an Englishman

Kissed her on the neck and then I took her by the hand

Said, “Baby, I just wanna dance”

With my pretty little Galway girl

You’re my pretty little Galway girl”

70. Fly Away by Lenny Kravitz

I want to get away

I want to fly away

Yeah, yeah, yeah‍”

71. Kokomo by The Beach Boys

“Aruba, Jamaica, ooh, I want to take you to

Bermuda, Bahama, come on pretty mama

Key Largo, Montego, baby, why don’t we go?

Ooh, I want to take you down to Kokomo

We’ll get there fast and then we’ll take it slow

That’s where we want to go, way down in Kokomo”

72. Margaritaville by Jimmy Buffett

“Wastin’ away again in Margaritaville

Searchin’ for my lost shaker of salt

Salt, salt, salt

Some people claim that there’s a woman to blame

I agree with that

And I know it’s all you women’s fault”

73. Have Love Will Travel by The Sonics

Yeah, I travel from Maine to Mexico

Just to find a little girl that loves me so

No matter when, no matter where I’ll be

I’m looking for a woman that’ll satisfy me

Whoa, baby, will travel

I said, yeah, yeah, have love

Woah, baby, will travel

I said, if you need loving then

Mm, hmm, I’ll travel

Woah!”

74. Chicago by Sufjan Stevens

“I fell in love again

All things go, all things go

Drove to Chicago

All things know, all things know”

75. One Night in Bangkok by Murray Head

Floating Market in Bangkok as described by one of the best travel songs.

“One night in Bangkok and the world’s your oyster

The bars are temples but the pearls ain’t free

You’ll find a god in every golden cloister

A little flesh, a little history

I can feel an angel sliding up to me”

76. Leaving on a Jetplane by John Denver

“So kiss me and smile for me

Tell me that you’ll wait for me

Hold me like you’ll never let me go

‘Cause I’m leavin’ on a jet plane

Don’t know when I’ll be back again

Oh babe, I hate to go”

77. I’m Gonna Be (500 Miles) by The Proclaimers

“But I would roll 500 miles

And I would roll 500 more

Just to be the man who roles a thousand miles

To fall down at your door”

78. Ramblin’ Man by The Allman Brothers Band

“I’m on my way to New Orleans this mornin’

I’m leavin’ out of Nashville, Tennessee

They’re always having a good time down on the bayou

Lord, them Delta women think the world of me

Lord, I was born a ramblin’ man

Tryin’ to make a livin’ and doin’ the best I can

And when it’s time for leavin’

I hope you’ll understand

That I was born a ramblin’ man”

79. Istanbul (Not Constantinople) by They Might Be Giants

“Every gal in Constantinople

Lives in Istanbul, not Constantinople

So if you’ve a date in Constantinople

She’ll be waiting in Istanbul

Even old New York was once New Amsterdam

Why they changed it I can’t say

People just liked it better that way”

80. Vertigo by FM Belfast

“We are going far away

We are going far away

Don’t you look down

You are high above ground

We are driving with our friends

We are driving to a faraway place”

81. Sweet Home Alabama by Lynyrd Skynyrd

“Sweet home Alabama

Where the skies are so blue

Sweet home Alabama

Lord, I’m comin’ home to you”

82. On the Road Again by Willie Nelson

“On the road again

Like a band of gypsies, we go down the highway

We’re the best of friends

Insisting that the world keep turning our way

And our way

Is on the road again”

83. Born to be Wild by Steppenwolf

“Born to be wild

Born to be wild

Get your motor runnin’

Head out on the highway

Looking for adventure

In whatever comes our way”

84. Roam by The B-52’s

“Roam if you want to

Roam around the world

Roam if you want to

Without wings, without wheels

Without anything but the love we feel”

85. Send Me on My Way by Rusted Root

Well, I would like to hold my little hand

And we will run, we will, we will crawl, we will

I would like to hold my little hand

And we will run, we will, we will crawl

Send me on my way (on my way)”

86. Take Me Home, Country Roads by John Denver

“Country roads, take me home

To the place I belong

West Virginia, mountain mama

Take me home, country roads”

87. San Francisco by Scott McKenzie

Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco

“If you’re going to San Francisco

Be sure to wear some flowers in your hair

If you’re going to San Francisco

You’re gonna meet some gentle people there.”

88. London Calling by The Clash

“The ice age is coming, the sun is zooming in

Engines stop running, the wheat is growin’ thin

A nuclear era, but I have no fear

‘Cause London is drowning, and I, I live by the river”

89. Wonderwall by Oasis (Popular amongst guitar players in hostels the world over)

“And all the roads we have to walk are winding

And all the lights that lead us there are blinding

There are many things that I would like to say to you, but I don’t know how

Because maybe

You’re gonna be the one that saves me

And after all

You’re my wonderwall”

Random Aside : Honestly, if you haven’t heard someone play this pick for one of the best travel songs on their guitar in a hostel, have you really traveled? And the correct answer is, probably not!

90. Come Fly With Me by Frank Sinatra

“Come fly with me, let’s fly, let’s fly away

If you can use some exotic booze

There’s a bar in far Bombay

Come fly with me, let’s fly, let’s fly away.”

91. Truckin’ by the Grateful Dead

“Truckin’, like the do-dah man

Once told me, ‘You’ve got to play your hand’

Sometimes the cards ain’t worth a dime

If you don’t lay ’em down.”

92. What We Live For by American Authors

“We’re taking off, woo

We’re taking off, woo

This is what I live for

Baby, you’re my open road.”

93. Holiday by Madonna

“If we took a holiday

Took some time to celebrate

Just one day out of life

It would be, it would be so nice.”

94. Gravity by Cold Play

“Baby

It’s been a long time coming

Such a long, long time

And I can’t stop running

Can you hear my heart beating?

Can you hear that sound?

‘Cause I can’t help thinking

And I won’t stop now“

95. Leaving Las Vegas by Cheryl Crow

“I’m leaving Las Vegas

Lights so bright, palm sweat, blackjack on a Saturday night

Leaving Las Vegas

Leaving for good, for good

I’m leaving for good

I’m leaving for good”

96. Free by Donovan Frankenreiter

“Here comes corner winds and the changin’ tide

We better drop them sails and get inside

When will the weather ever let us go

I guess we’ll have to wait until the trade winds blow”

97. Come Away with Me by Norah Jones

“Come away with me and we’ll kiss

On a mountain top

Come away with me

And I’ll never stop lovin’ you”

98. American Boy by Estelle and featuring Kanye West

“Take me on a trip, I’d like to go some day

Take me to New York, I’d love to see LA

I really want to come kick it with you

You’ll be my American boy.”

99. Destination Calabria by Alex Gaudino featuring Crystal Waters

“I left my job, my boss, my car and my home

I’m leaving for a destination I still don’t know”

100. Toes by the Zac Brown Band

The turquoise blue waters and sandy beach of Antiparos in Greece.

“I got my toes in the water, ass in the sand

Not a worry in the world, a cold beer in my hand

Life is good today”

101. Last Train Home by John Mayer

“I’m on the last train runnin’

I’m on the last train runnin’

And I surrender

And I surrender”

102. Two Tickets To Paradise by Eddie Money

“I’m gonna take you on a trip so far from here,

I’ve got two tickets in my pocket, now baby, we’re gonna disappear.

We’ve waited so long, waited so long.

We’ve waited so long, waited so long.“

103. Do You Want to See the World by the Kooks

“Do you want to see the world?

In a different way, yeah”

104. A Million Miles Away by David Byrne

“Oh oh

A million miles away from here”

105. Space Oddity by David Bowie

“This is Major Tom to Ground Control

I’m stepping through the door

And I’m floating in a most peculiar way

And the stars look very different today

Am I sitting in a tin can

Far above the world

Planet Earth is blue

And there’s nothing I can do”

Additional Travel Resources You’ll Love

  • Best Travel Quotes
  • Best Travel Captions for Instagram
  • Best Songs About West Virginia

There you have it! That just about wraps up this list of the best travel songs of all time!

Tell me, did your favorite road trip songs make the list if not then let. me know in the comments below, and if you found this post about the best travel songs useful, don’t forget to pin this post now so that you can read it again later.

travel trip songs

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The Planet D: Adventure Travel Blog

The Ultimate Travel Songs Playlist to Inspire Wanderlust

Written By: The Planet D

Inspiration

Updated On: March 2, 2023

The best travel songs playlist had an outstanding turn out by The Planet D fans.

We wanted to hear, what songs inspire travel, make you think of a destination, or simply make you want to hit the road, so we asked our readers to share their favorite songs about travel.

We had such an awesome response that now have a huge list of the best travel songs as chosen by you ! There were a lot of duplicate votes for but after adding up the choices, these are the top songs.

Table of Contents

The Best Travel Songs Playlist

We took some of our favorite quotes from people when they chose their favorite songs about travel and you can read what they below.

  • If you want some more travel inspiration, check out our 101 Ultimate Travel Quotes.
  • Looking for a different playlist? We’ve rounded up the best road trip songs to rock the long drive.

If you have a song to add to our playlist leave a comment below. We update this list regularly

1. Africa by Toto

best travel songs of all time | africa by toto

Nothing makes me want to go to Africa more than this song by Toto.

They capture it beautifully with their lyrics and each time I listen to it, I am brought back to camping in the desert listening to the dog crying out in the night.

Or it makes me think of climbing Kilimanjaro towering over the Serengeti. And it has had a renaissance getting a lot of air time.

“The wild dogs cry out in the night As they grow restless, longing for some solitary company I know that I must do what’s right As sure as Kilimanjaro rises like Olympus above the Serengeti I seek to cure what’s deep inside, frightened of this thing that I’ve become”

Dina Rosita Koudys says “ Not exactly about traveling, but it does mention Africa, Kilimanjaro, and Serengeti. And I love the song!

We replied to Dina saying,  “We think Africa is exactly a travel song. It is our favorite song about travel and makes us want to see the Serengeti again and again.”

2. Galway Girl by Ed Sheeran

best songs about travel | galway girl

Ireland is one of our favorite country’s to visit and when Ed Sheeran wrote about Galway it brought us right back to being in the pubs there.

A lot of playlists omit the modern travel songs, but musicians these days have explored more of the world than anyone. And Ed Sheeran is a huge traveler.

We saw Ed Sheeran on Graham Norton talking about his travels and we love his free spirit and down to earth attitude.

“I meet her on Grafton street right outside of the bar She shared a cigarette with me while her brother played the guitar She asked me what does it mean, the Gaelic ink on your arm? Said it was one of my friend’s songs, do you want to drink on?”

3. One Night in Bangkok by Murray Head

best travel songs | one night in Bangkok

From the Musical Chess, this hit by Murray Head made me want to visit Bangkok in the 1990s.

Whenever I’m in the city, I can’t stop singing it!

“I said, “do you speak-a my language?” He just smiled and gave me a vegemite sandwich And he said I come from a land down under Where beer does flow and men chunder”

4. Land Down Under by Men at Work

travel songs | land down under

When thinking about travel music, this song is at the top for and Australian theme.

Men at work reference the Hippy Trail, muscles in Brussels and a den in Bombay.

All while bonding with people from the Land Down Under. Men at work are from Melbourne , Australia

“Bangkok, Oriental setting And the city don’t know that the city is getting The creme de la creme of the chess world In a show with everything but Yul Brynner”

5. Havana by Camila Cabello

traveling songs playlist

This song takes me to Havana. The groove makes me feel that I am at a lounge in Cuba and I love it.

Even if Camila Cabello is taken to East Atlanta, her heart is always in Havana. Just like so many people feel when they visit Havana too!

Havana, ooh na-na Half of my heart is in Havana, ooh na-na He took me back to East Atlanta, na-na-na Oh, but my heart is in Havana My heart is in Havana Havana, ooh na-na

6.  Sweet Home Alabama by Lynyrd Skynyrd

best songs about travel | sweet home alabama

This song makes me want to go to the American South.

My favorite lyric is when they mention the recording studio Muscle Shoals.

“Now Muscle Shoals has got the Swampers And they’ve been known to pick a song or two (yes they do) Lord they get me off so much They pick me up when I’m feeling blue, now how bout you?”

After watching the documentary about Muscle Shoals, I now understand what that lyric is all about.

It was the place for rock musicians to record in the 1960s. Rent Muscle Shoals on Amazon

Kathy Bovair  says “ Dave will have my back on this one “SWEET HOME ALABAMA” is the best travel song and an old high school classic from our past” 

7. I’ve Been Everywhere Man by Johnny Cash

best travel songs | I've been everywhere

Carmen Davis-Harcum said.  “It’s My favourite travel song.” And we agree. I’ve been everywhere is the ultimate travel song!

If you want to add a song to your travel playlist that captures what it’s like to travel around.

I always envisioned this song being about Johnny Cash writing about his life on the road as a traveling musician.

“I’ve been everywhere, man I’ve been everywhere, man Crossed the deserts bare, man I’ve breatherd the mountain air, man Travel, I’ve had my share, man I’ve been everywhere”

He may not have been everywhere int he world, but he has definitely crossed all of the United States and Canada.

I’ve Been Everywhere by Johnny Cash does the trick.

 8. Route 66 by Nat King Cole

traveling songs | route 66

Route 66 certainly captures the heyday of America’s famous highway running across the country.

It makes me think of simpler (and tougher) times of people hitting the open road with nothing but dreams in their heads.

This song makes me want to get in the car and drive.

“Well if you ever plan to motor west Just take my way it’s the highway that’s the best Get your kicks on Route 66 Well it winds from Chicago to L.A. More than 2000 miles all the way Get your kicks on Route 66″

Trisha Miller  is inspired by Route 66, a trip I have dreamed of for a long time, and someday I will do the entire length in one long, leisurely road trip”

9. Desert Rose – Sting

sting | songs about travel desert rose

This song is apparently about when Adam was banished from the garden of Eden.

But when I listen to it, I think of travel and it transports me straight to the Middle East.

“I dream of rain, I dream of gardens in the desert sand I wake in vain, I dream of love as time runs through my hand Sweet desert rose Each of her veils, a secret promise This desert flower No sweet perfume ever tortured me more than this…”

10. Where the Streets Have No Name by U2

songs about traveling | Streets have no name

The song is inspired by the streets of Ethiopia where there aren’t (or weren’t) any street names.

I remember cycling through Africa and we barely saw a road sign.

At the time, Ireland was still under a lot of civil unrest and Bono wrote about a place where class, religion and income are not indicitve of the street they live on.

“I want to feel sunlight on my face I see that dust cloud disappear without a trace I wanna take shelter from the poison rain Where the streets have no name.”

11. Sympathy For The Devil by The Rolling Stones

traveling songs | rolling stones

Daniel Stein Says “ Sympathy For the Devil makes you want to drive. Who wouldn’t include this in their best travel songs playlist?”

This travel song had the most votes in our survey.

So it had to be on our playlist even though it isn’t really about travel. It does talk about historical events around the world though. 

“I stuck around St. Petersburg When I saw it was a time for a change Killed the czar and his ministers Anastasia screamed in vain” 

12. On the Road Again by Willy Nelson

travel songs | willie nelson

Diane Grady .” We were camping year’s ago on Vancouver Island and a big motorhome pulled out playing”On the Road Again” through the loudspeakers. It was hilarious .

But you know what, On the Road Again is one of the most popular songs played when hitting the road.

The words alone. I’m on the road again!

13. I Left My Heart In San Francisco by Tony Bennet

songs that inspire travel | San francisco

Suggested by Katherine Hill who said, “I left my Heart in San Francisco, of course! This song is the epitome of San Francisco.

Travel Songs don’t have to be about going everywhere. They can be about one place and this is the ultimate love story dedicated to San Francisco.

Add it to your playlist on Amazon

14. Montego Bay by Amazulu

inspiring travel songs | montego bay

Whenever we go to Jamaica we sing this song. It is perfect for travel.

It not only captures the spirit and energy of Jamaica, it explains a lot about the island.

They drive on the island, they drink rum from a silver tray and greet you like a brother would.

“Vernon’ll meet me when the BOAC lands Keys to th M. G. will be in his hands Adjust to the driving ‘n’ I’m on my way It’s all on the right side in Montego Bay

BOAC is a British airplane and I love how they say, “it’s all on the right side, because when you are in Jamaica, you drive British style.

15. Midnight Train To Georgia by Gladys Knight and the Pips

travel songs about a destination | midnight train to georgia

Lauren Mcleod  made this addition to our playlist.

She says “ Even though it’s about heading home instead of away, it sure gets me groovin’ along like I want to leave.”

“The world is his, his and ‘ers alone Oh he’s leavin’ On that midnight train to Georgia (leavin’ on the midnight train) Said he’s goin’ back to find (goin’ back to find) Oh a simpler place in time”

You can also download on Amazon

16. Roam by the B52s

traveling music | roam b52s

Genelle Gregorio “ Roam “ by the B-52s is a fantastic song for slideshows of your travels and to get you all pumped up about traveling and seeing the world.

“Roam if you want to Roam around the world Roam if you want to Without wings, without wheels Roam if you want to Roam around the world Roam if you want to Without anything but the love we feel”

In our hearts, aren’t we all roamers at heart?

17. Leaving on a Jet Plane by Chantal Kreviazuk

travel songs | leaving on a jet plane

Jenny Leach “ We love this track when we are traveling . Leaving on a Jet Plane just screams travel song! Famous recordings are from Peter Paul and Mary, and John Denver.

“All my bags are packed I’m ready to go I’m standin’ here outside your door I hate to wake you up to say goodbye”

While the song is more about leaving for work (most likely the life of a rock n roll band, it still makes us think about traveling.

This song has been re-done a lot over the years, our favorite version is from the movie Armageddon  by Chantal Kreviazuk.

18. Kokomo by The Beach Boys

songs to inspire people to travel | kokomo

Keith Jenkins of Velvet Escape chose Kokomo. This makes me think of the beach for sure.

What we love about Kokomo is that it is a made up place by the Beach Boys, but it sure makes you want to go there. And it captures the spirit of the islands.

19. Graceland by Paul Simon

great travel songs | graceland

Sheri Anderson Wallace  said. “ I love that travel song because it captures all the pieces of a road trip. What could be more of a travel song than a song about road tripping?

We say, it also inspired us to get ourselves to Graceland and see Elvis’ home in Memphis Tennessee.

We’ll never forget visiting Kenya and seeing photographs of Paul Simon at a lodge we stayed at in the Masai Mara. He stayed here with Carry Fisher and it was this place that inspired his music for the album Graceland. I think that was one of the coolest things to see that we stayed at the same lodge.

2 0. Born to be Wild by Steppenwolf

travel songs for travelers

Bonnie Paridaen says “ By Steppenwolf Baby!”  Need we say more?

“Get your motor runnin’ Head out on the highway Lookin’ for adventure And whatever comes our way Yeah Darlin’ go make it happen Take the world in a love embrace Fire all of your guns at once And explode into space.”

Born to Be Wild is all about taking a motorcycle trip across the country. The movie isn’t bad either.

21. New York State of Mind by Billie Joel

best travel songs | New York State of mind

Merav Benaia  told us that it’s the travel song that makes me want to pack my bag and hop on a flight. (event though it’s about taking the bus)

Some folks like to get away Take a holiday from the neighborhood Hop a flight to Miami Beach or to Hollywood But I’m takin’ a Greyhound on the Hudson River line I’m in a New York state of mind

I love New York and this is a love song dedicated to the beautiful State. 

Get New York State of Mind on Amazon

22. Sailing, Christopher Cross

best songs for travelers | sailing

Stephanie Broschart stated. “The lyrics from Sailing totally make for a great travel song.”

It’s not far to never-never land, no reason to pretend And if the wind is right you can find the joy of innocence again Oh, the canvas can do miracles, just you wait and see. Believe me.

23. Proud Mary – Tina Turner

best songs for travellers | proud mary

Whenever we’re in New Orleans , this is the song that comes to mind. It has amazing energy and gets you in the mood to hop on a riverboat and explore!

Big wheel keep on turnin’ Proud Mary keep on burnin’ Rollin’, rollin’, rollin’ on the river

It wasn’t until we took a riverboat tour in New Orleans that we even understood what big wheel keeps on turnin’ meant. It’s the big wheel that propels these riverboats. Cool eh?

24. American Woman by The Guess Who

songs for travel

Lorna Hazen-Francavilla said.  “ It is one of those “roll down the windows and makes crank the tunes kind of songs!”

Even though it is a song about dissing America, a lot of people look at it as a tribute to America. Regardless, it is a song that has a lot of energy.

Check it out on Amazon .

25. Man in the Mirror by Micheal Jackson

music to inspire travel | man in the mirror

Claire Algarme “ I like the beat and the message of the song. It also reminds me to be open to everything I see & meet in my travels and how to be a better person at the end of my journeys.

We love the words of The Man in the Mirror .

Travel creates compassion. It brings people together and it is the best education.

This song empowers that feeling. Through travel we have often been compelled to make a difference.

If you want to make the world a better place Take a look at yourself, and then make a change

26. Kathmandu

kathmandu bob seger

When we were in Kathmandu before climbing to Everest Base Camp in Nepal.

This song captures the wanderlust of travel.

“I figure baby I’ve got nothing to lose, I’m tired of being blue, That’s why I’m going to Kathmandu Up to the mountains where I’m going to.”

It’s such a fun song.

Check it out on Amazon

27. London Calling by the Clash

london calling the clash

Okay, so it might be an anti travel song, but if you just listen to the chorus, London is calling!

so even though the lyrics are pretty angry and depressing, I always sing it when I go to London.

“The ice age is coming, the sun’s zooming in Meltdown expected, the wheat is growing thin Engines stop running, but I have no fear ‘Cause London is drowning I live by the river”

28. Coming to America by Neil Diamond

coming to america neil diamond

I said this in our best road trip songs post, and I’ll say it again, I loved listening to this song while cycling down the continent of Africa .

Coming to America captures the hope and freedom of what was America.

Far We’ve been traveling far Without a home But not without a star Free Only want to be free We huddle close Hang on to a dream

The world looked America for so much when he sang this. Hopefully, it will get it’s welcoming status back again in our life.

But in the meantime, we love listening to Neil Diamond, he is the coolest cat in town.

29. Rambling Man by The Allman Brothers

songs for travel

Voted by – Rasheed Hooda – It’s a classic

“I’m on my way to New Orleans this mornin’ I’m leavin’ out of Nashville, Tennessee They’re always having a good time down on the bayou Lord, them Delta women think the world of me”

30. Laredo by Band of Horses

songs for traveling

Catherine Reyes   says.”It has been my favourite of song to inspire travel for the past three months. It’s pretty recent and has that good on the road again feel.

“Gonna take a trip to Laredo Gonna take a dip in the lake Oh, I’m at a crossroads with myself I don’t got no one else”

31. Istanbul not Constantinople by They Might Be Giants

istanbul not sonstantinople | they might be giants

I had never heard this song before watching the Umbrella Academy on Netflix. When I heard it, it was my new favourite travel song.

We’ve been to Istanbul many times and we did know that it was once called Constantinople.

Istanbul was Constantinople Now it’s Istanbul, not Constantinople Been a long time gone, Constantinople Now it’s Turkish delight on a moonlit night

So now whenever we go back, you know we are going to be singing this song. It is so much fun.

Seriously, give it a listen!

And add it to your playlist through Amazon $1.29

32. Carolina on my Mind by James Taylor

songs about travel | carolina on my mind by james taylor

I just love James Taylor’s calm and soothing voice. And that is exactly what travel is meant to do – calm and sooth.

A lot of can’t travel right now, but we do go to places in our mind, and this captures that daydreaming part of our lives where we imagine being somewhere else.

“In my mind I’m gone to Carolina Can’t you see the sunshine? Can’t you just feel the moonshine? Ain’t it just like a friend of mine To hit me from behind? Yes, I’m gone to Carolina in my mind.”

33. California Dreaming – Mamas and the Papas

travel songs | california dreaming mamas and papas

I think we all feel this way about California on a winter’s day:

I’d be safe and warm, If I was in L.A. California Dreaming, On such a winter’s day?

And who doesn’t love the vocal harmonies of the Mamas and the Papas?

Start dreaming and get it now.

33. Bali Eyes – Porno for Pyros

songs to inspire travelers | bali eyes

When traveling through South East Asia, we discovered this song and became huge fans of the unplugged version by Porno for Pyros.

Ate a mushroom turned into Bali Didn’t look it just jumped down my throat I was starting to die until I Took a trip to Bali Their eyes are god In a glass full of jelly Bali in my eyes

Once we reached Bali, we couldn’t stop playing this one. I think you’ll like it!

34. Sand in My Shoes – Dido

songs to inspire travellers | sand in my shoes

This song captures how amazing travel can be, but how much of a let down it is when you get home.

“Two weeks away feels like the whole world should have changed, But I’m home now, and things still look the same I think I’ll leave it ’til tomorrow to unpack, Try to forget for one night that I’m back in my flat On the road where the cars never stop going through the night, To a life where I can’t watch the sun set”

35. New York by Alicia Keys

inspiring songs for travel | New York

There are so many songs about New York City, we could have created a travel song playlist all about New York alone! (Hey that’s a great idea! )

But we could only choose one and while Frank Sinatra, Beastie Boys, and even New York New York from Guys and Dolls springs to mind, I’m going with Alicia Keys beautiful song about New York.

In New York! Concrete jungle where dreams are made of There’s nothing you can’t do now you’re in New York! These streets will make you feel brand new Big lights will inspire you Now you’re in New York

Thank you to everyone who contributed to our Best Travel Songs Playlist. I found a lot of songs I’d never heard of, some old classics and some fun ones too!

Save this list to Pinterest to share these songs about travel.

ultimate travel songs playlist

Do you have a favourite travel song? Share it with us and see if it makes the list!

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25 thoughts on “The Ultimate Travel Songs Playlist to Inspire Wanderlust”

Ah these are some great songs! Some old school, some new, it’s perfect! Its pretty much my karaoke list too. Thanks so much for sharing!

Africa by Toto is classic. Its my favourite one :))) Does anyone use a travel itinerary on the worldee? For inspiration?

Please add the Spanish song Ay Carmela to your playlist.

Haha of course Sweet Home Alabama when you are cruising through bama!

Admiring the time and effort you put into your blog and detailed information you offer. This is the first time i am reading your post and admire that you posted article which gives users lot of information regarding particular topic thanks for this share.

This list is as bad as you could do without trying to be the worst… One Jason Mraz is bad enough, but two? And no Canned Heat “Going Up The Country”.

Great suggestion with – going up the Country.

Thank You for this amazing list, A Playlist for Best English, Hindi and Bengali songs for travel is a very tough work and you have done a great work.

Great list, I’m glad I contributed to the list 😀 I like Midnight train to Georgia. I don’t know bunch of the song, but now I need to have this playlist, I want to hear what others suggested! .-= Dina´s last blog ..Top 8 Animal Street Signs from Australia and New Zealand =-.

We are putting a playlist together on playlist.com when we have the final list compiled we will be putting up the playlist as well so everyone can hear. We didn’t know a few of the songs either, they are awesome. Can’t wait until monday when the new post goes out.

That’s cool! Looking forward to having the playlist 🙂

Hey, hows about something a BIT less cheesy though guys n gals. I give you M.Ward’s Paul’s Song, beautifully mournful and full of bittersweet lonesomeness.

‘How does it feel to be travelling, to live your life on the train oand the aeroplane. Well I ain’t gonna lie to you. Well every town is just the same, when you’ve left your heart in the Portland rain.’ Check it out! .-= Jools Stone´s last blog .. Edinburgh TweetUp Hatches =-.

Thanks Jools, Put it on our facebook fan page and we can include it in our list. Sounds like beautiful lyrics, I would love to include it:)

Whoever submitted “Leaving on a Jet Plane” by John Denver must be unaware that he perished in an experimental aircraft.

Haha, I forgot about that. Very ironic.

Great idea guys! I found myself spending too much time on YouTube 😉 and realised I have so many favourite travel songs I can hardly choose. I chose New York State of Mind; I think it is obvious it’s been a while since I last visited my one and only NYC. .-= Merav | AllWays Rental´s last blog ..Take the Tranz Alpine Train and Dream a Little =-.

Great list!! we have a theme song not so much a travel song. What do you think?? 🙂 http://gotpassport.org/2010/01/08/our-gotpassport-family-theme-song/ .-= GotPassport´s last blog .. That’s Right We’re Bad We’re Locals OK- Sort Of! =-.

#40 is my favourite on the list… I remember listening to this song watching the sun going down on Caye Caulker in Belize… amazing! .-= Brendan van Son´s last blog ..Fun Fotography on the Salt Flats =-.

Such an awesome list!!! .-= Andi´s last blog ..Love- Head Over Heels For The Amalfi Coast =-.

I’d love to make a second vote for Weather with You — such a great suggestion by Career Break HQ! (Especially because you two are such fundamentally happy people, and it’s a fundamentally happy song. :)) .-= Melanie@TravelsWithTwo´s last blog ..Strolling Through Hacienda Baru =-.

Thanks Melanie. We will be opening votes on the 9th, looks like it might be a winner already:)

My vote is for the Grateful Dead, the most comforting travel music I can think of. Trucking up to Buffalo is the best album for travel. .-= Shawn´s last blog ..FeedBurner’s Delusional Subscription Statistics =-.

Thanks Shawn. I don’t know if you want to enter your song. You still have a week. We need a specific song, sorry not an album and we have to have it on our facebook page to be included in the final list. Sorry, but we have to follow the rules:)

Excellent list of songs, and such a fun contest! I love that people who are submitting their favorites aren’t just pulling them out of thin air – the songs have real meaning to them…..I’ve been enjoying reading all the entries on your Facebook Page. .-= Trisha´s last blog .. Increase Your Travel Writing Exposure and Readership with Syndication =-.

Thanks Trisha, I have to say we are blown away with the song choices. They are so clever, heartfelt and interesting. It puts my post to shame about favorite travel songs. People are coming up with better choices than I ever could have thought of. It really is the ultimate playlist!

Europe Travel Blog

31 Best Travel Songs 2024 (to have the perfect background music!)

travel trip songs

Over time we collected a bunch of great and cool travel songs we just love to share.We love good travel music, it doesn’t matter where we are. On a boat floating through the Ha Long Bay in Vietnam, driving along the coast in Australia, or catching a plane.

31 Best Travel Songs 2017 (to have the perfect background music!)

Just hit the play button on the first song and enjoy your road trip wherever you are.

More the backpacker type? Find 17 more backpacker songs here .

If you still wanna more travel music, we just summed up my 29 favorite songs about traveling . Or check out these 117 cool and funny Instagram captions .

So, here it goes, A collection of the best travel songs for this 2024.

And we want to start with The Sonics!

1. Have Love, Will Travel – The Sonics

The Sonics’ “have love, will travel” is one of my favorite travel music.

Have love, whoa Baby I will travel (I say)Have little love, whoa Darlin’ will travel (Isaid) If you need lovin Then yeah, yeah, Ill travel

Well I might take a boat, or I’ll take a plane Might hitchhike, or jump a railroad train Your kind of lovin’ drives a man insane So look for me a walkin’ just any ol’ way

2.  The House of the Rising Sun – The Animals

There is a house in New Orleans They call the Rising Sun And it’s been the ruin of many a poor boy And God I know I’m one

My mother was a tailor She sewed my new bluejeans My father was a gamblin’ man Down in New Orleans

Now the only thing a gambler needs Is a suitcase and trunk And the only time he’s satisfied Is when he’s on, a drunk

3. KONGOS – Traveling On

So long my friend, my foe, my love, my pain The road’s calling out my name Dreaming of La Boheme Maybe I’ll go to Barbizon Or see a girl before she catches cold and she’s gone Or maybe I’ll just travel on

So long my flame, my warmth, my fear, my fight The road’s calling again tonight Dreaming under street lights Maybe I’ll catch a train to Rome See the world until I can’t go on Then maybe I’ll come traveling home

4. KONGOS – Escape

Every few thousand years Come true man’s greatest fears All the living things Mother nature brings to tears When the bombs are bursting in the air And the rockets are making that red glare I’m heading down Down to that good hope town, where the weather’s fair

So why don’t you come away With me my love We’ll do what it takes I’ll keep you safe

Why don’t you stay by me And when the time comes We’ll escape

5. Angus & Julia Stone – A Heartbreak

I saw your friends at the drive-in They were falling in love I met your friends, they were lying About falling in love

Girl, you’re just a child A heartbreak Girl, you’re just a child A heartbreak

6. Seafret – Oceans

It feels like there’s oceans Between me and you once again We hide our emotions Under the surface and tryin’ to pretend But it feels like there’s oceans Between you and me

Fancy more songs? keep scrolling or check out our favorite 29 songs for the road.

7. The Lumineers – Sleep On The Floor

Pack yourself a toothbrush dear Pack yourself a favorite blouse Take a withdrawal slip Take all of your savings out ‘Cause if we don’t leave this town We might never make it out I was not born to drown Baby come on

8. Snow Patrol – Just Say Yes

Just say yes, just say there’s nothing holding you back It’s not a test, nor a trick of the mind Only love

It’s so simple and you know it is You know it is, yeah We can’t be to and fro like this All our lives You’re the only way to me The path is clear

9. Asaf Avidan & The Mojos – One Day

One day baby, we’ll be old Oh baby, we’ll be old And think of all the stories that we could have told

No more tears, my heart is dry I don’t laugh and I don’t cry I don’t think about you all the time But when I do, I wonder why

10. Empire Of The Sun – We Are The People

We can remember swimming in December Heading for the city lights in 1975 We share in each other Nearer than farther The scent of a lemon drips from your eyes

We are the people that rule the world A force running in every boy and girl All rejoicing in the world Take me now, we can try

11. MGMT – Electric Feel

I said ooh girl Shock me like an electric eel Baby girl You turn me on with your electric feel

I said ooh girl Shock me like an electric eel Baby girl Turn me on with your electric feel

All along the eastern shore Put your circuits in the sea This is what the world is for Making electricity

You can feel it in your mind Oh you can do it all the time Plug it in and change the world You are my electric girl

12. Two Door Cinema Club – Sun

Drawn apart New York and London All I see now Are distant drumlins

The roads I knew Became a city And I wonder Will you wait for me?

You can find more New York City Songs here .

13. Love of Lesbian – Fantastic shine

Did I ever tell you we are drivers through a road called life Oh, what is life A piece of pie bursting from the seems that everything’s alright Spin in circles, jump together now

Shine, you can make it grow From the summer ground To the highest clouds

14. Ramon Mirabet – Those Little Things

I remember that first summer. Settled on the (dark) you said, Open up your heart

Even good things can leave scars, Don’t be afraid.

15. Manel Navarro – Candle

Your smile is like the sunset in the month of June. When we’re together there is nothing out of tune. ‘Cause I hear your voice and I don’t know what to do.

I’m not feeling heavy when I’m next to you. ‘Cause you’re the endless fire that shows me the way. When the night is dark you can be my flame, oh oh. ‘Cause the candle you hold inside, oh oh.

16. The Chainsmokers – Paris

We were staying in Paris To get away from your parents And I thought, “Wow If I could take this in a shot right now

I don’t think that we could work this out” Out on the terrace I don’t know if it’s fair but I thought “How Could I let you fall by yourself

While I’m wasted with someone else”

17. Ed Sheeran – Shape of You

Girl, you know I want your love Your love was handmade for somebody like me Come on now, follow my lead I may be crazy, don’t mind me

Say, boy, let’s not talk too much Grab on my waist and put that body on me Come on now, follow my lead Come, come on now, follow my lead

18. Coldplay – Paradise

When she was just a girl She expected the world But it flew away from her reach And the bullets catch in her teeth

Life goes on, it gets so heavy The wheel breaks the butterfly Every tear a waterfall In the night the stormy night she’ll close her eyes In the night the stormy night away she’d fly

19. Bob Dylan – A Hard Rain’s A-Gonna Fall

Oh, where have you been, my blue-eyed son? Oh, where have you been, my darling young one? I’ve stumbled on the side of twelve misty mountains I’ve walked and I’ve crawled on six crooked highways I’ve stepped in the middle of seven sad forests I’ve been out in front of a dozen dead oceans I’ve been ten thousand miles in the mouth of a graveyard And it’s a hard, and it’s a hard, it’s a hard, and it’s a hard And it’s a hard rain’s a-gonna fall

20. Jake Bugg – Simple As This

Traveled to each ocean’s end Saw all seven wonders, trying to make some sense Memorized the mantra Confucius said But it only let me down

Tried absolution of the mind and soul It only led me where I should not go Oh and the answer well how could I miss Something as simple as this Something as simple as this

21. Birdy – Wings

Sunlight comes creeping in Illuminates our skin We watch the day go by Stories of all we did It made me think of you It made me think of you

Under a trillion stars We danced on top of cars Took pictures of the stage So far from where we are They made me think of you They made me think of you

22. George Ezra – Barcelona

Barcelona, I still long to hold her once more, oh, My boots of leather, From Europe I gather you know, know,

Every time you have to go Shut my eyes and you know I’ll be lying right by your side In Barcelona

23. The Killers – When You Were Young

You sit there in your heartache Waiting on some beautiful boy to To save you from your old ways You play forgiveness Watch it now, here he comes

He doesn’t look a thing like Jesus But he talks like a gentlemen Like you imagined When you were young

24. Semisonic – Closing Time

Closing time Time for you to go out to the places you will be from Closing time This room won’t be open till your brothers or your sisters come So gather up your jackets, move it to the exits I hope you have found a friend Closing time Every new beginning comes from some other beginning’s end

25. Incubus – Drive

Sometimes, I feel the fear of uncertainty stinging clear And I can’t help but ask myself how much I’ll let the fear Take the wheel and steer It’s driven me before And it seems to have a vague, haunting mass appeal But lately, I am beginning to find That I should be the one behind the wheel

26. Blur – Song 2

I got my head checked By a jumbo jet It wasn’t easy But nothing is No

Woo-hoo When I feel heavy-metal And I’m pins and I’m needles Well, I lie and I’m easy All the time but I am never sure Why I need you Pleased to meet you

27. Foo Fighters – Times Like These

it’s times like these you learn to live again it’s times like these you give and give again it’s times like these you learn to love again it’s times like these time and time again

I am a new day rising I’m a brand new sky to hang the stars upon tonight I am a little divided do I stay or run away and leave it all behind?

28. Milky Chance – Stolen Dance

And I want you We can bring it on the floor You’ve never danced like this before We don’t talk about it Dancin’ on do the boogie all night long Stoned in paradise, shouldn’t talk about it

29. Coldplay – Hymn For The Weekend

Oh, angel sent from up above You know you make my world light up When I was down when I was hurt You came to lift me up

Life is a drink, and love’s a drug Oh, now I think I must be miles up When I was a river, dried up You came to rain a flood

30. Boston- More than A Feeling

So many people have come and gone Their faces fade as the years go by Yet I still recall as I wander on As clear as the sun in the summer sky

It’s more than a feeling when I hear that old song they used to play (more than a feeling) I begin dreaming (more than a feeling) ‘Till I see Marianne walk away I see my Marianne walkin’ away

31. Toto – Africa

It’s gonna take a lot to drag me away from you There’s nothing that a hundred men or more could ever do I bless the rains down in Africa Gonna take some time to do the things we never have

32. Guaranteed – Eddie Vedder

On bended knee is no way to be free Lifting up an empty cup I ask silently That all my destinations will accept the one that’s me So I can breath

Circles they grow and they swallow people whole Half their lives they say goodnight to wive’s they’ll never know Got a mind full of questions and a teacher in my soul So it goes

Don’t come closer or I’ll have to go Holding me like gravity are places that pull If ever there was someone to keep me at home It would be you

Everyone I come across in cages they bought They think of me and my wandering But I’m never what they thought Got my indignation but I’m pure in all my thoughts

I’m alive Wind in my hair, I feel part of everywhere Underneath my being is a road that disappeared Late at night I hear the trees

They’re singing with the dead Overhead Leave it to me as I find a way to be Consider me a satellite for ever orbiting

I knew all the rules but the rules did not know me Guaranteed

I also summed up my 29 favorite songs about traveling . Find 17 BEST backpacker songs here .

And why not check out these good reads, too?

  • Funny Quotes for Instagram Bio
  • 119 Cool Quotes for WhatsApp
  • Best Adventure Quotes of all time

How to download travel music?

There are awesome songs for travel videos.

Please be aware that you cannot use any music for your own videos. You have the own the license.

Either way. There is a website we hear that is perfect to download music and videos from YouTube. The website is www.filsh.net .

Just visit the website, include the link of the video and add your settings. It is as simple as that.

Sum it up: Time to Dance, time to Travel

The background music of a trip is crucial.

Well, okay, the trip and experience itself are obviously more important.

Nevertheless, it is always awesome to have these awesome travel songs up your sleeve.

And if you’re looking for more, you can find amazing travel quotes with these articles below.

  • 603 best travel quotes
  • funny travel quotes
  • 23 travel quotes for friends
  • 499 best Instagram captions you can copy and paste

If you know more songs, please leave us a comment. We are always keen to add more songs to our own list.

Therefore, please LEAVE me a comment below.

31 travel songs for your next road trip. Best travel playlist EVER!

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This playlist is perfect for when I’m going traveling! Thanks from Malaysia. :)

So much to listen to, thank you! Another one to add to the list is My Wild Heart by Tiffany Hill

Thanks for sharing this nice blog. This blog is really too good.

Im sick of the fake free mp3 downloaders that have literally no songs to download and makes you waste your time typing things out like Fatty Wap or Disturbed

Harold Burton

There are plenty of tools to download MP3 version from platforms like Youtube. That might be something for you to consider.

Safe travels, Matt

Or you could just download the songs you like on your computer and connect your phone to your pc with a USB wire or whatever it’s called and transfer.

This does not work for iPhone, I am afraid 🙂

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75 Travel Songs to add to your Playlist in 2024 – Mixtape #2

Nour De Wilde Salhab - Hostel Expert on Hostelgeeks.com

We curated the second mixtape of the best travel songs.

This list features classic songs about traveling to brand new tracks.

You can find more travel songs here:

  • Summer Mixtape #1 for the perfect travelers playlist
  • 17 best Backpacker Songs you’ve to know
  • 10 songs for exploring the world

This list features a lot of cool songs you’ve to put on your phone. However, and always remember this, go out there and create your own travel songs.

What do we mean by that?

During your travels you will end up in a lot of fun situations.

You will collect memories, and a few songs will take part in it. Then, when you are back home or wherever, you will hear this special song in the radio – and it takes you right back to those fun situations you will cherish forever.

For us, this is for instance “We don’t talk anymore” – we traveled Vietnam for 3 months and some local in every single village, town and city played it at least once. We turned crazy, yet it’s today a part of the experience. Then in Labuan Bajo, while taking the boat cruise around the Komodo National Park, the boat crew only had only one song to play, HIOKO TOBELO 2 – Yopie Latul .

Read : +180 short travel stories

75 Travel Songs to Wanderlust

Okay, enough of the mambo jambo. Turn on your audio and hit the play button. This list of the best 75 travel songs is waiting for you.

I included my personal favorite travel song as #75.

Update : We had to break the songs in several pages, otherwise the page takes too long to load.

Please be patient and wait for the YouTube video to load.

1. Ricky Nelson – Travelin’ Man

I’m a travelin’ man I’ve made a lot of stops all over the world And in every part I own the heart Of at least one lovely girl

I’ve a pretty Señorita waiting for me Down in old Mexico If you’re ever in Alaska stop and see My cute little Eskimo

Oh, my sweet Fraulein down in Berlin town Makes my heart start to yearn And my China doll down in old Hong Kong Waits for my return

Pretty Polynesian baby over the sea I remember the night When we walked in the sands of the Waikiki And I held you, oh so tight

2. The Melodic – “On My Way”

I found an open door (I’m on my way) I think of love once more (I’m on my way)

Precious time on your own Seeing more than you care to say And the mist falls away (I’m on my way)

At times I’ve tried to feel (I’m on my way) With the thoughts I tried to steal (I’m on my way)

Left forgotten like young love All the choices I am made of When the push comes to shove

3. Passenger – Traveling Alone

Australian man, Scandinavian tan, Kicking stones round a square. Sat for a while and carved out a smile, As if someone would care.

Said I’m a long way from the Gold Coast. Furthest I’ve ever known, Oh and this just ain’t my home. It was my wife’s idea, but she’s no longer here. She left me travelling alone.

I never heard silence ring out like a bell. I never heard silence like last night in my expensive hotel. Well, I’m loving a shadow, I’m trying to catch the rain. But I never heard silence ’til I heard it today.

She walked out of the hotel, I could still smell the smoke of the burning heart left inside. She said men are all assholes And life’s a bad joke. She laughed and started to cry.

See, ten years with this man, And a life time of plans, Oh, and I loved him to his bones. Now I’ve lines on my skin And he’s traded me in. He left me travelling alone.

Well, I never felt silence hit me like a train. I never felt silence like blood coursed through my veins. Well, I’m loving a shadow, and I’m trying to catch the rain. I never heard silence ’til I heard it today. I never felt silence ’til I felt it today.

4. Band of Horses – The Funeral

I’m coming up only to hold you under I’m coming up only to show you wrong And to know you is hard, we wonder To know you, all wrong we were

Ooh-ooh Ooh-ooh

Really too late to call, so We wait for Morning to wake you, that’s all we got To know me as hardly golden Is to know me all wrong, they were

At every occasion, I’ll be ready for the funeral Every occasion, once more, it’s called the funeral Every occasion, know I’m ready for the funeral Every occasion, oh, one billion-day funeral

5. X Ambassadors – Renegades

Run away with me Lost souls and reverie Running wild and running free Two kids, you and me

6. Noah And The Whale – Blue Skies

This is a song for anyone with a broken heart This is a song for anyone who can’t get out of bed

I’ll do anything to be happy

Oh, ’cause blue skies are coming

But I know that it’s hard

This is the last song that I write while still in love with you This is the last song that I write while you’re even on my mind

’cause it’s time to leave those feelings behind Oh, ’cause blue skies are coming But I know that it’s hard

7. Coldplay – Adventure Of A Lifetime

Turn your magic on, to me she’d say Everything you want’s a dream away We are legends, every day That’s what she told him

I feel my heart beating I feel my heart beneath my skin I feel my heart beating Oh, you make me feel

Like I’m alive again Alive again Oh, you make me feel Like I’m alive again

8. Red Hot Chili Peppers – Californication

Psychic spies from China try to steal your mind’s elation And little girls from Sweden dream of silver screen quotation And if you want these kind of dreams it’s Californication It’s the edge of the world and all of western civilization

The sun may rise in the East at least it’s settled in a final location It’s understood that Hollywood sells Californication Pay your surgeon very well to break the spell of aging Celebrity skin is this your chin or is that war you’re waging?

9. Of Monsters and Men – Dirty Paws

Jumping up and down the floor My head is an animal And once there was an animal It had a son that mowed the lawn The son was an OK guy They had a pet dragonfly The dragonfly it ran away But it came back with a story to say

Her dirty paws and furry coat She ran down the forest slope The forest of talking trees They used to sing about the birds and the bees The bees had declared a war The sky wasn’t big enough for them all The birds, they got help from below From dirty paws and the creatures of snow

10. Foo Fighters – These Days

One of these days, the ground will drop out from beneath your feet One of these days, your heart will stop and play it’s final beat

One of these days, the clocks will stop and time won’t mean a thing One of these days, their bombs will drop and silence everything

But it’s alright, yeah it’s alright, said it’s alright Easy for you to say Your heart has never been broken Your pride has never been stolen Not yet, not yet, one of these days I bet your heart ‘ll be broken I bet your pride ‘ll be stolen I’ll bet, I’ll bet, I’ll bet, I’ll bet One of these days, one of these days

11. David Bowie – Heroes

I, I wish you could swim Like the dolphins Like dolphins can swim Though nothing, nothing will keep us together

We can beat them, forever and ever

Oh, we can be heroes just for one day

I, I will be King And you, you will be Queen Though nothing will drive them away We can be heroes just for one day We can be us just for one day

12. Ben Howard – Old Pine

Hot sand on toes, cold sand in sleeping bags I’ve come to know that memories Were the best things you ever had The summer shone beat down on bony backs

So far from home where the ocean stood Down dust and pine cone tracks We slept like dogs down by the fire side Awoke to the fog all around us

The boom of summer time We stood Steady as the stars in the woods So happy-hearted

And the warmth rang true inside these bones As the old pine fell we sang Just to bless the morning

13. The Byrds – I Wasn’t Born To Follow

Recommended by the Hostelgeeks community member Alexandra.

No I’d rather go and journey Where the diamond crescent’s glowing And run across the valley Beneath the sacred mountain And wander through the forest

Where the trees have leaves of prisms And break the light in colors That no one know the names of

And when it’s time I’ll go and lay Beside the legendary fountain ‘Till I see her form reflected

In its clear and jewelled waters And if you think I’m ready You may lead me to the chasm Where the rivers of our visions Flow into one another

14. Imagine Dragons – Not Today

There she goes in front of me Take my life and set me free again We’ll make a memory out of it Holy road is at my back Don’t look on, take me back again

We’ll make a memory out of it We finally fall apart and we break each other’s hearts

If we wanna live young, love, we better start today It’s gotta get easier, oh easier somehow

‘Cause I’m falling, I’m falling Oh easier and easier somehow

Oh I’m calling, I’m calling And it isn’t over, unless it is over I don’t wanna wait for that It’s gotta get easier and easier somehow But not today Not today

15. Mumford & Sons – Hopeless Wanderer

You heard my voice, I came out of the woods by choice Shelter also gave their shade But in the dark I have no name So leave that click in my head And I will remember the words that you said Left a clouded mind and a heavy heart But I am sure we could see a new start So when your hopes on fire But you know your desire Don’t hold a glass over the flame Don’t let your heart grow cold I will call you by name I will share your road

But hold me fast, hold me fast ‘Cause I’m a hopeless wanderer And hold me fast, hold me fast ‘Cause I’m a hopeless wanderer

16. Paper Lions – Travelling

Travelling the road, last known is where I want to be My compass directing, electing, an open road with golden trees But there’s an old man in need on the ground, I try not to make a sound He holds out his hand as I walk away, I hear him say

Please don’t be a stranger in my place Travelling come to a tavern for a momentary rest

I see the old man that I passed on the road in his distress As I turned to go I can hear him say, “Son, stay. Have a drink, I’ll pay.” Let bygones be gone, it’s all in the past, we raise a glass Please don’t be a stranger in my place

What if I could be what you wanted me to be What if I could see what you wanted me to see Come on and show me Please don’t be a stranger in my place

17. Ramon Mirabet – Home Is Where The Heart is

Shining sun means new start.

it’s time for me to face my fate

and follow my heart.

I’m coming home,

I’m coming home.

home is where the heart is.

it’s never late to find the answer up in the stars.

18. Dream Land (Road Trip)

19. Our adventure – The Long Valley

20. The Weeknd – Wanderlust

Is it so hard to say the same thing? And you’re so weak to say the same thing And burn a hole into your apprehensiveness And let the wildfire shine And repeat after me

Good girls go to heaven, And bad girls go everywhere And tonight I will love you And tomorrow you won’t care

You’re in love with something bigger than love You believe in something stronger than trust

Wanderlust Wanderlust

21. Creed – With Arms Wide Open

Well I just heard the news today It seems my life is going to change I close my eyes, begin to pray Then tears of joy stream down my face

With arms wide open Under the sunlight Welcome to this place I’ll show you everything With arms wide open With arms wide open

22. The Lumineers – Ho Hey

I been trying to do it right (Hey) I been living a lonely life (Ho) I been sleepin’ here instead (Hey) I been sleepin’ in my bed (Ho) I been sleepin’ in my bed (hey ho)

so show me family (Hey) all the blood that I will bleed (Ho) I don’t know where I belong (Hey) I don’t know where I went wrong (Ho) but I can write a song (hey)

23. Bastille – Pompeii

I was left to my own devices Many days fell away with nothing to show

And the walls kept tumbling down In the city that we love Grey clouds roll over the hills Bringing darkness from above

But if you close your eyes Does it almost feel like Nothing changed at all? And if you close your eyes Does it almost feel like You’ve been here before?

24. Green day – Time of your life

Another turning point, a fork stuck in the road Time grabs you by the wrist, directs you where to go

So make the best of this test, and don’t ask why It’s not a question, but a lesson learned in time It’s something unpredictable, but in the end it’s right I hope you had the time of your life

So take the photographs, and still-frames in your mind Hang them on a shelf in good health and good time Tattoo’s of memories and dead skin on trial For what it’s worth, it was worth all the while

It’s something unpredictable, but in the end it’s right I hope you had the time of your life

25. The Script – Hall of Fame

Yeah, you could be the greatest You can be the best

You can be the King Kong banging on your chest You could beat the world You could beat the war

You could talk to God, go banging on his door You can throw your hands up You can beat the clock You can move a mountain You can break rocks You can be a master Don’t wait for luck Dedicate yourself and you can find yourself

26. Red Hot Chili Peppers – Road Trippin’

Road trippin’ with my two favorite allies Fully loaded we got snacks and supplies It’s time to leave this town it’s time to steal away Let’s go get lost anywhere in the U.S.A.

Let’s go get lost, let’s go get lost

Blue you sit so pretty West of the one Sparkles light with yellow icing, just a mirror for the sun Just a mirror for the sun Just a mirror for the sun

These smiling eyes are just a mirror for So much as come before those battles lost and won This life is shining more forever in the sun Now let us check our heads and let us check the surf Staying high and dry’s More trouble than it’s worth in the sun

27. Moby – Porcelain

In my dreams I’m dying all the time Then I wake it’s kaleidoscopic mind I never meant to hurt you I never meant to lie

So this is goodbye? This is goodbye

Tell the truth, you’ve never wanted me Tell me

28. Imagine Dragons – On Top of the World

If you love somebody Better tell them why they’re here ’cause They just may run away from you

You’ll never know what went well Then again it just depends on How long of time is left for you

I’ve had the highest mountains I’ve had the deepest rivers You can have it all but not til you move it

29. Part-Time Friends – Here We Are

Silence Ici nos âmes tutoient le ciel Et nos hymnes éternels

Here we are L’aube de nos dernières transes Laisse un vide immense

Here we are Je t’emmène une dernière fois suivre cette lumière qui ne s’éteint pas

Here we are Something rise and fall We thought we never lost control

Here we are

30. Crystal Fighters – Love Natural

Everyone, anyone who want to hear Move in a little closer, let me tell you about A love natural, oh that love actual Love that you just can’t help feeling

When feelings with meanings keep on appearing And it’s almost midnight, the time is coming up The time is getting closer, the time is almost here Life is upon us and the time for love is here and now

When I look at you, oh I feel my heart Oh, I feel your love deep inside

Oh, love natural, I can’t believe how you do it to me You make me feel, oh how you say, feel so special Oh, love natural, I can’t believe how you do it to me You make me feel, oh how you say, feel so special

31. Luis Fonsi – Despacito ft. Daddy Yankee

Sí, sabes que ya llevo un rato mirándote Tengo que bailar contigo hoy (DY) Vi que tu mirada ya estaba llamándome Muéstrame el camino que yo voy (Oh)

Tú, tú eres el imán y yo soy el metal Me voy acercando y voy armando el plan Solo con pensarlo se acelera el pulso (Oh yeah)

32. U2 – Song For Someone

You got a face not spoiled by beauty I have some scars from where I’ve been You’ve got eyes that can see right through me You’re not afraid of anything they’ve seen I was told that I would feel nothing the first time I don’t know how these cuts heal But in you I found a rhyme

33. José González – Stay Alive

There’s a rhythm in rush these days Where the lights don’t move and the colors don’t fade Leaves you empty with nothing but dreams

In a world gone shallow In a world gone lean

Sometimes there’s things a man cannot know Gears won’t turn and the leaves won’t grow There’s no place to run and no gasoline

Engine won’t turn And the train won’t leave

Engines won’t turn and the train won’t leave I will stay with you tonight

Hold you close ‘til the morning light In the morning watch a new day rise We’ll do whatever just to stay alive We’ll do whatever just to stay alive

34. Don’t fight it, Feel it – AronChupa

Oh baby when the band is playing

Oh and that solid beat

Oh make you wanna move,

make you wanna groove

Make you wanna pat your feet

When we dance close together

With your cheek close to mine

And you begin to feel a funny little thrill

Moving up your spine

35. The Chainsmokers – Paris

We were staying in Paris To get away from your parents And I thought, “Wow If I could take this in a shot right now I don’t think that we could work this out” Out on the terrace I don’t know if it’s fair but I thought “How Could I let you fall by yourself While I’m wasted with someone else”

If we go down then we go down together They’ll say you could do anything They’ll say that I was clever If we go down then we go down together We’ll get away with everything Let’s show them we are better

36. Alvaro Soler – Sofia

Sueño cuando era pequeño Sin preocupación en el corazón

Sigo viendo aquel momento Se desvaneció, desapareció

Ya no te creo, ya no te deseo, eh oh Solo te dejo, solo te deseo, eh oh

37. A R I Z O N A – Oceans Away

I never let My guard go down But you messed me up When you came around When the high wore off

Know you needed space But I don’t wanna wait I don’t wanna mistake Few thousand miles and an ocean away But I see the sunrise, oh, just like the other day Picture your eyes as I fall asleep Tell myself it’s alright, oh oh, as the tears roll by

38. Angus and Julia Stone – Big Jet Plane

She said “hello mister, pleased to meet ya” I wanna hold her, I wanna kiss her She smelled of daisies, she smelled of daisies She drive me crazy, she drive me crazy

Gonna take her for a ride on a big jet plane Gonna take her for a ride on a big jet plane Hey hey Hey hey

39. OK Go – Here It Goes Again

It could be ten, but then again I can’t remember half an hour since a quarter to four Throw on your clothes, the second side of Surfer Rosa And you leave me with my jaw on the floor

Just when you think (think) you’re in control Just when you think (think) you’ve got a hold Just when you get on a roll Here it goes, here it goes, here it goes again Oh, here it goes again I should have known, should have known, should have known again But here it goes again Oh, here it goes again

40. Traveling Wilburys – End Of The Line

Well it’s all right, riding around in the breeze Well it’s all right, if you live the life you please Well it’s all right, doing the best you can Well it’s all right, as long as you lend a hand

You can sit around and wait for the phone to ring (end of the line) Waiting for someone to tell you everything (end of the line) Sit around and wonder what tomorrow will bring (end of the line) Maybe a diamond ring

Well it’s all right, even if they say you’re wrong Well it’s all right, sometimes you gotta be strong Well it’s all right, as long as you got somewhere to lay Well it’s all right, everyday is judgment day

41. Bright Eyes – “First Day Of My Life”

This is the first day of my life Swear I was born right in the doorway I went out in the rain, suddenly everything changed They’re spreading blankets on the beach

Yours was the first face that I saw I think I was blind before I met you I don’t know where I am, I don’t know where I’ve been But I know where I want to go

And so I’d thought I’d let you know That these things take forever, I especially am slow But I realized that need you And I wondered if I could come home

I remember the time you drove all night Just to meet me in the morning And I thought it was strange, you said everything changed You felt as if you just woke up

42. Sons Of The East – Come Away

She sits and she waits by the tree And she thinks no one comes to me Heard it before She stand there all alone Staring blank at her telephone But she’s sure, so sure

Come away with me, baby Join me in my car We can go real far away Away from here

She wants to know his name Wants his wealth, but not his fame Watch your pride

43. Depeche Mode – Enjoy the Silence

Words like violence Break the silence Come crashing in Into my little world

Painful to me Pierce right through me Can’t you understand? Oh my little girl

All I ever wanted All I ever needed

Is here in my arms Words are very unnecessary They can only do harm Vows are spoken

To be broken Feelings are intense Words are trivial Pleasures remain

So does the pain Words are meaningless And forgettable All I ever wanted All I ever needed

Is here in my arms Words are very unnecessary They can only do harm

44. Gladys Knight & The Pips – Midnight Train to Georgia

L.a. Proved too much for the man (Too much for the man, he couldn’t make it) So he’s leavin’ the life he’s come to know, ooh (He said he’s goin’) He said he’s goin’ back to find (Goin’ back to find) Ooh ooh ooh, what’s left of his world The world he left behind Not so long ago

He’s leavin’ (leavin’) On that midnight train to Georgia (Leavin’ on the midnight train) Yeah, said he’s goin’ back (Goin’ back to find) To a simpler place in time (Whenever he takes that ride) oh yes he is (Guess who’s gonna be right by his side)

45. The Sounds – Painted By Numbers

Could I act like you, and put a smile on face? Not even for a second would I lie to myself.. Too many things are missing And there’s a tear in my eye It’s not a question or an answer

But it will change you mind We’ll be the same tomorrow ‘Cause we’ve all been painted my numbers We dance and eyes will follow You said it was love I said I’d like you to be mine

46. Kings Of Convenience – I’d Rather Dance With You

I’d rather dance with you than talk with you So why don’t we just move into the other room There’s space for us to shake and hey, I like this tune

Even if I could hear what you said I doubt my reply would be interesting for you to hear Because I haven’t read a single book all year And the only film I saw, I didn’t like it at all

I’d rather dance, I’d rather dance than talk with you I’d rather dance, I’d rather dance than talk with you I’d rather dance, I’d rather dance than talk with you

47. Alphaville – Forever Young

Let’s dance in style, let’s dance for a while Heaven can wait we’re only watching the skies Hoping for the best, but expecting the worst Are you gonna drop the bomb or not?

Let us die young or let us live forever We don’t have the power, but we never say never Sitting in a sandpit, life is a short trip The music’s for the sad man

Can you imagine when this race is won? Turn our golden the faces into the sun Praising our leaders, we’re getting in tune The music’s played by the, the madman

48. Sting – Englishman In New York

I don’t take coffee, I take tea, my dear I like my toast done on one side And you can hear it in my accent when I talk I’m an Englishman in New York

See me walking down Fifth Avenue A walking cane here at my side I take it everywhere I walk

I’m an Englishman in New York Oh, I’m an alien, I’m a legal alien I’m an Englishman in New York Oh, I’m an alien, I’m a legal alien I’m an Englishman in New York

49. Incubus – Wish You Were Here

I dig my toes into the sand The Ocean looks like a thousand diamonds Strewn across a blue blanket I lean against the wind Pretend that I am weightless And in this moment I am happy happy)

50. Kodaline – All My Friends

So it starts We go back to your house We check the charts And start to figure it out

And if it’s crowded, all the better Cause we know we’re gonna be up late And if you’re worried about the weather Then you picked the wrong place to stay That’s how it starts

51. R.E.M. – Leave

Nothing could be bring me closer Nothing could be bring me near Where is the road I follow? Believing, leave

It’s under, under, under my feet The scene spread out there before me Better I go where the land touches the sea There is my trust in what I believe

52. Mr. Brightside – The Killers

Coming out of my cage And I’ve been doing just fine Gotta gotta be down Because I want it all It started out with a kiss How did it end up like this? It was only a kiss, it was only a kiss Now I’m falling asleep And she’s calling a cab While he’s having a smoke And she’s taking a drag Now they’re going to bed And my stomach is sick And it’s all in my head But she’s touching his chest now He takes off her dress now Let me go And I just can’t look, it’s killing me And taking control

53. David Bowie- Space Oddity

Ground Control to Major Tom Ground Control to Major Tom Take your protein pills and put your helmet on

Ground Control to Major Tom Commencing countdown, engines on Check ignition and may God’s love be with you

54. Queen – Don’t Stop Me Now

Tonight, I’m gonna have myself a real good time I feel alive and the world I’ll turn it inside out, yeah And floating around in ecstasy So don’t stop me now don’t stop me

‘Cause I’m having a good time, having a good time I’m a shooting star, leaping through the sky Like a tiger defying the laws of gravity I’m a racing car, passing by like Lady Godiva

I’m gonna go, go, go There’s no stopping me I’m burnin’ through the sky, yeah Two hundred degrees That’s why they call me Mister Fahrenheit I’m traveling at the speed of light I wanna make a supersonic man out of you

55. Mando Diao – Dance With Somebody

Break your happy home learn to sing alone to the music, to the music Clap your hands and shake on a summer’s day to the music, to the music

I’m falling in love with your favorite song I’m gonna sing it all night long I’m gonna dance with somebody dance with somebody dance dance dance

56. David Gray – “Sail Away”

Sail away with me honey I put my heart in your hands Sail away with me honey now, now, now Sail away with me What will be will be I want to hold you now, now, now

Crazy skies all wild above me now Winter howling at my face And everything I held so dear Disappeared without a trace Oh all the times I’ve tasted love Never knew quite what I had Little darling if you hear me now Never needed you so bad Spinning ’round inside my head

57. Foster The People – Pumped up Kicks

Robert’s got a quick hand He’ll look around the room, he won’t tell you his plan He’s got a rolled cigarette, hanging out his mouth he’s a cowboy kid Yeah found a six shooter gun In his dad’s closet hidden oh in a box of fun things, I don’t even know what But he’s coming for you, yeah he’s coming for you

All the other kids with the pumped up kicks You’d better run, better run, out run my gun All the other kids with the pumped up kicks You’d better run, better run, faster than my bullet All the other kids with the pumped up kicks You’d better run, better run, out run my gun All the other kids with the pumped up kicks You’d better run, better run, faster than my bullet

58. Gorillaz – Clint Eastwood

I ain’t happy, I’m feeling glad I got sunshine in a bag I’m useless but not for long The future is coming on I ain’t happy, I’m feeling glad I got sunshine in a bag I’m useless but not for long The future is coming on It’s coming on It’s coming on It’s coming on

59. Weezer – Island In The Sun

When you’re on a holiday You can’t find the words to say All the things that come to you And I wanna feel it too

On an island in the sun We’ll be playing and having fun And it makes me feel so fine I can’t control my brain

60. Modest Mouse Float

I backed my car into a cop car the other day Well, he just drove off – sometimes life’s okay I ran my mouth off a bit too much, ah what did I say? Well, you just laughed it off and it was all okay

And we’ll all float on okay And we’ll all float on okay And we’ll all float on okay And we’ll all float on anyway, well

A fake Jamaican took every last dime with that scam It was worth it just to learn some sleight of hand Bad news comes, don’t you worry even when it lands Good news will work it way to all them plans We both got fired on, exactly, the same day Well, we’ll float on, good news is on the way

61. MGMT- Kids

You were a child Crawling on your knees toward him Making momma so proud But your voice is too loud

We like to watch you laughing Picking insects off of plants No time to think of consequences Control yourself Take only what you need from it A family of trees wanting to be haunted

62. Franz Ferdinand – Take Me Out

So if you’re lonely You know I’m here waiting for you I’m just a cross hair I’m just a shot away from you And if you leave here You leave me broken, shattered, I lie I’m just a cross hair I’m just a shot, then we can die

63. Black – Wonderful Life

Here I go out to sea again The sunshine fills my hair And dreams hang in the air

Gulls in the sky and in my blue eyes You know it feels unfair There’s magic everywhere

Look at me standing Here on my own again Up straight in the sunshine

64. Beirut – Elephant Gun

If I was young, I’d flee this town I’d bury my dreams underground As did I, we drink to die, we drink tonight

Far from home, elephant guns Let’s take them down one by one We’ll lay it down, it’s not been found, it’s not around

Let the seasons begin – it rolls right on Let the seasons begin – take the big king down

65. Eagles – Hotel California

On a dark desert highway, cool wind in my hair Warm smell of colitas, rising up through the air Up ahead in the distance, I saw a shimmering light My head grew heavy and my sight grew dim I had to stop for the night.

There she stood in the doorway; I heard the mission bell And I was thinking to myself ‘This could be heaven or this could be Hell’ Then she lit up a candle and she showed me the way There were voices down the corridor, I thought I heard them say

66. The Cranberries – Zombie

Another head hangs lowly Child is slowly taken And the violence, caused such silence Who are we mistaken?

But you see, it’s not me It’s not my family In your head, in your head, they are fighting With their tanks, and their bombs And their bombs, and their guns In your head, in your head they are crying

67. The Strokes – You Only Live Once

Some people think they’re always right Others are quiet and uptight Others they seem so very nice nice nice nice (oh-ho) Inside they might feel sad and wrong (oh no)

Twenty-nine different attributes Only seven that you like Twenty ways to see the world (oh-ho) Twenty ways to start a fight (oh-ho)

68. The Black Keys – Lonely Boy

Well I’m so above you And it’s plain to see But I came to love you anyway So you pulled my heart out And I don’t mind bleeding Any old time you keep me waiting Waiting, waiting

Oh, oh-oh I got a love that keeps me waiting Oh, oh-oh I got a love that keeps me waiting I’m a lonely boy I’m a lonely boy Oh, oh-oh I got a love that keeps me waiting

69. Come With Me Now – Kongos

Come with me now Come with me now

Woah come with me now I’m gonna take you down

Woah come with me now I’m gonna show you how Woah come with me now I’m gonna take you down

Woah come with me now I’m gonna show you how

Afraid to lose control And caught up in this world I’ve wasted time, I’ve wasted breath I think I’ve thought myself to death

70. Passenger | The Wrong Direction

When I was a kid the things I did were hidden under the grid Young and naive I never believed that love could be so well hid With regret I’m willing to bet and say the older you get It gets harder to forgive and harder to forget It gets under your shirt like a dagger at work The first cut is the deepest but the rest still flipping hurt You build your heart of plastic Get cynical and sarcastic And end up in the corner on your own

‘Cause I’d love to feel love but I can’t stand the rejection I hide behind my jokes as a form of protection I thought I was close but under further inspection It seems I’ve been running in the wrong direction oh no

71. Billy Joel – Travelin’ Prayer

Hey Lord, take a look all around And I’d a find where my baby’s gonna be Hey Lord, would ya look out for her tonight ‘Cause she is far across the sea Hey Lord, would ya look out for her tonight And make sure that she’s gonna be alright And things are gonna be alright with me

Hey Lord, would ya look out for her tonight And make sure that all her dreams are sweet Said now, would ya guide her on the roads And make them softer for her feet Hey Lord, would ya look out for her tonight And make sure that she’s gonna be alright Until she’s home and here with me

72. Creedence Clearwater Revival – Travellin’ Band

Seven thirty seven comin’ out of the sky Won’t you take me down to Memphis on a midnight ride I want to move Playin’ in a travelin’ band Yeah Well I’m flyin’ ‘cross the land tryin’ to get a hand Playin’ in a travelin’ band

Take me to the hotel baggage gone, oh well Come on, come on won’t you get me to my room I want to move Playin’ in a travelin’ band Yeah Well I’m flyin’ ‘cross the land, tryin’ to get a hand Playin’ in a travelin’ band

73. Have Love, Will Travel – The Sonics

Wow,Have love Whoa baby will travel Uh huh, uh huh,have love Woah baby will travel I said if you need loving then Mm,hmm,I’ll travel

Yeah,I’ll travel from Main to Mexico Just to find a little girl that loves me so No matter when, no matter where I’ll be I’m looking for a woman that’ll satisfy me

74. Queens Of The Stone Age – Go With The Flow

She said “I’ll throw myself away, They’re just photos after all” I can’t make you hang around. I can’t wash you off my skin. Outside the frame, is what we’re leaving out You won’t remember anyway I can go with the flow But don’t say it doesn’t matter anymore I can go with the flow Do you believe it in your head? It’s so safe to play along Little soldiers in a row Falling in and out of love With something sweet to throw away. But I want something good to die for To make it beautiful to live. I want a new mistake, lose is more than hesitate. Do you believe it in your head? I can go with the flow But don’t say it doesn’t matter anymore I can go with the flow Do you believe it in your head?

75. Maïa Vidal – Our Place

Last but not least, the ultimate travel song to wanderlust. I’d like to stay here For a while And go wild You’ll call me crazy But I don’t care ‘Cause I know where

Where I go where I go, you’re gonna take me Where I go where I go, you’re gonna take me Take me for a ride, And I’ll be by your side

Just let me stay here A little while We’ll go wild They’ll call us crazy But I don’t care ‘Cause I’ll be where you are

This all happened fast But I know how I feel Like you were the sand And I was the se

Extra 76. Sky on the Loose – Inkfield

Do you want an insider tip for cool travel songs? Then listen into Inkfield’s Sky on the Loose. Inkfield is a solo solo indie rock act from Edinburgh, UK.

Here are the lyrics.

Messaging like nights before, crashing through the wall I’m using all my strength and breath, I’m gonna show them all

You talk of my impending doom, no promise nor a myth You justify avoiding me to sell out on a whiff

Oh if I, I want to be the lonely one, I want to be the only one And if I, lord I And if I, I want to be the chosen one, I want to be the chosen one And if I, lord I

Don’t you tire of telling me? ‘The world ends at the sky, You’re just a little fish another simple passer by, All your songs and poetry are droplets in the sea’ I said ‘That is ok for you, your words won’t follow me!’

Sum it up: The 75 Travel Songs

By now your notebook should be full and you should have taken lots of notes.

This is your ultimate list of best travel songs. We tried to make a compulsive list of all the important things you have to put on your iPod, your Smartphone and Spotify list.

More travel songs here:

Again, this is your inspiration. Take it with you, let is inspire you, but make sure you add your own travel songs to your very own memory list.

The world is wide and there is a lot of adventures out there, waiting for you to live them.

We are Hostelgeeks, and we are here to help you to travel smarter, longer, and especially safe. We collect for you the best hostels in the world, the 5 Star Hostels.

Do you have your own favorite travel song?

We would love to grow this list, add more travel tracks to it. Leave us a comment with your favorite ones, we are curious what songs you love when you are on the road.

Love, cheers and safe travels,

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Travel Songs to wanderlust

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67 Songs About Travelling: A Playlist for 2024

Songs about travelling

Are you looking for some of the best songs about travelling to inspire you or to accompany you on your next trip? Then you have come to the right place!

I’ve collected some of the best travel songs from the 1930s until today in this list. Musical genres range from pop and dance to rock, punk, and many others. So no matter what type of music you like, there should be something in it for you. The songs in the list below either talk about a place or the experience of travelling.

Some of my favourite songs on this list are #1, #17, and #39. Make sure to check them out and feel free to leave a comment if you think a travel song is missing. I’m updating this post frequently.

The Best Travel Songs of All Time

Laure Wanders in Valbona, Albania

Songs About Travelling From 2000 Until Now

1. eddie vedder – guaranteed (2007).

This is one of my favourite songs of all time! Eddie Vedder wrote it for the film Into the Wild , and the lyrics are so powerful.

“On bended knee is no way to be free Lifting up an empty cup I ask silently That all my destinations will accept the one that’s me So I can breathe”

2. Nelly Furtado – I’m Like a Bird (2000)

“And baby all I need for you to know is I’m like a bird I’ll only fly away I don’t know where my soul is (soul is) I don’t know where my home is”

3. Tom Walker – Fly Away With Me (2019)

“So come on fly away with me To a place where we could be anyone we wanna be And we can bottle up our fears Brew a taste so sweet Knock us off our feet or more”

4. Weezer – Island in the Sun (2001)

“When you’re on a holiday You can’t find the words to say All the things that come to you And I wanna feel it too”

5. Manu Chao – Me Gustas Tu (2001)

“Me gusta el viento, me gustas tú Me gusta soñar, me gustas tú Me gusta la mar, me gustas tú”

6. Lost Frequencies – Are You With Me (2014)

I wanna dance by water ‘neath the Mexican sky Drink some Margaritas by a string of blue lights Listen to the Mariachi play at midnight Are you with me, are you with me?

7. Luca Aprile – Traveler (2018)

“You’re taking off to Mexico To Paris and I know you long for more I’m waiting for you all night long I wanna see the pictures on your phone”

8. Murray Head – One Night in Bangkok (2001)

“One night in Bangkok and the world’s your oyster The bars are temples but the pearls ain’t free You’ll find a god in every golden cloister And if you’re lucky then the god’s a she I can feel an angel sliding up to me”

9. KONGOS – Traveling On (2012)

“Maybe I’ll go it all alone See the world and make my way back home Or maybe I’ll keep traveling on”

10. Anna Kendrick – Cups (2012)

“I got my ticket for the long way ’round The one with the prettiest of views It’s got mountains, it’s got rivers It’s got sights give you shivers But it sure would be prettier with you”

11. Dirty Heads – Vacation (2017)

“ A-a-aye, I’m on vacation Every single day ’cause I love my occupation A-a-aye, I’m on vacation Every single day, every, every single day “

12. The Kooks – See the World (2006)

“I remember how we used to sing Writing poems in your bed sit Finding time to be the passenger But there you are you never saw me leave”

13. Estelle Swara ft. Kanye West – American Boy (2008)

“Take me on a trip, I’d like to go someday Take me to New York, I’d love to see L.A. I really want to come kick it with you You’ll be my American boy Tell ’em kno wagwan blud “

14. Alex Gaudino ft. Crystal Waters – Destination Calabria (2007)

“ Follow me And let’s go To the place where we belong And leave our troubles at home Come with me We can go To a paradise of love and joy “ A destination unknown

Travel Songs From the 80s and 90s

15. johnny cash – i’ve been everywhere (1996).

“I’ve been everywhere, man. Crossed the desert’s bare, man. I’ve breathed the mountain air, man. Of travel, I’ve had my share, man. I’ve been everywhere.”

16. Willie Nelson – On the Road Again (1980)

“And I can’t wait to get on the road again On the road again Goin’ places that I’ve never been Seein’ things that I may never see again And I can’t wait to get on the road again”

17. Toto – Africa (1982)

“The wild dogs cry out in the night As they grow restless, longing for some solitary company I know that I must do what’s right As sure as Kilimanjaro rises like Olympus above the Serengeti I seek to cure what’s deep inside, frightened of this thing that I’ve become”

18. The Proclaimers – I’m Gonna Be (500 Miles) (1988)

“And I would walk 500 miles And I would roll 500 more Just to be the man who rolled a thousand miles To fall down at your door”

19. Desireless – Voyage Voyage (1987)

“ Voyage, voyage Plus loin que la nuit et le jour (voyage, voyage) Voyage (voyage) Dans l’espace inouï de l’amour Voyage, voyage Sur l’eau sacrée d’un fleuve indien, (voyage, voyage) Voyage (voyage) Et jamais ne revient “

20. Paul Simon – Graceland (1986)

“I’m going to Graceland, Graceland Memphis, Tennessee I’m going to Graceland Poor boys and pilgrims with families And we are going to Graceland”

21. Vengaboys – We’re Going to Ibiza (1999)

“Whoah! We’re going to Ibiza Whoah! Back to the island Whoah! We’re gonna have a party Whoah! In the Mediterranean Sea”

22. Sting – Englishman in New York (1987)

“See me walking down Fifth Avenue A walking cane here at my side I take it everywhere I walk I’m an Englishman in New York “

23. Daft Punk – Around the World (1997)

“ Around the world, around the world Around the world, around the world Around the world, around the world Around the world, around the world”

24. Madonna – Holiday (1983)

“If we took a holiday Took some time to celebrate Just one day out of life It would be, it would be so nice”

25. Nina Hagen – New York (1983)

“New York City is the hottest place For a honeymoon in a hotel room, uh-huh New York City is a place so nice Everybody says it so they had to name it twice”

26. Tracy Chapman – Fast Car (1988)

“You got a fast car I got a plan to get us outta here I been working at the convenience store Managed to save just a little bit of money Won’t have to drive too far Just ‘cross the border and into the city You and I can both get jobs And finally see what it means to be living”

27. Deftones – Be Quiet and Drive (1997)

“It feels good to know you’re mine Now drive me far away, away, away Far away I don’t care where Just far away I don’t care where Just far away I don’t care where, just far away And I don’t care”

28. Red Hot Chilli Peppers – Road Trippin’ (1999)

“Road trippin’ with my two favorite allies Fully loaded we got snacks and supplies It’s time to leave this town, it’s time to steal away Let’s go get lost anywhere in the USA Let’s go get lost, let’s go get lost”

29. Men at Work – Down Under (1980)

“ Traveling in a fried-out Kombi On a hippie trail, head full of zombie I met a strange lady, she made me nervous She took me in and gave me breakfast “

30. Crowded House – Weather With You (1991)

“Everywhere you go, always take the weather with you Everywhere you go, always take the weather Everywhere you go, always take the weather with you Everywhere you go, always take the weather, the weather with you”

31. The Beach Boys – Kokomo (1988)

“Aruba, Jamaica, oh I want to take you to Bermuda, Bahama, come on pretty mama Key Largo, Montego, baby why don’t we go Oh I want to take you down to Kokomo, we’ll get there fast and then we’ll take it slow That’s where we want to go, way down in Kokomo”

32. Will Smith – Miami (1997)

“Party in the city where the heat is on All night, on the beach till the break of dawn “Welcome to Miami” “ Bienvenidos a Miami” Bouncin’ in the club where the heat is on All night, on the beach till the break of dawn I’m goin to Miami “Welcome to Miami”

33. The B-52’s – Roam (1989)

“Roam if you want to Roam around the world Roam if you want to Without wings, without wheels Roam if you want to Roam around the world Roam if you want to Without anything but the love we feel”

34. Status Quo – The Wanderer (1983)

“ Well I’m the type of guy that likes to roam around I’m never in one place I roam from town to town And when I find myself falling for some girl Well I hop right into that car of mine and drive around the world ‘Cause I’m a Wanderer, yeah the Wanderer I roam around and round and round and round and round and round and round “

35. Tom Cochrane – Life is a Highway (1991)

“There’s a world outside every darkened door Where blues won’t haunt you anymore Where the brave are free and lovers soar Come ride with me to the distant shore”

Travel Songs From the 60s and 70s

36. john denver – leaving on a jetplane (1966).

“So kiss me and smile for me Tell me that you’ll wait for me Hold me like you’ll never let me go ‘Cause I’m leavin’ on a jet plane Don’t know when I’ll be back again”

37. Iggy Pop – The Passenger (1977)

“I am a passenger And I ride, and I ride I ride through the city’s backsides I see the stars come out of the sky Yeah, they’re bright in a hollow sky You know it looks so good tonight”

38. Scott McKenzie – San Francisco (1967)

“If you’re going to San Francisco Be sure to wear some flowers in your hair If you’re going to San Francisco You’re gonna meet some gentle people there”

39. Lynyrd Skynyrd – Sweet Home Alabama (1974)

“Sweet home Alabama Where the skies are so blue Sweet home Alabama Lord I’m comin’ home to you”

40. The Mamas and the Papas – California Dreamin’ (1966)

“ All the leaves are brown (all the leaves are brown) And the sky is gray (and the sky is gray) I’ve been for a walk (I’ve been for a walk) On a winter’s day (on a winter’s day) I’d be safe and warm (I’d be safe and warm) If I was in L.A. (if I was in L.A.)”

41. Bob Dylan – A Hard Rain’s a-gonna Fall (1973)

“ Oh, where have you been, my blue-eyed son? And where have you been, my darling young one? I’ve stumbled on the side of twelve misty mountains, I’ve walked and I crawled on six crooked highways, I’ve stepped in the middle of seven sad forests, I’ve been out in front of a dozen dead oceans, I’ve been ten thousand miles in the mouth of a graveyard, And it’s a hard, it’s a hard, it’s a hard, it’s a hard, It’s a hard rain’s a-gonna fall. “

42. Frank Sinatra – Love’s Been Good to Me (1969)

This song was covered by Johnny Cash in 2006 (which is how I got to know it), and his version is beautiful as well.

“I have been a rover I have walked alone Hiked a hundred highways Never found a home Still in all I’m happy The reason is, you see Once in a while along the way Love’s been good to me”

43. Louis Armstrong – What a Wonderful World (1967)

“I see skies of blue and clouds of white The bright blessed day, the dark sacred nights And I think to myself what a wonderful world.”

44. Ricky Nelson – Travelin’ Man (1961)

“I’m a travelin’ man and I’ve made a lot of stops All over the world And in every part I own the heart Of at least one lovely girl”

45. The Animals – We Gotta Get Out of This Place (1965)

“We gotta get out of this place If it’s the last thing we ever do We gotta get out of this place ‘Cause girl, there’s a better life for me and you “

46. Steppenwolf – Born to Be Wild (1969)

“ Get your motor runnin’ Head out on the highway Looking for adventure In whatever comes our way “

47. Rupert Holmes – Escape (The Piña Colada Song) (1979)

“If you like piña coladas And gettin’ caught in the rain If you’re not into yoga If you have half a brain If you like makin’ love at midnight In the dunes on the cape Then I’m the love that you’ve looked for Write to me and escape”

48. Crosly Stills & Nash – Marrakesh Express (1969)

“ Looking at the world through the sunset in your eyes Travelling the train through clear Moroccan skies Ducks, and pigs, and chickens call Animal carpet wall-to-wall American ladies five-foot tall in blue “

49. Audrey Hepburn – Moon River (1962)

This song was written for the movie Breakfast at Tiffany’s , in which Audrey Hepburn sings it. The song won multiple awards and was covered by many other artists.

“Two drifters, off to see the world There’s such a lot of world to see We’re after the same rainbow’s end Waitin’ ’round the bend My huckleberry friend Moon river and me”

50. The Sonics – Have Love, Will Travel (1965)

“Well, I might take a boat or I’ll take a plane I might hitch hike or jump a railroad train You’re kind of love drives a man insane So look for me walking just a any old way”

51. Led Zeppelin – Immigrant Song (1970)

“We come from the land of the ice and snow From the midnight sun where the hot springs flow The hammer of the gods Will drive our ships to new lands To fight the horde, sing and cry Valhalla, I am coming”

52. Canned Heat – Going Up the Country (1968)

“I’m going up the country Baby, don’t you wanna go? I’m going up the country Baby, don’t you wanna go? We gonna go somewhere Where I’ve never been before”

53. Elvis Presley – Viva Las Vegas (1964)

“Viva Las Vegas with your neon flashin’ And your one arm bandits crashin’ All those hopes down the drain Viva Las Vegas turnin’ day into nighttime Turnin’ night into daytime If you see it once You’ll never be the same again”

54. Joe Dassin – Aux Champs Elysees (1969)

“Aux Champs-Elysées, aux Champs-Elysées Au soleil, sous la pluie, à midi ou à minuit Il y a tout ce que vous voulez aux Champs-Elysées”

55. Crosby, Stills & Nash – Marrakesh Express (1969)

56. gladys knight & the pips – midnight train to georgia (1973).

“He’s leaving (leaving) On that midnight train to Georgia (leaving on a midnight train) Hmm, yeah Said he’s going back (going back to find) To a simpler place and time (and when he takes that ride) Oh yes, he is (guess who’s gonna sit right by his side)”

57. Eddie Money – Two Tickets to Paradise (1977)

“ I’m gonna take you on a trip so far from here I’ve got two tickets in my pocket, now baby, we’re gonna disappear We’ve waited so long, waited so long We’ve waited so long, waited so long “

58. Chuck Berry – Promised Land (1964)

“ Workin’ on a T-bone steak a la carte, Flying over to the Golden State; When the pilot told us in thirteen minutes We’d be headin’ in the terminal gate. “

59. The Grateful Dead – Truckin’ (1970)

“Dallas, got a soft machine Houston, too close to New Orleans New York got the ways and means But just won’t let you be”

60. Roger Miller – King of the Road (1964)

“Third boxcar, midnight train Destination Bangor, Maine Old, worn out suit and shoes I don’t pay no union dues”

61. Steve Miller Band – Jet Airliner (1977)

“Leavin’ home, out on the road I’ve been down before Ridin’ along in this big ol’ jet plane I’ve been thinkin’ about my home But my love light seems so far away And I feel like it’s all been done Somebody’s tryin’ to make me stay You know I’ve got to be movin’ on”

62. Creedence Clearwater Revival – Travelin’ Band (1970)

“Take me to the hotel baggage gone, oh well Come on, come on won’t you get me to my room I want to move Playin’ in a travelin’ band Yeah Well I’m flyin’ ‘cross the land, tryin’ to get a hand Playin’ in a travelin’ band”

63. Led Zeppelin – Ramble On (1969)

“Ramble on And now’s the time, the time is now To sing my song I’m goin’ ’round the world, I got to find my girl On my way I’ve been this way ten years to the day Ramble on Gotta find the queen of all my dreams”

Older Songs About Travelling

64. edith piaf – sous le ciel de paris (1951).

You can find the translation of this beautiful song here .

“Sous le ciel de Paris Coule un fleuve joyeux Hum, hum Il endort dans la nuit Les clochards et les gueux Sous le ciel de Paris Les oiseaux du Bon Dieu Hum, hum Viennent du monde entier Pour bavarder entre eux”

65. The Wizard of Oz – Somewhere Over the Rainbow (1939)

“Somewhere over the rainbow Bluebirds fly And the dreams that you dream of Dreams really do come true-ooh-ooh Someday I’ll wish upon a star Wake up where the clouds are far behind me Where trouble melts like lemon drops High above the chimney tops that’s where You’ll find me, oh”

66. Frank Sinatra – Come Fly With Me (1959)

“Come fly with me, let’s float down to Peru In llama-land there’s a one-man band And he’ll toot his flute for you Come fly with me, let’s take off in the blue”

67. Hank Williams – Ramblin’ Man (1951)

“Some folks might say That I’m no good That I wouldn’t settle Down if I could But when that open road Starts to callin’ me There’s somethin’ o’er the hill That I gotta see”

Songs about travelling – Final thoughts

I hope that you enjoyed this post featuring the best travel songs from the 1930s until today. This list is a work in progress, and I’m always on the lookout for other beautiful travel music to add to this list.

Can you think of other beautiful songs about travelling that are missing from this list? Let me know in the comments below!

Enjoyed this post? You may also like:

  • Poetry About Travel: The 16 Most Inspiring Travel Poems
  • Songs About Paris That Will Bring You There Instantly
  • Short Travel Captions to Inspire Your Wanderlust
  • Movies About Nomads That Will Inspire You

Pin it for later: Did you find this post helpful? Save it on Pinterest and follow me on Instagram and Facebook for more travel tips and inspiration.

Best travel songs

Laura Meyers

Laura Meyers is the founder of Laure Wanders. She was born in Belgium and has travelled to over 40 countries, many of them solo. She currently spends most of her time between Belgium and South Asia and loves helping other travellers plan their adventures abroad.

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Best road trip songs

The best road trip songs of all time

These road trip songs will make your next excursion a memorable one, whether you’re driving for few hours or a few days

Nick Levine

Don’t get us wrong—we really love city life. But sometimes day-tripping to a nearby summer music festival doesn’t quite satiate our need for escape, and that’s where these classic road trip songs come in. When the urge strikes, it’s time to hit the highway/motorway/ whatever for a good, old-fashioned road trip. Of course, you can’t drive in complete silence—well, you can, but the very thought is giving us a flat tyre—so we’ve compiled our list of the best road trip songs to get your motors running and propel your journey into fifth gear. Crank up classics from the Boss, the Dead and Prince, and even some Whitesnake, as you cruise along the open road, forgetting every care in the world.

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Best road trip songs, ranked

‘Born to Run’ by Bruce Springsteen

1.  ‘Born to Run’ by Bruce Springsteen

Like Bruce Springsteen’s ‘Born in the U.S.A.,’ ‘Born to Run’ is darker than it may seem. Embedded in the scuffed poetry of the lyrics is a potent combination of rebellion, sex, disgust and determination—brought to life by the throaty passion of Springsteen’s voice, the liberating wail of Clarence Clemons’s sax and the sheer propulsive force of the E Street Band’s backup. “Someday girl, I don’t know when/We’re gonna get to that place where we really wanna go,” Springsteen promises. ‘Born to Run’, for all its spikes, takes you there. It’s a love song, an urban-jungle cry and a perfect anthem of pedal-to-the-metal escape.

‘Little Red Corvette’ by Prince

2.  ‘Little Red Corvette’ by Prince

It doesn’t take a B.A. in poetry to figure this ditty’s got nothing to do with cars. In the world of Prince, coupés are women, horsepower is a pack of Trojan condoms, and gas is stamina in the sheets. The beat takes its time, synthetic drums echoing into the distance, just as the Purple One implores his one-night stand to take it slow, to make it two, three or more nights. Dez Dickerson peels out in the guitar solo, but she’s the one driving here. Perfect choice of car model—elusive, American, curvy, risky. It wouldn’t work as a Ferrari or Rolls.

‘Here I Go Again’ by Whitesnake

3.  ‘Here I Go Again’ by Whitesnake

Been dumped recently? You need to go for a drive (preferably in a Jaguar XJ). You’ve made up your mind. You ain’t wasting no more time. So tease your hair, don your pleather, and crank up the volume on this 1982 hit—just try not to get stuck in traffic. This power ballad works better on the open road (with no adjacent drivers to judge your Coverdale cover moves).

‘Where the Streets Have No Name’ by U2

4.  ‘Where the Streets Have No Name’ by U2

This anthemic opening track from U2’s landmark 1987 LP, The Joshua Tree, is an ideal kick-starter for any road trip (particularly if you're wandering about the California desert where the titular yucca plant is commonly found). From a whisper, the sound of an organ builds up like a spiritual beacon being unveiled. It’s well over a minute before the Edge’s churning guitar and Adam Clayton’s propulsive bassline kick in, and another 40 seconds before Bono’s vocals touch down. By then, you’re ready to hit top gear and wail along: ‘I want to run/I want to hide/I want to tear down the walls that hold me inside.’ Though this road trip song is about Bono’s vision of an Ireland free from class boundaries, it has inspired countless highway warriors to venture out to those places that maybe aren’t on the map.

‘Love Shack’ by the B-52s

5.  ‘Love Shack’ by the B-52s

‘Hop in my Chrysler! It’s as big as a whale, and it’s about to set sail!’ booms Fred Schneider on this all-time great party song . Admittedly, it’s hard to dance like no one’s watching when you’re behind the wheel of a Chrysler (or a Fiat Punto, for that matter), but ‘Love Shack’ will liven up any road trip. If your bum’s getting numb, just whack it on and have yourself a little front or backseat disco. 

‘Sweet Home Alabama’ by Lynyrd Skynyrd

6.  ‘Sweet Home Alabama’ by Lynyrd Skynyrd

American football possibly killed off Southern boogie rock. Hear us out. Because of college pigskin rivalries, this song could not be made today. College football is a matter of life and death down there, literally. Iconic trees and people have been murdered over games. Skynyrd was born deep in SEC country: The boogie-rock brothers were from Jacksonville, not Alabama, and cut the track in Georgia. Could you imagine a bunch of Gators fans cutting a tune that could in any way be construed as ‘Roll Tide’? Yankees and rivals love to mock and loathe the Crimson Tide, but when this ditty plays, every human in the room, no matter the allegiance, becomes a temporary, gen-u-wine Mobile redneck.

‘I Drove All Night’ by Cyndi Lauper

7.  ‘I Drove All Night’ by Cyndi Lauper

The irreverent thrift-shop spunk that defined Cyndi Lauper’s persona in the 1980s sometimes overshadowed her killer range and sensitivity as a vocalist, but ‘I Drove All Night’—from her third album, 1989’s ‘A Time to Remember’—finds her in a different mode. Driven by a feverish desire, she takes the wheel and makes her own way to her lover’s bed. (She may coyly ask, ‘Is that all right?’ but by that time she’s already done it.) And Lauper’s impressively sustained last note is a perfect expression of the song’s sense of undeterrable yearning.

‘Fast Car’ by Tracy Chapman

8.  ‘Fast Car’ by Tracy Chapman

Tracy Chapman’s beautifully direct 1988 hit, from her eponymous debut album, gives escapism an especially poignant twist. The speeding car and its romantic freedom (‘City lights stretched out before us/Your arm felt nice wrapped 'round my shoulder’) can’t be separated from what it’s speeding from: a life of urban poverty, trapped taking care of deadbeats—first a drunk father and then, at the end, the very driver that she had dreamed might carry her to rescue.

‘Keep the Car Running’ by Arcade Fire

9.  ‘Keep the Car Running’ by Arcade Fire

If there’s one quality that characterizes Arcade Fire’s sound, it’s urgency—and nowhere is that more evident than on ‘Keep the Car Running’ from the band’s super noir, grandiose 2007 ‘Neon Bible’ album. Based on singer Win Butler’s childhood nightmares (‘Men are coming to take me away!’ he pines), ‘Keep the Car Running’ expands these fears into a sense of global anxiety, and the certainty that there must be something better down the road (‘Don’t know why, but I know I can’t stay’). On its release, the song was likened to prime-era Bruce Springsteen; imagine fans’ joy when Butler and Régine Chassagne made a surprise showing at the Boss’s stadium gig to bust out the song with him. Warning: You will need to be super-careful not to break the speed limit if you play this song while driving.

‘Truckin’’ by Grateful Dead

10.  ‘Truckin’’ by Grateful Dead

Let us pause, and acknowledge the fact that this road trip song has been recognised by the U.S. Library of Congress as a national treasure. Mmmm. Written and performed communally by Jerry Garcia, Phil Lesh, Bob Weir and lyricist Robert Hunter, the catchy, bluesy shuffle turns the band’s misfortunes on the road into a metaphor for getting through life’s constant changes. And really, what’s a good trip—or a good life—if you can’t exclaim at the end, ‘What a long, strange trip it’s been’?

‘Road to Nowhere’ by Talking Heads

11.  ‘Road to Nowhere’ by Talking Heads

The gospel-choir intro to this upbeat single, off 1985’s ‘Little Creatures’ LP , makes for a great start to any road-trip mix. The song celebrates the journey over the destination—as frontman David Byrne puts it, ‘I wanted to write a song that presented a resigned, even joyful look at doom.’ (Typical of him.) Not every end point is a good one, but we’ll be damned if this march doesn’t have us enjoying the ride.

‘Graceland’ by Paul Simon

12.  ‘Graceland’ by Paul Simon

Road trips are a time for contemplation, whether we expect it (or like it) or not. Paul Simon’s 1986 single is a perfect, toe-tapping example—we’re treated to what’s basically his stream of consciousness on a drive to Graceland with his son after the failure of his marriage to the late, great Carrie Fisher. At turns both nostalgic and hopeful, it runs the gamut of emotions we always seem to experience a little more profoundly on the road.

‘Take It Easy’ by the Eagles

13.  ‘Take It Easy’ by the Eagles

The Eagles took flight in 1972 with their debut single: a quick but mellow paean to the romance of the road, where a world of troubles—romantic and otherwise—can be shucked at the mere sight of a girl (my lord!) in a flatbed Ford. Cowritten by frontman Glenn Frey and his friend Jackson Browne, the song’s rejection of worry and release into insouciant adventure are perfect for relieving tension on a drive. As the lyrics gently urge: ‘Don’t let the sound of your own wheels drive you crazy.’

‘America’ by Simon and Garfunkel

14.  ‘America’ by Simon and Garfunkel

Add this one to your bucket list: Everyone should be required (at least once) to listen to their restless side, hitchhike, board a bus and go to another city/state/country to find something better—as described in Simon and Garfunkel’s 1968 classic, which follows two young lovers on a Greyhound in search for America. Take your sweetie along for the ride, smoke cigarettes on the side of the road, chat with the weirdos you meet on your journey, and by all means, indulge in a few slices of all-American pie.

‘Route 66’ by Chuck Berry

15.  ‘Route 66’ by Chuck Berry

This R&B standard, written in 1946 by Bobby Troup, has been covered by everyone from the Rolling Stones to John Mayer and Depeche Mode. We’re partial to Chuck Berry’s 1961 rendition, which matches the 2,400-mile pilgrimage on the L.A.–Chicago-connecting titular highway to a T. Who better than the father of rock & roll to accompany a trip past greasy-spoon diners, tiny towns frozen in time and striking Americana landscapes?

‘Home’ by Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros

16.  ‘Home’ by Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros

First and foremost a love song, the L.A. troupe’s jingly-jangly 2010 smash single is also, obviously, about coming home – making it the perfect road trip song. Naturally, the feel-good tune should be played at the end of your voyage, when you’re speeding a bit because you just can’t wait to get home to your significant other/parents/puppy/comfy bed.

‘Going Up the Country’ by Canned Heat

17.  ‘Going Up the Country’ by Canned Heat

Released in 1968 and adapted from a 1920s blues song, Canned Heat’s highest-charting single was the unofficial anthem of Woodstock—and even after all this time, it’s the perfect track to kick off a road trip, a steering-wheel-tapping, grin-inducing song that makes you immediately pine for sun-drenched fields: “I’m going where the water tastes like wine, we can jump in the water, stay drunk all the time.” Those dudes had their priorities straight…just so long as they had a designated driver.

‘I’ve Been Everywhere’ by Johnny Cash

18.  ‘I’ve Been Everywhere’ by Johnny Cash

Music has always had the power to educate. Billy Joel’s ‘We Didn’t Start the Fire’ taught us more 20th-century American history than a year’s worth of school hisoty lessons. For a CliffsNotes anatomy lesson, we turned to Professor Sir Mix-a-Lot. And when it comes to geography, there is no better musical resource than this name-dropping country ditty, first released with North American locales in 1962 by Canadian crooner Hank Snow. In four verses, 91 places are rattled off in rapid-fire succession—destinations both big (Chicago and Nashville) and small (Fond du Lac, Wisconsin, and Haverstraw, New York). This road trip song has been covered many times and adapted for different regions of the globe, but we’re partial to the Man in Black’s 1996 rendition, simply because his weathered, gravelly bass-baritone suggests a man who has indeed been everywhere.

‘Hit the Road Jack’ by Ray Charles

19.  ‘Hit the Road Jack’ by Ray Charles

Fiendishly simple with its descending piano chords, ‘Hit the Road Jack’ is sung from the perspective of a philanderer being ejected by his lady. By all rights this 1961 R&B classic should win a prize for being impossible not to sing along to: ‘What you say?!’ screams soul hero Charles to his velvet-voiced Raelettes. Later he complains, ‘You can’t mean that,’ about as convincingly as a cat picking bird feathers from between its teeth. The track's most memorable use in a road trip appears in the 1989 comedy movie The Dream Team .

‘Holiday Road’ by Lindsey Buckingham

20.  ‘Holiday Road’ by Lindsey Buckingham

Hard to hear this seemingly happy little sock hop without thinking of the Griswold family station wagon zooming to Walley World. As its dark video helps to underline, the lyrics speak more of feeling trapped than free. The Fleetwood Mac man was an ace at hiding his boyish ache behind melodic smiles. Which is why this road trip song is such simple genius: It works the same whether you’re chained to a desk and longing for a vacation or finally on the highway, shooting to God knows where with no deadlines.

‘Mr. Blue Sky’ by Electric Light Orchestra

21.  ‘Mr. Blue Sky’ by Electric Light Orchestra

The sweet spot is 176 beats per minute. That’s a giddy run, the pace of your footsteps hitting the pavement as you jog home after a first kiss. Though we haven’t tested this, we theorise it is the precise cadence of fence posts whipping past your window as you motor down a highway just above the speed limit. ‘Mr. Blue Sky’ is 176 beats per minute, which is why, whenever it plays, you have the urge to run like a big dumb puppy dog to a boyfriend/girlfriend, or let the wind blow through your hair at 76mph, as you croon along to the vocoder like a robot. Warning: When ‘Mr. Blue Sky’ is used without such outlets, it can cause deep wanderlust.

‘I’m Gonna Be (500 Miles)’ by the Proclaimers

22.  ‘I’m Gonna Be (500 Miles)’ by the Proclaimers

If there’s one road trip song that can unite everyone in the car in the simple act of thumping whatever surface is near them in time with a ludicrously catchy tune, it’s this one—a hit in 1988 for Scottish twins the Proclaimers. Fun fact: The ‘havering’ referred to in the first verse (‘And if I haver, I know I’m gonna be the man who’s havering to you’) is Scots slang for babbling foolishly. So now you know.

‘Ride Like the Wind‘ by Christopher Cross

23.  ‘Ride Like the Wind‘ by Christopher Cross

Take your EGOT and stuff it. Chris Cross has the transportation trifecta—mega-hits for the sea (‘Sailing’), sky (‘Arthur’s Theme’) and road (‘Ride Like the Wind’). People condescendingly pigeonhole the guy as yacht rock (the pink flamingo on his smash album doesn’t help), but he’s truly yacht-jet-and-rental-car rock. Despite its lily-white reputation, ‘Ride‘ is cool and dangerous. It’s possibly—no, probably—about drug smuggling. Racing away to Mexico with Michael McDonald as the devil on your shoulder. Hearing those percolating bongos, wind effects, electric piano and oily guitar licks, it could fit right on Daft Punk’s ‘Random Access Memories’ album . It remains DJ gold. Call it ‘Get Unlucky’.

‘Ramblin’ Man’ by the Allman Brothers Band

24.  ‘Ramblin’ Man’ by the Allman Brothers Band

We may not have been born in the backseat of a Greyhound bus (thanks, mum!), but for whatever reason, the idea of being a ramblin’ man (or woman) is endlessly appealing. And when we play this 1973 hit—based on Hank Williams’s 1951 song of the same name—on the open road, that’s exactly who we are. At least until Monday.

‘On the Road Again’ by Willie Nelson

25.  ‘On the Road Again’ by Willie Nelson

Nothing beats hitting the open road, where you can escape the stress of work, family, bills, city life and just be free, man. Just ask tireless road dog Willie Nelson. The Red Headed Stranger penned this 1980 country hit—the ultimate get-the-hell-out-of-town anthem—not in the back of a tour bus but rather, of all places, on a barf bag midflight.

‘Runnin’ Down a Dream’ by Tom Petty

26.  ‘Runnin’ Down a Dream’ by Tom Petty

Some would argue that we could have built this entire list solely out of Petty tunes—but we had to make a choice, and we picked this 1989 single from the song man’s first solo record, ‘Full Moon Fever’. Not only does it take place in a car, but the tune’s reference to Del Shannon’s ‘Runaway’ and killer guitar solo make it a perfect fit for blasting out of your speakers while cruising down the interstate in pursuit of the American dream, your future destination or simply that next roadside burger.

‘Let Me Ride’ by Dr. Dre

27.  ‘Let Me Ride’ by Dr. Dre

Dr. Dre’s ‘The Chronic’ album arrived on the heels of the 1992 South Central riots. Folks in Compton were looking to escape and could not—and not just because of the traffic on the 110 and 405. This was a cry for cruising with the bucket seats dropped back, slow rolling on a resting-heart-rate rhythm and those G-funk dog-whistle keyboards. ‘Swing down, sweet chariot, stop, let me ride,’ goes the chorus lifted from Parliament’s ‘Mothership Connection,’ itself based on a slave spiritual. But just because the song hides a deeper political meaning the way lowriders hide a subwoofer in the trunk, there’s no reason Dre can’t roll in style. Specifically, in a 1964 Chevy Impala shoed with Dayton rims (a.k.a. ‘Ds,’ as in ‘Throw some Ds on that bitch’).

‘Born to Be Wild’ by Steppenwolf

28.  ‘Born to Be Wild’ by Steppenwolf

The riff, like the rev of a motorcycle throttle, has become so terribly commonplace, it’s hard to imagine what it must have been like to hear its ‘heavy-metal thunder’ with virgin ears during the opening credits of Easy Rider . Today, Steppenwolf’s monster hit is a movie-trailer cliché on par with ‘Bad to the Bone’ and ‘I Got You (I Feel Good).’ What was once-tough biker rock is now Viagra-ad fodder. Still, if you can wash out the soundtrack memories of Problem Child, Dr. Dolittle 2, Rugrats Go Wild, et al., the dirty little number still rips, along with a deep huff of exhaust fumes and jazz cigarettes.

‘Don’t Stop Believin’’ by Journey

29.  ‘Don’t Stop Believin’’ by Journey

A thousand terrible karaoke performances have somewhat dulled the lustre of this once-gleaming classic ’80s song , but once it comes on in the car, you’ll be in love with it all over again within seconds. Just don’t use it as a road map—there is no such place as South Detroit. Okay, there is, but it’s in Ontario, Canada, so you might need your passport. 

‘Interstate Love Song’ by Stone Temple Pilots

30.  ‘Interstate Love Song’ by Stone Temple Pilots

The underrated STP (hey, that’s a fuel additive) was never truly a grunge band. The ‘Core’ album was a trend-surfing foot in the door, the American equivalent to Blur’s baggy-riding ‘Leisure’. Really, the bands have more melodic ambitions. Scott Weiland, as his solo albums and pink fur coat proved, had far more Bowie in him than his peers. ‘Interstate Love Song’  was the lifting of the veil, when the Pilots announced, Hey, we actually listen to the Beatles , not the Melvins. It chugs along with drop-top bliss, even if the chorus is oddly about trains, not driving.

31.  ‘Radar Love’ by Golden Earring

Appropriately for a song about driving, this 1973 cut from Dutch rockers Golden Earring is one of the best road trip songs ever written. ‘The road has got me hypnotised, I’m speeding into a new sunrise!’ wails singer Barry Hay, as that bassline gets your head nodding and your foot instinctively pressing down on the gas. ‘Radar Love’ also has the best breakdown of any rock song ever. This is an indisputable scientific fact.

‘Life Is a Highway’ by Tom Cochrane

32.  ‘Life Is a Highway’ by Tom Cochrane

Okay. We know how heavy-handed these metaphors are. And how forced the rhymes are. We never said every song on this list was a masterpiece. But we dare you not to sing along with the chorus of this 1991 cheesefest— especially on a highway. Maybe no one ever listens to the song in its entirety (sorry Tom), but one or two ‘life is a highway’s are pretty much mandatory. Give in.

‘The Way’ by Fastball

33.  ‘The Way’ by Fastball

Alt-rock band Fastball had a breakout 1998 hit with this fast-driving tale of a married pair that ditches its conventional home and family, in favour of a dream life on the highway with no destination. The feel-good, sing-along optimism of the chorus—‘They’ll never get hungry, they’ll never get old and grey’—has a dark undercurrent: Weeks after their disappearance, the bodies of the real-life Texas couple who inspired the song were discovered in an Arkansas ravine. But all of life’s roads hit a dead-end eventually: Better, maybe, at least to leave the driveway.

‘California’ by Phantom Planet

34.  ‘California’ by Phantom Planet

Contrary to popular belief, the hair-metal power ballad did not die by grunge’s bullet. The hair just got shorter and the trousers got looser. Case in point: this 2002 theme from The O.C. It is emo made only from the emotion of uncut nostalgia. It is basically Motley Crüe’s ‘Home Sweet Home’ for mollycoddled millennials, right down to the video compiled from sentimental tour footage. And it is oddly reminiscent of Al Jolson’s ‘California, Here I Come.’ That’s some feat, finding the common ground between Jolson and the Crüe. Man, remember when Ryan became a cage fighter after Marissa died?

‘Shut Up and Drive’ by Rihanna

35.  ‘Shut Up and Drive’ by Rihanna

This electro bop from 2007 isn’t a top-tier Rihanna tune, but it still kinda rips. Driven – pun definitely intended – by a crafty sample from New Order’s club classic ‘Blue Monday’, it’s an unashamedly fluffy new wave pastiche that’s as much about sex as hitting the open highway. Don’t even pretend you can resist it – especially when the chance of RiRi releasing new music any time soon seems to get slimmer with each passing year. 

‘Running on Empty’ by Jackson Browne

36.  ‘Running on Empty’ by Jackson Browne

There’s a reason this song soundtracks the Forrest Gump  protagonist’s famous transcontinental jog: Few pop tunes capture the rush of earthbound travel—by foot, by car or, in Jackson Browne’s case, by tour bus—better than this autobiographical FM-radio staple. But what makes it a classic is the ambiguity in Browne’s message. ‘I don’t know where I’m running now; I’m just running on,’ he sings, perfectly summing up how the desire for escape can be its own kind of trap.

‘Two of Us’ by the Beatles

37.  ‘Two of Us’ by the Beatles

The Fab Four’s back catalogue is replete with songs about travelling around: ‘Drive My Car,’ ‘Day Tripper,’ ‘Ticket to Ride,’ ‘Yellow Submarine’—the list goes on and on like a long and winding road. No Beatles track, though, captures the feeling of setting off into uncharted territory with someone special better than ‘Two of Us,’ penned by Paul McCartney in 1969. There is debate as to whether McCartney’s partner in crime in this song is future wife Linda Eastman, as he claims, or John Lennon, which some of the nostalgia-infused lyrics would suggest. No matter—an impromptu road trip is a good time whether your passenger-seat companion is your new flame or your counterpart in the greatest songwriting tandem of all time.

‘Chicago’ by Sufjan Stevens

38.  ‘Chicago’ by Sufjan Stevens

Some songs make your heart beat faster from the get-go, and 2005 road-trip song ‘Chicago’ is just such a gem, announcing its entrance in a whirlwind of strings and a rush of percussion. The backing cuts suddenly to Stevens’s voice, whispering that most universal human sentiment: ‘I fell in love again—all things go, all things go,’ and then later, another familiar feeling: ‘I made a lot of mistakes, I made a lot of mistakes.’ It’s this acknowledgement of our frailty, coupled with our irrepressible capacity for hope and excitement that gives  ‘Chicago’ its electrifying, driving charge. That and the fact it features in the ridiculously touching road movie Little Miss Sunshine .

‘Fade Into You’ by Mazzy Star

39.  ‘Fade Into You’ by Mazzy Star

Night driving found a shimmering musical complement in this ethereal 1994 track from dream popsters Mazzy Star. In a rare bit of sonic magic, it seems that no matter how fast you’re driving, the low beats per minute on ‘Fade Into You’ always manage to sync up perfectly with the passing dividing lines visible from your car’s two headlights. And a night drive, preferably undertaken as you’re pining for an unrequited love, wouldn’t be complete without Hope Sandoval’s dusk, haunting vocals echoing throughout your ride. Two-lane highway bliss, by moonlight.

‘The Golden Age’ by Beck

40.  ‘The Golden Age’ by Beck

This 2002 road trip song, off Beck’s desolate, heartbreaking ‘Sea Change’ , is one of the most perfect and profound illustrations of driving as a means of escape. It’s best played at night, in the desert if you’ve got one handy, when you feel like crap but have pretty much come to terms with it. And when, as Beck says, ‘You've gotta drive all night just to feel like you’re okay.’ Go forth, drive and wallow. Maybe you’ll feel better in the morning.

‘Scar Tissue’ by Red Hot Chili Peppers

41.  ‘Scar Tissue’ by Red Hot Chili Peppers

The L.A.-bred Peppers clearly know a thing or two about hitting the highways, as evidenced by a song catalogue riddled with Cali-inspired, crank-up-the-dial tunes. For a journey out on the open road, we like this lead track off the band’s 1999 album, ‘Californication’, due to its lilting desert-by-twilight vibe. The song’s main attraction is John Frusciante’s wailing guitar solos, which achingly embody Anthony Kiedis’s lyrics about isolation and the twisted, drug-fuelled paths he’s traversed (‘With the birds I’ll share this lonely view’). Enter tumbleweed, stage right.

‘Every Day Is a Winding Road’ by Sheryl Crow

42.  ‘Every Day Is a Winding Road’ by Sheryl Crow

The little sister to Tom Cochrane’s ‘Life Is a Highway,’ Sheryl Crow’s 1996 hit unabashedly co-opts the use of automotive byways as metaphors for life’s ups and downs. (Billy ‘the world is a vampire’ Corgan apparently misread the memo.) The ‘wacky’ characters in Crow’s songs are often a bit too precious for our liking—in this case, a vending-machine repairman with a daughter he calls ‘Easter’ (what?)—but the chorus always gets us fired up for some hairpin turns, even when we’re cruising down a seemingly endless straightaway. This road trip song works perfectly when your destination is San Francisco’s iconic Lombard Street, whose residents probably have this tune swirling in their heads 24/7.

‘Jack & Diane’ by John Cougar Mellencamp

43.  ‘Jack & Diane’ by John Cougar Mellencamp

Inevitably, your road trip is going to hit some lulls: You’re fighting off the yawns, your passengers have passed out, and it's 57 miles to the next pit stop. When this happens, there’s one sure-fire way to get your journey back on course: Unleash the Cougar. Indiana’s favourite son specialiaes in songs about the heartland, and his crowning jewel is this 1982 chart topper about two high-school sweethearts and the twists and turns of their American Dream. Despite the jaunty beat and an epic drum breakdown rivaling the one in Phil Collins’s ‘In the Air Tonight,’ the tale is cautionary, urging us to savour those thrilling, carefree teenage years. Oh, to be young, in love and suckin’ on chilli dogs outside the Tastee Freez.…

‘King of the Road’ by Roger Miller

44.  ‘King of the Road’ by Roger Miller

Did our dads play this 1964 ditty on long car rides when we were little? You betcha. Do we think they contemplated the potential consequences of making penniless vagabonds sound super cool? Doubtful. Regardless, it’s a timeless everyman’s anthem, and darn if it isn’t catchy. We really like listening to it in our van down by the river.

‘Green Onions’ by Booker T. & the M.G.’s

45.  ‘Green Onions’ by Booker T. & the M.G.’s

This R&B instrumental, recorded in 1962, is the perfect soundtrack for an unhurried drive, when you’re sick of singing along and ready to just cruise. It’s repetitive, much like the open road, but with a steady beat and some soulful Hammond organ to keep things interesting. Widely considered to be one of the greatest songs of all time, it’s received accolades from Rolling Stone , Acclaimed Music, the Grammy Hall of Fame and the Library of Congress. If AAA had a greatest songs list, we’re sure ‘Green Onions’ would be on that, too.

‘Mustang Sally’ by Wilson Pickett

46.  ‘Mustang Sally’ by Wilson Pickett

You can probably blame censorship for our automobile sex fetishes. Early rock & rollers couldn’t sing about sex, so they sang about their cars…with not-so-subtle undertones. ‘Mustang Sally,’ the grandmother of ‘Little Red Corvette’ only wants to ‘ride around,’ and Pickett howls with his thumb out, looking to hitch. Don’t let this song’s karaoke staple status let you forget what it’s really about. 

‘Going Back to Cali’ by LL Cool J

47.  ‘Going Back to Cali’ by LL Cool J

From Al Jolson to Led Zeppelin and Phantom Planet, dozens of artists have tapped into the westward dream of the Golden State. Heck, the tradition stretches back to Gold Rush ditties of the mid 19th century, Smithsonian Folkways fodder like ‘Life in California.’ But only one man made the trip wrapped in precious metals, not seeking them. Cool J cruises to the coast, as he proclaims in verse, in a Corvette with a Laurents chrome chain steering wheel, Dayton wire rims and a gold-leaf convertible top. Rick Rubin’s stark 808 beats thunder under the extremely relaxed rhymes of Mr. Ladies Love. ‘I’m going back to Cali,’ he nearly whispers before shrugging it off. ‘Hmm, I don't think so’ He might go, he might not. With his riches, he is a walking California. That’s cool. Cool enough to pull off one of the few sax solos in hip-hop history.

‘The Distance’ by Cake

48.  ‘The Distance’ by Cake

With the band’s signature horns and a self-serious melody that practically requires head-bobbing and Speed Racer–esque intensity (you may even want to invest in racing gloves), this single off of 1996’s ‘Fashion Nugget’ album is irresistible. The album is filled with more on-the-nose driving songs than this one (‘Race Car Ya-Yas,’ ‘Stickshifts and Safetybelts’), but this is the money single—and got the album platinum status. Throw it on repeat and hit the open road. Just take an occasional break for track No. 7, the band’s excellent cover of Gloria Gaynor’s ‘I Will Survive.’

‘Roadrunner’ by the Modern Lovers

49.  ‘Roadrunner’ by the Modern Lovers

Talk about a brilliant juxtaposition: Jonathan Richman’s 1972 cut, written when he was 19, beautifully contrasts the Velvet Underground’s bare-bones, dirty-as-hell chugalug sound with a subject matter so suburban that Richman’s heroes Lou Reed & Co. wouldn’t dare touch it: The thrill of being young, driving in a car and blasting the radio. The song’s repetitive two-chord propulsion is a perfect late-night road-trip pick-me-up. And there’s a bangin’ cover by Joan Jett & the Blackhearts to check out, too.

‘Have Love, Will Travel’ by the Sonics

50.  ‘Have Love, Will Travel’ by the Sonics

At some stage in your life—at any point between getting your driver’s licence and getting married, really—you’ll drive from ‘Maine to Mexico’ for a piece of ass, as Gerry Roslie does in this proto-punk classic. The high-tension twang of the guitar sounds like the strings are about to snap, the perfect sonic emulation of sexual frustration. A recent ad for Mexican beer claims you need an ‘encyclopedic knowledge of garage rock’ to pull up this song, as if from some lost, dusty volume. Nah, this is Rock & Roll 101.

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The Ultimate Road Trip Playlist According to Travelers, Editors, and Spotify

This year has been nothing short of a whirlwind. As we wrap up the year, international travel is still a no go, and flying in general seems like a bit of a risky proposition. As a result, the humble road trip has roared back on our collective radar as many of us have been taking to the road as a way to get out of the house and explore our surroundings near and far. 

When we began discussing road trips on zoom calls and in Slack channels, the one thing that everyone could agree on was that music was essential. A good soundtrack can mean the difference between the hours flying by as fast as the scenery out the window or turning around before you reach your destination.

So what makes a great road trip playlist? It starts with the songs, but with so many incredible choices out there, it’s hard to whittle down to something that stands up to the test of time. However, we had an idea.

To make the perfect road trip playlist, we used three components. First, we looked at Spotify data to identify the most popular songs for driving, according to the top 100 road trip playlists. Next, we surveyed our TripSavvy readers to get their take. After that, our editors weighed in on their favorite songs. In the end, we were left with 29 carefully curated high-vibe songs that create the ultimate travel music of 2020.

Here are the top road trip songs. For the best listening experience, try playing them in order. Enjoy!

"Wake Me Up" by Avicii

Released in 2013, “Wake Me Up” made history by becoming the first song on Spotify to accumulate 200 million streams. This song can instantly put you in a good mood and that's why it's up first on our list.

"Night Moves" by Bob Seger

"Night Moves" is an easy-listening, American Rock classic. "Rolling Stone" magazine named it Single of the Year in 1977. This song is sure to get you in the right headspace for hitting the highway.

"Fly Like an Eagle" by Steve Miller Band

As suggested by one of our readers, "Fly Like an Eagle" was a must-have for this playlist. Even though this psychedelic-rock tune was released in 1976, it still feels relevant today.

Feed the babies Who don't have enough to eat Shoe the children With no shoes on their feet House the people Livin' in the street Oh, oh, there's a solution

"I Feel It Coming" by The Weeknd featuring Daft Punk

As suggested by one of our readers, "I Feel It Coming" is a sensual disco-pop song by The Weeknd and Daft Punk. When you play it, this catchy song will make you instinctively bob along as you're on the road.

"Cruise" by Florida Georgia Line

A song that appears on the Spotify list and was submitted by a reader is "Cruise" by Florida Georgia Line. This upbeat country song will make you wanna roll the windows down and cruise.

"Take It Easy" by the Eagles

After hours of driving, "Don't let the sound of your own wheels drive you crazy," might be the best advice you'll get. Released in 1972, "Take It Easy" by the Eagles is still being played by road trippers, appearing 20 times across the top 100 playlists.

"Riptide" by Vance Joy

"Riptide," the 2013 single by Australian singer-songwriter Vance Joy, appears on 13 of the top 100 road trip Spotify playlists. This cheery folk song won the World Music Award for World’s Best Song.

"Old Town Road (Remix)" by Lil Nas X featuring Billy Ray Cyrus

In 2019 Lil Nas X released "Old Town Road," a country rap remix with Billy Ray Cyrus. It won lots of awards, so it's no wonder that this was a top contender.

"Malibu" by Miley Cyrus

"This song reminds me of a road trip down the west coast from San Francisco to San Diego," says Megan Hartig, Content Marketing Manager. We booked our hotels on the fly with the app Hotel Tonight which was great for spontaneous travel."

"Life in the Fast Lane" by Eagles

You can't listen to "Life in the Fast Lane" without feeling like a badass. This song was on 13 of the top road trip playlists on Spotify. But don't lose your cool as this lyric points out: Life in the fast lane, Surely makes you lose your mind.

Listening to this song can give you a lead foot. Don't get a speeding ticket!

"Hey, Soul Sister" by Train

If you've never sung "Hey, Soul Sister" at the top of your lungs, have you ever been on a road trip? Not according to Spotify listeners. This song appeared 16 times according to Spotify data.

"September" by Earth, Wind & Fire

"I grew up listening to a lot of Earth, Wind & Fire with my parents during road trips," says associate editor Sherri Gardner. "'September' was one of my family’s favorites because it’s fun to sing along to, especially with the windows down."

"Burn The House Down" by AJR

Another great suggestion by one of our readers, "Burn The House Down" written by the pop trio consisting of three brothers, began as a 2018 song about U.S. political climate and became the theme song for the March for Our Lives campaign.

"Carry On Wayward Son" by Kansas

If you're struggling to hang in during your long drive, turn up "Carry On Wayward Son" a little louder for some encouragement. This progressive rock song performed by Kansas in 1976 took the band to the next level.

"Dancing In The Moonlight" by Jubël featuring NEIMY

"Dancing In The Moonlight" was named nine times in the top 100 Spotify road trip playlists. This 2018 feel-good pop cover is sure to lift your spirits with its upbeat rhythm, especially if you are driving after the sun goes down.

"Road Trip (2020 Version)" by Convent Bonfires

This song was suggested by one of our readers, and given the title, we had to include it. This obscure, indie-rock track released this year gives us all the good vibes.

"Don't Stop Believin'" by Journey

With almost one billion streams on Spotify, it's no surprise "Don't Stop Believin'" cracks the top 3, with 24 appearances on Spotify's top road trip playlists. So next time you're in your car, turn up the volume and sing on and on and on and on.

"Circles" by Post Malone

Another song listed on the Spotify charts and our reader survey is "Circles" by Post Malone. This 2019 pop single won Song of the Year at the 2020 MTV Video Music Awards. It sat for a record 39 weeks in the Hot 100's top 10.

"Feel This Good" by Jackopierce

Another reader's choice, "Feel This Good" by musical duo Jackopierce is an easy listening song for the freeway.

Woke up this morning, rolled out of bed My favorite song's playing inside my head I go out on the freeway, windows down Don't know where I'm going, but it's good to move around and Days like this should never end

"Big Yellow Taxi" by Lennon & Maisy

Canadian sisters, Lennon and Maisy Stella, do a beautiful cover of the classic song "Big Yellow Taxi" originally sung by Joni Mitchell.

"Shotgun (The Wild Remix)" by George Ezra & The Wild

Whoever gets to ride shotgun is sure to enjoy this 2018 song by George Ezra featuring The Wild. "Shotgun" was listed on both the Spotify and readers' choice lists.

"Layla" by Eric Clapton

The acoustic rock song "Layla" was suggested by readers and found on six of the top Spotify road trip playlists. Hailed as one of the most iconic classic rock ballads of all time, there is no surprise it belongs here.

"Higher Love" by Kygo & Whitney Houston

This version of "Higher Love" produced by Norwegian DJ Kygo and the late Whitney Houston is a tropical, high-energy song that was number two on the Hot Dance/Electronic Songs chart.

"Free Fallin'" by Tom Petty

"I grew up listening to Tom Petty (he was my first concert), and he's still one of my all-time favorite musicians," says senior editor Jamie Hergenrader. "Free Fallin' is worthy of a road trip playlist because it embodies the vibe of the trip—you're out on the open road, free to explore, and the lyrics even mention or hint at several classic L.A. routes, such as Ventura Boulevard, Highway 101, and Mulholland Drive."

"More Than a Feeling" by Boston

Is there a song that reminds you of your secret crush? Apparently someone in the band Boston had one, and that inspired their hit song "More Than a Feeling." Spotify users can relate. The song shows up on 22 road trip playlists, making it the fourth most popular on our Spotify list.

"Hello Darlin'" by Conway Twitty

“In the car, there’s nothing better than classic country," says Astrid Taran, senior audience editor. "There’s something about driving in the middle of nowhere blasting old school country.”

"Fast Car" by Jonas Blue & Dakota

"Fast Car" by Tracy Chapman was listed 10 times on Spotify's list, but we included a remix by Jonas Blue & Dakota to keep things fresh and upbeat to keep things interesting along the ride.

"Sun Models" by ODESZA featuring Madelyn Grant

"This song feels like the perfect soundtrack for a road trip and makes everything feel a little more epic," says visual editor Taylor McIntyre.

"Jack & Diane" by John Mellencamp

Last but certainly not least, here we have a classic rock ballad by John Mellencamp. "Jack & Diane" was released in the summer of 1982 and has been a go-to by road trippers ever sense, appearing 10 times in the Spotify road trip lists.

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50+ BEST Road Trip Songs for the Ultimate Road Trip Playlist

Heading on a road trip soon and looking for the top road trip songs to add to your road trip playlist?  I’ve got you covered with 50+ of the best road trip songs to listen (and sing along to) on long car drives.

Road Trip Songs For Your Road Trip Playlist

Best Road Trip Songs Road Trip Playlist

I hope you enjoy this list of great road trip songs. I have included a mix of road trip songs from different genres (including rock, pop and country) and different eras (from classic road trip songs to modern road trip songs). Most of these great songs are about road trips and travel or cars, highways and driving in general.

(And if you are planning on taking a road trip soon make sure to check out my essential road trip packing list  to make sure you have all your road trip essentials before you go!)

10 Best Road Trip Songs of All Time

I think these are the 10 best road trips songs of all time (in no particular order).

  • “Born to Run” by Bruce Springsteen
  • “On the Road Again” by Willie Nelson
  • “Take Me Home, Country Roads” by John Denver
  • “Life Is a Highway” by Tom Cochrane
  • “Little Red Corvette” by Prince
  • “I’m Gonna Be (500 Miles)” by the Proclaimers
  • “Take It Easy” by the Eagles
  • “Born to Be Wild” by Steppenwolf
  • “Sweet Home Alabama” by Lynyrd Skynyrd (This song is perfect for a classic American road trip in the South.)
  • “I Can’t Drive 55” by Sammy Hagar

Best Classic Road Trip Songs

Below are the greatest classic road trip songs that need to be on your music playlist:

  • “Long Lonely Highway” by Elvis Presley
  • “Highway to Hell” by AC/DC
  • “American Pie” by Don McLean
  • “Hit the Road Jack” by Ray Charles
  • “Route 66” by Chuck Berry
  • “No Particular Place to Go” by Chuck Berry
  • “Truckin’” by The Grateful Dead
  • “Running on Empty” by Jackson Browne
  • “Tiny Dancer” by Elton John
  • “Mustang Sally” by Wilson Pickett
  • “Radar Love” by Golden Earring
  • “Hotel California” by Eagles
  • “America” by Simon & Garfunkel
  • “The Passenger” by Iggy Pop

80s Road Trip Songs

Below are best 80s road trip songs to add to your music playlist:

  • “Holiday Road” by Lindsey Buckingham
  • “Road to Nowhere” by Talking Heads
  • “Danger Zone” by Kenny Loggins (from the movie Top Gun)
  • “Don’t Stop Believin'” by Journey
  • “Love Shack” by the B52s
  • “Here I Go Again” by Whitesnake
  • “Born in the U.S.A” by Bruce Springsteen
  • “Free Fallin’” by Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers
  • “I Drove All Night” by Cyndi Lauper
  • “Fast Car” by Tracy Chapman

90s Road Trip Songs

Below are best 90s road trip songs to add to your music playlist:

  • “Road Trippin'” by Red Hot Chili Peppers
  • “I’ve Been Everywhere” by Johnny Cash
  • “The Distance” by Cake
  • “Drive” by Incubus
  • “The Way” by Fastball
  • “Everyday is a Winding Road” by Sheryl Crow

Modern Road Trip Songs

Below are best modern road trip songs to add to your music playlist:

  • “Shut Up and Drive” by Rihanna
  • “California” by Phantom Planet – this is one of my favorite California road trip songs .)
  • “Keep the Car Running” by Arcade Fire
  • “A Thousand Miles” by Vanessa Carlton
  • “Party in the U.S.A.” by Miley Cyrus
  • “California Gurls” by Katy Perry (featuring Snoop Dogg)
  • “Maps For The Getaway” by Andrew McMahon
  • “Holocene” by Bon Iver
  • “I Am The Highway” by Audioslave
  • “Wild” by John Legend and Gary Clark Jr.
  • “Thousand Miles” by Miley Cyrus (feat. Brandi Carlile)
  • “Levitating” by Dua Lipa
  • “Home” by Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros – this is the perfect song to listen on the way back home after a long trip

Road Trip Playlist on Spotify

To make it easier for you to listen, I have created a spotify playlist of the best road trip songs of all time:

What are your favorite road trip songs?

Need some road trip inspiration?

  • Best Road Trips in the USA
  • Best Road Trips In Europe For Your Bucket List
  • Best Road Trips in Australia
  • Best Road Trip Quotes to Inspire You to Go!

Road Trip Songs Road Trip Playlist

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savvyglobetrotter

These are all classics for sure when you’re talking about a road trip. My favorite would be Sammy Hagar “I Can’t Drive 55”. Something about that cool flow that makes it perfect for a summer road trip. But I would not follow the advice because I wish not to get pulled over crossing the country LOL.

Thank you so much for putting out this list of road trips and songs!!

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From backseat singalongs to nomadic anthems, the best road trip songs capture the feeling of freedom that’s sometimes just a car ride away.

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The requirement for any good road trip is great songs. Whether you’re embarking on a solo trip down the highway or gathering for a vacation with friends and family, you’re going to need some tunes to keep you company along the way. We’ve collated classic driving songs from throughout the eras and assembled the best road trip songs to fire up as you head out on the open road.

Listen to some of the best road trip songs for your next vacation on Apple Music and Spotify .

25: Youngblood Hawke: We Come Running

With its driving beat and epic build up, this indie-pop song from LA pop-rockers Youngblood Hawke will get you revving down the highway. They spell it out directly, inviting the listener to head “for the open door, tell me what you’re waiting for”.

57 Mother’s Day Songs: A Playlist Of Classic Songs About Moms

Procol harum‘s ‘a whiter shade of pale’: a song of many colors, classic albums by young musicians: 25 age-defying greats, 24: blink-182: what’s my age again.

In just under two and a half minutes, blink-182 ’s ‘What My Age Again’ is pop-punk perfection. This song cooks and there’s nary a second wasted, which is exactly what you want in the best road trip songs.

23: The Killers: Mr Brightside

Pomp, bombast, killer riffs and melodies is one way to set you free, even when stuck in traffic. “Mr. Brightside” from The Killers ’ debut album, Hot Fuss , is the rare road trip song that can get you through the traffic blues and out of the “cage” that is the daily grind.

The Killers - Mr. Brightside (Official Music Video)

22: Nirvana: Breed

Just like Appetite For Destruction , Nirvana’s Nevermind features an endless array of road trip songs, but there’s one standout track that sounds like burning rubber. With its blast of feedback and machine-gun intensity, “Breed” will get everybody headbanging in the backseat.

21: Sammy Hagar: I Can’t Drive 55

This is a classic highway vacation song. If the Red Rocker can’t you get to go past the speed limit (which we’re not officially condoning), nothing else will. Sammy Hagar’s breakout solo single has been blasting out of every car stereo since 1984, and has never stopped.

Sammy Hagar - I Can't Drive 55

20: Katy Perry: Teenage Dream

When there’s a long stretch of road ahead, sometimes you want psychedelic acid rock where you can put cruise control on and zone out, but when you’re traveling on vacation with a crew, singalong pop anthems are the best road trip songs. Katy Perry ’s ode to the endless possibilities of adolescence will have you sticking your head out the sunroof like a drunk teen on prom night.

19: Warren G (featuring Nate Dogg): Regulate

Few songs encapsulate an entire era better than this 1994 G-funk classic. Between Warren G’s storytelling and Nate Dogg’s smooth vocals, this is the song you can blast whether you’re cruising in your drop top or mid-sized sedan.

Warren G - Regulate (Official Music Video) ft. Nate Dogg

18: John Mellencamp: Pink Houses

This slice of heartland rock isn’t all that it seems. John Mellencamp seems to paint the perfect picture of the American dream, but if you keep listening, it’s really the indictment of a broken system. On one hand it remains a misunderstood political song but on the other, it’s a great road trip song.

17: The Rolling Stones: (I Can’t Get No) Satisfaction

Tapping into that feeling of wanderlust, The Rolling Stones ’ search for satisfaction landed them their first No.1 hit . From Charlie Watts’ propulsive drumming to Mick Jagger’s cracking vocals and Keith Richards’ fuzz-box riff, “Satisfaction” beckons you to the road and the dancefloor.

16: U2: Where The Streets Have No Name

Like the morning’s first light coming over the desert highway, this U2 anthem begins with the sound of heavenly organs that quickly build to a driving rhythm led by The Edge’s arpeggiated guitar lines. Political origins aside, the song conjures images of the American West and the open road. It’s hard not to feel nostalgia when you glide in and out of traffic.

U2 - Where The Streets Have No Name (Official Music Video)

15: Guns N’ Roses: Appetite For Destruction

Forget road trip songs, this is a road trip album. From the menacing “Welcome To The Jungle” to the soaring “Rocket Queen” that closes Guns N’ Roses ’ Appetite For Destruction , you won’t find an album of songs better suited to a road trip vacation than this.

14: Dr. Dre: Let Me Ride

Any G-funk track is made for driving, but this cut from The Chronic is the ultimate road trip song. Between the Parliament-sampling chorus and Dre ’s evocative verses, “Let Me Ride” was tailor-made for summer driving… and is even better if you’re cruising around in a drop top.

Dr. Dre | Let Me Ride | Interscope

13: Bob Seger: Hollywood Nights

While Bob Seger sings about “looking down at the lights of LA” in this 1978 hit, the anticipation of a night on the town is universal. Seger’s frantic vocals and epic storytelling, combined with the uptempo music, is the perfect formula to speed towards the horizon.

Hollywood Nights (Remastered 2011)

12: Cyndi Lauper: I Drove All Night

Some people escape the “sticky and cruel” city by seeking solace in the great outdoors. Not Ms. Lauper. Her vocal calisthenics are just the motivation to drive all night to see your lover.

11: Snoop Dogg: Gin And Juice

Another slice of G-funk heaven. You don’t need hydraulics to roll with the melodic flow of “D-O-double-G.” Released during the heyday of gangsta rap, Snoop took the wild antics of his hometown, Long Beach, and turned them into an idyllic summer jam.

Snoop Dogg - Gin And Juice

10: Jackson Browne: Running On Empty

Few artists embodied the late 70s Laurel Canyon sound quite like Jackson Browne. “Running On Empty” isn’t a hard road rocker, but Browne could turn the most mundane experiences (like running out of gas) into a metaphor for missing out on the connections in life.

9: The Beatles: Day Tripper

The Beatles have an endless catalogue of travel tunes, from “Ticket To Ride” to “Drive My Car,” but “Day Tripper” is the real road trip song. Featuring one of the best guitar riffs of all time , “Day Tripper” is not so much about a quick getaway but about trying on the hippie lifestyle for a day or two.

Day Tripper (Remastered 2015)

8: Stevie Wonder: Master Blaster (Jammin’)

This could be included among the best vacation road trip songs for the intro alone, but the whole thing swings with a swagger that won’t (hopefully) have you swerving from side-to-side. Stevie Wonder ’s tribute to Bob Marley saw Stevie moving away from his typical one-man show and inviting a whole crew to boogie down.

Master Blaster (Jammin')

7: Willie Nelson: On The Road Again

Country music is littered with dirt-road anthems, but one of the true classics is Willie Nelson ’s ode to the nomadic life, “On The Road Again.” Nelson was tasked with creating an original song for the aging rocker character he played in the film Honeysuckle Rose . Willie delivered and nabbed an Oscar nomination in the process.

6: Tom Cochrane: Life Is A Highway

Canadian treasure Tom Cochrane is a household name up north, but in rest of the world he’s best known for this highway song anthem that’s become the perfect pep talk for hitting tarmac.

Tom Cochrane - Life Is A Highway (Official Video)

5: Prince: Little Red Corvette

Prince seemingly never suffered from either writer’s block or a shortage of sexual metaphors, as evidenced on his 1983 classic, “Little Red Corvette.” This tale of an ill-fated one-night stand was supposedly inspired by his bandmate Lisa Coleman’s pink Edsel, but “little red Edsel” just isn’t as catchy a refrain.

4: The Beach Boys: Fun, Fun, Fun, I Get Around

Both of these Beach Boys tunes helped define the 60s driving culture, particularly in the winding highways of Southern California. Tight harmonies and terrific rhythms, these songs will transport you to the windswept cliffs of the Pacific Coast Highway, driving along with the top down.

I Get Around (Stereo)

3: Tom Petty: Runnin’ Down A Dream

“Free Fallin’” is a great singalong, but when it comes to essential Tom Petty road trip tunes, “Runnin’ Down A Dream” takes the cake. Thanks to the highway imagery and scuzzy guitar riffs, this hard-charging song is best listened to with the windows down and your foot on the gas.

Tom Petty And The Heartbreakers - Runnin' Down A Dream (Official Music Video)

2: Bruce Springsteen: Born To Run

No survey of the best road trip songs would be complete without The Boss. Bruce Springsteen ’s entire body of work unpacks the experience of small-town living and the feeling that escape is just a car ride away.

1: Steppenwolf: Born To Be Wild

You don’t need a bike or road leather to blare this Steppenwolf classic. Most famously featured in the film Easy Rider , Jon Kay’s invitation to “head out on the highway” is a song that became an American anthem and a call for rebellion.

Born To Be Wild

Honorable Mentions

Looking for more great road trip playlist songs for your next vacation? With compulsively sing-along lyrics, these tunes are perfect for lonely highways where you just want to shout out your open car window.

John Denver – Take Me Home, Country Roads The Proclaimers – I’m Gonna Be (500 Miles) Tracy Chapman – Fast Car Lynyrd Skynyrd – Sweet Home Alabama The Eagles – Take It Easy Fleetwood Mac – Go Your Own Way Sheryl Crow – Everyday Is A Winding Road The Grateful Dead – Truckin’ Toto – Africa Arcade Fire – Keep The Car Running Ray Charles – Hit The Road Jack Bon Jovi – Living on a Prayer Ike & Tina Turner – Nutbush City Limits Don McLean – American Pie The Allman Brothers – Midnight Rider Outkast – Hey Ya Rascal Flatts – Life Is A Highway Van Morrison – Bright Side of the Road Sufjan Stevens – Chicago Rihanna – Shut Up And Drive The Eagles – Hotel California The Allman Brothers Band – Ramblin’ Man Elton John – Tiny Dancer Simon & Garfunkel – America Pointer Sisters – I’m So Excited ABBA – Waterloo Dolly Parton – 9 to 5 Billy Joel – Piano Man Paul Simon – Graceland

Looking for more options? Check out our list of the best songs about cars and driving .

11 Comments

June 26, 2019 at 7:37 pm

Golden Earring – Radar Love

June 27, 2019 at 5:16 pm

Mountain Jam, The Allman Brothers Band

August 2, 2019 at 8:34 am

Neil Young : White Line, DriveBy, Albuquerque, Trans Am

September 21, 2019 at 4:00 pm

Joanne Nagen

September 25, 2019 at 5:02 pm

John Hartford Steam Powered Aeroplane; Joe Bonamassa Drive; Govt Mule Travellin Tune; Greatful Dead Truckin;Jerry Reed’s Eastbound and Down …..as Roy Rogers said Happy Trails to you Thanks

September 25, 2019 at 6:29 pm

“It’s a Car!” by Sean Morin is a little-known but extremely fitting, perfect vibe, catchy little road trip song. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T3piktwUcP0

Mike Einhorn

May 28, 2020 at 5:24 am

Bruce Springfield?

September 18, 2021 at 7:27 am

Rolling Down the Highway – BTO Rockin’ Down the Highway – DOOBIE BROTHERS Highway Star – DEEP PURPLE

How’s these NOT make the list?

Belvin Sweatt

January 7, 2022 at 1:08 am

You left out the best one— Sniff and The Tears—Drivers Seat.

January 7, 2022 at 12:01 pm

Here is my Road Trip playlist: Windows are Rolled Down – Amos Lee Call Me The Breeze – Lynyrd Skynyrd Florabama – JJ Grey & Mofro Mustang Sally – Buddy Guy f. Jeff Beck Going to California – Led Zeppelin Hotel California – Eagles Road to Nowhere – Talking Heads Tangled Up in Blue – Bob Dylan Me and Bobby McGee – Janis Joplin Joy – Lucinda Williams Breakdown – Jack Johnson Comin’ Home – Lynyrd Skynyrd Take the Long Way Home – Supertramp Till the Sun Comes Up – Jack & Weatherman

June 3, 2023 at 5:42 am

The triffids – Wide Open Road

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100+ Best Road Trip songs (to sing along with as you drive!)

No Road Trip is complete with an EPIC playlist. Here are 150 best road trip songs for your travels, motorhome adventures, road trip- and just singing along in the car. Enjoy! #roadtrip #playlist #songs #tunes #motorhome #travel #adventure

Looking for good road trip songs? Honestly, the right driving songs in the right playlist can make or break a road trip! Here are 100+ best road trip songs to sing along with as you drive!

And don’t forget to download your FREE road trip planner below , to help you plan your road trip.

*We work hard to make this the best motorhome travel blog and road trip website possible, full of helpful content for you. The website is supported by our readers, so if you buy through links on this site we may earn a commission- at no extra cost to you. All opinions remain our own .

If you find this post useful, you can also treat us to a coffee – we promise to enjoy it while creating more useful content like this- we might even indulge in a biscuit (or two!)

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Best Road Trip Songs

Planning a road trip or long drive is tough. There are a million things to think about. And one of the things often overlooked is a road trip playlist!

Whether you’re travelling by car, RV, camper or bike, this list of the 100 best road trip driving songs is guaranteed to make the miles fly past!

We’ve got a mix of great driving songs to sing along too: songs for girly summer road trips, classic rock, all-American, a bit of country and some modern 2020 tunes- all designed to create the PERFECT playlist for your journey. And with over 100 road trip songs to choose from, you’re guaranteed to find something for everyone to sing along with on the road.

Make planning your next road trip EASY (& fun!)

When you’re planning a road trip, keeping track & organising all your ideas is often the hardest part. Fix that TODAY with our printable pdf road trip planner. Grab yours FREE now

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How to create a great road trip playlist with sing-along songs!

The window wound down, the stereo cranked up and some awesome tunes you can sing along to; perfection, right? But if you’re anything like us, your phone/iPod is a random mix of all sorts of music- including a Christmas album or 7.

That’s why a road trip playlist is so important- you don’t have to worry if the next tune will be great, you already know it will be! 

  • Make sure the songs are downloaded onto your phone/ ipod. Otherwise, you’re going to use up a lot of data and/ or run the risk of being in an area with bad signal and no music!
  • Like listening to things as you drive? Check out Audible – you can get podcasts, audiobooks and more- it’s a perfect way to pass the time on a long drive.

You might be able to get 3 MONTHS FREE music at Amazon. Click HERE to take advantage 

I’ll be honest- there was some…. let’s call it “discussion”… over the best travel songs to include on this list. My husband prefers classic rock for driving songs. I like songs you can sing along with in the car and songs to drive fast too (NEVER above the speed limit though… right?!)

We compromised on creating a road trip playlist with song choices from all of us, so we hope there’s something in here for you!

So, let’s get to the best road trip songs.

(Update: This post started off as 100 of the best road trip songs… it’s growing as we add more in, so no idea how many are here now!! )

20 Rock Classics- the BEST Road trip Rock songs

  • Danger Zone – Kenny Loggins
  • Nutbush City Limits – Ike & Tina Turner
  • Dude Looks like a Lady – Aerosmith
  • American Pie – Don Mclean
  • Whole Lotta Rosie – AC/ DC
  • Don’t Stop Believing – Journey
  • Paradise City – Guns N’ Roses
  • All Night Long – Rainbow
  • Cats in the Cradle – Ugly Kid Joe
  • Here I Go Again – Whitesnake
  • Jump – Van Halen
  • We Built This City – Starship
  • Summer of ’69 – Bryan Adams
  • Hell ain’t a Bad Place to Be – AC/DC
  • The Boys are Back in Town – Thin Lizzy
  • Rio – Duran Duran
  • Saturday Night’s Alright for Fighting – Elton John
  • Who are You – The Who
  • Go Your Own Way – Fleetwood Mac
  • Love Walked In – Thunder

Best Driving Songs- All-American road trip songs

  • Born in the USA – Bruce Springsteen
  • Sweet Home Alabama – Lynyrd Skynyrd
  • Walk This Way – Aerosmith & Run DMC
  • My Life – Billy Joel
  • Living on a Prayer – Bon Jovi
  • Footloose – Kenny Loggins
  • One of these Nights – The Eagles
  • Born to be Wild – Steppenwolf
  • Nothing but a Good Time-  Poison

Planning a road trip? You might find these posts useful:

  • How to plan a road trip
  • The BEST printable road trip planner (FREE!)
  • Most useful road trip apps
  • 100 inspiring road trip quotes

25 Modern road trip songs to sing along with (2020 update)

Our favourite modern (ish!) driving songs, all of which are perfect to sing along to in the car and belt it out- especially in a traffic jam with people staring at you!! Add any (or all!) of these to your perfect summer road trip playlist.

  • Physical- Dua Lipa
  • Stupid Love – Lady Gaga
  • Dance Monkey – Tones & I (you know you love it…)
  • Take Me Back to London – Ed Sheeran
  • All the Good Girls go to Hell – Billie Eilish
  • What a Man Gotta Do – Jonas Brothers
  • Castle on the Hill – Ed Sheeran
  • Uptown Funk – Mark Robson & Bruno Mars
  • Rockstar – Nickelback
  • Looking for a Good Time – Lady Antebellum
  • It’s My Life – Bon Jovi
  • Take me to Church – Hozier
  • Hold Back the River – James Bay
  • Shut Up & Dance – Walk the Moon
  • Happy – Pharell Williams
  • The Pretender – Foo Fighters
  • Hall of Fame – The Script
  • Centuries – Fall Out Boy
  • Sex on Fire – Kings of Leon
  • The Kill – 30 Seconds to Mars
  • Mr Brightside – The Killers
  • My Songs Know What You Did in the Dark – Fall Out Boy
  • Don’t Threaten Me with a Good Time – Panic at the Disco
  • Knights of Cydonia – Muse
  • If I had you – Adam Lambert
  • All the Small Things – Blink 182

Best road trip songs to sing along with in a car or RV

The ultimate girl’s road trip playlist- perfect songs to sing along with in the car!

Ah- I LOVE girly road trips, especially in the summer. There’s nothing better than some sunshine, good friends and some GREAT songs on the stereo. Here are some of our favourite road trip songs for girls (although we don’t mind if you boys listen to them too! 😉 )

20 Modern road trip sing-along songs for girls

  • Rolling in the Deep – Adele
  • Waking Up in Vegas – Katy Perry
  • Trouble – Pink
  • Everytime We Touch – Cascada
  • According to You – Orianthi
  • Bang Bang – Jessie J, Ariana Grande & Nicki Menaj
  • Black Magic – Little Mix
  • Heartbeat Song – Kelly Clarkson
  • Sax – Fleur East
  • Can’t Be Tame d- Miley Cyrus
  • Fight Song – Rachel Platten
  • The Best Damn Thing – Avril Lavigne
  • Call Me Maybe – Carly Rae Jepsen
  • U and Ur Hand – Pink!
  • Part of Me – Katy Perry
  • Shake it Off – Taylor Swift
  • This is Me – Greatest Showman Soundtrack
  • Raise Your Glass – Pink
  • Living la Vida Loca – Ricky Martin
  • Baby one more time – Brittany Spears

20 Classic road trip songs for girls to sing along to in the car!

  • Walking on Sunshine – Katrina & the Waves
  • Bitch – Meredith Brooks
  • Everything I do, I do it for you – Bryan Adams
  • Holding Out for a Hero – Bonnie Tyler
  • Wake Me up before you Go-Go – Wham
  • It’s Raining Men – Weather Girls
  • Love Shack – B52s
  • I’m so Excited – Pointer Sisters
  • Dancing in the Moonlight – Toploader
  • 9 to 5 – Dolly Parton
  • Uptown Girl – Billy Joel
  • Heaven is a Place on Earth – Belinda Carlisle
  • Man! I Feel like a woman – Shania Twain
  • Girls Just Wanna Have Fun – Cyndi Lauper
  • Poker Face – Lady Gaga
  • Burning Love – Wynonna (I much prefer this version- sorry Elvis!!)
  • Love My Life – Robbie Williams
  • Torn – Natalie Imbruglia
  • Proud Mary – Tina Turner
  • Summer Nights- Grease

14 Driving Songs with ‘road in the title’- perfect for a road trip playlist!

  • Hit the Road Jack – Ray Charles
  • Every Day is a Winding Road – Sheryl Crow
  • Take me Home, Country Roads – John Denver
  • The Long and Winding Road – The Beatles
  • Bright Side of the Road – Van Morrison
  • Long Road To Ruin – Foo Fighters
  • Road Trippin’ – Red Hot Chilli Peppers
  • Back on the Road Again – REO Speedwagon
  • Thunder Road – Bruce Springsteen
  • Road to Hell – Chris Rea
  • Road to Nowhere – Talking Heads
  • Old Town Road – Lil Nas X
  • Roadhouse Blues – The Doors
  • Road Less Traveled – Lauren Alaina

Best road trip songs to sing along with on a long drive

15 best songs about driving and cars

Some of the best songs about driving (and cars!) – all perfect for a road trip playlist!

  • Mustang Sally – The Commitments
  • Bat out of Hell – Meatloaf
  • I Drove all night – Roy Orbison
  • Rhythm Made Me Do It – Shania Twain
  • Drive By – Train
  • Greased Lightnin’ – Grease Soundtrack
  • Paradise by the Dashboard Light – Meatloaf
  • Bad Habit – The Offspring
  • Car Wash – Rose Royce
  • 2,4,6,8 Motorway – Tom Robinson Band
  • Little Red Corvette – Prince
  • Pink Cadillac – Bruce Springsteen
  • Route 66 – Chuck Berry
  • Drive – The Cars
  • Drive My Car – The Beatles

Planning a long drive? These post might help

  • 15 Essential road trip tips you NEED to know
  • Things to remember before you leave
  • Healthy snacks for road trips

Best Driving songs to drive faster to (and sing along with!!)

Yes, we’ve already had some AMAZING road trip songs for the playlist, but here are some more to crank it up and sing along with (just watch that speed limit!!)

  • Don’t Stop Me Now – Queen
  • Monkey Wrench – Foo Fighters
  • Eye of the Tiger – Survivor
  • Beat It – Michael Jackson
  • 50 Ways to say Goodbye – Train
  • River Deep, Mountain High – Tina Turner
  • Cherry Pie – Warrant
  • I would do anything for love – Meatloaf
  • Addicted to Love – Robert Palmer
  • Pour Some Sugar on Me – Def Leppard (one of the best songs about sugar ever 😉 )
  • Any Way you Want it – Journey (or the Rock of Ages version!)
  • DOA – Foo Fighters
  • Lowlife – Theory of a Deadman
  • Making it Hard – Hinder
  • Oblivion – Terrorvision
  • Haven’t Had Enough – Marianas Trench
  • Angel with a Shotgun – The Cab
  • Silent Majority – Nickelback
  • Run to You – Bryan Adams
  • Thanks for the Mmrs – Fall Out Boy
  • The Anthem – Good Charlotte
  • Teenagers – My Chemical Romance
  • High School Never Ends – Bowling for Soup
  • Seven Nation Army – White Stripes
  • Kung Fu Fighting – Carl Douglas
  • Build Me up Buttercup – The Foundations
  • Johnny B Goode – Chuck Berry
  • Come As You Are – Nirvana
  • Teenage Dirtbag – Wheatus

20 Quieter Road trip songs- for when the kids are sleeping!

These songs are perfect when you want to turn it down a little bit. Admittedly, we tend to turn them up, but then we don’t have young kids anymore!

(Top tip for parents- these children’s car games won’t drive you crazy. Promise!)

  • Livin’ Thing – Electric Light Orchestra
  • All I Need is a Miracle – Mike and the Mechanics
  • Everybody wants to Rule the World – Tears for Fears
  • Money for Nothing – Dire Straits
  • In the Air Tonight – Phil Collins  (just remember to air drum quietly!!)
  • I don’t want a lover – Texas
  • The Chain – Fleetwood Mac
  • The Gambler – Kenny Rogers
  • Stay with Me – Rod Stewart
  • All Night Long- Lionel Richie
  • No Son of Mine – Genesis
  • Easy Lover – Phil Collins & Philip Bailey
  • Every Little Thing She Does – The Police
  • It’s a Beautiful Day – Michael Buble
  • Jesus, He knows me – Genesis
  • The Day We Caught the Train – Ocean Colour Scene
  • All Right Now – Free
  • Another Brick in the Wall – Pink Floyd
  • Mama Told Me not to Come – Tom Jones
  • Boys of Summer – Don Henley

Every good road trip needs a GREAT playlist! Here are the best road trip songs to sing along to!

Classic road trip driving songs for EVERY trip

These are some of our favourite driving tunes- but they didn’t really fit anywhere else (or they did, but my OCD with the numbers wouldn’t allow it!) Still, don’t forget to put these onto your ultimate driving playlist!!

  • Africa – Toto
  • Waterloo – Abba
  • Like I Roll – Black Stone Cherry
  • Sharp Dressed Man – ZZ Top
  • I Love Rock n Roll – Joan Jet
  • Counting Stars – OneRepublic
  • Song 2 – Blur
  • Only The Good Die Young – Billy Joel
  • Dreadlock Holiday – 10cc
  • Englishman in New York – Sting
  • Stacy’s Mom – Bowling for Soup or Fountains of Wayne
  • The Power of Love – Huey Lewis and The News
  • One of Us – Joan Osborne
  • Won’t Get Fooled Again – The Who
  • When the Going gets tough – Billy Ocean
  • I Can’t Dance – Genesis
  • Losing My Religion – R.E.M
  • We Are Family – Sister Sledge
  • Video Killed the Radiostar – The Buggles
  • Hit Me with your Best Shot – Pat Benatar
  • I Got You (I Feel Good) – James Brown
  • Graceland – Paul Simon
  • Since You Been Gone – Rainbow
  • Total Eclipse of the Heart – Bonnie Tyler
  • Are You Gonna Go My Way – Lenny Kravitz
  • I Still Haven’t Found What I’m Looking For – U2

Spotify Link for this road trip playlist

If you’d like to download this playlist on Spotify, you can do so here.

And if you found it helpful and like our playlist, feel free to buy us a coffee 😉

Best Road Trip Songs- how did you like our Playlist?

Every single one of these songs makes us turn the volume up and sing along like crazy people- much to the amusement of anyone around us!

These are driving songs to embarrass yourselves to and enjoy every second.  I hope it’s given you some great ideas for your own road trip playlist- let me know what you include on yours!!

How else can I help you today?

  • Record your trip in one of these beautiful road trip logbooks
  • How to plan an epic RV trip for beginners
  • The BEST gifts for road trippers
  • Essential road trip kit
  • Best Children’s car Games

Planning a summer road trip? This playlist is a PERFECT mix of upbeat driving tunes and classic sing-along favourites. With 150 songs to choose from, this summer road trip playlist has something for everyone! Summer roadtrip music never sounded so good!

Kat never planned to buy a motorhome. She also never planned to quit her job as an air traffic controller, go touring around Europe in said motorhome, start one of the UK’s largest motorhome travel websites… or get a cocker spaniel.

Find out how she went from stuck in the rat race to being a digital nomad and inspiring thousands of people to have their own epic adventures here.

If you’d like to connect with Kat, send her an email or follow her adventures on social media.

Sharing is caring!

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15 comments.

Wow that is a great list. You have a few I had forgotten. Very complete list of all music genre. That is the only problem I have with things like Sirrus and XM you have to select only one type. I love Pandora but as you mentioned DATA, DATA, so Ipod it is for roadtrips.

Thank you! We had a lot of fun writing it and listening to old songs 🙂 Yeah, Data is definitely something worth considering- it can get expensive quickly otherwise!

You missed out poison alive Cooper got to be on

thanks for the information

You’re welcome!

What an awesome song list. Thanks for sharing this list. take care…

You are very welcome- glad you enjoyed it. Happy Road trip!

Great lists. I made playlists on Spotify that can be accessed by anybody. Makes it easy if you have Spotify.

How do I access the playlist that you made

Rockin’ down the highway by The Doobie Brothers

Is there a way to automatically click a link or something so my Apple Music will automatically take and start playing the 150 song list

Wow. Now I have something to do while waiting for lockdown to end. I’ve never heard of some of yours! You won’t have heard of some of mine! Each to his own. I will start with Stones, Clapton, John Mayalls Bluesbreakers, Sonny Boy Williams……….Can’t stop, I’ve got to get my iPod.?

This is a really lovely list. I would also recommend Dead American Presidents’ Peaches for trips through farm country.

I miss the golden Earring with Radar love.

Can’t believe you don’t have and Go-Go’s songs listed!! I can think of a few that are awesome road trip songs !!

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Outdoor Yak

Outdoor Yak

The 14 Best Road Trip Songs to Fuel Your Adventure

Posted: May 12, 2024 | Last updated: May 12, 2024

<p>If you’re planning a road trip and your playlist still needs some serious sprucing up, fear not! I’ve got you covered. Let’s be real; a road trip without some epic tunes is like pizza without toppings – just plain wrong! And lucky for you, the internet has recently been buzzing with some excellent song recommendations that are sure to kick your journey up a notch. So turn up the volume, and let’s hit the road.</p>

If you’re planning a road trip and your playlist still needs some serious sprucing up, fear not! I’ve got you covered. Let’s be real; a road trip without some epic tunes is like pizza without toppings – just plain wrong! And lucky for you, the internet has recently been buzzing with some excellent song recommendations that are sure to kick your journey up a notch. So turn up the volume, and let’s hit the road.

<p>A great addition to any playlist, “Running on Empty” by Jackson Browne captures the essence of the road trip experience. The song features a catchy, upbeat melody that is easy to sing along to. Plus, it conveys a sense of freedom, adventure, and the exhilaration of being on the open road.</p>

1. Jackson Browne - "Running on Empty"

A great addition to any playlist, “Running on Empty” by Jackson Browne captures the essence of the road trip experience. The song features a catchy, upbeat melody that is easy to sing along to. Plus, it conveys a sense of freedom, adventure, and the exhilaration of being on the open road.

<p>This song has achieved significant popularity and has become an enduring hit since its release in 2003. Its widespread recognition and status as a classic rock song make it a popular choice for road trip playlists, as it appeals to a wide range of listeners.</p>

2. The Killers - "Mr. Brightside"

This song has achieved significant popularity and has become an enduring hit since its release in 2003. Its widespread recognition and status as a classic rock song make it a popular choice for road trip playlists, as it appeals to a wide range of listeners.

<p>This song has become essential for any road trip playlist. The fast-paced rhythm and catchy lyrics make it impossible not to join in and sing along. The iconic line “I would walk 500 miles, and I would walk 500 more” is instantly recognizable and perfect for a long car ride with friends or family. This song is perfect for those moments when you need a burst of energy to keep the journey going.</p>

3. The Proclaimers - "I'm Gonna Be (500 Miles)"

This song has become essential for any road trip playlist. The fast-paced rhythm and catchy lyrics make it impossible not to join in and sing along. The iconic line “I would walk 500 miles, and I would walk 500 more” is instantly recognizable and perfect for a long car ride with friends or family. This song is perfect for those moments when you need a burst of energy to keep the journey going.

<p>The opening piano chords of “Africa” are enough to transport you to a different place. It’s a classic road trip song you can’t leave out. Toto’s smooth and mellow sound is perfect for laid-back drives through scenic routes or a late-night drive under the stars. Even if you’ve never set foot in Africa, the lyrics “I bless the rains down in Africa” can evoke a sense of nostalgia within you.</p>

4. Toto - "Africa"

The opening piano chords of “Africa” are enough to transport you to a different place. It’s a classic road trip song you can’t leave out. Toto’s smooth and mellow sound is perfect for laid-back drives through scenic routes or a late-night drive under the stars. Even if you’ve never set foot in Africa, the lyrics “I bless the rains down in Africa” can evoke a sense of nostalgia within you.

<p>This song is a true classic and a must-have on any road trip playlist. The intense guitar riffs and upbeat tempo make it perfect for a high-speed drive or a long stretch of the open road. The lyrics of “Revvin’ up your engine, listen to her howlin’ roar” can make anyone feel like a rebel on the road. This song is perfect for those moments when you need a burst of adrenaline to keep you going.</p>

5. Kenny Loggins - "Danger Zone"

This song is a true classic and a must-have on any road trip playlist. The intense guitar riffs and upbeat tempo make it perfect for a high-speed drive or a long stretch of the open road. The lyrics of “Revvin’ up your engine, listen to her howlin’ roar” can make anyone feel like a rebel on the road. This song is perfect for those moments when you need a burst of adrenaline to keep you going.

<p>This song is a classic feel-good tune that has become essential on any road trip playlist. The fast-paced piano chords and Freddie Mercury’s energetic vocals can make anyone feel alive and free. It’s a perfect song for cruising down the highway with friends or family and belting out the lyrics. Whenever you hear the words “Don’t stop me now, I’m having such a good time, I’m having a ball” in a song, it’s bound to make you grin and forget about all your worries.</p>

6. Queen - "Don't Stop Me Now"

This song is a classic feel-good tune that has become essential on any road trip playlist. The fast-paced piano chords and Freddie Mercury’s energetic vocals can make anyone feel alive and free. It’s a perfect song for cruising down the highway with friends or family and belting out the lyrics. Whenever you hear the words “Don’t stop me now, I’m having such a good time, I’m having a ball” in a song, it’s bound to make you grin and forget about all your worries.

<p>This classic tune from the movie “National Lampoon’s Vacation” is the perfect addition to any road trip playlist. With its upbeat melody and catchy chorus, “Holiday Road” will have everyone in the car singing along and tapping their toes. It’s the perfect song for setting the tone of your adventure and getting everyone in a fun and playful mood.</p>

7. Lindsey Buckingham - "Holiday Road"

This classic tune from the movie “National Lampoon’s Vacation” is the perfect addition to any road trip playlist. With its upbeat melody and catchy chorus, “Holiday Road” will have everyone in the car singing along and tapping their toes. It’s the perfect song for setting the tone of your adventure and getting everyone in a fun and playful mood.

<p>This song is a must-have for any road trip playlist. The laid-back vibe and mellow instrumentation make it the perfect soundtrack for cruising down the highway. The lyrics are all about the joys of hitting the open road and exploring the world, making it an ideal choice for anyone with a serious case of wanderlust.</p>

8. Red Hot Chili Peppers - "Road Trippin' "

This song is a must-have for any road trip playlist. The laid-back vibe and mellow instrumentation make it the perfect soundtrack for cruising down the highway. The lyrics are all about the joys of hitting the open road and exploring the world, making it an ideal choice for anyone with a serious case of wanderlust.

<p>This classic rock anthem is all about chasing your dreams and never giving up. This song is ideal for a road trip, where the excursion holds as much significance as the final destination. The driving beat, and catchy guitar riffs will energize everyone in the car for whatever adventures lie ahead.</p>

9. Tom Petty - "Runnin' Down a Dream"

This classic rock anthem is all about chasing your dreams and never giving up. This song is ideal for a road trip, where the excursion holds as much significance as the final destination. The driving beat, and catchy guitar riffs will energize everyone in the car for whatever adventures lie ahead.

<p>This iconic song is a must-have for any road trip playlist. With its soaring vocals, epic guitar solos, and intricate harmonies, “Bohemian Rhapsody” is the ultimate sing-along anthem. It’s the perfect song for belting out at the top of your lungs with your friends as you cruise the highway, living your best life.</p>

10. Queen - "Bohemian Rhapsody"

This iconic song is a must-have for any road trip playlist. With its soaring vocals, epic guitar solos, and intricate harmonies, “Bohemian Rhapsody” is the ultimate sing-along anthem. It’s the perfect song for belting out at the top of your lungs with your friends as you cruise the highway, living your best life.

<p>Tom Cochrane’s “Life is a Highway” is a timeless tune that’s a must-have on any road trip playlist, having been featured on countless ones over the years. The upbeat and catchy tune is perfect for cruising down the open road and singing along at the top of your lungs. It’s a song that has stood the test of time and is loved by people of all ages.</p>

11. Tom Cochrane - "Life is a Highway"

Tom Cochrane’s “Life is a Highway” is a timeless tune that’s a must-have on any road trip playlist, having been featured on countless ones over the years. The upbeat and catchy tune is perfect for cruising down the open road and singing along at the top of your lungs. It’s a song that has stood the test of time and is loved by people of all ages.

<p>Number of the Beast by Iron Maiden is a surprising addition to a road trip playlist, but it will get your heart racing and your adrenaline pumping. The heavy metal masterpiece is a classic and is perfect for a long drive on the highway with the windows down, and the volume turned up.</p>

12. Iron Maiden - "Number of the Beast"

Number of the Beast by Iron Maiden is a surprising addition to a road trip playlist, but it will get your heart racing and your adrenaline pumping. The heavy metal masterpiece is a classic and is perfect for a long drive on the highway with the windows down, and the volume turned up.

<p>Shoot to Thrill by AC/DC is another great song for a road trip playlist. The iconic opening riff is instantly recognizable, and the high-energy vocals and driving beat make it perfect for a long drive. It’s a song that will have you singing along and tapping your foot to the beat.</p>

13. AC/DC - "Shoot to Thrill"

Shoot to Thrill by AC/DC is another great song for a road trip playlist. The iconic opening riff is instantly recognizable, and the high-energy vocals and driving beat make it perfect for a long drive. It’s a song that will have you singing along and tapping your foot to the beat.

<p>Radar Love by Golden Earring is a classic rock song that’s perfect for a road trip. The driving rhythm and catchy chorus make it a favorite for many, and it’s a great song to listen to while cruising down the highway. Even though many artists have covered the song over the years, the original version is still a favorite among fans.</p> <p>Source: <a href="https://www.reddit.com/r/AskReddit/comments/726bdv/okay_reddit_what_song_is_every_road_trip_playlist/">Reddit</a></p>

14. Golden Earring - "Radar Love"

Radar Love by Golden Earring is a classic rock song that’s perfect for a road trip. The driving rhythm and catchy chorus make it a favorite for many, and it’s a great song to listen to while cruising down the highway. Even though many artists have covered the song over the years, the original version is still a favorite among fans.

Source: Reddit

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<p>Care to scuba dive to your hotel room? How about zip-lining down the side of a cliff after you check out of your room? What about a hotel where a giraffe poking its head through a window is your wake-up call? Does it sound like I’m making these things up? I can assure you these are all real and very unique hotels!</p> <p><strong>Read more: <a href="https://www.have-clothes-will-travel.com/10-unique-hotels-around-the-world-for-adventure-lovers/">10 Unique Hotels Around the World for Adventure Lovers</a></strong></p>

10 Unique Hotels Around the World for Adventure Lovers

Care to scuba dive to your hotel room? How about zip-lining down the side of a cliff after you check out of your room? What about a hotel where a giraffe poking its head through a window is your wake-up call? Does it sound like I’m making these things up? I can assure you these are all real and very unique hotels!

Read more: 10 Unique Hotels Around the World for Adventure Lovers

<p>Recently on an online platform, Americans have shared their thoughts on the worst tourist destinations in the U.S.</p> <p><strong>Read more: <a href="https://www.have-clothes-will-travel.com/12-worst-tourist-destinations-in-the-united-states-according-to-americans/" rel="noreferrer noopener">12 of the Worst Tourist Destinations in the United States According to Americans</a></strong></p>

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<p>This post is sharing absolutely everything you need to know about the new Sandals Curaçao and whether we recommend staying here. I’ll be covering everything in this post… the good the bad, and the downright ugly.</p> <p><strong>Read more: <a href="https://www.have-clothes-will-travel.com/brutally-honest-sandals-curacao-review/" rel="noreferrer noopener">My Brutally Honest Sandals Curaçao Review: MUST-READ Before Staying Here</a></strong></p>

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30 Road Trip Hindi Songs to Ad in Your Travel Playlist

We went ahead and made the complete list on Spotify for you here - Holidify's Road Trip Playlist .

1. Yunhi Chala Chal (Swades)

If you're treading along the lesser travelled roads of India, make sure you have this song on your playlist to keep your spirits up when you are squashed in a bus full of locals. Bonus fun if you can find a 'baba' to sing along on the trip.

2. Dil Chahta Hai (Title Track)

It's hard to leave this one of the list. Farhan Akhtar's 2001 debut film is when travel took a front seat in a Bollywood film than just as a backdrop to a scene. Dil Chahta Hai in our opinion will always remain the  ultimate hindi travel song for road trips, especially if during from Mumbai to Goa through the Konkan coast, where this song was shot.

3. Khwabon Ke Parindey (ZNMD)

Exactly ten years later, Farhan Akhtar's sister Zoya comes out with an extension of the road trip  vibe movie, only this time on a much larger scale. As a result, we have a film that not only has travel as the central theme but inspires you to travel . Haven't you all tried waving your hand against the wind, as Hrithik did?

4. Tanha Dil (Shaan)

5. Suhana Safar Aur Ye (Madhumati)

There is a reason why 'old is gold', it's because of classics like this song. From the 1958 movie Madhumati, picturized on Dilip Kumar and Vyjantimala, the tune is so melodious you can't help but hum along with it - A must add on your list of road trip songs.

6. Hum Jo Chalne Lage (Jab We Met)

7. Zindagi Ek Safar Hai Suhana (Andaaz)

8. Yeh Dil Na Hota Bechara (Jewel Thief)

Another of Kishore Kumar's best songs, add to that the evergreen Dev Anand's classic strut and you can't help but tap your feet to tunes of S.D. Burman's music while taking in the scenic beauty of the trip. We wholeheartedly approve that this song be added to the greatest list of best hindi travel songs ever.

9. Aaj Kal Zindagi (Wake up Sid)

Whether you're trying to scale the Mt. Everest or take a plunge in the Arabian Sea, this feel-good song is all the pep talk you need. From the movie Wake up Sid, Shankar-Ehsaan-Loy's beautiful composition!

10. Ilahi (YJHD)

Admit it, you wished for Bunny aka Kabir aka Ranbir's life in Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani. You repeated this dialogue, " Main udna chahta hoon, daudna chahta hoon, girna bhi chahta hoon bus rukhna nahi chahta" , to anyone who asked you why you want to travel !

11. Patakha Guddi (Highway)

This song from Highway won everyone's heart with its catchy lyrics and music and awesome video showing an actual road-trip ! Put on your headphones, turn up the volume and take a lift on the back of a truck for the best experience.

13. Musafir Hoon Yaaron

14.    Hai Apna Dil Toh Awara - Solva Saal

One of the best songs to bounce to, this number so aptly reverberates with the ethos of our generation, that it is impossible to not be in love with. All the more so when we have our travelling boots on! It is surely one of the best Hindi travel songs from the bygone era.

15. Kabira (Ye Jawani Hai Deewani)

Bunny was pretty nomadic, and boy wasn't his life awesome! Kabira is perfect for when you're leaving a tiny part of your heart in a new place and are dealing with all the blues of separation.

You can also check out this  Playlist of English Travel Songs

16.  Azaadiyan (Udaan)

Strict mucchhadd  dad, cute son, a cuter younger son, and a lovely song all about freedom. The travel playlist is just incomplete without this contemporary classic from Bollywood.

17.  Oh Gujaria (Queen)

Free, fun and lively, Gujariya from Queen is one of those songs that will make your head bounce back and let you soak in the joy of the lovely beats! What's more, it celebrates your aawaarapan ! Perfect road-trip song; isn't it?

18. Chhod Aaye Hum Wo Galiyaan (Maachis)

19. Kyon (Barfi)

20. Dekha Hai Aisa Bhi - Lucky Ali

A waylaid breeze, a road trip, and this blasting in your car? Isn't that the mantra for a great holiday! Last I heard, Lucky Ali was listed as a community favourite among us. We're sure you shall like the guy too!

21. Chala Jaata Hoon Kisi Ki Dhun Mein (Mere Jeevan Saathi)

22. Hairat (Anjaana Anjaani)

23. Safarnama (Tamasha)

24. Banjarey (Fugly)

25. Chota Sa Fasana (Karwaan)

26. Phid Se Ud Chala (Rockstar)

27. Journey Song (Piku)

28. Sooraj Dooba Hain (Roy)

29. Maeri - Euphoria

30. Udd Gaye (Bacardi House Party Sessions) - Ritviz

This post was published by Sneha Powar

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9 places to nosh on bagels in southern Maine

From old-school spots to foodie favorites, there's a 'hole' lot to try.

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travel trip songs

Bread and bagels at The Works Cafe in downtown Portland. Photo by Aimsel Ponti

From New York-style boiled bagels to Montreal-inspired wood-fired ones, there’s lots of great bagels in southern Maine and several shops have the accolades to back that up.

In 2023, Bon Appetit named bagels from Rose Foods and Rover Bagel among the best in the country.

Two years before that,  Food & Wine Magazine put Rover, Forage and Scratch Baking Co. on its list of best bagels in the U.S.

Whether you like yours toasted with cream cheese or as the bread for your breakfast sandwich, you can find plenty of styles and flavors from Biddeford to Brunswick.

BEACH BAGELS

The offerings at Beach Bagels include a French toast and marble bagel, and the cream cheese menu comprises spreads like strawberry, olive and honey walnut. Along with breakfast sandwiches, Beach Bagels has hearty breakfast options like omelets and pancakes. Best of all, you’re steps away from a beach stroll. Just don’t let the seagulls steal your bagel. Advertisement

WHEN: 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. daily WHERE: 34 Old Orchard St., Old Orchard Beach. beachbagels.yolasite.com ______________

Dutchman’s opened in 2022 as a pop-up housed at Nomad pizza in Brunswick’s Fort Andross building. It’s since become a permanent fixture there and uses the pizzeria’s wood-fired ovens to bake its bagels. The hand-shaped, honey-boiled bagels come in plain, roasted garlic, poppy and a bagel-of-the-day flavor.

WHEN: 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Thursday to Sunday WHERE: Fort Andross, 14 Maine St., Brunswick. dutchmans.me ______________

FORAGE MARKET

Making bagels at Forage Market involves a two-day aging process. The bagels are naturally leavened with wild yeast starter and baked next to a hardwood fire. There are usually five flavors available, including sesame and garlic. Breakfast sandwiches (including vegan options) are available. Forage also has a location in Lewiston. Advertisement

WHEN: 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday and Sunday WHERE: 123 Washington Ave., Portland. foragemarket.com _____________

MISTER BAGEL

There are 10 or so Mister Bagel locations in Maine, including South Portland and Falmouth. It all began with the Portland location, which was the first bagel shop to open in Maine. The late Rick Hartglass started Mister Bagel in 1977, and it is still a family business. Music fans will appreciate the breakfast sandwich menu, which includes The David Bowie (bacon, egg and American cheese), the Jimmy Buffett (egg with roast beef and cheddar) and The Lady Gaga (avocado, salt and pepper, with or without egg).

WHEN: 6:30 a.m. to noon Monday to Friday, 7 a.m. to noon Saturday and Sunday WHERE: 599 Forest Ave., Portland. misterbagelforestave.com ______________

At Rose Foods, the menu varies depending on the day, but there are usually six to eight flavors available. For example, should you pop in on a Friday, you’ll find a poppy and onion bialy (a cousin of the bagel that is not boiled). Rose Foods also makes a number of bagel sandwiches, including the Classic Nova with Nova lox and the Classic Whitefish. Advertisement

WHEN: 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. daily WHERE: 428 Forest Ave., Portland. rosefoods.me

______________

ROVER BAGEL

At Rover Bagel, you’ll find wood-fired plain, poppy, sea salt, sesame and everything bagels available most of the time, and the spread game here is strong with cream cheese options like lemon-thyme-honey cream and chili-garlic.

WHEN: 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. Wednesday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, 8 a.m. to noon Sunday WHERE: 10 West Point Lane Suite 10-204, Biddeford (Pepperell Mill). roverbagel.com

______________ Advertisement

SCRATCH BAKING CO.

You haven’t lived until you’ve experienced the line of devoted fans waiting for Scratch Baking Co. to open, especially on weekend mornings. Along with the popular Maine sea salt, plain and other everyday flavors, Scratch has a daily special bagel. There’s honeyed rosemary on Wednesday and jalapeno cheddar on Thursday. Scratch is also famous, at least to locals, for its P-Cheese spread. It’s a pimento cheese recipe made with cheddar, mayo, roasted red peppers and seasoning and was passed down to co-owner and head baker Allison Reid by her grandmother, Mern.

WHEN: 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. Wednesday to Saturday, 7 a.m. to noon Sunday WHERE: 416 Preble St., South Portland. scratchbakingco.com ___________

THE MAINE BAGEL

The Maine Bagel is a drive-thru with several breakfast and other kinds of sandwiches available. With a bagel list that features egg and bialy among the standards, the family-owned spot is the perfect place to stop on your way to Pine Point Beach. The Maine Bagel really shines with a dozen kinds of cream cheese spreads, including raisin-walnut, lox, strawberry, cranberry-nut and bacon-chive.

WHEN: 6:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Tuesday to Friday, 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday. WHERE: 117 Route 1, Scarborough. themainebagel.com Advertisement

THE WORKS CAFE

The Works Cafe is an institution on the edge of the Portland’s Old Port. It opened in 1990 as Bagel Works before it changed its name in 2002. The original shop in this regional chain opened in Manchester, Vermont, in 1988, and there are 11 locations around New England, though just the one in Maine. Gone are the ’90s-era banana-walnut bagels and cold pizza cream cheese, but The Works Cafe is still a reliable place to grab a salt, multigrain or cinnamon raisin bagel, among others. The menu also has bowls, sandwiches and smoothies.

WHEN: 6 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily WHERE: 15 Temple St., Portland. workscafe.com

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