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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..

By Izzy Casey — Last updated on Jun 28, 2023

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.

45 Best Songs About Traveling and Experiencing the World

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Looking for songs about traveling that make you excited to see the world?

Traveling makes people happy . It’s one way of understanding yourself , life, and the world.

Embark on a trip with us today where we share a collection of songs that capture the essence of travel .

The songs in this collection highlight the exciting prospect of experiencing something new , the thrill of adventure , and the anticipation that anything is possible .

You may also find that some of the songs featured today allow you to travel back in time. They envelope you in a sense of nostalgia, bringing up memories of travels you’ve enjoyed before.

If you’re ready, pack up your things and let’s check out the songs we’ve found for you.

Table of Contents

1. Roads Go Ever On , Clamavi De Profundis

“ The Road goes ever on and on, down from the door where it began. Now far ahead the Road has gone, and I must follow, if I can. ”

Let’s begin with a song inspired by poems written by J. R. R. Tolkien for his Middle Earth stories.

According to Clamavi De Profundis, “ This is a compilation of poems that J.R.R. Tolkein wrote throughout his books: the first stanza coming from The Fellowship of the Ring, the middle two stanzas from The Hobbit, and the last from the Return of the King. We took a creative approach to this, sort of weaving in the tale of Bilbo, since it is he around whom most of this text is centered. ”

2. Anywhere , Rita Ora

“ Over the hills and far away, a million miles from L.A. Just anywhere away with you. I know we've got to get away someplace where no one knows our name. We'll find the start of something new. ”

First released in 2018, this upbeat song is an awesome addition to your travel playlist.

The narrator is tired of seeing the same old city and wishes to get away with her beloved. The destination isn’t important, she just wants them to be together, wherever they end up going.

3. The City of New Orleans , Arlo Guthrie

“ Nighttime on the City of New Orleans. Changing cars in Memphis, Tennessee. Halfway home, we'll be there by morning. Through the Mississippi darkness, rolling down to the sea. ”

Here’s a song that evokes feelings nostalgia for the old times, when people weren’t always in a hurry and everything seemed simpler.

The song is an ode to train travel, which began to disappear from America toward the end of the 20 th century.

There was an actual train called City of New Orleans that made trips between Chicago and Louisiana. Steve Goodman, who composed the song, was a passenger on the train on its last journey before it was decommissioned.

4. Roam , The B-52’s

“ Roam if you want to. Roam around the world. Roam if you want to. Without anything but the love we feel. ”

Need a happy song to keep the vibe cheerful during your travels? Here’s a song that urges you to get out there and check out what the world has to offer.

5. Traveling On , Kongos

“ So long, my flame, my warmth, my fear, my fight. The road's calling again tonight. Maybe I'll catch a train to Rome. See the world until I can't go on. Or maybe I'll come traveling home. ”

Here’s a song about being unable to resist wanderlust. One must answer the call to travel and leave everything else behind.

6. Wanderlust , Frank Turner

“ Darling, I'm leaving. The distance keeps calling me on. Darling, come morning, I'll be gone. ”

Here’s another song that pays tribute to wanderlust. This song from Frank Turner is about a man who can’t resist the call of the road, saying goodbye in advance to his lover, telling her it’s most likely he’ll be gone by morning.

7. Good Life , OneRepublic

“ To my friends in New York, I say hello. My friends in L.A., they don't know where I've been for the past few years or so. Paris to China to Colorado. ”

This song is about meeting friends in different parts of the world. It’s a celebration of the freedom to constantly travel in order to grow and learn.

8. On the Road Again , Willie Nelson

“ 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. ”

Here’s a song about a touring musician who loves what he does. Performing and traveling to do it make him feel alive.

Play this song for good vibes on your own travels.

9. I’ve Been Everywhere , Johnny Cash

“ …I've been everywhere, man. Crossed the deserts bare, man. I've breathed the mountain air, man. Of travel I've had my share, man. I've been everywhere. ”

What places have you already visited? Which ones are your favorites?

Here’s a song about an intrepid traveler. A large portion of the song recounts all the places he’s been to.

10. Leaving on a Jet Plane , Chantal Kreviazuk

“ All my bags are packed, I'm ready to go. I'm standing here outside your door. I hate to wake you up to say goodbye. But the dawn is breaking, it's early morn. The taxi's waiting, he's blowin' his horn. Already I'm so lonesome I could die. ”

This song is a cover of John Denver’s iconic goodbye song, and it is part of the soundtrack for the movie Armageddon . In it, a lover bids farewell to their beloved, not sure when they’ll see each other again.

11. Anywhere , 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. ”

Traveling is more fun when we’re with people we love. Here’s a song that serves as an invitation for you to travel with the person you love the most.

12. Road Trippin’ , 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. Let's go get lost anywhere in the USA. Let's go get lost. Let's go get lost. ”

Looking for a mellow road trip song? This song from RHCP fits the bill. It is about the band’s own road trip.

13. Explore the World , Brainheart ft. Sis

“ Explore the world in your way. Create memories that you won't forget. You only live once, so don't waste your time. Please don't waste your time. ”

Life is short, and this song understands that.

It appeals to the principle that you only live once (YOLO) and encourages you to experience everything the world has to offer, and explore as much as you can.

14. The Open Road , Hollow Coves

“ It's been years since I've been gone. I miss the way it feels to roam. This urge that's grown inside my heart to pack my bags and hit the road. ”

Sometimes, the urge to travel hits just when you’ve decided it’s time to settle down.

You may have established a good reputation for yourself in your community. Perhaps, you’re raising a family or flying high in a fulfilling career.

But suddenly, it’s as if the road calls you to go on new adventures.

This is the case for the narrator in this song. If you were in his shoes, what would you do?

15. Traveler , Chris Stapleton

“ And I'm just a traveler on this earth. Sure as my heart's behind the pocket of my shirt, I'll just keep rollin' 'til I'm in the dirt. ‘Cause I'm a traveler. Oh, I'm a traveler. ”

This song won a Grammy for Best Country Solo Performance.

Chris Stapleton was inspired to write this song after his father passed away in 2013. According to him, this song is about the cycle of life we all go through.

16. Little Wanderer , Death Cab For Cutie

“ You sent a photo out your window of Tokyo. Told me you were doing fine. You said the cherry blossoms were blooming. And that I was on your mind. ”

This song depicts a situation where one of the partners has wanderlust. The other one insists on being the lighthouse to his wanderer.

17. Barcelona , 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… ”

Travel to foreign countries can elevate the feeling of romance. In this song, a couple dancing together imagines they’re in Barcelona.

The references to cultural landmarks in that city give the couple’s time together an exotic appeal. It also sets the mood for a very romantic evening for the two of them.

18. Sleep on the Floor , The Lumineers

“ 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. ”

This song encourages listeners to embrace impulsivity. It tells you that adventure awaits those who are brave of heart .

19. Hard Travelin’ , Woody Guthrie

“ I've been havin' some hard travelin', I thought you knowed. I've been havin' some hard travelin', way down the road. ”

Traveling is often associated with going to exotic places and experiencing local cultures. But this is typically only possible for those who can afford it.

This song is not about vacations or holidays overseas. It’s about workers who travel for their livelihood.

Although most people focus on the romantic side of the traveling life, this song highlights the struggles of the workers traveling to make a living.

20. Malibu , Hole

“ Hey, hey, you know what to do. Oh, baby, drive away to Malibu. ”

Travel can be a form of healing . This song is about going to a healing place, away from negativity. It makes you think of sunrise and being reborn.

21. (Motor) Way of Life , Lower Than Atlantis

“ And we are miles away from the place where we're playing. We won't abide by the law. We are lads on tour. ”

A lot of musicians are inspired to write songs about their life while touring. In this song, Lower Than Atlantis describes the gritty reality of the life of a touring band.

22. California Bound , Carolina Liar

“ There's a southern bound train tomorrow. Takes us out of this dirty town. Chase the sun back to the west coast. In eight hours we're California bound. We're California bound. ”

Sometimes, being stuck in a place where you feel limited can inspire you to travel. This song is about escaping a dead-end place to go to sun-drenched California.

23. Carolina in My Mind , James Taylor

“ In my mind, I'm gone to Carolina. Can't you see the sunshine? Now 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. ”

Homesickness can sometimes encourage a person to travel and go back home. In this song, the narrator dreams of going back to his home state and experiencing the things that he misses the most while he’s away.

24. I Have Been Around the World , Dar Williams

“ I have been around the world. There's so much there to see. And the story never ends. You're all the world to me. ”

There are people who travel from place to place because they’re searching for something. Perhaps it’s a place they can call home, or a person who they think will complete their life.

In this song, a person with wanderlust travels all over the world and experiences many wonders. However, she’s not satisfied. Only after meeting someone does she realize where home truly is.

25. Travel the World Song , Spookiz

“ Let's go to Rio, Paris, Tokyo. Paris, Tokyo, Berlin, New York and Mexico. We see Ibiza, Seoul, Beijing and Rome. Travel 'round the world, come on, let's go. ”

Here’s an upbeat song about travel that will give you good vibes during your trip. Its joyful melody encourages you to travel to the places you want to see.

If you need a cheerful song that leads you out of your comfort zone into exciting experiences, this song’s for you!

26. Happy Trails , Roy Rogers

“ Happy trails to you, until we meet again. Happy trails to you. Keep smiling until then. ”

This is a blessing for those on the road. With so many things that could go wrong during your travels, it’s nice to know that there are those who wish you well.

27. White Line Fever , Merle Haggard

“ I wonder just what makes a man keep pushing on. What makes me keep on hummin' this old highway song. I've been from coast to coast a hundred times or more. And I ain't found one single place where I ain't been before. ”

Do you ever wonder what it feels like to live your entire life on the road, answering the call of wanderlust and never settling anywhere?

“White line fever” is a term for the state of mind many car drivers have after traveling for an extended period of time. While in the grip of white line fever, a driver may manage to drive safely without remembering that they’ve done so.

28. Africa , Toto

“ I bless the rains down in Africa. Gonna take some time to do the things we never had. ”

Here’s a classic song to remind you that when you travel, it’s more than just seeing exotic places and learning about new cultures. It helps you develop a deep love and appreciation for the diversity around you.

29. Every Day Is a Winding Road , Sheryl Crow

“ Every day is a winding road. I get a little bit closer. Every day is a faded sign. I get a little bit closer to feeling fine. ”

This song teaches us to cherish every second of our lives— to live mindfully . In it, a hitchhiker’s trip aboard a guy’s truck is a metaphor for life—full of twists and turns. Sometimes, it has unexpected stops and detours.

30. Marrakesh Express , Crosby, Stills, and Nash

“ Looking at the world through the sunset in your eyes. Travelling the train through clear Moroccan skies. ”

If you’re stuck in a rut, traveling can help you gain a fresh perspective. A trip, especially to a foreign place, encourages you to get out of your comfort zone

This song is about what happens when you step out of your comfort zone. You start noticing interesting things that add richness to your travel experience.

31. Paris, Texas , Lana Del Rey

“ I went to Paris (Texas) with a suitcase in my hand. I had to leave. Knew they wouldn't understand. ”

Sometimes, we take a trip to get away from painful memories or experiences. Here’s a song that describes this type of healing journey.

The song also plays on the names of the American cities mentioned in the lyrics. When you hear the names, you might think of their European namesakes. At first, it seems like the narrator is traveling overseas. But as it turns out, the narrator didn’t have to travel that far.

32. Mountain Trip to Japan, 1959 , The Trachtenburg Family Sideshow Players

“ Mountain trip to Japan. Going to see the mountains on a mountain trip. He's a very fine man. He is so well rounded and he'd like to see the world before it ever started. ”

Here’s a cheery, quirky, catchy song you can play on a road trip. I can almost guarantee that you’ll find this song stuck in your head for days!

33. Paris Nights/New York Mornings , Corinne Bailey Rae

“ Ooh, we crash into love-filled nights (Paris nights and New York mornings). ”

This song describes the exhilaration of traveling to new places. It also highlights the romance and excitement of experiencing what these new places have to offer.

34. No Roots , Alice Merton

“ I build a home and wait for someone to tear it down. Then pack it up in boxes, head for the next town running. ‘Cause I've got memories and travel like gypsies in the night. And a thousand times I've seen this road… ”

This catchy, upbeat song actually belies the sad origin of the lyrics. This song is about someone who does not feel they have a place to call home, as she’s constantly moving from place to place.

Alice Merton drew inspiration for her hit single from her personal experience of having a nomadic lifestyle. By the time she was 24, she had moved 12 times .

35. The Longest Road , Morgan Page

“ Giddy up and gold mine. Different place, different time. All the stars are in their prime. Pastel trailer park, stars so bright to hide the dark. All is quiet in the yard. ”

The primary concept of this song is the desert. It evokes images of long trips and being surrounded by a desolate landscape.

36. Vienna , Billy Joel

“ When will you realize Vienna waits for you? ”

In this song, Vienna serves as a metaphor for the rest of your life. The song asks listeners, “When are you going to start living your life?”

37. Midnight Memories , One Direction

“ Straight off the plane to a new hotel. Just touched down, you could never tell. ”

This song describes a group of young jetsetters ready to party wherever they land. It highlights making memories and living life to the fullest.

38. On the Road to Find Out , Yusuf/Cat Stevens

“ Well, I hit the rowdy road and many kinds I met there. Many stories told me of the way to get there. So on and on I go, the seconds tick the time out. There’s so much left to know, and I’m on the road to find out. ”

This song is about traveling “in search of freedom and purity.” The narrator is spurred forward by his hunger for spiritual balance.

39. New Horizons (Ultima Thule Mix) , Brian May

“ New horizons to explore. New horizons no one's ever seen before. Limitless wonders in a never ending sky. We may never, never reach them. That's why we have to try. ”

So far, the songs in this collection have been about traveling in different places within the planet. But here’s a song about traveling beyond our world.

It is about traveling to and exploring new places in outer space. It might not be long before commercial space travel is available to humans!

40. Highway Song , Blackfoot

“ It's a highway song. You sing it on and on. On and on. Highway song is as lonely as the road I'm on. ”

This song is about a musician on tour. He feels lonely and homesick.

However, the exhilaration of performing and being on the road prevents him from going home.

41. Hotel California , Eagles

“ 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. ”

Many travelers report having at least one strange experience during their travels. Have you had one?

In this iconic song, a wayward traveler discovers dark secrets in a hotel set in the desert.

42. Trains, Boats, and Planes , Dionne Warwick

“ Trains and boats and planes are passing by. They mean a trip to Paris or Rome for someone else, but not for me. The trains and the boats and planes took you away, away from me. ”

What’s your favorite mode of transportation when going on long trips?

In this song, almost all modes of transportation are seen in a negative light by a woman who was left by a man eager to see the world.

43. The Love Boat Theme , Jack Jones

“ The Love Boat soon will be making another run. The Love Boat promises something for everyone. Set a course for adventure. Your mind on a new romance. ”

The Love Boat is a TV show that aired from 1977 to 1986. It is about the hilarious romantic experiences of the crew and passengers of the cruise ship MS Pacific Princess .

The show has a theme song that highlights the possibilities of romance and adventure while on board the love boat.

44. Lost in Japan , Shawn Mendes

“ Do you got plans tonight? I'm a couple hundred miles from Japan, and I, I was thinking I could fly to your hotel tonight 'cause I-I-I can't get you off my mind. ”

This song is about traveling for the sake of love. In it, Mendes shows his commitment to his beloved by offering to fly to Japan so that they can be together.

45. Hitch Hike , Marvin Gaye

“ I've got to find that girl if I have to hitchhike 'round the world. ”

In the same vein as the previous song, a guy hitchhikes all across the country, determined to find his girlfriend, even though the girl’s been unfaithful to him.

Final Thoughts on Songs About Traveling

Each time you pack your bags and head to new places, you become a new person.

Traveling is one of the best ways for you to grow in wisdom and experience. It helps you develop a deeper understanding of yourself , the world, and life in general.

Hopefully, you’ve found a favorite or two among the songs about traveling featured in this collection.

If you enjoyed this article, you might want to check out the following articles of song collections for specific topics:

• 57 Best Songs About Home: Leaving, Missing, and Coming Home
• 43 Best Songs About Happiness and Good Times
• 33 Best Songs About Family & Being with Loved Ones

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These 21 Songs About Adventure Will Get You Pumped for Your Next Trip

There's nothing like packing for a trip with an epic adventure playlist sounding off in the background. Add these to your travel playlist and get ready to explore!

• Gravel Travel
• Team Gravel

There's nothing like packing for a trip with an epic adventure playlist sounding off in the background.

Whether you're headed on a cruise, road trip, or hiking expedition, these 20 songs about adventure will get you pumped in no time.

Add them to your travel playlist and get ready to explore!

1) "Adventure of a Lifetime" by Coldplay

As the title suggests, this song is about taking chances and living life to the fullest. It's a great anthem for anyone who's feeling restless, itching for a new journey, or just looking for great songs about traveling.

2) "Don't Stop Believin'" by Journey

There's a reason karaoke enthusiasts love this go-to classic — it's just so darn uplifting! Whether you're a small-town girl, city boy, or anything in between, sometimes you just want to take the midnight train and go anywhere, amirite?

3) "Fly Away" by Lenny Kravitz

Lenny Kravitz's 1998 jam, "Fly Away," is a perfect fit for this list of travel songs. In it, Kravitz sings about being as free as a bird and going wherever he pleases. The next time you're feeling cooped up, give this tune a listen. It's sure to lift your spirits.

4) "Life Is a Highway" by Tom Cochrane

This rock song about adventure was originally released in 1991 by Tom Cochrane, a Canadian singer-songwriter. It was later covered by Rascal Flatts for the 2006 Disney/Pixar film, "Cars." No matter which version you prefer, both are surefire ways to get you pumped for a road trip.

5) "On the Road Again" by Willie Nelson

Traveling is about going to places you've never been before and seeing things you may never see again. The lyrics to Nelson's country song capture this feeling beautifully. It's sure to get your hands drumming on the steering wheel as you hit the open road.

6) "The Longest Road" by Morgan Page

What makes this electronic dance song about adventure so great? It features singer-songwriter Lissie, whose soaring vocals and carefree lyrics encourage you to "go down the longest road to nowhere." If this doesn't get you boppin' while packing your bags, then we don't know what will!

7) "I'm Gonna Be (500 Miles)" by The Proclaimers

A feel-good song for travel lovers, "I'm Gonna Be" is an ode to going the distance. But you don't have to be in a long-distance relationship to appreciate this catchy tune's sentiment. Cue it up when you're packing your bags or planning your next adventure.

8) "Ready to Go" by Republica

Another '90s tune, this upbeat dance track earns its place on our list of the best travel songs. It's about being young and carefree, with a sense of wanderlust that can't be denied. It'll have you shouting from the rooftops, "Baby, I'm ready to go!"

9) "Orinoco Flow" by Enya

Are you preparing to go on a cruise or some other maritime journey? If so, this New Age song about adventure will encourage you to "sail away" and explore the world. From Peru to Cebu, Enya will get you in the mood.

10) "Where the Streets Have No Name" by U2

U2's 1987 album, "The Joshua Tree," spawned hits like "I Still Haven't Found What I'm Looking For" and "With or Without You." But the lead-off track, "Where the Streets Have No Name," stands out for its anthemic sound and Edge's signature, delay-drenched guitar. It also shows that some streets, like the ones in this location , don't have names at all.

11) "Two Tickets to Paradise" by Eddie Money

Eddie Money's smash '80s hit, "Take Me Home Tonight," may have eclipsed this song about traveling, but "Two Tickets to Paradise" is a close second. This 1978 ditty is about taking a much-needed vacation to get away from the daily grind. The lyrics say it all: "Won't you pack your bags, we'll leave tonight."

12) "Around the World" by Daft Punk

You have to love a song about adventure whose entire lyrics are simply "around the world, around the world" for more than seven minutes. This shiny-helmet-wearing, French house music duo knows how to get people moving, and this song is no exception. Add it to your travel playlist stat.

13) "Sand in My Shoes" by Dido

They say art imitates life, and this adventure song is living proof. British songstress, Dido, penned this tune for her second studio album, "Life for Rent," after a personal event brought her beach vacation to an abrupt end. She literally had sand in her shoes while racing to catch a flight to Los Angeles. The song captures the bittersweet nostalgia of leaving paradise and returning to reality. Still, it's an upbeat tune that will make you look forward to your next exotic getaway.

14) "Roam" by the B-52s

Of course, a list of travel songs wouldn't be complete without a nod to the B-52s and their hit song, "Roam." This party classic is about exploring the world with your besties by your side. So, do as the lyrics say: "Take it hip to hip" and "rock it through the wilderness" with your crew.

15) "Africa" by Toto

This song about adventure is one of the most popular tunes of all time. Released in 1982, "Africa" by Toto was an instant hit and has since been used in countless movies and television shows. It's the perfect song to inspire wanderlust, with its beautiful imagery and catchy chorus. So the next time you're feeling the urge to explore, put on this classic tune and let it take you away.

16) "Drive My Car" by the Beatles

This 1965 track from the Fab Four's album, "Rubber Soul," is a great song about traveling that encourages listeners to never stop dreaming. The lyrics are simple yet poignant: "Baby you can drive my car … and maybe I'll love you." Beep-beep, yeah!

17) "Why Does It Always Rain on Me? by Travis

Fran Healy of the Scottish rock band, Travis, wrote this song while on holiday in Eilat: a dry beach town in the southernmost tip of Israel. According to Healy, he wanted to escape the constant, rainy gloom of Glasgow, only to be greeted by yet more rain during his two-day stint by the sea. Think of it as the go-to consolation song for when your vacation plans don't quite go as expected.

18) "Vacation" by the Go-Go's

There's nothing quite like the excitement of planning a vacation. The Go-Go's capture this feeling perfectly in their 1982 single, "Vacation." Whether you're headed to Cancun or just taking a staycation, this classic song will get your toes tapping and have you daydreaming of sunny shores.

19) "Ruin" by Cat Power

American singer-songwriter, Chan Marshall, also known as Cat Power, delivers a delightful indie song that will transport you to exotic new places. With its infectious rhythm and captivating lyrics, this surprise head-bopper lists Saudia Arabia, Dhaka, Calcutta, Soweto, Mozambique, Istanbul, Rio, Rome, Argentina, Chile, Mexico, Taiwan, Great Britain, Belfast, and the deserts of Spain in rapid-fire succession. We challenge you to sing along without getting lost!

20) "I've Been Everywhere" by Johnny Cash

Another tongue-twisting song about adventure, this classic track sees Johnny Cash weaving his way over 90 destinations around the world , totaling more than 100,000 miles. Whether you've been to all the places he mentions or just one, this song is sure to hit a wanderlust nerve.

21) "Volare" by the Gipsy Kings

Last but not least, we have this uplifting travel song from the Gipsy Kings. Originally written in Italian, "Volare" has been translated into multiple languages and covered by many artists throughout the years. Its lyrics tell of a traveler who takes flight on the wings of love and dreams of distant lands far away.

Adventure Travel With Gravel

Need some gear for your next adventure? Check out Gravel's online shop . You can use our toiletry bags , packable blankets , and other travel goodies to become the most intrepid explorer you can be.

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Are we missing any songs about adventure? Let us know your favorites in the comments below. And for more travel tips, be sure to check out the rest of the blog .

Happy adventuring! 🧳 🚗💨🛫 🌍✨

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80 Best Songs About Traveling: The Ultimate Travel Playlist?

Music can put you in the mood for many things, and one of those is travel! This list of the best songs about traveling will inspire you to hit the road and take the path less traveled!

Travel Songs

There’s something about travel that just begs for a good song. Maybe it’s the excitement of new places and experiences, or the nostalgia for past trips. Whatever the reason, there are plenty of great songs out there about travel.

A fantastic song about travel can make you feel like you’re already on your way to your next adventure. It can also be the perfect way to reminisce about a past trip. And, of course, a good travel song is the perfect addition to any road trip playlist.

On our last road trip around the Mani Peninsula of Greece , we collected some of our favourite songs to play along the way! 

Related: Best Road Trip Food

Best Road Trips Songs

Why not put together the ultimate travel playlist to either inspire you to travel or to play while you're out on the road? Here's over 80 of our favorite songs about travel:

1. “Sweet Home Alabama” by Lynyrd Skynyrd

The song “Sweet Home Alabama” is about the band's hometown of Muscle Shoals, Alabama. The opening line “Big wheels keep on turnin'” definitely makes us think of long road trips!

2. “On the Road Again” by Willie Nelson

This song captures the essence of living life on the road, and is an ode to the open road and the nomadic life of a touring musician. It’s been covered by many artists over the years, but we love the original version by Willie Nelson.

3. “Life on the Road” by Mumford & Sons Song

This song, from Mumford & Sons' album “Wilder Mind”, is a beautiful and nostalgic look at life traveling on the road. It's definitely one of our all-time favorites for road trips!

4. “Take the Long Way Home” by Supertramp Song

The song talks about the scenic route and enjoying the journey. It's a great one for road trips!

5. “Drivin' My Life Away” by Eddie Rabbit

This song is a classic driving anthem about being on the road and longing for home.

6. “I've Been Everywhere” by Johnny Cash

This music is a country classic that lists all the places in the United States that Johnny Cash has been. It's a fun and adventurous tune that will have you dreaming of new destinations !

Related: Best Road trip captions

7. “On Top of the World” by Imagine Dragons Song

This upbeat, positive song is an ideal pick for your travel playlist. It's about dreaming big and going out into the world to get what you want.

8. “City of New Orleans” by Arlo Guthrie Song

This folk song by Arlo Guthrie is a nostalgic look back at train travel in America in the 1970s. It's an upbeat, heartwarming tune that will have you dreaming about your own train adventures.

9. “I'm Outta Here” by Shania Twain Song

This song is all about the excitement of hitting the road and heading out on an adventure. It's a great travel anthem no matter where you're going!

10. “Route 66” by Nat King Cole Song

This classic song by Nat King Cole is all about the iconic American road trip. It's a fun and easy-going tune that will put you in the mood for your own adventure.

11. “The Wanderer” by Dion Song

It tells the story of the nomadic life of a traveler. It's an energetic and upbeat tune that celebrates the freedom of just going where the road takes you.

13. “Fast Car” by Tracy Chapman

This powerful ballad is all about the struggle to break free from the circumstances that hold you down, and it perfectly encapsulates the spirit of travel. Whether you’re a first-time traveler or an experienced adventurer, this song will speak to your soul.

14. “The Times They Are A-Changin'” by Bob Dylan

The classic song by Bob Dylan is all about social change, but it also perfectly captures the feeling of wanderlust. It's a great pick for anyone who's looking to explore the world and see something new.

Related: Best movies about wanderlust

15. “Don't Stop Believin'” by Journey

This iconic song by the rock band Journey is all about following your dreams and never giving up. It's a great pick for those times when you need a little extra motivation to keep moving forward. Whether you're on a road trip or just trying to stick with your travel plans , this song will inspire you to keep going.

16. “I'm Gonna Be (500 Miles)” by The Proclaimers

This catchy, upbeat song is all about the freedom and excitement of traveling on your own terms. It's a great pick for anyone who's embarking on a solo adventure or just looking for some inspiration to get out there and explore the world. No matter where you're going, this song will make you want to keep moving forward.

17. “Road to Nowhere” by Talking Heads Song

A song about the uncertainty of travel and how you never really know what's around the corner. It's a powerful, introspective ballad that will make you think deeply about your adventures. If you're looking for something that will challenge you and give you a new perspective on travel, this is a perfect choice.

Related: Reasons Why Long Term Travel Is Cheaper Than Regular Vacations

18. “The Weight” by The Band Song

This song is all about the burdens we carry with us on our travels. It's a reflective and introspective tune that will make you think about the things you're carrying with you, both physically and emotionally. If you're looking for a song that will help you process your own travel experiences, this is a great choice.

19. “Leaving on a Jet Plane” by John Denver

This classic song by John Denver is all about the heartbreak of leaving home and heading out into the world. It perfectly captures that bittersweet feeling of travel, when you know that things will never be quite the same once you leave.

20. “Midnight Train to Georgia” by Gladys Knight and the Pips Song

This iconic song by Gladys Knight and the Pips is all about traveling to a better, brighter future. It's a great anthem for anyone who's chasing their dreams or just looking for something new in life. Whether you're on your way to a new destination or just trying to make sense of your journey, this song will give you the inspiration and motivation you need to keep moving forward.

Related: Short Traveling Quotes

21. “Ramblin' Man” by The Allman Brothers Band

This song is all about the joys and challenges of the nomadic life. It's a great pick for anyone who's feeling restless and looking to hit the open road. If you're looking for a song that will make you want to jump in your car and start driving, this is the perfect choice.

22. “Viva Las Vegas” by Elvis Presley

This classic song by Elvis Presley is all about the excitement and energy of Sin City. It's a great pick for anyone who's looking to let loose and have a good time. Whether you're headed to Vegas for a weekend or just looking for a little bit of escapism, this song will give you the perfect soundtrack.

23. “One Night in Bangkok” by Murray Head

The song talks about the exotic appeal of Bangkok . It's a great pick for anyone who's looking to experience something new and exciting. If you're headed to Thailand or just dreaming of far-off destinations, this song will take you there.

24. “I Still Haven't Found What I'm Looking For” by U2

This classic song by U2 is all about the search for meaning and purpose in life. It's a great pick for anyone who's feeling lost or just looking for something more. Whether you're on a journey of self-discovery or just trying to find your place in the world, this song will resonate with you.

25. “Wherever I May Roam” by Metallica

This song is all about the freedom and flexibility of the nomadic lifestyle. It's a great pick for anyone who's feeling restless and looking to hit the open road. If you're looking for a song that will make you want to jump in your car and start driving, this is the perfect choice.

26. “Wherever You Will Go” by The Calling

This song is all about the feeling of being lost and alone while traveling. It's a beautiful and introspective ballad that will resonate with anyone who's ever felt lost while on the road. If you're looking for a song that will help you process your own travel experiences, this is a great choice.

27. “Road Trippin’ ” by Red Hot Chili Peppers

This upbeat, carefree tune is all about the joys of road tripping. It's a great pick for anyone who's hitting the road and looking for something that will put them in a good mood. No matter where your travels take you, this song will give you the energy and spirit to keep going.

Related: Travelling by Car: Advantages and Disadvantages

28. “Wagon Wheel” by Old Crow Medicine Show

This infectiously catchy folk-rock song is all about the thrill of adventure and seeing new places. It's a great pick for anyone who's looking to travel and explore, whether it's their first time or their hundredth. This song will pump you up and get you ready for anything that comes your way.

29. “The Wanderer” by Dion

This song is all about the feeling of being lost and alone while traveling. It's a reflective and introspective tune that will resonate with anyone who's ever felt lost while on the road. If you're looking for a song that will help you process your own travel experiences, this is a great choice.

30. “Don't Worry, Be Happy” by Bobby McFerrin

This upbeat, cheerful and fun song is all about being content and happy with where you are in life. It's a great pick for anyone who's on the road or just starting a new journey in life. No matter where your travels take you, this song will help you keep a positive attitude and just enjoy the ride.

31. “Easy” by Lionel Richie / Faith No More

This pop ballad is all about the feeling of being on the road and embracing all of the surprises that come along with it. It's a great pick for anyone who's looking to travel and explore, whether it's their first time or their hundredth. This song will help you keep a positive attitude and just enjoy the ride.

32. “Dreamers of the Shore” by Volcan Peaks

This hauntingly beautiful tune is all about the feeling of being on the road and facing your fears. It's a powerful ballad that will resonate with anyone who's ever set foot on a plane, train or automobile to look for something new. If you're looking for something that will help you process any travel-related fears, this song is a great choice.

33. “Somewhere Only We Know” by Keane

The song, Somewhere Only We Know, is a piece of nostalgia. The lyrics circle around about something, someone, and somewhere he used to love. It is about finding and travelling back to the feelings he used to feel, activities he used to do, and the people and places he used to see. At the same time, this song will unfold a new emotion of how past look like and how it can change drastically that will make you reflect the temporariness in this world.

34. “The Longest Road” by Morgan Page feat. Lissie

This upbeat music will boost your excitement while travelling. This song will talk about the journey of life, and how it can affect you life. It is about enjoying, trying new things, create bonds, build memories, and making mistakes. This will make you feel the urge of always chasing things in order to live and create a meaningful life out of it.

35. “I Travel” by Simple Minds

This song is all about the feeling of homesickness while traveling. It's a beautiful and introspective ballad that will resonate with anyone who's ever left their home behind to travel. Whether you're far from home or just missing your loved ones, this song is slightly melancholic but nice.

36. “Home” by Edward Sharpe & The Magnetic Zeros

In travelling, this song will comfort you as it will present the feeling of missing home while living in a different environment. It will likewise bring you motivation with the gratefulness of being in a new place. It will ignite different emotions, specifically the feeling of attachment, nearly love to someone, some place, or a moment that will keep you moving.

37. “Running to Stand Still” by U2

This song is all about the feeling of being on the road and facing your fears. It's a powerful ballad that will resonate with anyone who's ever set foot on a plane, train or automobile to look for something new. If you're looking for something that will help you process any travel-related fears, this song is a great choice.

38. “The Road to Reno” by Guy Clark

This sad country tune is all about the feeling of traveling on the road with no end in sight. It's a powerful ballad that will resonate with anyone who's ever left their home behind for an open-ended journey.

39. “Kokomo” by The Beach Boys

This fun and upbeat song is all about the feeling of being on a tropical island, far away from your troubles. It's a great pick for anyone who's looking to travel to a new and exotic location. Whether you're planning a trip or just dreaming of one, this song will help you relax and escape the everyday grind.

40. “California Dreaming” by The Mamas & The Papas

This song is all about the feeling of longing for home while you're on the road. It's a beautiful and introspective ballad that will resonate with anyone who's ever left their home behind to travel. Whether you're far from home or just missing your loved ones, this song will make you feel right at ease.

Related: California Instagram Captions

41. “Somewhere over the Rainbow” by Israel Kamakawiwo'ole

This beautiful and haunting song is all about the feeling of longing for home while you're on the road. It's a great pick for anyone who's ever left their home behind to travel, whether they're far from home or just missing their loved ones.

42. “Adventure of a Lifetime” by Coldplay

This fun and groovy dance song is about feeling the emotions of being alive, again. This disco inspired music will motivate you to always carry on in life because it is an adventure, there's trouble and joy in it. This song will awaken us to the energy of life while travelling and to not lose it, hence the adventure of a lifetime.

43. “Paris” by The Chainsmokers

This electronic dance music is about finding independence with the ones you love and to live with. Paris is what the couple's trying to go and live the life they wanted away from the obstructions of their family, environmental trauma, and anxiety. Even though this song is about searching for the fantasy they wanted to live, this song gives people to motivation to dream, work on that dream and to make it come true, whether it's travelling or not.

Related: 100+ Paris Captions For Instagram For Your Beautiful City Photos

44. “Sleep on the Floor” by The Lumineers

This feel good music with its country tune and calming arrangement is about travelling away to the big bustling cities and making the most out of that impulsive decision even you're feeling out from you comfort zone. It will give you courage that in the journey of life, there's always the presence of troubles and unavoidable circumstances that you can overcome as long as you have someone with you.

45. “Heading Home” by Gryffin feat. Josef Salvat

Heading Home, an electronic dance music is a feel good music talking about the feeling of always longing to feel the comfort of a home. It will make you feel the known feeling of a traveller, being a lost person, yet pushes you to always move forward and enjoy the things life has thrown at you.

46. “Havana” by Camila Cabello

Havana is a song paying tribute to the artist's home country, Cuba. This dance music gives you the vibes of their culture, warmth, and love to their place. This song is associated to a love of a country by praising its beauty, romanticizing the relationships you can build, and treasuring the moments of travelling.

47. “Autumn Dawn” by Volcan Peaks

This music will serenade your ears while travelling a long road as bring comfort and calmness with the lyrics and its tune. Even though this song will give you comfort, the lyrics much more emphasize the feeling during a separation. This will bring enough sadness to the listeners to realize the growth you will encounter separating from a place, person, and moment among others.

Related: Best Autumn Instagram Captions

48. “Take Me Back To London ” by Ed Sheeran

This upbeat music is a vibe starter when travelling. It's about reminiscing a place where they grow up and travelling back to those moments through sharing their different stories. It's about realizing that a person can move forward in life and still be the person dreaming of what they have become.

49. “Travel Song” by Teleman

Travel Song, a feel good music, is a comforting music to hear when driving towards a destination. This song is about affection and risk, drawing matches between a widespread fire and a destined relationship. The music reflects the tone of the verses, as well — an incredible, irresistible harmony among poppy and fun-loving sentimentalism and serious, sobering acknowledgements

50. “Beach Bonfire” by Sandro

This comforting song is good lullaby during downtime or hours for siesta. From the title itself, it's about igniting your travel with beach bonfire and find comfort with it while enjoying the sea breeze and the sound of the waves. This song freezes a moment as it's very calm, and can make you realize and internalize the events during a trip.

51. “Stargazing” by Kygo feat. Justin Jesso

This is a hopeful song to everyone who's thinking they cannot get through something. The song is best for travelling especially when you're burn out or unmotivated to do such, it will give you courage to look forward of what's gonna happen. This was intentionally about the artist's ex-girlfriend finding her way to fix their relationship, but at the same time knowing that it will be okay otherwise, since there's always hope when you look up to the sky and see stars keep blazing.

52. “I’m like a Bird” by Nelly Furtado

This fun beat music will bring your feet on the move. The song talks about the freedom of a human as a bird has, but at the same time recognizing the impermanence of the abilities a human can do with that freedom. It's a good music during a trip on a summer knowing you're free from hectic schedule and heavy responsibilities.

53. “Anywhere” by Passenger

Passenger never really disappoint, especially with this song, giving us the feel good vibe when hitting off the road. It's about devotion, love, and commitment to someone when travelling, believing that it will always be remarkable as long it's with that significant other. Anywhere talks about a destination that can fulfill the dream and goal of couples driven by the want to travel and escape.

54. “Fly Away ” by Lenny Kravitz

This rock music will bring to a different dimension when travelling. The song purposively gives out a different feeling, yet so relatable as it is about escaping and going to a different place that you wish different from what you are currently living. It's a feel good music for people travelling objectifying their want for escape and adventure.

55. “Africa” by Toto

This song age like fine wine, it's really a very well-created piece of music, with driving drum circles, layered harmonies, and an anthemic tune. The comforting voice of the singer really gives you a good film moment while travelling. Not only that it pays tribute to the beauty of Africa , it will definitely give you the feeling of warmth and ease when travelling.

56. “Good Life” by One Republic

This upbeat song is best when you're travelling for your self's improvement. It's tied in with discarding your burdens and stresses and having a decent life, since you can as it centers around being the individual you need to be and not what others believe you should be. This tune truly radiates a great deal of sentiments, yet it's elevating and brings a peculiar inclination to the listeners.

57. “Wanderlust ” by Frank Turner

This country feel music will make you feel the moment while travelling. The song portrays one of Frank's heartfelt limbo, it puts to differentiate the reasonable and satisfying relationship he has with this young lady with his ceaseless desire for tour and travelling. With this song, you will feel motivated on the decisions you will be encountering regarding travels and tours.

58. “Ocean” by Martin Garrix feat Khalid

This calming, downtempo dance track highlights instrumentation by Dutch DJ Martin Garrix and vocals by American artist Khalid. This electronic dance music mainly talks about the power of love, using the ocean as metaphor that can't break a relationship. This music sets the active mood while travelling, it pumps your heart, break the awkwardness, and develop a strong start on a trip.

59. “Catch & Release” by Matt Simons

This song has an incredibly calming tune in any trip, when it discusses survival strategies through the battles in our lives. This discusses going to where without help from anyone else, yet it isn't forlorn… where someone can act naturally and find solace in self-reflection even in obscurity. This song resonates with every last one of us, the melody having a profound importance with its care meaning.

60. “Traveling On” by Kongos

Traveling On is a calming music that's best when travelling in a non-touristy village. It's a breathtaking song that soothes you blood, bones, and soul. It helps you to remember the little moments while travelling, at the same time makes wanna seize the day.

61. “Dreaming” by Smallpools

The song gets going with a tranquil sound that crescendos into a beat to set the bass of the tune that fits when you listen clearly when travelling. The tune has an exceptionally electronic sound to it, yet the artist's voice is genuine. All through the melody there is a feeling of anxiety and urgency of attempting to make a spot for yourself. The melody for the most part catches the inclination that the world is against you.

62. “These Days” by Foo Fighters

This rock music is best when travelling long serene roads, with its developing style from calm to rock.  The song divulges on the idea that we must live life to the fullest, knowing and acknowledging that it's temporary and it may or will end these days. When going on a trip, we must not forget to always take risks, create memories, and be spontaneous.

63. “Born to Be Wild” by Steppenwolf

Like any travel songs, this rock anthem is made for highways and unplanned trips. This song resonates the drive of motor riders travelling across countries by road, being wild and fun. The song, nonetheless represents to those who think they're born to be wild, being carefree, and worry less.

64. “Send Me On My Way” by Rusted Root

Send Me on My Way is a magical song that motivates you to keep moving forward when travelling with the warmth it expresses, and the soothing feeling it gives. This sets your happy mood when travelling, redefines your vision to the beauty of the traveled places, generates wonderful narratives when interacting with locals of you destinations, and releases your stress.

65. “Perfect Strangers” by Jonas Blue

This dance music will give you the vibe and mood when travelling in summer. It may originally be about two strangers found their charm with one another while travelling, it's nonetheless a summer anthem way back when it was released, with its catchy lyrics, and undeniably good electronic accompaniment.

66. “Let the Sun Shine” by Labrinth

Originally a country song, Let the Sun Shine was produced wonderfully to a hip-hop music, generating a new good travel music.  It's about the new beginnings in our life every day, giving us another time to renew, enjoy, and live. This upbeat music is best when travelling with friends, and strangers as it will connect your thoughts and mood during a trip.

67. “Beautiful Day” by U2

This iconic song is amazing when travelling alone, to be able to reflect that life may take away a lot from you, there will always be joy on what remained. This rock music gives you the vibes and good mood going abroad. This song will make you look for hope and beauty in this world even with its existing nightmares.

68. “Take Me Home, Country Roads” by John Denver

This timeless song really resonates with the ones always travelling and always on the hope to be home as soon as possible. This may be a song about home-sickness, the tune will always be remembered and used while travelling long roads. The undeniably good rhythm and its meaningful lyrics will always have a special place in all traveller's heart.

69. “Heart Of Gold” by Neil Young

This classic song expresses the longing for love and hope to never give up. This calming music is best when travelling with the car windows down while feeling the wind brushing your skin and listen as it whispers your wind. The soothing voices and mellow rhythm of the song is also good when you're taking a rest after a long day of a trip.

70. “The Sound of Silence” by Simon & Garfunkel

The Sound of Silence may be an empowering song to those oppressed and unprivileged, it likewise encourages people to not be afraid to talk to people especially when travelling alone. This song is the best company when having a down time during a trip, as it recognizes the importance of solo time when overwhelmed, especially during a travel.

71. “With or Without you” by U2

With or Without You, is a song about moving forward that's translated by travellers into a good solo travel song. This rock classic is a good jam of any ages, since it's relatable at some point in life. The sentimental foundation of the song makes it a great song when going for a trip, best played in a radio on a random setting.

72. “Have You Ever Seen The Rain?” by CCR

This timeless country music is about having a beautiful, sunny, and vibrant life and knowing that there will be rainy times as well. This music is a vibe when driving on a countryside moving across borders. It's best when travelling with friends and deciding on spontaneous stops for fun and adventure. It is an anthem for a road trip.

73. “Linger” by The Cranberries

The love song turned to a travel anthem is about the things you do when in love. This classic song has become the anthem of most travellers crossing borders and going out their comfort zone. With the soothing voice and beautifully arranged dynamics, makes this song a remarkable to any ages when going for a trip.

74. “Days of Silence” by Las Lunas

This calm music is great way to feed your ears with ease and help your mind find sanity when travelling. The beautifully written lyrics and its soothing tune will bring you peace of mind. When travelling, it's best to listen it at night, to wrap up the day with good music and deep reflection of the trip.

75. “I'm Thinking About You” by Windshield

I'm Thinking About You is a great song when unwinding, just sitting on your rented cabin, chilling with the sound of nature, and live on your thoughts. It's best when camping with friends or any of your love ones, as it will unleash your authenticity as your principle for love. This song will bring you to your thoughts that can help you generate reflections throughout.

Related: Best Nature Quotes

76. “Like Stone” by Daniel Gunnarson

This acoustic song will bring you a smile when travelling as it will set your positive mood when travelling. The calming arrangement of the song soothes your soul and washes all you stress and worries. This will ignite you drive on documenting the trip to freeze the moments and treasure it with all you heart.

77. “Feel your Blue Sky” by Bothnia

The song may start melancholic, the song delivers a powerful message of courage. This song is calming and comforting to the heart, and best when travelling to an isolated island or listened with radios on long quiet road. The song is best company for couple or solo travellers, as it will give you sanity and ease.

78. “Cornelia” by The Eastern Plain

This angelic song is best when you're travelling for peace and sanity. This song will bring you in a different beautiful dimension, and reframes your vision to the positive thoughts when travelling. The song is great when going to high altitudes and look down to the beautiful scenery of the city.

79. “A Thousand Miles” by Vanessa Carlton

Some of the riffs for this hit song were written when Vanessa Carlton was just 17 years old. First released in 2002, the music video sees Vanessa being driven on a cross country road trip in America playing a piano.

Related: Camp Quotes

80. “Roam” by The B-52's

I've added this thanks to a reader's comment! The unmistaken style of the B-53's hits you from the opening, and the up-beat catchy chorus and melody quickly puts you in a happy place – no matter where you are in the world!

Roam if you want to Roam around the world Roam if you want to Without anything but the love we feel

Did the B-52's ever get the lasting recognition they fully deserve? Probably not, which is a real shame. Check it out on YouTube here: Roam

What makes a good travel song?

We think a good travel song should either inspire wanderlust or evoke memories of past trips . It should also have a catchy melody that will stay in your head long after the journey is over!

Why do people love songs about travel so much?

Songs about travel have a way of capturing the excitement, adventure , and sense of possibility that comes with hitting the open road. They can also be incredibly nostalgic, reminding us of past trips and all the places we’ve been.

How to make a perfect traveling playlist ?

To make the perfect traveling playlist, start by thinking about what kinds of travel experiences you want to evoke. Do you want a playlist that will get you pumped up for your next big adventure? Or one that will soothe homesick feelings and help you relax while on the road?

You might also consider choosing songs with lyrics that reflect your own feelings about travel, whether it’s excitement at the unknown or a sense of longing for home.

Once you have your ideas in place, put together a playlist that incorporates a variety of different artists and genres to keep things interesting! And don’t forget to pack your headphones so you can enjoy your songs in style on your next trip .

Tips for using music to enhance your travel experience :

1. Take some time to think about the kind of experiences you want to have while traveling, and then create a playlist that will help you get in the right mindset.

2. Consider choosing music with lyrics that reflect your own feelings about travel, whether it’s excitement at the unknown or a sense of longing for home.

3. Prioritize listening to your playlist while on the road, whether you’re driving or flying. This can help you get in the right mindset for your trip and make it more enjoyable.

4. Don’t forget to pack a good set of earbuds so you can enjoy your music in style at any time during your travels.

5. Most importantly, have fun and enjoy the journey! Music can play a big role in making any trip more memorable and enjoyable.

Related: Songs about bicycles

Travel Songs Playlist Final thoughts

Travel and music go together like peanut butter and jelly. Whether you're hitting the open road on an epic road trip or jetting off to a new and exotic destination, music can help set the mood and enhance your travel experience.

If you're looking for some great songs about travel, we recommend checking out tracks by Guy Clark, The Beach Boys, and The Mamas & the Papas. And don't forget to pack your headphones so you can enjoy your music in style on your next trip!

What's are your best road trip songs? What do you consider to be the ultimate travel song? Let us know in the comments below!

5 thoughts on “80 Best Songs About Traveling: The Ultimate Travel Playlist?”

After a year on the road, these suggestions, and the songs they brought to mind, has expanded my traveling playlist from a few dozen to more than a hundred. Thanks a million, Dave!

Shocked not to see Roam by the B52’s?!

So am I! I’ll try to add it in over the next week or so!

Another great tune that I have never seen on any “Travel Song” list is “Born to Wander” by the Rare Earth on their 1970 album “Ecology”.

The members of Lynyrd Skynyrd did not grow up in muscle shoals Alabama. They grew up in Jacksonville, Florida.

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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 !

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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

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

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

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

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.”

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!

You may also like

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

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

Wow an amazing list and photo!

twooutliers · February 10, 2022 at 8:12 am

thank you! we love this playlist, enjoy!

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The Ultimate Travel Playlist: 100 Best Travel Songs (with Lyrics and Videos)

Katie Hammel

July 18, 2023

10 min read

Music has the power to transport us, change our moods, and conjure memories. And, for many travelers, music is closely linked to travel. It can helps us understand the people and culture of a place, break down language barriers, and sear certain moments into our memories forever.

With help from members of our Travel Community and Going staff, we've created the ultimate travel playlist of 100 travel songs. Some reference specific places, others showcase the musical talent of a specific country, and others simply celebrate the joy of exploration.

Here, in no particular order, are 100 of our favorite travel songs.

56 songs that reference specific places in the title or lyrics

Sure, some of these songs, such Paris by the Chainsmokers or Toto’s Africa , actually have little to do with the specific place; it’s just used as the title or the setting for the story. But others not only reference a country or city, they also evoke a specific sense of that particular place or tell a story about that destination.

For example, in Marrakech Express , Crosby, Stills & Nash recount scenes from a train ride Nash actually took in 1966. In London Calling , the Clash sing about the social issues facing London in the late 70s. In Walking in Memphis , Marc Cohn croons about his experience wandering the city. And Simon & Garfunkel's America was inspired by a road trip that Paul Simon took with his girlfriend.

Here are some of our favorite songs that mention a specific city or country, and a snippet of the lyrics.

Listen when:  you're on a $388 flight to Vienna, or a $671 flight to Johannesburg, or a $353 flight to Paris, or...

1. Kathmandu – 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 ‍

2. One Night in Bangkok – 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 sliding up to me

3. I've Been Everywhere – Johnny Cash

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

4. Africa – 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

Bonus: Check out the 2018 cover by Weezer and this awesome 2016 video from Kristen Bell and Dax Shepard.

5. Marrakech Express – 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

6. Waka Waka (This Time for Africa) – 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

7. San Francisco – Scott McKenzie

If you're going to San Francisco

Be sure to wear some flowers in your hair

You're gonna meet some gentle people there

8. London Calling – 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

9. Galway Girl – 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

10. Istanbul (Not Constantinople) – 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

11. Ramblin’ Man – 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

12. Aux Champs-Élysées – 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

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

13. Lovers in Japan – Coldplay

Tonight, maybe we're gonna run

Dreamin' of the Osaka sun

Ohh, ohh, ohhh

Dreamin' of when the morning comes

14. Barcelona – George Ezra

Every time you have to go

Shut my eyes and you know

I’ll be lying right by your side

In Barcelona

15. April in Paris – Ella Fitzgerald and Louis Armstrong

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

16. Blue Hawaii – 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

17. Back in the U.S.S.R. – 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.

18. Rio – Netsky 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

19. Barcelona – 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

20. Havana – 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 ‍

21. In America – 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

22. Tennessee – 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

23. Paris – The Chainsmokers

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

24. Graceland – 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

25. Carolina in My Mind – 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

26. New York State of Mind – 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

27. Walking in Memphis – 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?

28. America – 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

29. Mexico – 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

30. California – 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.

31. Chicago – Sufjan Stevens

I fell in love again

All things go, all things go

Drove to Chicago

All things know, all things know

32. Kokomo – The Beach Boys

Off the Florida Keys, there's a place called Kokomo

That's where you want to go to get away from it all

Bodies in the sand, tropical drink melting in your hand

We'll be falling in love to the rhythm of a steel drum band

Down in Kokomo

Aruba, Jamaica, oh I want to take you to

Bermuda, Bahama, come on pretty mama

Key Largo, Montego, baby why don't we go

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

33. Sweet Home Alabama – Lynyrd Skynyrd

Sweet home Alabama

Where the skies are so blue

Lord, I'm coming home to you

34. Vertigo – FM Belfast

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

35. California Love – 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

36. Malibu – Miley Cyrus

But here I am

Next to you

The sky is so blue

37. Midnight Train to Georgia – Gladys Knight and the Pips

He's leaving

On that midnight train to Georgia

And he's goin' back

To a simpler place and time

And I’ll be with him

I'd rather live in his world

Than live without him in mine

38. California Dreaming – The Mamas and the Papas

All the leaves are brown

And the sky is grey

I've been for a walk

On a winter's day

I'd be safe and warm

If I was in L.A.

California dreamin'

On such a winter's day

39. New York Groove – 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

40. Miami – Will Smith

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

41. Vienna – 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

42. Viva Las Vegas – 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

43. Rocky Road to Dublin – 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

44. Beverly Hills – Weezer

Beverly Hills

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

Livin' in Beverly Hills

Rollin' like a celebrity (gimme, gimme)

45. Surfin' USA – 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.

46. I'm Shipping Up To Boston – 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

47. Hello Seattle – 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

48. God Blessed Texas – 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

49. Taj Mahal – 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

50. Alaska – Maggie Rogers

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

51. Miles from Minnesota – 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

52. Take Me Home Country Roads – John Denver

Almost heaven, West Virginia

Blue Ridge Mountains, Shenandoah River

Life is old there, older than the trees

Younger than the mountains, blowing like a breeze

Country roads, take me home

To the place I belong

West Virginia, mountain mama

Take me home, country roads

53. Miles Away – 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

54. Brazil – 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?

55. Under African Skies – Paul Simon

Joseph's face was as black as the night

And the pale yellow moon shone in his eyes

His path was marked

By the stars in the Southern Hemisphere

And he walked the length of his days

Under African skies

56. Take It Easy – The Eagles

Well I'm a standin' on a corner in Winslow, Arizona

Such a fine sight to see

It's a girl, my lord, in a flatbed

Ford slowin' down to take a look at me

Come on baby

Don't say maybe

I gotta know if your sweet love is gonna save me

We may lose and we may win

Though we will never be here again

So open up, I'm climbin' in

Take it easy

26 awesome international songs

A song’s title or lyrics don’t need to explicitly mention a specific place; sometimes it's the artist, the melody, the language, or simply the emotion of the song that ties it in our memories to a place we love.

Whether it’s the sultry sounds of Gotan Project’s Amor Porteno taking us back to a tango club in Buenos Aires, or the ethereal sounds of Hoppípolla from Sigur Rós transporting us to the otherworldly landscapes of Iceland, these international songs make us think of the places they are from or written about.

Listen when:  you're on your cheap flight to Iceland, or packing for your trip to Seoul, or strolling the streets of Paris, or driving the backroads of Scotland, or...

57. The Last – Tokyo Ska Paradise Orchestra

58. let the music play – shamur, 59. la vie en rose – edith piaf, 60. gangnam style – psy.

61. Immigrant Song – Led Zeppelin

62. money (that's what i want) – cheryl k, 63. royals – lorde, 64. rewrite – asian kung fu generation, 65. redemption song – bob marley, 66. dreams – the cranberries, 67. little busters – the pillows, 68. jai ho – a.r. rahman.

69. Counting Stars – Nujabes

70. i’m gonna be (500 miles) – the proclaimers, 71. sni bong – dengue fever, 72. jungle drum – emiliana torrini.

73. On and On – VIXX

74. beds are burning – midnight oil, 75. amor porteño – gotan project, 76. dui bu qi – transition, 77. sirocco – ulrich schnauss and jonas munk, 78. mi gente – j balvin.

79. Hoppípolla – Sigur Rós

80. somewhere over the rainbow – israel kamakawiwoʻole, 81. land down under – men at work, 82. guantanamera – celia cruz.

‍ 18 great songs about travel and wanderlust

Finally, the last songs on the list are those that inspire us to get out and see the world, that commiserate with those us of suffering from the travel bug, and that celebrate the beauty of a life less ordinary.

Listen when: you're suffering from an acute case of wanderlust or dreaming of your next great adventure.

83. Born to be Wild – Steppenwolf

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

84. Roam – The B52s

Roam if you want to

Roam around the world

Without wings, without wheels

Without anything but the love we feel

85. I Still Haven't Found What I'm Looking For – U2

I have climbed the highest mountains

I have run through the fields

Only to be with you

I have run, I have crawled

I have scaled these city walls

These city walls

But I still haven't found

What I'm looking for

86. Come Fly with Me – Frank Sinatra

Come fly with me, we'll fly, we'll fly away

If you can use some exotic booze

There's a bar in far Bombay

Come on fly with me, we'll fly, we'll fly away

87. On the Road Again – Willie Nelson

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

88. Road to Nowhere – Talking Heads

We're on a road to nowhere

Come on inside

Taking that ride to nowhere

We'll take that ride

I'm feeling okay this morning

And you know

We're on the road to paradise

Here we go, here we go

89. Life is a Highway – Tom Cochran

Life's like a road that you travel on

When there's one day here and the next day gone

Sometimes you bend, sometimes you stand

Sometimes you turn your back to the wind

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

We won't hesitate, break down the garden gate

There's not much time left today

90. When I’m Gone (Cups Song) – 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

91. Born to Run – 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

92. Send Me On My Way – 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)

93. Margaritaville – Jimmy Buffett

I blew out my flip flop

Stepped on a pop top

Cut my heel had to cruise on back home

But there's booze in the blender

And soon it will render

That frozen concoction that helps me hang on

Wastin' away again in Margaritaville

Searchin' for my lost shaker of salt

Some people claim that there's a woman to blame

But I know it's my own damn fault

94. Moon River – 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

95. Leaving on a Jet Plane – Peter Paul, and Mary

My bags are packed

I'm ready to go

I'm standing here outside your door

I hate to wake you up to say goodbye

But the dawn is breakin'

It's early morn

The taxi's waitin'

He's blowin' his horn

Already I'm so lonesome

I could cry

So kiss me and smile for me

Tell me that you'll wait for me

Hold me like you'll never let me go

I'm leavin' on a jet plane

I Don't know when I'll be back again

Oh, babe, I hate to go

96. The Passenger – 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 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

97. Vacation – The Go-Go's

All I ever wanted

Had to get away

Meant to be spent alone

98. Homeward Bound – 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

99. No Roots – 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

100. Fly Away – Lenny Kravitz

I want to get away

I want to fly away

Yeah, yeah, yeah ‍

Love travel? See the world for less. Sign up for Going and save up to 90% on flights.

Katie is Going's Director of Content Marketing. She has been to 30+ countries, prefers markets to museums, hates cucumbers, and dreams of one day living in a small cabin by the sea in Iceland. Originally from Detroit, she lived in Seattle and Chicago before settling in the San Francisco Bay Area with her husband and their two cats.

Published July 18, 2023

Last updated December 28, 2023

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The Ultimate Travel Songs Playlist to Inspire Wanderlust

• The Power of Travel Songs: Let Music Take You on an Extraordinary Journey

Do you daydream about going to faraway places and having incredible adventures? There’s something magical about the way travel songs make you feel. The melodies and words of these beautiful songs can take you to faraway places, bring back memories of trips you’ve already taken, and make you want to travel more. So, whether you’re getting ready for a trip or just want to get away from everyday life, we’ve put together a playlist of songs that will take you to other places, remind you of great trips you’ve taken in the past, and make you want to travel more. Put on your headphones, take a deep breath, and let the music take you away.

“On the Road Again” – Willie Nelson: A Timeless Classic for Wanderers

“africa” – toto: embark on an imaginary safari, “wanderlust” – björk: embracing the beauty of the unknown, “i’m gonna be (500 miles)” – the proclaimers: a celebration of enduring spirit and exploration, “graceland” – paul simon: a melodic road trip, “paradise” – coldplay: chasing dreams and finding your own paradise, “ramble on” – led zeppelin: the spirit of a restless wanderer, “the world” – brad paisley: embracing the vastness and beauty of our planet, “hotel california” – eagles: unveiling the intrigue of the sunny california, “america” by simon and garfunkel, “the passenger” by iggy pop, “roam” by the b-52s and “send me on my way” by rusted root, “going to california” by led zeppelin, “i’ve been everywhere” by johnny cash, “rocky mountain high” and “take me home, country roads” by john denver, “california dreamin'” by the mamas & the papas, “wildflowers” by tom petty, “life is a highway” by tom cochrane, looking for some travel inspiration, faq – travel songs.

What better way to kick-start our travel playlist than with this iconic song? Willie Nelson’s classic tune, “On the Road Again,” captures the essence of the open road and the thrill of embarking on a new adventure. As you listen to the twang of the guitar and Nelson’s unmistakable voice, you’ll feel a surge of excitement and an irresistible urge to hit the road and explore new horizons. This song is a testament to the enduring spirit of travel songs and the freedom they evoke.

Favorite Line in the Travel-Song: “On the road again, just can’t wait to get on the road again. The life I love is making music with my friends.” – Willie Nelson

Few songs capture the mystique and allure of a distant continent quite like Toto’s “Africa.” With its infectious beat and evocative lyrics, this timeless anthem transports you to the heart of Africa, where vast landscapes, diverse wildlife, and ancient cultures await. Close your eyes and let the music guide you on an imaginary safari, where every beat of the drum resonates with the rhythm of your wanderlust.

Favorite Line in the Travel Song: “I bless the rains down in Africa, gonna take some time to do the things we never had.” – Toto

Björk’s ethereal voice combined with the whimsical soundscape of “Wanderlust” will take you on an otherworldly journey. This song is a perfect match for those seeking a more introspective and contemplative travel experience. As you listen, you’ll find yourself yearning for new horizons, embracing the beauty of the unknown, and being inspired to embark on transformative adventures.

“ Wanderlust, relentlessly craving wanderlust.” – Björk

No travel playlist would be complete without this infectiously catchy tune by The Proclaimers. As the chorus kicks in, you’ll find yourself tapping your feet and singing along. “I’m Gonna Be (500 Miles)” is a celebration of the enduring spirit of travel songs and the willingness to go the extra mile (or 500 miles!) to explore the world and create unforgettable memories.

“But I would walk 500 miles, and I would walk 500 more, just to be the man who walks a thousand miles to fall down at your door.” – The Proclaimers

Paul Simon’s “Graceland” effortlessly captures the essence of a road trip, blending folk and world music influences to create a melodic masterpiece. With its poignant lyrics and uplifting rhythm, the song paints a vivid picture of a journey to the fabled home of Elvis Presley. It reminds us of the transformative power of travel-songs and the remarkable connections we can make along the way.

“And she said, ‘Losing love is like a window in your heart. Everybody sees you’re blown apart. Everybody sees the wind blow.’ – Paul Simon

Coldplay’s “Paradise” takes us on an emotional ride, inspiring us to seek our own version of paradise. The song’s soaring melodies and thought-provoking lyrics evoke images of white sandy beaches, crystal-clear waters, and a world waiting to be explored. Let this track be your anthem as you chase your dreams of finding your own paradise and embark on exhilarating adventures.

“When she was just a girl, she expected the world, but it flew away from her reach, so she ran away in her sleep.” – Coldplay

For those who seek adventure and a touch of rock ‘n’ roll, Led Zeppelin’s “Ramble On” is the perfect addition to your travel playlist. With its energetic guitar riffs and Robert Plant’s mesmerizing vocals, this song embodies the spirit of a restless wanderer, embarking on a quest for new experiences and the thrill of the unknown. Let the music ignite your inner explorer.

“Leaves are falling all around, time I was on my way. Thanks to you, I’m much obliged for such a pleasant stay.” – Led Zeppelin

Country music often tells stories of life on the road and the beauty of the world around us, and Brad Paisley’s “The World” is no exception. This uplifting and heartfelt track reminds us of the vastness and diversity of our planet, urging us to explore its wonders and appreciate the remarkable places that await us. Let the music inspire you to embark on unforgettable journeys.

“To the teller down at the bank, you’re just another checking account. To the plumber that came today, you’re just another house. At the airport ticket counter, you’re just another fare.” – Brad Paisley

With its iconic guitar intro and mysterious lyrics, “Hotel California” by the Eagles transports us to a world of intrigue and curiosity. This timeless classic evokes images of road trips along the Californian coastline, capturing the essence of a never-ending journey and the allure of the unknown. Let the music guide you through the twists and turns of this metaphorical hotel, where checking out may not be as easy as it seems.

“Welcome to the Hotel California, such a lovely place, such a lovely face. Plenty of room at the Hotel California, any time of year, you can find it here.” – Eagles

“Viva la Vida” – Coldplay: Seize the Moment and Live Life to the Fullest –

We conclude our travel playlist with Coldplay’s “Viva la Vida,” a song that speaks to the dreamers and explorers. Its grand orchestration and reflective lyrics inspire us to seize the moment, conquer new frontiers, and embrace the beauty and complexity of the world. It’s the perfect anthem for those who dare to dream big and live life to the fullest.

“I used to rule the world, seas would rise when I gave the word. Now in the morning, I sleep alone, sweep the streets I used to own.” – Coldplay

“Laughing on the bus, playing games with the faces. She said the man in the gabardine suit was a spy. I said, ‘Be careful, his bowtie is really a camera.’ – Simon and Garfunkel

Why: This classic song from the duo’s Bookends album tells the story of young lovers hitchhiking across the United States in search of the essence of America. With its poetic lyrics and melodic harmonies, “America” captures the carefree spirit and sense of adventure associated with road trips and travel.

“I am the passenger and I ride and I ride. I ride through the city’s backside. I see the stars come out of the sky.” – Iggy Pop

Why: Iggy Pop’s “The Passenger” is a timeless anthem that resonates with travelers worldwide. Its catchy melody and infectious energy make it a go-to song for those seeking a sense of liberation and thrill while exploring new destinations.

“Roam if you want to, roam around the world. Roam if you want to, without wings, without wheels.” – The B-52s

“Send me on my way, send me on my way, send me on my way, send me on my way.” – Rusted Root

Why: Both “Roam” and “Send Me On My Way” are upbeat and infectious tunes that embody the joy and excitement of travel. These songs have become staples on road trip playlists, with their lively rhythms and uplifting lyrics serving as the perfect companions for memorable journeys.

“Standing on a hill in my mountain of dreams, telling myself it’s not as hard, hard, hard as it seems.” – Led Zeppelin

Why: Led Zeppelin’s “Going to California” is an iconic track that exudes a sense of wanderlust. Its soothing acoustic guitar and poetic lyrics inspire listeners to set off on their own adventures, particularly in the enchanting landscapes of California.

“I’ve been everywhere, man. I’ve been everywhere, man. Crossed the deserts bare, man. I’ve breathed the mountain air, man.” – Johnny Cash

Why: Johnny Cash’s “I’ve Been Everywhere” is a playful and fast-paced song that lists numerous locations around the world. As Cash rattles off city names, you’ll find yourself itching to explore new places and experience the thrill of discovering unfamiliar destinations.

“Rocky Mountain high, Colorado. Rocky Mountain high, I’ve seen it rainin’ fire in the sky.” – John Denver

“Take me home, country roads, to the place I belong. West Virginia, mountain mama, take me home, country roads.” – John Denver

Why: John Denver’s songs are renowned for their evocative lyrics that capture the beauty of nature and the allure of the open road. “Rocky Mountain High” and “Take Me Home, Country Roads” transport listeners to picturesque landscapes and evoke a sense of longing for the freedom that travel brings.

“All the leaves are brown and the sky is gray. I’ve been for a walk on a winter’s day. I’d be safe and warm if I was in L.A. California dreamin’ on such a winter’s day.” – The Mamas & The Papas

Why: With its iconic harmonies and wistful lyrics, “California Dreamin'” is a timeless song that epitomizes the desire to escape to warmer climates and embark on a journey of self-discovery. This song is sure to make you yearn for the open road.

“You belong among the wildflowers. You belong in a boat out at sea. Sail away, kill off the hours. You belong somewhere you feel free.” – Tom Petty

Why: Tom Petty’s “Wildflowers” is a soulful and introspective song that encourages listeners to embrace their wanderlust and explore the world around them. Its heartfelt lyrics and soothing melody make it a perfect companion for long drives and reflective moments.

“Life is a highway, I wanna ride it all night long. If you’re going my way, I wanna drive it all night long.” – Tom Cochrane

Why: Made famous by the movie “Cars,” “Life is a Highway” by Tom Cochrane is an anthem of adventure and embracing the unknown. Its energetic rhythm and uplifting lyrics make it a must-have song on any travel playlist.

The power of music to take us away, make us feel things, and ignite our wanderlust is unrivaled. We hope that listening to the songs featured on this ultimate travel songs playlist will ignite a feeling of adventure within you and motivate you to see the world. So, the next time you find yourself packing for a trip or even simply daydream

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Q: What is a good travel video song? A: There are several great songs that can enhance your travel videos and evoke a sense of adventure. Some popular choices include:

• Willie Nelson – On the Road Again
• Toto – Africa Björk – Wanderlust
• The Proclaimers – I’m Gonna Be (500 Miles)
• Paul Simon – Graceland
• Coldplay – Paradise
• Led Zeppelin – Ramble On
• Brad Paisley – The World
• Eagles – Hotel California Coldplay – Viva la Vida

Q: What is a song about moving away? A: Moving away can be a bittersweet experience, and there are songs that capture the emotions associated with this life change. Here are a few songs about moving away:

• “Homeward Bound” by Simon & Garfunkel
• “Good Riddance (Time of Your Life)” by Green Day
• “Leaving on a Jet Plane” by John Denver
• “Fast Car” by Tracy Chapman
• “No Surprises” by Radiohead
• “The Boxer” by Simon & Garfunkel

Remember that musical preferences are subjective, so choose a song that resonates with your personal feelings and experiences.

Traveler and blogger Living in Guadalajara, Mexico

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The Ultimate Travel Songs Playlist To Inspire Wanderlust

Introduction

There’s nothing quite like hitting the open road or embarking on a new adventure with the perfect soundtrack playing in the background. Music has a way of capturing the essence of travel, evoking feelings of wanderlust, and transporting us to different places and times. Whether you’re exploring new cities, trekking through remote landscapes, or simply daydreaming about your next journey, having a curated playlist of travel songs is essential.

In this article, we have compiled the ultimate travel songs playlist that will inspire wanderlust and enhance your travel experience. From uplifting and energetic tunes to reflective and soulful melodies, we’ve got you covered. We’ve categorized the songs into different sections to suit various moods and preferences, ensuring that there’s something for everyone.

So, whether you’re embarking on an epic road trip, planning a backpacking adventure, or simply looking for some musical inspiration to fuel your wanderlust, get ready to dive into the world of travel songs that will transport you to new destinations and ignite your sense of adventure.

Section 1: Upbeat and Energetic Travel Songs

When you’re in the mood for an adventure and need a burst of energy, upbeat travel songs are the perfect choice. These songs are guaranteed to get your adrenaline pumping and have you singing along in no time.

1. “On the Road Again” by Willie Nelson: A classic road trip anthem, this upbeat country song will have you dreaming of hitting the highway and exploring new horizons.

2. “I Wanna Dance with Somebody” by Whitney Houston: This energetic song will make you want to dance your way through new cities and let loose as you experience the joy of travel.

3. “Adventure of a Lifetime” by Coldplay: With its catchy beat and uplifting lyrics, this song is perfect for those moments when you want to embrace the thrill and adventure of exploring new places.

4. “Walking on Sunshine” by Katrina and The Waves: This feel-good song is a reminder to embrace the sunshine, soak up the positive vibes, and make the most of every travel experience.

5. “Roam” by The B-52’s: This fun and upbeat track will have you singing along and dreaming of roaming the world with a carefree spirit.

6. “Good Vibrations” by The Beach Boys: No travel playlist is complete without a song from The Beach Boys. “Good Vibrations” is all about spreading positivity and capturing the essence of a sunny, fun-filled adventure.

7. “Don’t Stop Me Now” by Queen: This iconic Queen song is an anthem for living life to the fullest and enjoying every moment. It’s the perfect soundtrack for your next travel adventure.

8. “Shut Up and Dance” by Walk the Moon: This infectious pop-rock tune will have you dancing and singing along, reminding you to let go of your worries and embrace the joy of exploring new destinations.

9. “Holiday” by Madonna: With its catchy chorus and upbeat tempo, “Holiday” will transport you to a carefree vacation state of mind, making it a must-have on your travel playlist.

10. “Born to Run” by Bruce Springsteen: This iconic rock anthem embodies the spirit of adventure and the freedom of the open road. It’s the perfect song to kick-start your travel journey.

These upbeat and energetic travel songs are sure to get your spirits high and set the tone for an unforgettable adventure. So, turn up the volume and let the music guide you on your next travel escapade.

Section 2: Reflective and Soulful Travel Songs

Traveling often evokes a sense of introspection and self-discovery. Reflective and soulful travel songs provide the perfect soundtrack for those quiet moments of contemplation as you journey to new destinations. These songs capture the emotional depth and transformative power of travel.

1. “Wild World” by Cat Stevens: This timeless classic is a heartfelt reminder of the bittersweet nature of leaving familiar places behind and embracing the unknown.

2. “The Long and Winding Road” by The Beatles: With its haunting melody and evocative lyrics, this song beautifully reflects the introspective nature of travel and the emotional journey it can take us on.

3. “Fast Car” by Tracy Chapman: This soul-stirring song tells a story of longing for escape and the desire for a better life, resonating with anyone yearning for adventure and change.

4. “Free Fallin'” by Tom Petty: As you embark on your travel journey, this introspective song reminds you to let go of inhibitions and embrace the freedom and unknown that lay ahead.

5. “Hallelujah” by Leonard Cohen: With its poetic lyrics and soulful melody, this song captures the emotional depth and spiritual aspect of travel, offering a sense of solace and hope.

6. “Learning to Fly” by Tom Petty: This introspective anthem is a reflection on personal growth and the challenges that come with leaving your comfort zone and spreading your wings.

7. “Fast Car” by Jonas Blue ft. Dakota: A modern rendition of Tracy Chapman’s iconic song, this version adds an electronic touch while still capturing the longing for escape and the desire for new experiences.

8. “Wish You Were Here” by Pink Floyd: This soulful and melancholic song reflects on the fleeting nature of time and the longing for human connection even while exploring new places.

9. “Home” by Edward Sharpe & The Magnetic Zeros: With its warm and soulful sound, this song encapsulates the feeling of finding a sense of belonging and home within the journey of travel.

10. “Take It Easy” by Eagles: This laid-back and reflective song reminds us to take a step back, appreciate the beauty of our surroundings, and embrace the simplicity of life on the road.

These reflective and soulful travel songs will accompany you on your journey, inviting moments of self-reflection and providing emotional depth to your travel experiences. So, sit back, relax, and let the music guide you on your inner exploration while you explore the world.

Section 3: Wanderlust-themed Pop Songs

Pop music has a way of capturing the spirit of adventure, and wanderlust-themed pop songs are perfect for getting you in the mood to explore the world. These catchy tunes will have you singing along and daydreaming about your next travel destination.

1. “Unwritten” by Natasha Bedingfield: This empowering anthem encourages you to seize the moment and embrace the unknown as you embark on new adventures.

2. “Counting Stars” by OneRepublic: With its catchy melody and reflective lyrics, this song reminds us to cherish every moment and appreciate the wonders of the world.

3. “Wake Me Up” by Avicii: The upbeat tunes of this song are perfect for embracing new experiences and navigating the world with a sense of excitement and curiosity.

4. “The Climb” by Miley Cyrus: This inspiring ballad serves as a reminder to persevere through challenges and embrace the journey, no matter how difficult.

5. “Don’t Stop Believin'” by Journey: This timeless classic is the ultimate anthem for following your dreams and finding your way in the world.

6. “Firework” by Katy Perry: With its uplifting message, this pop hit serves as a reminder to let your light shine and embrace your uniqueness as you explore new horizons.

7. “Can’t Stop the Feeling!” by Justin Timberlake: This infectious pop song will have you dancing along and feeling the joy of travel as you embrace the rhythm of new places.

8. “I Gotta Feeling” by The Black Eyed Peas: This upbeat and energetic track captures the excitement and anticipation of a great night out or an adventure-filled day.

9. “Adventure” by Cheat Codes ft. Evan Gartner: With its vibrant beats and lyrics, this pop song is a perfect reminder to live life to the fullest and embark on new adventures.

10. “Roar” by Katy Perry: This empowering anthem encourages you to find your voice, step out of your comfort zone, and explore the world fearlessly.

These wanderlust-themed pop songs will add a sense of fun and excitement to your travel experiences. So, turn up the volume, sing along, and let the music inspire you as you embark on your next adventure.

Section 4: Classic Travel Songs

Classic travel songs have a timeless appeal and evoke a sense of nostalgia. These iconic tunes have been the soundtrack to countless journeys and continue to inspire wanderlust in travelers around the world. Let’s take a look at some of the must-have classic travel songs that should be on your playlist.

1. “Hotel California” by Eagles: This legendary song tells a captivating story of a traveler’s journey to the mysterious Hotel California, making it a true classic in the realm of travel music.

2. “Route 66” by Chuck Berry: As one of the most famous highways in the United States, Route 66 has inspired countless road trips. This song captures the essence of the iconic route and the freedom of the open road.

3. “I’ve Been Everywhere” by Johnny Cash: This catchy tune lists off numerous locations, igniting a sense of wanderlust and curiosity about the vast world just waiting to be explored.

4. “Sweet Home Alabama” by Lynyrd Skynyrd: While specifically referring to Alabama, this song is an anthem for all travelers, reminding us of the longing for a place to call home no matter where our journey takes us.

5. “Take Me Home, Country Roads” by John Denver: This heartfelt ballad celebrates the beauty of West Virginia and resonates with anyone yearning for the familiarity of home and the peacefulness of the countryside.

6. “Born to Be Wild” by Steppenwolf: Rev up your engines and hit the road with this iconic biker anthem that embodies the spirit of adventure, freedom, and a wild rebellious nature.

7. “California Dreamin'” by The Mamas & The Papas: This soulful song captures the yearning for warm California sunshine and paints a vivid picture of the longing for a change of scenery.

8. “Proud Mary” by Creedence Clearwater Revival: The energetic rhythm and powerful vocals of this song will have you picturing yourself cruising down a river, ready to explore new horizons.

9. “Rocky Mountain High” by John Denver: This melodic classic transports listeners to the majestic Rocky Mountains, evoking a sense of awe and reverence for the beauty of nature.

10. “Leaving on a Jet Plane” by John Denver: A song about saying goodbye and embarking on an adventure, it captures the mix of excitement and sadness that comes with leaving behind loved ones.

These classic travel songs have stood the test of time and continue to resonate with travelers of all generations. So, add them to your playlist and let the nostalgia and wanderlust wash over you as you explore new destinations.

Section 5: Indie and Alternative Travel Songs

Indie and alternative travel songs offer a unique and often introspective take on the joys and challenges of travel. These songs have a distinctive sound and lyrical depth that resonate with those seeking a more offbeat and authentic travel experience. Let’s explore some of the must-have indie and alternative travel songs for your playlist.

1. “Ho Hey” by The Lumineers: This uplifting folk-pop tune is perfect for road trips and sing-alongs, capturing the spirit of adventure and the simple joys of exploring new places.

2. “Flume” by Bon Iver: With its ethereal sound and poetic lyrics, this indie folk song evokes a sense of tranquility and reflection, making it perfect for peaceful moments on your journey.

3. “Riptide” by Vance Joy: This catchy indie pop song embodies the carefree and whimsical nature of travel, conjuring images of sunny beaches and carefree adventures.

4. “No Cars Go” by Arcade Fire: With its anthemic sound and soaring chorus, this indie rock track captures the rebellious spirit and desire for escape that often accompanies travel.

5. “Young Folks” by Peter Bjorn and John: This indie pop gem is a catchy and nostalgic ode to the youthful spirit and sense of adventure that travel brings.

6. “Walcott” by Vampire Weekend: With its energetic pace and infectious melodies, this indie rock song will have you dreaming of exploring vibrant cities and immersing yourself in new cultures.

7. “Island in the Sun” by Weezer: This alternative rock classic brings to mind visions of idyllic island getaways and carefree days spent soaking up the sun.

8. “It’s Time” by Imagine Dragons: With its anthemic sound and positive message, this alternative rock song encourages you to seize the moment and pursue your dreams, wherever they may lead.

9. “Simple Song” by The Shins: This indie rock anthem is a delightful tribute to the joy of traveling with loved ones, capturing the essence of creating unforgettable memories on the road.

10. “Don’t Let It Get You Down” by Johnnyswim: This indie folk track is a reminder to stay resilient and positive in the face of challenges, perfect for those moments when travel throws unexpected curveballs your way.

These indie and alternative travel songs provide a unique and introspective perspective on the wonders and challenges of travel. So, dive into their atmospheric sounds and thought-provoking lyrics as you embark on your next adventure.

Section 6: Folk and Acoustic Travel Songs

Folk and acoustic travel songs have a way of capturing the essence of the journey with their raw and organic sound. These songs often tell stories of wanderlust, longing, and the beauty of nature. Let’s explore some of the must-have folk and acoustic travel songs for your playlist.

1. “The Boxer” by Simon & Garfunkel: This timeless folk ballad tells a tale of resilience and perseverance, resonating with travelers who navigate through life’s challenges on their journey.

2. “Big Yellow Taxi” by Joni Mitchell: With its melodic guitar and iconic lyrics, this song reflects on the importance of preserving nature’s beauty and serves as a reminder to appreciate the world around us.

3. “I Will Wait” by Mumford & Sons: This anthemic folk-rock song embodies the sense of anticipation and patience that comes with waiting for new adventures and exploring unknown paths.

4. “Country Roads” by John Denver: A classic folk song that celebrates the beauty of West Virginia, it evokes a sense of nostalgia and a longing for the countryside.

5. “The Cave” by Mumford & Sons: This folk-inspired track is a reminder to embrace vulnerability and to keep exploring and discovering the depths of the world, both externally and internally.

6. “Rhythm of Love” by Plain White T’s: This acoustic pop song captures the joy and excitement of falling in love with a place or a person during your travel adventures.

7. “Sweet Baby James” by James Taylor: This soothing acoustic ballad paints a picture of open roads and starry nights, perfectly capturing the tranquility and freedom that travel brings.

8. “Goodbye Yellow Brick Road” by Elton John: This folk-infused song speaks to the longing for something more, urging us to let go of materialistic desires and venture onto a path of self-discovery.

9. “Fast Car” by Tracy Chapman: With its poignant storytelling and stripped-down acoustic sound, this song captures the dreams of escape and the yearning for a better life that travel often represents.

10. “Fire and Rain” by James Taylor: This introspective folk song reflects on the ups and downs of life’s journey, reminding us to find strength and resilience through the storms we encounter.

These folk and acoustic travel songs convey the beauty and emotions that travel can evoke. So, sit back, relax, and let their soothing melodies and thoughtful lyrics accompany you on your next adventure.

Section 7: International and World Music Travel Songs

When it comes to capturing the spirit of travel, international and world music travel songs take us on a global journey through their vibrant and diverse sounds. These songs showcase the rich cultural tapestry of different countries and invite us to explore the world through music. Let’s immerse ourselves in some of the must-have international and world music travel songs for your playlist.

1. “Waka Waka (This Time for Africa)” by Shakira: This catchy global anthem, released for the 2010 FIFA World Cup, celebrates the unity and diversity of Africa, serving as an infectious invitation to embrace the rhythm and energy of the continent.

2. “Bailando” by Enrique Iglesias ft. Descemer Bueno, Gente De Zona: This Latin pop hit invites listeners to embrace the joy and passion of Latin dance and culture, providing a vibrant backdrop for your travels.

3. “Mambo No. 5” by Lou Bega: This lively and upbeat song combines elements of mambo, samba, and other Latin rhythms, transporting listeners to a tropical paradise with its infectious melodies.

4. “Clandestino” by Manu Chao: This multilingual track combines reggae, rumba, and folk influences, reflecting on the experiences of migrants and serving as a reminder of the power of music to transcend borders.

5. “Ai Se Eu Te Pego” by Michel Teló: This Brazilian hit became a worldwide sensation with its infectious rhythm and catchy chorus, capturing the spirit of celebration and joy that accompanies the vibrant Brazilian culture.

6. “Dil Se Re” by A.R. Rahman: This mesmerizing Indian song blends Hindi and Tamil lyrics with a fusion of traditional and contemporary music, reminding us of the beauty and diversity of India.

7. “Despacito” by Luis Fonsi ft. Daddy Yankee: One of the most successful Spanish-language songs in history, this reggaeton hit invites listeners to embrace the laid-back and vibrant spirit of Puerto Rico.

8. “Kiss the Rain” by Yiruma: This haunting instrumental piece by the South Korean pianist is a beautiful and evocative soundtrack for moments of tranquility and reflection during your travels.

9. “Bella Ciao” by Traditional Italian Folk Song: This iconic Italian resistance song has been embraced as an anthem of freedom and has been covered by artists from around the world, serving as a reminder of the power of music to unite and inspire.

10. “Africa” by Toto: This timeless classic captures the mystique and allure of the African continent, taking listeners on an imaginary journey through its iconic landscapes.

These international and world music travel songs offer a glimpse into different cultures and traditions, allowing us to connect with the world on a deeper level. So, let the rhythms and melodies transport you to distant lands and ignite your spirit of adventure.

Section 8: Road Trip Anthems

No travel experience is complete without an epic road trip, and having the perfect road trip anthems is essential to set the mood for adventure. These songs are perfect for singing along at the top of your lungs, feeling the wind in your hair, and immersing yourself in the freedom of the open road. Let’s explore some of the must-have road trip anthems for your playlist.

1. “Life is a Highway” by Tom Cochrane: This timeless classic is the ultimate road trip anthem, reminding us to savor every moment as we cruise along the highways and chase our dreams.

2. “Highway to Hell” by AC/DC: This hard rock anthem captures the rebellious spirit of the open road, propelling us forward on an adrenaline-fueled journey.

3. “Born to Run” by Bruce Springsteen: With its energizing sound and lyrics about escaping the confines of ordinary life, this song is a powerful reminder to embrace the freedom of the road.

4. “Route 66” by Nat King Cole: This jazzy tune pays homage to the iconic historic highway, evoking a sense of nostalgia and adventure as you traverse the American landscape.

5. “Take It Easy” by Eagles: This laid-back and melodic song invites you to slow down, enjoy the scenery, and take life as it comes during your road trip adventures.

6. “Sweet Emotion” by Aerosmith: This classic rock song embodies the excitement, energy, and sense of adventure that comes with hitting the road and leaving your cares behind.

7. “Don’t Stop Believin'” by Journey: This uplifting anthem serves as a reminder to keep pushing forward, pursuing your dreams, and embracing the journey as you make memories on the road.

8. “I’m Gonna Be (500 Miles)” by The Proclaimers: With its infectious chorus, this folk-pop hit is a lighthearted celebration of the true essence of a road trip – the willingness to go the extra mile for love or adventure.

9. “Ramblin’ Man” by The Allman Brothers Band: This bluesy rock tune channels the spirit of a wanderer, embodying the desire to keep moving and exploring new places with a sense of freedom.

10. “Road Trippin'” by Red Hot Chili Peppers: This mellow and introspective song captures the essence of a road trip, emphasizing the bond between friends and the transformative nature of travel.

These road trip anthems will be the perfect companions as you embark on long stretches of highway, creating memories and embracing the freedom of the open road. So, turn up the volume, roll down the windows, and let the music guide you on your epic road trip adventure.

Section 9: Adventure and Exploration Songs

Embarking on an adventure and venturing into the unknown is exhilarating, and having the right soundtrack can enhance the experience. Adventure and exploration songs capture the daring spirit and the thrill of discovering new horizons. Let’s dive into some of the essential adventure and exploration songs for your playlist.

1. “Adventure of a Lifetime” by Coldplay: This infectious pop-rock hit sets the tone for an adventure-filled journey, inviting you to embrace the excitement and joy of exploring new places.

2. “Dare You to Move” by Switchfoot: With its powerful lyrics and uplifting melody, this song inspires you to step outside your comfort zone and dare to chase your wildest dreams.

3. “Go Your Own Way” by Fleetwood Mac: This timeless rock anthem encourages independence and emboldens you to forge your own path as you embark on new adventures.

4. “Brave” by Sara Bareilles: This empowering pop ballad reminds you to be brave and face your fears head-on as you embrace the unknown and seek new experiences.

5. “I Lived” by OneRepublic: With its inspiring lyrics and anthemic sound, this song encourages you to live fully in the present and seize every opportunity that comes your way.

6. “Don’t Stop Believin'” by Journey: This classic rock anthem is a rallying cry that encourages you to keep pushing forward, never giving up on your dreams, and embracing the adventure of life.

7. “The Climb” by Miley Cyrus: With its uplifting message and powerful vocals, this pop ballad reminds you that the journey itself is just as important as reaching the destination.

8. “On Top of the World” by Imagine Dragons: This feel-good and upbeat song celebrates the exhilaration of achieving your goals and reminds you to savor every moment of your adventurous journey.

9. “Into the Wild” by LP: This indie pop anthem invites you to break free from the constraints of everyday life and venture into the wild, embracing the unknown with open arms.

10. “Learn to Fly” by Foo Fighters: With its energetic sound and powerful lyrics, this rock hit inspires you to spread your wings, take flight, and explore new heights of possibility.

These adventure and exploration songs will ignite your sense of wanderlust and motivate you to embark on bold, life-changing journeys. So, let the music fuel your spirit of adventure as you set out to conquer new horizons.

Music has a magical way of complementing our travel experiences, evoking emotions, and capturing the essence of our journeys. In this article, we’ve explored an array of travel songs from various genres, each offering a unique perspective on wanderlust, adventure, and exploration.

From the upbeat and energetic tunes that get our adrenaline pumping to the reflective and soulful melodies that inspire introspection, we’ve covered a broad range of travel songs for every mood and occasion. The wanderlust-themed pop songs bring a catchy and infectious spirit, while the classic travel songs evoke a sense of nostalgia and timelessness.

The indie and alternative travel songs offer a more offbeat and introspective approach, while the folk and acoustic travel songs provide a raw and organic sound that connects us with the beauty of nature. The international and world music travel songs take us on a global journey, celebrating the diverse cultures and rhythms of different countries.

We can’t forget the road trip anthems that accompany us on the open road, filling us with a sense of freedom and adventure. And if we’re seeking the thrill of exploration, the adventure and exploration songs inspire us to push boundaries and embrace the unknown.

As you curate your own travel playlist, consider the mood, destination, and emotions you want to evoke. Infuse it with a mix of these travel songs to create a soundtrack that truly represents your wanderlust spirit. Whether you’re embarking on a road trip, backpacking adventure, or simply daydreaming about your next journey, let the power of music transport you to new places and ignite your sense of wanderlust.

So, pack your bags, hit play on your favorite travel songs, and let the melodies guide you on a journey filled with exploration, discovery, and unforgettable experiences. Safe travels!

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43 Epic Songs About Travel to Inspire Wanderlust

Music in its many forms can be a great way to transport you away to another place and help you travel from home or wherever you are. We have several travel themed playlists on our Spotify from road trip anthems to peaceful in-flight songs. Whatever your taste in music this epic playlist of songs about travel recommended by bloggers will have you wanted to hop in the car or book your next flight as soon as possible.

Vienna by Billy Joel

Submitted by Erin from Pina Travels

Vienna was written by Billy Joel and released in 1977. Billy Joel wrote the song after visiting his estranged, elderly father, who was living at the time in Vienna, Austria. There are many different interpretations of the song, but one of the most common is that the song positions Vienna as a metaphor for old age.

The lyrics caution about how important it is in life to slow down, to dream, and to get what you want (rather than getting old). The final lyric of the song goes, “Why don’t you realize, Vienna waits for you?” Meaning, we all will get old one day. In listening to the beautiful piano chorus of this song, I always feel motivated to chase after my travel dreams. And of course, to visit Vienna, Austria.

California Girls by The Beach Boys

Submitted by Ali from Diary of a Detour

My favourite travel song has to be California Girls by The Beach Boys.  It was released in 1970 and to me sums up the Californian vibe perfectly.  When we were travelling on a road trip from Los Angeles to San Francisco it was on my playlist and it evokes a chilled, sunny, warm feeling.

As The Beach Boys sang, “I’ve been all around this great big world and I’ve seen all kind of girls…” but “I wish they all could be California Girls”!  This echoes my own feelings, having travelled to many different countries, but California is top of my list of places to revisit.

Born to be Wild by Steppenwolf

Submitted by Džangir from Dr Jam Travels

Born to Be Wild is a song performed by the band Steppenwolf. It was written by Mars Bonfire and recorded in 1968 for the Dunhill Records label. A year later it was on the soundtrack for the movie Easy rider that launched the song to the top of the charts.

The track essentially talks about riding on the open road and the freedom that comes with it, searching for adventure, and embracing nature. It is considered one of the first heavy metal songs. Also, it is inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. So, when you hit the open road this tune should be on your list for sure.

A Nightingale Sang in Berkeley Square by Vera Lynn

Submitted by Rosanna from Rosanna Etc

A Nightingale Sang in Berkeley Square is about a pair of lovers on a romantic moonlit walk through central London. Written in 1939 by Eric Maschwitz and Manning Sherwin it has become a jazz standard performed by artists all over the world including Frank Sinatra, Bing Crosby and Nat King Cole.  It was incredibly popular in the UK during World War Two and became an anthem for couples reuniting, especially after it was recorded by ‘the Forces’ Sweetheart’ Dame Very Lynn whose songs helped raise morale across the country. Berkeley Square is one of the largest garden squares in London. It was created in the 18th century and whilst Nightingales are rarely heard in London anymore, it is a still a beautiful place to roam around with all of the best London hotels, shops and restaurants nearby. 

Guaranteed by Eddie Vedder

Recommended by Martina & Jürgen from PlacesofJuma

 Guaranteed by Eddie Vedder, the singer of Pearl Jam, is a true classic among the most popular and best travel songs. This song was written in 2007 for the fantastic film “Into The Wild” and even won a Golden Globe in the category “Best Film Song”. If you haven’t seen this travel film, you should definitely watch it NOW.

The song Guaranteed basically embodies the struggle to go back to the simplest way of life. A very moving and especially touching song about the gift of life, about the freedom we have and also to realise it.

On Top of the World by Imagine Dragons

Submitted by John from Your Destination is Everywhere

“On Top of The World” by Imagine Dragons is a masterpiece released in 2012. Although it can be interpreted in many different ways, I think the song is ultimate about not giving up on your dreams. We all have big dreams and we all work hard in pursuing them. If you are on this blog, then chances are, you want to travel. In the song’s chorus, it says that when you’ve finally made it, you’re standing “on top of the world”, whatever that may mean for you. You will smile, look down, and try to take it all in. Overall, this song is a beautiful reminder that success takes time, your hard work will pay off, the risks you take will pay off, and your dreams will come true. So keep pushing and don’t give up just yet.

A Horse With No Name by America

Submitted by Camille from  Everything Yoga Retreat

A Horse With No Name is a popular song from the folk rock band band America. It was released in 1971 in Europe, and in early 1972 in the United States. It is one the band’s most successful songs. 

This song is about a trip through the desert, which is why it was originally titled ‘Desert Song’. Dewey Bunnell, the writer of the song, says he was inspired by his childhood travels through Arizona and New Mexico when he wrote the song at age 19. It was composed to capture the dry, hot feeling of the desert that had been pictured in a Salvador Dali painting. 

A Horse with No name is a very inspiring travel song, and it’s definitely a must-have on a road trip playlist. 

Down Under by Men at Work

Submitted by Audrey Chalmers from See Geelong 

Released in 1982 the song “Down Under” by Men At Work has inspired many travellers to visit Australia. 

The catchy tune was a smash hit with lyrics that were easy to sing along with. Written by Colin Hay, Down Under is a lighthearted celebration of the Australian culture and lifestyle. 

The lyrics feature Australian slang and drug terms such as “chunder” (vomit), “zombie” (marijuana), and a “vegemite (spread) sandwich”. 

The song tells the story of an Australian man who travels the globe telling the people he meets along the way about his home country “the land down under”. 

He travels the hippie trail, gets taken in by a strange lady, meets a man full of muscle in Brussels, and ends up lying in a den in Bombay all the while extolling the virtues of Australia “the land of plenty”. 

Down Under has become an unofficial national anthem that’s played at sporting events and in pubs and backpacker joints around the world. It’s always a crowd favourite. 

Life is a Highway by Rascal Flatts

Submitted by Kris from My Michigan Travel and Nilu from The Travelling CA

There’s no better song for inspiring you to get out on the road than “Life is a Highway,” originally released by Tom Cochrane from his album, Mad Mad World in 1991. This rock & pop version of the song was covered by Rascal Flatts as part of the soundtrack of Pixar’s  Cars  in 2005. The Rascal Flatts version became a hit, peaking at number 7 on the US Billboard Hot 100 chart.

The lyrics carry a deep meaning implying that life is a long road with no directions & no stops. You can’t really control anything in life, you just do the best you can. The singer is thankful for his life with its ups & downs. Life is after all just one really long roadtrip ; it’s up to you whether you’d want to have fun or sulk throughout the way! 

In addition to its lyrics about hitting the road, the song name checks a couple big cities – Memphis and Vancouver – and mentions Mozambique, which is fitting since Cochrane said that it was inspired by a visit to Africa for the World Vision famine relief organization. With its catchy chorus and upbeat lyrics like, “There’s a world outside every darkened door,” it’s the perfect soundtrack for a long drive, especially if you encounter any challenges along the way. If it doesn’t have you itching to pack your bags and go exploring, nothing will.

Galway Girl by Ed Sheeran

Submitted by Charlotte from Bursting My Bubbles

Galway girl is such an uplifting song from Ed Sheeran! Very aptly released on St Patrick’s day, 17th March 2017. This song hooks you from the beginning:

‘She played the fiddle in an Irish band, but she fell in love with an English man’.

These lyrics combined with the perfect mixture of Ed Sheeran’s well known guitar chords and traditional Irish music. As soon as it begins you just want to hop on a plane over to Ireland, in the song Sheeran depicts how one night he met an Irish girl and they fell in love. A heart-warming, relatable and yet dreamy love story, that gives you those excitable butterflies in your stomach. With just the prospect that this could happen, you’ll be wanting to visit Ireland for your very own Galway love story!

Passenger by Traveling alone

Submitted by Alexander and Cynthia from  Travel your Memories

Traveling alone by the Passenger is released in 2015 and is for sure one of the songs that motivate you to travel the world ! Traveling alone is one of those songs to relax and to wonder about places you would like to travel to. The song is self-explanatory, it has two separate stories of lovers who have experienced hardships that broke up their relationships. If you travel alone you can identify with the lyrics because traveling alone can sometimes hard.

The most beautiful part of the lyric in the song is the chorus. He sings “I’m loving a shadow”. That line has a deeper meaning in comparison to the rest of the song. This is a metaphor for loving someone you can’t be with. Easy explanation: a shadow is always with you but you can’t hold or keep it. “Loving a shadow” is loving the memory or the thought of someone. If you love to travel this thought is probably a trip you want to do. If you like songs like this we recommend listening to the whole album of Passenger called Whispers.

New York by Alicia Keys

Submitted by Ingrid from Christmas Time Made Easy

The song that most inspires travel for me is Alicia Key’s song New York Empire State Of Mind which was released in October 2009. Although this song is about New York, what I find most inspiring about it is how it represents that anything is possible, how we can all follow our dreams no matter who we are or where we are from. The lyrics:

‘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!’

This song inspires me to follow my dream to travel to New York and then from there the world awaits me. If I get to New York, I can go anywhere!

Knee Deep by The Zach Brown Band

Submitted by Jenny from Traveling Party of 4

Knee Deep by The Zach Brown Band with my favorite featured artist, Jimmy Buffett, was released in September 2010.  The song is about dreaming of experiencing a peaceful existence on the oceanfront and not worrying about anything — an ultimate vacation goal. My travel philosophy has evolved from ensuring that I experienced everything and didn’t miss out on any adventure while traveling to a much slower and more peaceful vacation experience.   Back in the day, I was exhausted when I returned from vacation.  This go-big-or-go-home way of life didn’t work after I had children.  AND I needed to chill out.   Nowadays, my ultimate vacation goal is rest, relaxation, peace, and wellness, and all of these things I find on the ocean.   When I hear the song “Knee Deep,” I think of losing myself in the warm crystal clear blue waters of the Caribbean , the sound of the crashing waves, and the salty scent of the sea.  And as the song states, “when you lose yourself, you find the key to paradise.”

Ramblin’ Rover by Andy Stewart of Silly Wizard

Submitted by Erica at Trip Scholars

Fellow rambling rovers with a strong sense of wanderlust will be inspired and find great humor in this Scottish classic which was released in 1985. Listeners are reminded that those who love to travel, “see the world and rove and wander, and are happier as a rule.” The lyrics talk of roaming from Orkney down to Dover, stretching fully across Great Britain , and eventually they extend to traveling around the world. The song concludes with a laugh as we are reminded that as we reach old age and the end of life, for those who have traveled over the years, “at least we tried!” Whether you are compiling a playlist of travel inspired songs with the help of this post or looking specifically for Scottish tunes to enjoy  before your trip to Scotland , add this rousing and beautiful acapella gem to your list.

Fast Car by Tracy Chapman

Submitted by Tanya from My Right Sock

Though originally not intended as a travel song, Fast Car by Tracy Chapman has a set of lyrics that will inspire you to leave everything behind and hit the road. Released in 1988, the song paints a wistful tale of escaping the everyday life in a ‘fast car’. The tenderness of Chapman’s vocals combined with the signature guitar riff makes the song absolutely arresting and a legendary piece of music.

 The rhythmic pace of Fast Car ties perfectly into the ending verse (“And I had a feeling that I belonged, that I could be someone”), fitting for a  romantic road trip . Upon its release, the song was an instant success and continues to be an enduring hit even three decades later.

Rocky Mountain High by John Denver

Submitted by Sarah from Our Little Lifestyle

Inspired by his move to Aspen, Colorado, John Denver wrote Rocky Mountain High with Mike Taylor in 1972 to describe the feeling he got while spending time in the Rocky Mountains. He likens his experience to coming home and finding a missing piece of himself that was missing. The song highlights the mountains and references the meteor shower above and the clouds below as well as the forest, and the streams. 

In the mid-1980s, with the song was at risk of being banned by stations nationwide, John Denver actually had to testify in front of Congress to explain the the “high” he is referencing is all-natural and one the mountains alone give you on a clear night or while you are camping with friends. 25 years later, the state of Colorado made Rocky Mountain High one of its official state songs. 

Waterloo Sunset by The Kinks

Submitted by David from Delve Into Europe

Waterloo Sunset by the Kinks is regarded by many as the anthem of London, but it was originally intended to be about the city of Liverpool instead. The song came to Kinks singer Ray Davies in a dream, partly inspired by his love of the Beatles, but he soon changed it to somewhere more familiar, Waterloo in central London. It was then recorded later in 1967.

Davies had seen many Waterloo sunsets in his childhood, having stayed long term at St Thomas’ Hospital there and watched at sunsets behind one of the most famous London landmarks , the Houses of Parliament.  The song is essentially an ode to London, mentioning the many taxi lights and people swarming around Waterloo Underground station, and it’s immensely evocative of the city to anyone familiar with it.

High on Life by Martin Garrix

Submitted by Jori from The Tejana Abroad

Whenever I want to get pumped up about a trip and travel in general, I listen to High on Life which was released in 2018. Although the song doesn’t mention specifically a certain destination, it is upbeat and talks about following a girl to the ends of the earth and living life to the fullest. It’s always a great listen for me when I may feel a bit burn out/exhausted during my trip. It also makes a great background music for any fun travel videos you might create!

The Nights by Avicii

Submitted by Em from That Travelista

“The Nights” is one of several well-known songs from the late Swedish DJ Avicii. It was first released in 2014 for digital download and is sung from the perspective of a man reminiscing on the lessons his father gave him as a young child.

Its inspiring lyrics include lines like “Go venture far beyond the shores, don’t forsake this life of yours,” “Son, don’t let it slip away … When you get older, your wild heart will live for younger days,” and, perhaps most poignantly, “One day you’ll leave this world behind, so live a life you will remember.”

These thought-provoking words from Nicholas Furlong in combination with Avicii’s signature euphoric and upbeat sound leave the listener inspired to face their fears, explore the world, and make the most of this one life we’ve each been given.

I’ve Been Everywhere by Hank Snow

Submitted by Sharon Henry of What The Saints Did Next

Possibly one of the most fun travel songs you’ll ever hear is, “I’ve Been Everywhere,” which topped the US country charts back in 1962 with Canadian singer, Hank Snow. It tells the story of a hitchhiker who catches a lift on a semi and in conversation with the trucker, boasts about the places he’s been. Rattling the names of 90+ locations, up and down North and South America in fast-paced, auctioneer-fashion.

The original version was written in 1959 by Australian, Geoff Mack and mentions 94 dots on the Aussie map. It reached the Sydney number one spot with singer, Lucky Star in 1962.

The song has been covered multiple times, more famously by the great Johnny Cash in 1996 with Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers, later by Kacey Musgraves and was even featured in an episode of The Simpsons.

The song’s lyrics have been adapted globally with versions featuring, New Zealand, UK , Germany, Finland and many others. Try counting the number of places you’ve been, along with the well-travelled hitchhiker.

Sometimes I feel like I’m in Barcelona by D. Kay and E-Sassin

Submitted by Mal from  Raw Mal Roams

Sometimes I feel like I’m in Barcelona was released in 2004 and is about nostalgia and good memories from Barcelona. The author is saying that every time they hear this song, they want to go back. This is exactly how I feel when I hear this song. In the video clip, you can see all the main Barcelona sights such as Barceloneta Beach, La Rambla street, the Gothic Quarters, La Boqueria Market, and Casa Milo designed the Barcelona’s greatest architect – Antonio Gaudi. If you haven’t been to Barcelona yet, I strongly recommend listening to the song and watching the clip to get inspired. If you’ve been, also listen to the song. It will make you want to go back.

Mountain Sound by Of Monsters and Men

Submitted by Mia from Walk a While with Me

Released in 2012, “Mountain Sound” is a fabulous song by the Icelandic band Of Monsters and Men. While the song doesn’t feature any specific location per se, it inspires the desire for travel, nature, and adventure, with lyrics like “hold your horses now (we sleep until the sun goes down), through the woods we ran (deep into the mountain sound).”

While there are many interpretations to the lyrics of the song, from running away from your problems to escaping into the wilderness to join the fey folk, the overall atmosphere of the song remains the same: one of adventure and travel.

In all honesty, the entire Of Monsters and Men album “My Head is an Animal” is perfect for road trips (especially around Iceland!). Additionally, their song “Dirty Paws” was featured in the film “The Secret Life of Walter Mitty,” which is one of my absolute favorite travel films!

Barcelona by Freddie Mercury ft. Montserrat Caballé

Submitted by Vicki from Vicki Viaja

The song Barcelona by Freddie Mercury, the lead singer of the epic rock band Queen and the Catalan opera singer Montserrat Caballé is one of the most outstanding songs in the history of the Catalan capital Barcelona.

Although the song was initially released in 1987, it was not until 1992 that it became a terrific international success. Because then, half a year after Mercury’s death, the song became the anthem of the Olympic Games in Barcelona.

 This song is still associated with the city’s unique flair for many today and therefore belongs to every  visit to Barcelona . But even today, also younger audiences connect the famous song with Barcelona.

Last Mango in Paris by Jimmy Buffett

Submitted by Susan from Travel Guideline

The entire repertoire of songs by Jimmy Buffett is a travel inspiration for me, probably because I left part of my heart in the Florida Keys years ago. (And I return at least once a year to visit it!) But one that rings particularly true for me is “Last Mango in Paris” which was released in 1985. 

The song starts off with Jimmy saying he “went down to Captain Tony’s” to escape the Key West heat. Captain Tony’s is a famous bar in Key West; it’s the original home of the famous Sloppy Joe’s, which is just up the road at its current location. But it’s also where Jimmy got his start – they even paid him in tequila sometimes! 

As the song continues, you find it is about so much more than Key West. The gentleman that is the subject of the song has spent time in Paris, Vietnam, China, Brazil, and Africa . He has clearly spent his life exploring many parts of the planet! And the lyrics hint at adventure: He ate the last mango in Paris. He took the last boat out of China. He dodged bullets and slept under the stars. 

I hope when I’m old and people describe my life, it too has many destinations and stories to share.

On the Road Again by Willie Nelson

Submitted by Victoria from Guide Your Travel

On the Road again by Willie Nelson is the perfect road trip song. It’s fun and upbeat while describing wanderlust and the constant desire to get back out there and see the world. The song was first recorded in 1979 and even reached number one on the US billboard Country charts. Willie Nelson manages to combine a light-hearted country song with a desire to see the world not alone but with your friends. This is an absolute must-have for any travel playlist especially when it comes to road trips and getting back to travel.

Beer in Mexico by Kenny Chesney

Submitted by Bailey from Inspire with Quotes

Beer in Mexico is a fun-loving light-hearted song about, you guessed it, enjoying a beer in Mexico! It is a country song by Kenny Chesney that was released in 2007. In fact, this song was the first written by Kenny Chesney himself that reached number one on the U.S. Billboard Hot Country songs Chart.  

The easy-listening nature of this song can’t help but make you want to visit Mexico and enjoy a beer while sitting at the beach. Similar to  quotes about beaches , this song tells us about how being at the beach often makes you ponder life. It’s those moments of relaxation and stillness that make us think of our past and present life decisions. Listening to it will definitely make you want to book that plane ticket to Mexico! 

Wide Open Spaces by The Chicks

Submitted by Sophie from Just Heading Out

Wide Open Spaces by The Chicks (formerly the Dixie Chicks) is the title track of their fourth album, released in 1998. The song became a hit and spent four weeks at number 1 on the US country charts.

The song covers the theme of leaving home and exploring the world. The chorus goes “She needs wide open spaces, room to make her big mistakes”. In the song, a girl says goodbye to her parents as she sets out on her own for the first time. Although no specific places are named in the lyrics, the music video was filmed in the Rocky Mountains.

California Waiting by Kings of Leon

Submitted by Rai from A Rai Of Light

California Waiting is the fourth single taken from the Youth and Young Manhood album by the Kings of Leon. Released in 2004, it describes the negative aspects of fame, fortune, and flying around the world . These knock-on effects are amplified when in a relationship. The reference to California is the very real likelihood of the end of a relationship resulting from accomplishments in the industry. The track is a replacement version of the song that appears on their debut, the EP Holy Roller Novocaine. It was recorded in a rush to finish the record. However, the band members were not satisfied with the outcome and recorded this version instead. The song has the ability to take you on a journey, not only through its lyrics, but also through its underlying theme of escapism.

London Calling by The Clash

Submitted by Clotilde from A Princess Travelling with Twins

London Calling by The Clash, 1979 is an apocalyptic song about the impending doom of our planet with ecological and nuclear disaster just around the corner, but that’s only if you actually listen to all of the lyrics! To the casual listener the stirring opening line of “London calling to the faraway towns” is an invitation, almost a demand, to leave their faraway town to visit and explore this amazing city.

Thankfully, the picture of horror depicted has not come to pass, although we still have a journey ahead to live in harmony with our planet, but London has certainly got swing and it’s not drowning yet! If London is calling to you too then make sure you  plan a good itinerary  to efficiently take you around the great many sights and attractions of London but leave you with enough energy to enjoy it.

Voyage, Voyage by Desireless

Submitted by Elisa from France Bucket List

Voyage, Voyage, a song by the singer Desireless, is one of my favorite tunes for a  road trip in France . This French song was released in 1987, and it expresses the singer’s wish to travel far away, to exotic places far from her reality.

Sang entirely in French, there was a general surprise when it became a huge international success, even in non-francophone countries like the UK or Germany.

Even if the lyrics mention different places like the Amazon, Mount Fujiyama, India, Spain , or the Equator, this song is more about general travel (the idea of traveling to faraway places) than about a specific country.

I especially like this song in the summertime, when I drive south to the French coast or other places different from my reality in Paris.

Andalucia by John Cale

Submitted by Alison from Alison in Andalucia

‘Andalucia’ featured on John Cale’s 1973 album ‘Paris 1919’, his third solo album. The melody is far removed from the passion and vibrancy of the traditional flamenco sounds that are synonymous with Andalucia. With this tune, though, Cale has written a beautiful, almost fragile, song evocative of the mournful tracks he created with Lou Reed during his time in The Velvet Underground. From the opening line ‘Andalucia when can I see you’ Cale’s vocals are delicate and you can feel the emotion in his delivery of the lyrics, with his voice quivering as he sings about his yearning for Andalucia. Although the lyrics are somewhat vague and open to interpretation (is Cale singing about Andalucia itself, or about someone (a lover perhaps) from Spain?) there’s no denying the heartfelt emotions he displays as he sings his love letter to Andalucia. ‘Andalucia Castles and Christians, Andalucia come to stay’.

Surfin’ USA by The Beach Boys

Submitted by Ale from Sea Salt and Fog

Perhaps no other song perfectly encapsulates the all-American summer vibe like Surfin’ USA by The Beach Boys. Released in 1968, Surfin USA gives you a list of beautiful surfing locations to inspire your summer travels. From sunny San Diego beaches in Southern California, all the way to  Santa Cruz  in the north, The Beach Boys take you on a “surfari” of famous surf locales. Plus, as with most surf rock songs, the catchy beat will have you singing along in no time. If you’re longing for beach time during the hot summer months, this is the perfect song to transport you to the beautiful California coast. 

Roam by the B-52’s

Submitted by Alanna Koritzke from  Periodic Adventures

If you’re looking for the perfect travel song, then look no further. Roam is a gem by The B-52’s that came out in 1989. It praises traveling and encourages listeners to roam the world. Although it doesn’t name any specific destination, lyrics like “kick through continents” and “roam around the world” are sure to inspire your next travels. Plus, Kate Pierson and Cindy Wilson sing about the wilderness, dusty trails, airstrips, sunsets, and more! It’s a great road trip song or perfect for sparking your wanderlust anytime!

Somewhere Over The Rainbow by Israel Kamakawiwo’ole

Submitted by Alexandra from Perfect Day To Play

“Somewhere Over the Rainbow ” by Israel Kamakawiwoʻole (1993) is one of those unique songs that instantly sets you into a “vacation mode” and teleports your thoughts to the Hawaii paradise! You can smell the sweet aroma of tropical flowers and hear the bluebirds fly past you on your way to the beach. Feel hot sand between your toes, while the ocean is gently brushing your feet. You marvel at countless rainbows crisscrossing the sky while the soft cool mist from a nearby waterfall is caressing your skin.

It is easy to imagine yourself at the top of Haleakala Volcano at sunset watching demi-God Maui rolling the Sun across the horizon and drowning it in the ocean. An hour later find yourself amidst the mind blowing night sky sparkling with distant stars. And so you can’t help but tune in with IZ’s ukulele and sing along “…someday I’ll wish upon a star to wake up where the clouds are far behind me…” 

Shotgun by George Ezra

Submitted by Dymphe from Dym Abroad

One of the most travel inspiring songs is “Shotgun” by George Ezra. This is a song that was released in the year 2018, and it became a very popular song worldwide. This song is all about travel. It is about discovering new places, which inspires you to do the same. It is about architecture that is different and about a difference in atmosphere of the place he visits.

Moreover, the artist wrote the song when he was in Barcelona, but it features the country of Australia. This is not very obvious, but in the song, you can hear about the colours yellow and green, and he sings about the country being south of the equator and about the activity of deep-sea diving .

Africa by Toto

Submitted by Sharon from Tasmania Explorer

Released in 1982, Africa is a song I have been listening to all of my life. It made it to number one in the US and Canadian charts and the top 10 in many others. The song is meant to be about a love of Africa and the lyrics mention such places as Mount Kilimanjaro and the Serengeti. It’s easy to imagine travelling round the plains of Africa while listening to it.

When I finally made it to Africa in 2017, we did play this song as we drove around and it captured the landscape well. It’s a super catchy song and one definitely worth adding to your travel inspiration playlist

Montana by Owl City

Submitted by Jen Ambrose and Ryan Victor from Montana Discovered

If you’re someone who’s ever dreamed of life under the big sky, Owl City’s song “Montana” will speak to your heart. The band’s one-man wonder Adam Young wrote the song in 2018 as a tribute both to the state and to his uncle who left the city to live there. The song is mainly about the area around Glacier National Park, the most famous part of the state and the home of its iconic jagged mountains.

Some of the lyrics are incredibly literal, telling the story of working in a restaurant, selling souvenirs, buying land, and building a cabin. But anyone who loves the outdoors will relate to lines like “Get lost in Montana / Where the mountains call you home.”

Kokomo by The Beach Boys

Submitted by Ruby from Voyage Florida

Kokomo by the Beach Boys was released in 1988 and was originally made for a film called “Cocktail”. While Kokomo is a made-up destination, it has inferred a lot of Caribbean destinations in the song.

The destinations in the chorus are Aruba, Jamaica, Bermuda, Bahamas , Key Largo, Montego (which presumably refers to Montego Bay, also in Jamaica). One verse mentions the Florida Keys, where there’s plenty of islands to visit like Key Largo, Islamorada, Key West, and Marathon. This part of the verse talks about having a drink , which is a quintessential thing to do on vacation in the islands!

Listen carefully and you will also hear references to Martinique, Montserrat, and Port Au Prince (Haiti). While Haiti is not really considered a Caribbean tropical island destination, it still counts as something, right?

It is a fun and quirky song that one can use as a Caribbean bucket list. It is fun to just sing the song in your head and try to tick off destinations you’ve visited (or may visit in the future).

Runaway by Janet Jackson

Submitted by Sundeep and Bedabrata from Delhi Fun Dos

Talk about the early years of MTV in India and the audience here was swept away by fancy music video culture. Singers and video producers got even more creative and the videos became a visual treat. If there was a song that inspired travel those days, it had to be Runaway by Janet Jackson.

Runway was released in the year 1995 and had a certain edginess about it that was hard to miss. Janet Jackson jumping from one famous monument or city to another – the pyramids to Eiffel Tower, it was travel goals written all over the music video. The  nath  (nose ring with chain) and  tagdi  (the ornamental waist belt) made a beautiful India connection. Runaway was a complete package in fashion, entertainment, worldview and inspiration and is like a travel mantra even today.

Road Trippin’ by Red Hot Chili Peppers

Submitted by Nicole at Affordable Family Travel

Road Trippin’ by Red Hot Chilli Peppers was released in 1999.  The song is about driving the Pacific Coast Highway in sunny California. It references “west of the one” several times which is a reference to California State Route 1 also known as the Pacific Highway, which is the famous scenic route along the California coast. Road trippin’ also mentions, Big Sur which is a scenic town on Highway However, the song captures essence of a road trip with lyrics like “Fully loaded we got snacks and supplies”.  This song is great for when you are cruising down a highway with the sun shining “just a mirror for the sun”.

Down in The Valley by The Head and The Heart

Submitted by Rachita from Meander Wander

Down in the Valley by the folk band, The Head and the Heart, was released in 2010 and is one of my favorite travel songs. Although the song is more about the existential crisis, personally, what I love about this song is how it talks about all the places that are there to visit in this world. When you hear this song and listen to the lyrics lamenting about so many places to discover, it transports you straight into these beautiful valleys that the songwriter is talking about. This is one song that talks about how these amazing places are where you would find most travellers exploring or staying at. 

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

Submitted by Ania from The Travelling Twins The Proclaimers is a band of twin brothers from  Scotland  singing about everyday life experiences. The album, Hollywood Soundtracks, is an excellent soundtrack to any road trip. Released in 1987 and consisting of 12 tracks offers an interesting mix between alternative rock songs like “I Would Walk 500 Miles” with the Celtic sound on other tracks such as “My Love will not Let you Down.” I first heard “500 miles on the road trip to Scottish Highlands and couldn’t get the song out of my mind. Later I rediscovered it while watching “How I Met Your Mother”, where Ted and Marshal had the song on their mixtape for the road trip. If you’re feeling stuck and need a change of scenery, switch on “I Would Walk 500 Miles” and hit the road. 

Margaritaville by Jimmy Buffett

Submitted by Lynn from Be Your Own Travel Guide

Say the word vacation, and visions of sandy beaches, palm trees, and crystal-clear water often come to mind. There is no better song to transport you visually on vacation than Jimmy Buffett’s Margaritaville. Listening to this breezy tune instantly puts you at ease and dreaming of better, lazy days spent in paradise.

Often considered to be the father of ‘island escapism’, Jimmy Buffett has many hits songs that center around his beach-bum image. His band, the Coral Reefers, spend their days in the tropics, drawing inspiration for their next song. Margaritaville so embodied the relaxing ideal of vacation that it led to the creation of the Margaritaville brand – a collection of hotels, restaurants, and stores that promote relaxation at every turn. With locations all across North America and as far as Sydney, Australia, you do not need to travel far for a good time.

What an incredible list of songs about travel! I hope this post has inspired your wanderlust, it certainly made us want to hop on a plane and we have created a whole new travel songs playlist from these recommendations!

For more wanderlust inspiration check out these posts:

• 25 Best Travel Memoirs and Non-Fiction Books about Travel
• 20 Best Fiction Books for Wanderlust Inspiration

Let us know your favourite travel inspiring songs or if you added any of these to your own travel playlist!

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Steph is the main writer of Book It Let's Go! and is arguably the better half of the couple. She is an expat originally from England currently residing in St Kitts where she teaches veterinary students. In 2019 Steph packed up her old life, her husband Lewis, and their 2 cats in to leave the cold and wet behind in exchange for beaches and palm trees. Now she has made the leap to move abroad she has no plans to return anytime soon and wants to help others make the leap to move abroad too. Steph is currently enjoying being based in the Caribbean and doing some island hopping while planning her next big adventure with Lewis.

Noah takes the world

50 songs for solo travel: how to curate the perfect playlist for your solo trip.

Creating a Solo Trip Playlist Should Be a Part of Your Trip Planning

When you are packing for your solo trip, a few things are essential. Your wallet, your umbrella, and a good playlist full of songs for solo travel.

Wait, a good playlist? 

Yes, you need to curate a playlist for your trip. After years of solo traveling, I have found listening to music on a solo trip is comforting, energizing, and healing. 

It is like an umbrella and can keep you from feeling cold from an unwanted shower. It is like an espresso shot to help you finish climbing a mountain.

However, it can be difficult to decide what music to choose songs for solo travel when streaming services are home to over 100 million tracks. 

New to solo traveling? READ: How You Can Have the Best First Solo Trip and Why Is Solo Travel Better Than Traveling With Friends?

Hi, I am Noah takes the world . I love solo traveling. Planning a solo trip can be stressful with endless scrolling and searching.

My mission is to make your solo trip a reality.  

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This post may have affiliate links. I receive a small percentage if you book a hostel or attraction through my recommended links. This is at no extra cost to you and helps me reach my goal of becoming a full-time digital nomad.

Table of contents:

How Do I Select Songs for Solo Travel?

Avoid making a trendy or aesthetic playlist, how music kept me sane and safe on a scary solo trip, the best songs for a healthy ‘emo’ moment, vibey moment:, reflective moment:, the best songs to motivate and boost your energy, listen to my perfect playlist for a solo trip and create your own.

To curate the perfect playlist for your solo trip, you need a wide variety of songs that offer a sense of familiarity.  Those are the best songs for solo travel.

When you solo travel, your emotions are varied. One minute, you’re apprehensive and anxious as you hit the road alone. Next thing you know, you’re in shock when something you have only seen in photos comes to life.

Noah’s take: If you fill your playlist with songs that have the same feeling and intensity, you might be bored with your tracks. I like listening to music that reflects my mood and the atmosphere I am currently experiencing. 

When the music I listen to reflects my current state on my solo trip, I feel more present and emotionally available. 

Noah’s take: I have solo traveled from D.C. to Hawaii. Every trip is different, but I guarantee you will feel a bit blue, reflective, and exhausted during your travels.

So, a great playlist for a solo endeavor needs a mixture of three types of songs: sad songs, reflective songs, and motivational songs. 

Visiting Japan? Read: How to Spend 48 Hours in Tokyo With Only $100 and The five best hostels for solo travelers

Why Do I Need Songs That Offer Familiarity on My Solo Travel Playlist?

Your sad songs, reflective songs, and motivational songs should offer familiarity. That means you should add tracks to your solo travel playlist that you already know and love. Familiar tracks create the most healing and fun solo travel playlist. 

Although it is enjoyable to discover new music, you might want to avoid doing so during your solo trip. 

The unfamiliarity and lack of connection to your music may amplify feelings of loneliness that can accompany solo traveling.

Although you might feel lonely, I still believe solo traveling is better than traveling with friends. 

If you are embarking on a challenging hike or driving alone for hours, you can feel a little empty and lost. You may start questioning your decisions and want to turn back. 

When you feel this way, pop in those headphones and listen to some of your favorite tunes. Listen to songs from different eras of your life, and soon your mind will flash with memories. 

Looking back at your past will help offer a new perspective during your solo trip. You will realize how much you have grown from your past.

You will feel more confident in yourself and feel more confident in overcoming obstacles. 

Noah’s take: Listening to nostalgic music helps you appreciate your life and find pride in yourself. That is why adding songs with a special place in your heart to your playlist is essential. 

Too often, I see fellow travel influencers create playlists filled with lo-fi beats and indie artists because it makes them seem trendy and gives off the proper “main character” aesthetic. 

Noah’s take: If that is the kind of music you grew up listening to and choose to listen to regularly, then yes, it should be on your songs for solo travel playlist.

But if you grew up listening to cheesy pop songs or emotional R&B ballads, fill your solo travel playlist with those songs. You do not want tracks that bore you. You want tracks that comfort you and remind you about the beauty of life. 

Your solo travel playlist may lack the continuity of a curated playlist you find on streaming services. However, it is more important that you have tracks that you love and that make you happy.

Noah’s take: It is your songs for solo travel playlist. The beauty of solo traveling is that no one can judge your music choices. The aux is all yours. 

There is no shame in having a hard, hip-hop track woven in between Hannah Montana hits. 

I remember during one solo trip, I was extremely anxious. I was hiking alone in Grand Teton National Park, convinced a bear would attack me. 

Read more about my Grand Tetons experience and how it became one of my favorite solo trips.

On the trail, I blasted ARTPOP, an experimental, unconventional pop album by Lady Gaga, and the high-tempo tracks and camp lyrics helped distract me from my fears. 

Lady Gaga was one of the first artists I grew up listening to. Listening to her sent me back to when I was a child exploring. Although now I was hiking in bear country, I had nothing to really fear because I had spent years preparing for this trail. 

Blasting loud music on the trail also comforted me because loud noises tend to thwart off bears.  Read more about my 10 Solo Hiking Tips .

Noah’s take: My point with this anecdote is that you need a playlist with familiar songs because it can add a sense of familiarity to a day where everything is unfamiliar. 

Having familiarity, even when it only applies to the music you listen to, is comforting on a solo trip. 

Why Should I Listen to Sad Songs During My Solo Trip?

First, you want songs on your playlist that make you feel “emo” or very emotional and melancholy. These songs are necessary for a solo trip because you encounter heavy emotions when you travel alone. 

When I have gone on solo hiking trips, memories I thought I suppressed usually resurface. Instead of keeping them in, I let them out through music. Sad music is a way I cope with those memories and unwanted emotions. 

Sad songs create empathy . We feel less alone when we listen to someone lamenting their troubles because we can connect their struggles to our current struggles. 

Noah’s take: Opt for something else if your sad music only amplifies and intensifies your sad emotions. However, you will feel more at peace if you allow yourself a safe space to explore sad feelings.

Covering up your loneliness and fear with high-tempo jams only works for so long. 

• Rain – SWV: Within seconds, the moody instrumentals paint a picture of a rainstorm. I get lost in the magic of this track instantaneously. 
• Nobody Gets Me – SZA: The track opens with, “Took a long vacation. No makeup, just Jay-Z…” Sounds like the background to all my solo trips; just swap Jay-Z with Mariah Carey. 
• Breakaway – Kelly Clarkson: I don’t know a track that better describes the need to escape a place that no longer offers personal growth. It is a staple song of my childhood, and now as an adult, the lyrics are even more poignant. 
• Better Off – Ariana Grande: If you want to feel a little self-pity, this is the track for you. Sometimes it is sad to be alone, but you realize you are better off without toxic people. 
• Track 10 – Charli XCX: This song is not “emo” in the sense of production. The production is absolutely insane and pop to the highest degree. However, the first verse starts with, “Every time you get too close, I want to run away.” This song is perfect for someone who wants to explore the topic of self-sabotage while dancing simultaneously. 
• Set Fire to the Rain – Adele: I fondly remember listening to this track while vacationing with my family. Listening to this while on the road alone offers a nice trip down memory lane and is a fun ballad to sing along to. 
• Torn – Natalie Imbruglia: A stable of 2000s pop. This sad but infectious track is great for a rainy day when you are in your feels. 
• Bends – Carly Rae Jepsen: Jepsen wrote this beautiful track about losing a loved one during the pandemic. It is perfect when you want to remind yourself about the beauty of life.
• Missing U – Robyn: Even if you love solo traveling and being alone, it can be healing to enjoy a euphoric tune about loneliness. 
• Rollin – Calvin Harris (Feat. Khalid and Future): This track hits differently during a solo drive at dusk when you reflect on your fears and past mistakes. 
• Lonely Weekend – Kacey Musgraves: An honest, relatable song about a lonely weekend. Seems like it was written with solo travelers in mind. 
• Outside – Marey Carey: Need a good cry? Mariah has you covered with this anthem for anyone who has ever felt on the outside. 
• Easy – Troye Sivan: A track that showcases the fear of rejection in a beautiful way. Sometimes we prefer to be alone to avoid feeling rejected. 
• Lucky – Britney Spears: Sometimes you appear happy when that is quite the opposite. This tune remains relatable and relevant in a world of social media and fake smiles. 
• Camouflage – Brandy: Brandy belts beautifully, telling us it is not worth being with someone who wants you to hide your true self. 

Why Should I Listen to Reflective Songs During My Solo Trip?

One of the greatest benefits of solo travel is that you have time to escape daily life and be alone, surrounded by majestic wonders. 

Noah’s take: I love listening to music to remind me to be thankful and present. 

You do not need to be listening to music every moment. There is peace in quiet reflection. However, sometimes, I feel even more grateful when I have a “music video moment” on my trip. 

What’s a music video moment? It is when you’re running through the streets, matching your stride with the beat. You don’t just feel like a main character. You are the main character. 

It’s such a fun, freeing feeling. Who knew listening to songs about traveling alone could be so exciting?

The Best Songs to Help You Feel Reflective and in the Moment:

I categorized songs here as either “vibey moment ” or “reflective moment.” The first being more uptempo, the latter being more midtempo and slow jams. 

Vibey moment songs are perfect for running through the neon lights of Times Square. Reflective moment songs are best for a casual walk through Central Park on a crisp spring day. 

• This Is Heaven – Nick Jonas: Play this track when surrounded by beautiful scenery. You will feel closer to heaven. 
• Holiday – Little Mix: A fun bop that is perfect when the sun soaks your skin and you want to remember the moment forever. Why can’t every day be a holiday?
• All The Stars – SZA and Kendrick Lamar: This song is from a soundtrack, so it is no question that listening to this impeccable collaboration will make you feel like you are in the climax of your own film. 
• WTF Do I Know – Miley Cyrus: When you solo travel, you often ask yourself, “WTF Do I Know?” Solo traveling changes your perspective on the entire world. Let this fun track from Miley amplify the moment. 
• Cruel Summer -Taylor Swift: One of Taylor’s best tracks that is perfect for lip-syncing and emoting while you walk down the beach on a solo trip. Don’t worry if people stare. They are just jealous. 
• Not Ready To Wake Up – Aly and AJ: “Not ready to wake up, when real life feels like dreamin.” This song helps you remain grateful for your experiences during your travels. 
• Backseat – Charli XCX (feat. Carly Rae Jepsen): “Run through a city at midnight to feel like a star.” This hyper-pop standard makes being alone sound much more exciting than being with someone else. 
• Say Something – Kylie Minogue: Disco influences on this song make a starry night suddenly a spiritual experience. You don’t need Studio 54 to feel this free. 
• Black Coffee – All Saints: A bit more subdued when compared to most other “vibey tracks.” Black Coffee’s 2000s sound paired with a coastal view makes for an introspective experience. 
• Cool – Gwen Stefani: You may not be moving on after a divorce like Gwen, but this classic pop-rock track is enjoyable to listen to while you appreciate the solo life.
• Ray of Light – Madonna: This new-wave track from a pop pioneer is a fun listen when you want to reflect on the newfound confidence you gained from your solo trip. 
• Coastin – Victoria Monet: A flirtatious, groovy song you can play on the road. Its fun play on words is entertaining and infectious. 
• Sanctuary – Allie X: Allie X sings about a place to run when you need safety. For me, solo traveling is my sanctuary. It is how I find meaning in a stressful world. Not sure Allie X had solo traveling in mind when she wrote this song, though. 
• Unwritten – Natasha Bedingfield: One of the most joyous, inspiring, and fun songs out there. A song about taking risks and writing new chapters in your book. It is the perfect track for a solo trip. 
• Human Nature – Michael Jackson: A favorite of mine from the king of pop. If you feel a bit anxious, this track will calm you down. 
• Clean – Taylor Swift: I love listening to “Clean” during a spring shower. It reminds me that rain is necessary and washes away our impurities. 
• Easy on Me – Adele: I like to drive with my windows down as Adele did in this music video and imagine myself leaving a difficult situation only to come back a stronger person.
• Better in Time – Leona Lewis: A sad tune about overcoming loneliness. However, the message that it will all get better in time is comforting. 
• Go Find Yourself or Whatever – Carly Rae Jepsen: Jepsen sings about a lover who is leaving her to find himself. It is an interesting listen as I am the one leaving the ones I love to “find myself or whatever.”
• Altar – Kehlani: This track is about remembering a loved one who has passed and wanting to spend more time with them. It is a beautiful track to listen to while contemplating life. 
• American Teenager – Ethel Cain: An infectious chorus makes this song heavily replayable. It is a song that sets the scene of a typical American experience with eerie suspense. 
• Island – Miley Cyrus: “Am I stranded on an island, or have I landed in paradise?” Miley wrote this track for the solo traveling community. It is the only explanation for how fitting this track is for a solo adventure. 
• No Ordinary Love – Sade: A love song? On a solo trip playlist?? No Ordinary Love is not an ordinary love song. It is haunting and layered. You will feel something special when you listen to this song. 
• Gracias a la vida – Kacey Musgraves: Musgraves covered this song about life and its challenges and triumphs. Research the history of this song to make for an even more enchanting listen. 
• One Moment in Time – Whitney Houston: Written for the 1988 Olympics, this song and incredible vocal performance from Whitney might just send tears down your face during a challenging solo trip. 

Why Should I Listen to Motivational Songs During My Solo Trip?

It is late. The last train has almost departed. You are ten blocks away. It seems impossible to make it.

Luckily, you have a solo travel playlist chock-full of high-energy bops. 

Noah’s take: I can’t tell you how often I run to a train station on a solo trip, but it is nearly every trip. 

You may not be running to the station, but I know you will feel a little tired during your solo trip. 

You could get coffee, but a caffeine-free and literally FREE solution is to listen to high-tempo tunes. Your solo trip playlist needs some very energetic songs because you will need a pick-me-up during your trip. 

I was biking on a beautiful island in Japan. I took a detour to see a lighthouse and suddenly added 20 miles to my trip. My ferry was leaving in 30 minutes. 

Noah’s take: This was exactly the time I needed some bangers to motivate me to make the ferry in time. 

It was insane how I managed to make my ferry. I boarded the ferry within seconds to spare, and I didn’t have time to return my bike, which is another story for another time, but because I had a set of songs for solo travel, I managed to do the impossible. 

• Who’s Gonna Save You Now – Rina Sawayama: Rina delivers so much angst and attitude in this jam. It is such a cool song because it takes you into a stadium like you are at a live event. 
• Dance Alone – Tayla Parx: A fun track that is very danceable. The lyrics play with overcoming loneliness, making it thematically relevant to a solo trip. 
• Try Again – Aaliyah: If you don’t know Aaliyah, I feel bad for you. The R&B princess delivers a motivational track that sounds fresh no matter the decade. 
• Rain On Me – Lady Gaga and Ariana Grande: A song about embracing obstacles and taking life not too seriously presented by two pop icons. It is a fun track and sure to provide some dopamine. 
• The High Road – JoJo: The incredibly talented JoJo offers a soothing R&B jam that will remind you to keep going on your solo trip and always take the high road. 
• Indestructible – Robyn: When you need that extra push to get from point A to point B, let Robyn remind you that you are, in fact, indestructible. 
• party 4 u – Charli XCX: A song about longing and anticipation wrapped in insane synths. One listen and instantaneously, you will feel in outer space. 
• By The End Of The Night – Ellie Goulding: Ellie always delivers bops, but this might be my favorite one because of its glowing production and high-replay value. 
• Escapade – Janet Jackson: A classic tune about reaping the benefits of working hard. I always believe it is time to go on a little escapade. 
• Undo (Back To My Heart) – Tinashe & Wax Motif: Another song with sensational instrumentals and lyrics that admit loneliness is hard. That combination goes so hard on a solo trip. 

Remember, a great solo travel playlist needs variety and familiarity. Use these songs for solo travel to be a starting point for your playlist curation.

Add songs you love and forgot you loved from many different points of your life. Take time to make an effective playlist, and you will have a more enjoyable solo trip. 

Don’t simply press the shuffle button when listening to music on your solo trip. Create a playlist where you can safely explore isolation, feel gratitude for what you are experiencing, and receive a much-needed dopamine boost so you don’t miss your ferry. 

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

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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67 Songs About Travelling: A Playlist for 2024

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

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.

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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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

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!

Related Posts

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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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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.

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!

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30 of the best travel songs

Hostelworld Blog | Posted on August 14, 2018 |

Good music equals good vibes, and tunes about travel bring together two of our greatest loves. We can’t always be lucky enough to be off exploring, but these songs do a pretty good job of transporting us around the world. We’ve thrown together thirty of the best travel songs from some of our favourite artists for you to add to your escapism playlist! These epic songs speak of everything from our dream destinations, to finding yourself, appreciating the moment and letting loose. Excuse the cheese, and enjoy our playlist!

1. Free – Trevor Hall

Trevor Hall wrote  Free after his flight was delayed for seven hours, making him late to arrive for a performance in Squamish, Canada. He arrived at Vancouver airport at 3am and rushed to the festival. During the drive the sun began to rise over the ocean, and he realised that if he wasn’t late he never would have witnessed that amazing scene. Travelling can be stressful at times, but above all else it’s a privilege and a gift. We can handle late flights, lost baggage, or whatever else it throws at us!

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2. Guaranteed – Eddie Vedder

This song was an instant classic. Eddie Vedder wrote Guaranteed for the film “Into The Wild”, which you should definitely watch (or read the book!) if you aren’t familiar with the story. It’s all about going back to the basics, living a simple life and being free to do as you please.

3. Big Sur – Jack Johnson

What’s a travel playlist without some Jack Johnson? Big Sur gives us tropical, surfy vibes, but we like listening to it wherever we are. It’s about about briefly escaping the things we can’t avoid in life, being surrounded by your best friends and getting lost in conversations that only end because you have to go to bed. Sound familiar?

4. New York – Cat Power

Cat Power’s cover of “New York, New York” is one of our favourites by far. The song was originally written for Martin Scorsese’s film  New York, New York  (sorry for saying New York so much) and was re-recorded by Frank Sinatra in 1979, which is the most famous version of the song. But we think this version is super special! The song is about the stiff competition and valuable rewards that can be found in New York City, and it makes us want to go there every time we hear it.

📷:  @_gabi_ka

5. Step Out – José González

Step Out was written for the film “The Secret Life Of Walter Mitty”, which if you’ve seen you’ll understand why it had to be included in the playlist. This song (and the film) is all about getting out of your comfort zone and leaving behind the things that make you feel too “at home”, so it’s pretty perfect for us!

📷: @ericsandstrom

6. Sunny – Bobby Hebb

Everyone knows this one! Sunny is definitely about a love that eases the pain during a difficult time in life, and in a way, isn’t that travel for all of us?

7. Here’s To Now – Ugly Casanova

Here’s another song from a movie.  Here’s To Now  was written for the film “ 180° South: Conquerors of the Useless”, a documentary of a man retracing the steps of Doug Tompkins and Yvon Chouinard, the founders of The North Face and Patagonia, respectively. It’s a pretty epic journey as he drives south from Ventura, California to Patagonia, Chile (get it? 180° South?) and then climbs Corcovado Volcano. Here’s To Now  is a perfect travel song because it’s about living in the moment, but also planning ahead. You know, the classic “should I plan my trip now or be spontaneous when I get there?” dilemma.

8. These Old Shoes – Deer Tick

These Old Shoes is about travelling long distances and getting to your love by any means necessary, which is pretty much how we feel when we know there’s a cold pint waiting for us at our next destination.

9. Riders On The Storm – The Doors

Another classic song that’s always been on our road trip playlists.  Riders On The Storm  is largely about how we’re a tiny part of a massive, chaotic universe, which is both terrifying and comforting at the same time.

10. Fast Car – Tracy Chapman

Tracy Chapman hit it out of the park with  Fast Car.  It’s been a favourite family road trip song for many of us even when we were kids, so there’s a bit of nostalgia there, but it’s also appropriate for a travel playlist  as it’s all about chasing a dream. Sometimes you just gotta get away!

11. Old Pine – Ben Howard

Old Pine  is a perfect song about creating memories, growing up and being completely intoxicated by an experience. We think everyone has memories that this song will bring back, or maybe you’ll make new ones to it, you do you.

12. Mountain House – Blue Child Collective

Mountain House  is for the people that come across places in their travels and wish they could just build a hostel and live there forever. You might not, but you can sure dream about it.

13. The Stars Keep On Calling My Name – Mac Demarco

The Stars Keep On Calling My Name  is another one that follows the “get out of town, escape the same old routine” trend, which is pretty relatable. This one always has us tapping our feet and bobbing our heads on the plane/train/bus #noshame.

14. Something Good – Alt-J

Something about  Something Good makes us feel like we’re flying through the air, even if we’re just at the kitchen sink washing up. This song is about mending a broken heart with fun distractions. Maybe that resonates with you, maybe it doesn’t, either way this song is a good’un.

15. Silver Timothy – Damien Jurado

Silver Timothy  is part of two records that Damien Jurado created, telling the story of a dream he had about a man who leaves his home with no form of ID and wanders through the desert. It’s more or less about trying to disappear and find yourself, but it’s a little adventurous too.

16. The Air That I Breathe – The Hollies

Another song about forgetting everything that brings you down and just being happy with someone special,  The Air That I Breathe  is a good one to get you into relaxation mode.

17. The Time And The Weight – Current Swell

The Time And The Weight  is a bit heavy. It focuses on how time is fleeting, and the weight that comes along with making the right decisions with the time we have. So why not plan a trip to experience something new?

18. Fisher – Camel Power Club

Fisher  is a nice reminder to stop comparing yourself to others and just have the most fun you can have for you.

19. So Tired – Crumb

We added  So Tired to the playlist, because to us it says a lot about being frustrated with the world as it is and trying to escape for a bit.

20. On A Coconut Island – Louis Armstrong

Louis Armstrong took beach vibes and put them directly  into a song with  On A Coconut Island.  It takes us back to eating homemade ice cream on tropical islands and watching the sailboats go by while the waves crash onto the beach and wash up to our feet. Good times.

21. Amsterdam – Peter Bjorn and John

Amsterdam is another heavy song, but it’s still a classic that we had to include. It isn’t exactly about Amsterdam itself, but more about someone you love going off to do better things and then being stuck thinking about how well they’re doing without you (yep, pretty saddening – sorry). Maybe a trip to Amsterdam is what you need to turn that frown upside down?

22. The World At Large – Modest Mouse

This has been a favourite song since the days of sitting in the backseat of our parent’s cars going on road trips. The World At Large  is about a drifter who isn’t exactly sure what they’re looking for or what they want, but they know that everything will be okay in the end. It’s the perfect song to ease our restlessness.  The World At Large flows perfectly into  Float On  on the same album. Listen to them back to back for pure chilled vibes.

23. Mountain Sound – Of Monsters And Men

We threw in  Mountain Sound  because it makes us think of hiking through Iceland and gets us hyped up to go one day (Of Monsters and Men are from Reykjavik, BTW). The song is also about realising the true weight of your actions, not the weight you perceive that they have, so maybe that will speak to you?

24. Tomorrow Comes Today – Gorillaz

In all honesty we’re not 100% sure what this song is about or why we love having it in a travel playlist. We’re pretty sure it touches on not wanting to be on the camera or surrounded by all the technology of the digital age – there’s more to your trip than how it makes your Instagram look, after all.

25. St. Elsewhere –  Gnarls Barkley

CeeLo Green and Danger Mouse are a pretty iconic duo, so we had to include  St. Elsewhere  even though it’s another song that’s widely open to interpretation. At first it sounds perfect because it’s obviously about getting away and not wanting to be tied down or held back, but we’re pretty sure there’s more to it than that and are open to suggestions.

26. Tighten Up – The Black keys

Less about travel and more about running wild for love, we think Tighten Up  is still relevant to our travel playlist. Our hero used to run wild until he met someone that made him ready to slow down, unfortunately, that person is still running around doing their own thing. 😔

27. Gotta Travel On – Bob Dylan

There are tons of different versions of  Gotta Travel On,  with variations in lyrics and titles, but Bob Dylan’s is probably the most well known. The lyrics are pretty straight forward – he’s been in the same old town for too long and it’s time for him to move on. Been there.

28. City Lights – The White Stripes

City Lights  encompasses the feeling of looking out the plane window at night and seeing the glowing city lights of your destination. Isn’t that just the best?

29. Holiday – Ocean Alley

Holiday  is pretty much just about letting loose on vacation, doesn’t get much simpler than that!

30. I Mua – Nahko And Medicine For The People

One of the translations of “I Mua” from Hawaiian to English is “to move forward”. Nahko wrote this song as a tribute to Mauna Kea, the volcano on the Big Island of Hawaii, but it’s also a celebration of life. We think it suits our travel playlist because of how lucky we are to be able to see the world the way we can nowadays.

Let us know which travel songs you have in your playlist in the comments! 🙂

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50 Best Backpacking Songs

by Melissa Giroux | Last updated Feb 4, 2023 | Travel Tips

During your backpacking adventures, you’ll stay in hostels, hear people sing songs on their ukulele and you’ll likely connect your phone to a speaker so that you can all listen to the best backpacking songs.

Backpacking music is an excellent way to connect with fellow travelers. The following songs are popular songs that we all know and that can make you the perfect hostel DJ.

In this post, you’ll find the best hostels and backpacking songs. You’ll also find music playlists at the end of the post.

Top Backpacking Songs

Take a look at our suggestions and add these backpacking songs to your playlist. Alternatively, you can go to the next section to find premade playlists that are perfect for travelers and backpackers.

• Jubel – Klingande
• My Brightside – The Killers
• Sonnentanz – Klangarussel, Will Heard
• Wake Me Up – Avicii
• Are You With Me – Lost Frequencies
• Summer – Calvin Harris
• Easy Love – Sigala
• Walking On A Dream – Empire of the Sun
• Good Vibrations – The Beach Boys
• Blurred Lines – Robin Thicke, T.I, Pharrel Williams
• Summer Of ‘69 – Bryan Adams
• Sweet Home Alabama – Lynyrd Skynyrd
• Stacy’s Mom – Foundations of Wayne
• Stay High – Tove Lo
• All Star – Smash Mouth
• Roadtrippin’ – Dan + Shay
• I’m Gonna Be (500 miles) – The Proclaimers
• Wonderwall – Oasis
• Fast Car – Tracey Chapman
• Drops Of Jupiter – Train
• Home – Edward Sharpe & the Magnetic Zeros
• Don’t Stop Believin’ – Journey
• Send Me On My Way – Rusted Root
• Take Me Home, Country Roads – John Denver
• Breakfast at Tiffany’s – Deep Blue Something
• Little Lion Man – Mumford & Sons
• Big Yellow Taxi – Counting Crows, Vanessa Carlton
• I Believe In A Thing Called Love – The Darkness
• Brown Eyed Girl – Van Morrison
• Sex On Fire – Kings Of Leon
• Hey Ya! – Outkast
• Watermelon Sugar – Harry Styles
• The Girl Is Mine – 99 Souls
• She Moves In Her Own Way – The Kooks
• Dance, Dance – Fall Out Boy
• Dakota – Stereophonics
• Fluorescent Adolescent – Arctic Monkeys
• Alright – Supergrass
• Hideaway – Kiesza
• Budapest – George Ezra
• Run The World (Girls) – Beyonce
• Holiday – Dizee Rascal
• Livin’ On a Prayer – Bon Jovi
• Time To Pretend – MGMT
• Three Little Birds – Bob Marley
• Guaranteed – Eddie Vedder
• 22 – Taylor Swift
• Bat Out Of Hell – Meatloaf
• Riptide – Vance Joy
• You’ve Got The Love – Florence & The Machine

Best Spotify Backpacking Playlists

If you’re searching for ready-made travel playlists, you’ll find great ones on Spotify. It’s a great way to discover new music and listen to new music genres.

Here are our top 5 Spotify playlists for the best travel, hostel, road trip, and backpacking adventures.

Traveling Music | Vacation Music | Holiday By Soave

This long traveling playlist will keep you busy for nearly 10 hours. You’ll find the latest hits mixed with chill travel vibes. You’ll wish you’re having a drink on the beach in Thailand – that’s for sure.

Summer Vibes By Spotify

This is one of my current favorites – the Summer Vibes playlist offers a small range of Afro, Caribbeans, and Latin sounds. You’ll want to dance when hearing these songs and you’ll surely discover new favorites.

Backpackers & Hostel Vibes By Bugsy1993

This playlist includes the best songs to take you to the backpacker flow. It also includes some newer hits for a chill and diverse atmosphere. It’s a long playlist that should cover your musical needs for nearly 11 hours.

Australian Backpackers By Koen Verheij

Perfect for road trips and hostel life, you’ll find classics from the 70s, 80s, 90s, and newer hits. If you’re after a relaxing atmosphere (especially when driving), this can be a smart choice.

Beach Vibes | Summertime Hits 2020 By Beach Vibes

Finally, this summer beach chill playlist can provide a fun and relaxing atmosphere for nearly 10 hours. Including different genres and hits from different times – you’ll be dreaming of the beach in no time.

Final Thoughts On Backpacking Music

Whether you’re planning your backpacking adventures or a road trip, make sure to bookmark this page to find the best backpacker songs quickly.

That said, there are plenty of great playlists on Spotify if you wish to make your life easy.

Looking for hiking music? Take a look at our list of the best songs for hiking .

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I Wore This Viral Lululemon Belt Bag Across Italy for 10 Days, and Now I'll Never Vacation Without It

It has so much space that I could easily fit my passport, wallet, sunglasses, and more.

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Travel + Leisure / Reese Herrington

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After traveling with my new bag through an airport in Norway on an unexpected layover, to the city streets of Rome, I knew that I would never go on another vacation without my belt bag — and two years later that remains to be true. Plus, right now you don’t have to search high and low for these bags like I did, because the $38 pack is currently fully in stock in 14 stunning colors on the Lululemon site, including new shades like the spring-ready Paradise Green.

Lululemon Everywhere Belt Bag

This versatile bag is everything you could possibly need in a functional travel pack: At 7.5 inches by 2 inches by 5 inches and with a capacity of 1L, it’s spacious enough for my sunglasses, wallet, passport, keys, and phone, and is easily adjustable to fit across my body when wearing just a tank top and even when I'm tucked away in my winter coat. The primary pocket features mesh pouches on either side, which I usually pack my keys and a lip balm into, and an additional slim pocket on the back of the pouch is my favorite way to ensure my passport stays safe and protected.

Water-repellent nylon fabric makes this bag perfect for both rainy days and sweaty adventures, and unlike most bags with adjustable straps that leave one long piece left hanging, this pack is made with a thin piece of elastic that evens out the loop for a more streamlined appearance. It can even be worn as a traditional fanny pack (which I use for running outside), as well as across your body for easy access to your essentials while hurrying through the airport. Thanks to its functional and versatile design, the Everywhere Belt Bag made it onto our list of favorite fanny packs to take hiking .

Travel + Leisure / Merrell Readman

I can get overwhelmed if I have too much to carry while I’m traveling, and this bag has shown me the joys of a hands-free vacation experience. It made it much easier to get through TSA and boarding my flight because my passport was always just a short reach away, and even on outings in Florence and Rome, I was happy to not worry about my purse getting snatched off my shoulder if I were to let my guard down. 

I’m not the only shopper that swears by this versatile fanny pack for travel now, and other Lululemon customers can’t help but rave about this sleek and functional bag. One shopper noted that they “travel a lot” and admitted that the bag is now “indispensable,” adding that it is the “perfect size with convenient compartments to keep well organized without the heavy bulk of a traditional purse.”

Another shopper raved that this pack is “nice if you’re traveling or just doing errands” because “if you have to pull your phone out or your wallet, [they’re] right there instead of digging through your purse to find whatever you need.” 

It’s very rare that an item is actually worth the hype that it has garnered, but in this case the Lululemon Everywhere Belt Bag has earned every ounce of praise it has received. Not only can it fit a frankly impressive amount of essentials (I’m an overpacker), but it’s also comfortable to wear, sleek, and has quickly become one of the most-used bags in my collection. 

Right now, the shopper-loved belt bag is available at Lululemon starting at $38, and is currently in stock in 14 stylish shades. Just don’t wait too long — it’s notorious for selling out quickly.

And if you're looking to elevate your travel style with other comfy and functional essentials, keep reading to find more must-have items to shop at Lululemon.

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