travel photography song

Home » Wanderlust » 100 BEST Travel Songs for the Ultimate Travel Playlist

100 BEST Travel Songs for the Ultimate Travel Playlist

We LOVE everything about travel. From travel quotes to road trips, wanderlust inspiration to epic experiences, and even virtual and armchair travel ( because for most of 2020 that’s all we’ve been able to do! ) and so it only makes sense that we wanted to put together the most incredible travel playlist with 100 of the Best Travel Songs on the planet. This way, whether we out exploring the world or holed up in our houses dreaming of past adventures (and not-so-secretly planning the next!), we’ve got the perfect travel inspired soundtrack.

We’re pretty sure we have collated a list of the BEST travel songs, so no matter if you prefer classics like Steppenwolf’s Born To Be Wild or something a little more mellow like Adele, we’ve got you covered with our countdown of the top 100 travel songs – (and we’ve even including a whole section on Australian travel & road trip songs, because Australia is home to some of the best adventures) to help you create the ultimate travel playlist.

This post has been slightly modified from the original which appeared first on Great Ocean Road Guide

100 BEST Travel Songs to help you put together the Ultimate Travel Playlist!

RELATED: If you’re always the one leading everyone in song on your adventures – why not grab one of the best guitars for travel and make yourself the band too!

Classic Travel songs you won’t be able to help but sing along to

• I’m So Excited – The Pointer Sisters When you hit the road and put your foot on the gas we can’t think of a better song get to you in the travel spirit.
• Start Me Up – The Rolling Stones And I can’t Get No Satisfaction – two of the best rock anthems on the planet!
• Don’t Stop Me Now and/or Bohemian Rhapsody – Queen Who could stop you when you’ve got these epic rock songs pounding out your speakers?! (I’d vote for both too!)
• Go Your Own Way – Fleetwood Mac The perfect lyrics for your adventurous trip, especially when it’s time to throw caution to the wind and go your own way Stevie Nicks style !
• Jump In My Car – Ted Mulry Gang A song about cars – and ‘trustworthy men’, if you’ve ever gotten in a car with a stranger while on your travels (even it was just in the cab from the airport!), this one is for you. And it was recently covered by The Hof’ , who enjoyed quite a bit of success!
• Paradise City – Guns N’ Roses You know it’s time for this hard rock classic when you’ve finally found your paradise city during your travels.
• Born to be Wild – Steppenwolf We mentioned this hit in our intro to this guide and we’ll mention it again because it’s a true classic, has a fantastic driving beat and your travel playlist wouldn’t be complete without it.
• Midnight Train to Georgia – Gladys Knight and the Pips This Motown classic is a perfect addition to every travel playlist and is an old-style sing what you see song about traveling.
• What a Wonderful World – Louis Armstrong  As a smooth sounding reminder that the world really is wonderful.
• Sweet Caroline – Neil Diamond Altogether now.. Sweet Car-o-line Ba Ba Bah….
• Hotel California – The Eagles “On a dark desert highway, cool wind in my hair..” will you end up in your own Hotel California ?! (this is also one of my favorite songs about adventure of all time – those guitar riffs!)
• I Love Rock n Roll – The Black Jets Not only is this a great sing-along but if you do love rock n roll it’s going to be your fave road trip hit
• I Drove all night – Roy Orbison We’re not suggesting you drive all night but for when there’s a long road ahead (or the long road to regular travel recovery!), this song is here for you.
• Waterloo – Abba How could we compile a classic travel playlist without a bit of Abba!?
• A Boy Name Sue – Johnny Cash This sing-a-long know-all-the-words song has been the soundtrack to many a travel adventure.
• Summer Loving – Grease When the sun is shining and you have a travel buddy to sing along with, Grease is our go-to soundtrack.
• We Didn’t Start The Fire – Billy Joel Or New York State of Mind – If you don’t know the words to these epic songs, now is the time to learn!
• When the Going gets tough – Billy Ocean You are likely to feel the pressure on any road trip, we feel you! So when the going gets tough, whack this song on the stereo.

• Sweet Home Alabama by Lynyrd Skynyrd This 1974 hit is an obvious choice for your all-American adventure.
• California Dreaming – Mamas and the Papas Another American classic deserving of top travel song status.
• Here I Go Again – Whitesnake
• Heaven Is A Place On Earth – Belinda Carlisle The no.1 song to put on when you finally come across your true heaven on earth
• I Get Around – Beach Boys Such a perfect road trip song & an epic addition to a summer playlist.
• Like a Rolling Stone – Bob Dylan
• River Deep, Mountain High – Tina Turner What adventure would be complete without a bit of Tina Turner, especially when you have some winding roads to tackle.
• ABC – Jackson 5 It’s a feel-good classic we all love and one nobody can resist singing along to.
• Redemption Song – Bob Marley & The Wailers
• One Night in Bangkok – Murray Head One night in Bangkok and the world’s your oyster…
• Take me Home, Country Roads – John Denver Something a little nostalgic for when it’s time to head on home.
• Highway to Hell – ACDC We hope you don’t end up on the highway to hell, but rocking out to this would certainly make the journey more fun!
• Life is a Highway by Tom Cochrane Although I am partial to the Rascall Flatts version myself. (Both because it’s Disney & Country; and I’m a Disney geek who loves country music at heart.)
• Midnight Rider – Allman Brothers Band
• In the Air Tonight – Phil Collins A song to pop on when you need something a little more soothing to leave you feeling chilled out when the traffic is getting to you or the night is winding down this beautiful love song is just what you need.
• Little Red Corvette – Prince You can’t have a travel playlist without including a song about a little red corvette – I mean, what an epic car for a road trip!
• Goodbye Yellow Brick Road – Elton John Or literally any other Elton John song! Three of my faves are Don’t Go Breaking My Heart, Crocodile Rock & Sacrifice, oh and the Way You Look Tonight (there’s more, I could easily get carried away here)

• Born To Run – Bruce Springsteen No matter how far you are going, this Bruce Springsteen classic is one of the great driving songs for any length of journey. Baby you were born to run!!
• Ticket To Ride – The Beatles Any Beatles song is great travel fodder, so I’d also go ahead and include Hey Jude, Yellow Submarine or She Loves You too!
• Tush – ZZ Top
• In the Summertime – Thirsty Merc  Summer rays and laid back days, this summer sing-a-long song has to be included on your travel playlist.
• You’ve got a Friend – James Taylor  An epic travel song that often rounds out a night of drinking at the end of a group trip.
• Small Town – John Mellencamp
• I’m Gonna Be (I would walk 500 Miles) – The Proclaimers If you’re going to walk 500 miles, that’s dedication to any trip!
• You Shook Me All Night Long – AC/DC  A band whos providence is disputed – the brothers are Scottish born, but the band was formed in Sydney – either way, this sing-a-long rock anthem is a welcome addition to your travel playlist. I
• You’re the Voice – John Farnham  If you only take one iconic Australian song from this list. Make it this one.
• Working Class Man – Jimmy Barnes  No Australian Adventure would be complete without some Jimmy Barnes.
• On The Road Again – Willie Nelson For car and road puns, this Willie Nelson song is pretty self-explanatory!
• American Pie – Don Mclean “A long long time ago, I can still remember, how that music used to make me smile…” and I know you know the rest of the words!
• Run To Paradise – The Choirboys OK, so this song may be about people on the northern beaches of Sydney getting drunk, smoking dope, surfing and not working – but it’s got a cracking title line you’ll just love singing along to!
• Livin’ on a Prayer or It’s my Life – Bon Jovi (or Always , or I’ll Be There for You , or You Give Love a Bad Name – so many Bon Jovi anthems make for amazing travel songs!)
• The Horses – Daryl Braithwaite  It’s practically unaustralian to not know the words (or at least the chorus!) to this song. That goes for non-Aussies too.
• Africa – Toto Because everyone knows to bless the rains down in Africa …
• Down Under – Men at Work  Continuing n the Australia theme – this feel good track asks if YOU come from a land down under?!
• Fast Car – Tracy Chapman Smooth and sultry, Tracy’s voice can help pass the time in the car or dream of travel  if you’re only in the parking lot!
• Don’t Stop Believin’ – Journey Perfect for any occasion, this ultimate travel song should be included on any playlist on the planet!
• Always On My Mind – Elvis Presley  Ok, so this may not be a true travel song, but it reminds me of Practical Magic, which in turn reminds me of America – where I have traveled a lot.
• Leaving on a Jet Plane – John Denver  Could this be the ultimate song about traveling? All my bags are packed, I’m ready to go…
• Hit the Road Jack – Ray Charles A classic, this is the perfect song to play on a roadtrip.
• Running on Empty – Jackson Browne Although I hope your vehicle doesn’t end up running on empty!
• Free Fallin’ or Running Down a Dream – Tom Petty No travel playlist would be complete without these two Tom Petty classics.
• American Woman – Lenny Kravitz Even if its just for the riff at the beginning.
• Walking in Memphis – Marc Cohn  What I wouldn’t give to touch down in the land of the delta blues in the middle of the pouring rain!

Modern-day Travel songs that will make you turn up the volume

• It’s a Beautiful Day – Michael Buble Because what day isn’t a beautiful day when you’re on a travel adventure of a lifetime!
• Road Trippin’ or Californication – Red Hot Chili Peppers An obvious choice for your travel and road trip playlist but it’s a soothing hit that is one for when you just need to chill out and reflect
• Happy – Pharell Williams It was the biggest song of the year and still doesn’t fail to make us feel anything but happy!
• On Top Of The World – Imagine Dragons This song will have you singing out to the steering wheel as you cruise down the road on a summer day. It’s perfect, happy, feel good, road trip music.
• Can’t Hold Us – Macklemore For when you are getting pumped for a night on the town after a long day adventuring
• Save The World Tonight – Swedish House Mafia For all the dancing in the car/mini-bus vibes, this is one of those travel songs to sing your heart out to!
• Freedom – Kygo, Zak Able Because it’s available on Instagram and travel bloggers use it in stories and reels, it achieved practically instant travel song status.
• Rolling In The Deep – Adele Sing your heart out with Adele by your side as you hit the highway. This is one of my best road trip songs!
• Galway Girl or Castle on the Hill – Ed Sheeran Oh Ed how we love you, especially when we are driving down those country lanes, or going strong in the bar at last orders!
• All the Small Things – Blink 182 Depending on how old you are, this hit may already be a classic… but who cares, it’s a top song to sing your heart out to.
• The Dog Days Are Over – Florence + The Machine When you need a release and need that little bit of inspiration during your road trip, Florence is there for you.
• Monster – The Automatic We hope you won’t come across a monster on your travels but you know what song to play if you do!
• Truckin – Grateful Dead
• Stole the Show – Kygo ft. Parson James  To be honest any Kygo song is an ideal chillout option for your road trip playlist but we love this one as a feel-good number.

• Single Ladies – Beyoncé For when you’re on a road trip with the girls, it’s the one and only Queen Bey all the way!
• California Gurls – Katy Perry ft. Snoop Dogg  “You could travel the world but nothing comes close to the golden coast”
• Where The Streets Have No Name by U2
• Scar – Missy Higgins  This may seem a little bit of an obscure suggetion, but I guarantee you know the words.
• Gold Digger – Kanye West  Or for another of Kanye Wests hits, you could substitute this for Jesus Walks
• Shotgun – George Ezra When it’s time to ride shotgun, put on some George Ezra – it’s the perfect sing-a-long song for a girls road trip playlist.
• I Will Wait – Mumford and Sons Embrace your inner folk when you sing along with Marcus Mumford & Co.
• Oops!…I Did It Again – Britney Spears We certainly won’t be apologizing for including Britney in our playlist because a road trip isn’t worth going on without her.
• Havana – Camila Cabello Havana-oo-na-na – tell me you didn’t sing that?!
• Shut up and Drive – Rhianna You tell them RiRi!
• Let Me Ride – Dr Dre It’s a road trip anthem, and what travel playlist would be complete without a bit of 90s rap?!
• Girls Just Wanna Have Fun – Cyndi Lauper Heading out on an adventure with your girls? This is the song for you.
• Keep the Car Running – Arcade Fires
• Cruel World – Lana Del Rey I dare you not to sing-a-long!
• A Thousand Miles – Vanessa Carlton Because you could indeed be traveling a thousand miles, and who wouldn’t want to sing about that?!
• Everyday is a Winding Road – Sheryl Crow Because songs about the open road to nowhere make perfect sense on any travel playlist!

So how did we do? Aren’t these just the best travel songs for the perfect travel playlist!? Whether we’ve reminded you of some amazing driving songs and road trip classics or introduced you to some brand new travel songs, we hope they are just the start of your next amazing adventure!

We hope you enjoyed our guide to the Best Travel Songs. Do you already have a travel playlists in mind that we have added to? Are you journeying around your home-country or exploring pastures new? Tell us in the comments below, along with your all-time favorite travel song and if it’s not already on our list, we can’t wait to hear it!

And if you liked the travel songs featured on our travel playlist page, take a look at the other recent posts, packing tips, travel accessories, travel quotes, travel resources, travel guides, ultimate guides and packing lists in this series:

• Group Tours: See more in less time – the Best Group Tours on Every Continent
• Europe: Rome Travel Guide for First-Timers , Guide to Barcelona for First Time Visitors & The Best Places to Visit in Spain
• Amazing Africa: Check out the Best Places To Visit in Africa and start exploring this incredible continent – or just watch the Best Movies About Africa and get your armchair travel on!
• Festivals: Festival Fan? You’ll love these Incredible Festivals From Around the World
• Be Prepared: The Best Carry On For Travel (tested on most airlines!) PLUS the best passport wallets & 40 Insanely Useful Backpacking Essentials to make sure you have everything you need once you’ve been inspired by our inspiration quote series!

Hi There! Thanks for reading my travel tips for the  100 Best Travel Songs for your Ultimate Travel Playlist! I just wanted to let you know that this post may contain affiliate links, which means if you purchase something after clicking a link, I may get a small commission – which is at absolutely no cost to you . If you enjoyed this article and are going to be searching for some of the things I mention anyway, I would love it if you could click through from the links above & thank you in advance! Read my full disclosure here . And thank you for reading the MakeTimeToSeeTheWorld travel blog.

45 Best Songs About Traveling and Experiencing the World

There might be affiliate links on this page, which means we get a small commission of anything you buy. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. Please do your own research before making any online purchase.

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

49 Best Travel Songs for Instagram Stories in 2024

If you’re a traveler looking for some good songs for your instagram stories, we’re here to help.

When you’re traveling, you’re sure to want to share your journey on your Instagram Stories. I know I do!

However, it can be time-consuming to find the perfect song to accompany your photos and travel videos.

Fortunately, you’ve come to the right place! In my day job as a digital marketer for a major brand, I’ve written thousands of click-worthy social posts and made more Reels and Stories than I can count!

I’ve compiled a list of the 49+ best travel songs for your Instagram Stories no matter what you’re trying to describe —catchy songs, happy songs, beach songs, road trips, and more!

So, scroll down to find the best travel songs for your next Instagram Story!

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Catchy & Upbeat Travel Songs for Instagram Stories

It’s easy to get caught up in the excitement of travel, and only the catchiest tunes will do! These uptempo songs with catchy melodies are perfect for sharing your travel journey as you navigate bustling markets, wander through tiny alleyways, and marvel at sprawling vistas.

Scroll through your Instagram app to find these favorite songs, inviting your friends and followers to share in the fun of your journey.

1. “Shotgun” by George Ezra

With its infectious melody and George Ezra’s soulful voice, “Shotgun” is one of the best songs for your adventures. Its upbeat tempo is perfect for capturing the thrill of hitting the open road or exploring new horizons.

2. “Castle on the Hill” by Ed Sheeran

Ed Sheeran’s “Castle on the Hill” is all about homecoming and memory. Use this on Instagram Stories where you’re reflecting on journeys past or returning to a beloved place. Its catchy melody will add a touch of sentimentality to your travel narratives.

3. “Good Vibrations” by The Beach Boys

Who doesn’t love “Good Vibrations” by The Beach Boys? This favorite travel song is synonymous with sun-soaked days. We suggest you choose this classic hit to infuse your summer outings with carefree vibes.

4. “Lovely Day” by Bill Withers

Bill Withers’ smooth and soulful “Lovely Day” provides the perfect soundtrack for those peaceful moments of travel. Whether it’s a sunrise over the mountains or a quiet morning in a cozy Parisian café, this song is perfect for social media.

5. “High Hopes” by Panic! At The Disco

Energetic “High Hopes” by Panic! At The Disco is seriously the best upbeat song for Instagram stories to celebrate achievements while traveling. For example, clips of you climbing a mountain peak, conquering a fear, or simply reveling in the beauty of a new destination will be amplified by this awesome anthem.

Popular Songs About Traveling for Instagram Stories

In this section, I’ve rounded up some of the most popular songs. Travelers around the world have used these, giving us all examples of how they are the perfect choice for your Instagram Stories. Somehow, each one of them is the right song to capture the essence of wanderlust!

6. “Wake Me Up” by Avicii

Avicii’s “Wake Me Up” is a popular anthem about discovery and self-realization. It’s the perfect background song for Instagram Stories or Instagram Reels that show the start of a new journey or the excitement of exploring unknown places.

7. “Around the World” by Daft Punk

“Around the World” is not just a catchy electronic beat in your music library—it’s a call to adventure! This track captures the globetrotter’s spirit in your Instagram Stories, wherever you’re off to next.

8. “Beautiful Day” by U2

We all know this great listen by U2. It encourages us to find beauty in every corner of the world. Use it to highlight the awe-inspiring moments of travel, from majestic landscapes to the simple joy of a sunny day.

9. “I Lived” by OneRepublic

This famous song is a fitting soundtrack for travel stories about embracing new experiences, making unforgettable memories, and living life to the fullest.

10. “Three Little Birds” by Bob Marley

Bob Marley’s “Three Little Birds” is the ultimate feel-good song. Its reggae rhythms are perfect for laid-back beach scenes, peaceful moments, and other times you feel reassured that “every little thing is gonna be alright.”

Happy Travel Songs for Instagram Stories

“Happy” songs are something I often search for when making Instagram posts. They bring a smile to your face and are great for showcasing the light-hearted, happy days of your adventure.

11. “Walking on Sunshine” by Katrina and the Waves

This classic hit is perfect for those photos where you’re skipping down a beach promenade, enjoying a vibrant street festival, or otherwise enjoying outdoor activities.

12. “Island in the Sun” by Weezer

With its laid-back rhythm, “Island in the Sun” is the ideal soundtrack for serene moments lounging by the sea, soaking in the tranquility of a sunset, or grabbing tropical drinks with your best friends.

13. “Summertime” by DJ Jazzy Jeff & The Fresh Prince

Nothing says summer like this nostalgic track. “Summertime” is perfect for those videos that capture the essence of summer travel, from barbecues to pool parties, and everything that makes the summer season in the United States memorable.

14. “Yummy” by Justin Bieber

“Yummy” brings a pop of fun to your culinary adventures. With its catchy chorus, it’s the go-to song for videos and photos featuring delicious food and drink. But it’s not just about the food, it’s about the fun of discovering new flavors while traveling! Yummy!

15. “Vivir Mi Vida” by Marc Anthony

Marc Anthony’s timeless classic is truly a celebration of life and all its possibilities. Whenever you want to focus on the freedom found in travel, choose this song.

Adventure & Exploration Travel Music for IG Stories

Certainly, there’s travel music for every twist and turn of your adventures. So, as you set out to document your amazing trip, pick one of these songs that echo the thrill of adventure! There’s one for every peak conquered and every horizon chased, really!

16. “Adventure of a Lifetime” by Coldplay

“Adventure of a Lifetime” is great for highlighting the thrill that comes with exploring the great unknown. It’s a fitting accompaniment for those Insta Stories showcasing once-in-a-lifetime adventures.

17. “Open Road” by Bryan Adams

The quintessential anthem for the horizon-chasers, this song is ideal for road trip Stories where the journey itself is as meaningful as the destination.

18. “Fly Away” by Lenny Kravitz

No matter how many times you hear “Fly Away,” you want to spread your wings and soar! Use it as a background for Stories with exhilarating moments like helicopter rides, hot air balloon rides in Cappadocia, or parasailing in Mallorca .

19. “Runaway (U & I)” by Galantis

This high-energy track really encapsulates the rush of a heart-pounding adventure. If you’ve got travel video, drone footage, or other photos of adrenaline-inducing adventures like four-wheeling or other adventure sports, this is the right music for you.

Inspirational Travel Songs for Instagram Stories

These inspirational travel songs are ones that resonate with every traveler. After all, a single song can sometimes portray the reflection, awe, or motivation we’re feeling better than we can. Let these songs be the travel music on your most profound Insta Stories.

20. “Don’t Stop Believin'” by Journey

Journey’s timeless hit is a powerful anthem of hope, plus everyone knows the words! Pick this one to capture the transformative moments of travel—ones where you overcome challenges or reach new heights.

21. “Heroes” by David Bowie

Extraordinary moments can happen any day, especially when you’re open to them. This song is a great addition to moments of triumph, like finally seeing a castle in real life.

22. “Better Life” by Keith Urban

This uplifting tune speaks to every traveler looking forward to traveling. You could use it when posting the beginnings of your journey or to inspire others to get out of their comfort zones and live life.

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

With its heartwarming lyrics, “Home” is about finding a sense of belonging wherever you go. This is the perfect song to use when reflecting on the places and people that make us feel at home—no matter how far we roam. Alternatively, you can use it when return home from a trip!

Road Trip Playlist for Instagram Stories

The open road calls for a great song, whether you’re cruising down the coast, driving on country roads, or navigating through the heart of the city. Push the play button while driving, and don’t forget to pick one of these songs to go with your road trip Stories!

24. “Life is a Highway” by Tom Cochrane

The ultimate road trip companion, “Life is a Highway” captures the sense of endless possibilities. It’s the perfect tune for Instagram stories that feature long stretches of highway, scenic byways, and the fun of the road trip.

25. “Go Your Own Way” by Fleetwood Mac

“Go Your Own Way” is so much fun! It carries a message of having the courage to follow your own path—something we can all be reminded to do now and then. This classic song goes with solo road trips, taking a new direction, and the freedom of travel to different places.

26. “Fast Car” by Luke Combs

Luke Combs’ rendition of “Fast Car” brings a country twist to the timeless song. It’s a fitting soundtrack for Instagram posts that capture the longing for something more and the desire to chase our dreams.

27. “Born to Run” by Bruce Springsteen

If you’ve ever wanted to break free and hit the road, even if just for the weekend, this song’s passionate lyrics make it an excellent choice for road-tripping Stories.

28. “Take It Easy” by Eagles

“Take It Easy” should be on everyone’s travel playlist! This laid-back, feel-good song encourages us to slow down and enjoy the ride. Use it to show the more relaxed moments of road travel, like cruising with the windows down or the scenery rolling by.

Beach Travel Songs for Instagram Stories

Capture the essence of sun-kissed skin and salty breezes with these beachy travel songs!

29. “Knee Deep” by Zac Brown Band feat. Jimmy Buffett

The collaboration between Zac Brown Band and Jimmy Buffett in “Knee Deep” creates the ultimate beach vibe for your Instagram stories. Use it for moments of pure relaxation with your toes in the sand and not a care in the world.

30. “Soak Up the Sun” by Sheryl Crow

Sheryl Crow’s “Soak Up the Sun” is the quintessential tune for sunny beach days and carefree attitudes. It’s perfect for Instagram stories that capture the joy of sunbathing, playing in the waves, or enjoying a beautiful day.

31. “Kokomo” by The Beach Boys

The Beach Boys’ “Kokomo” transports listeners to a tropical paradise with its smooth melodies and laid-back rhythms. Whether you’re island hopping, sipping on piña coladas, or dancing, you can always choose this classic.

32. “Feels Like Summer” by Samuel Jack

Samuel Jack’s “Feels Like Summer” brings a fresh and modern sound to beach-themed Instagram stories. It has a soulful vibe that’s good for sunsets, evening strolls along the shore, or any meaningful moment, really.

Timeless Classics for Instagram Stories

Some tunes feel just as fresh and relevant now as they did decades ago. Pick these timeless classics—melodies that have been the soundtrack to travel experiences long before Instagram existed!

33. “Here Comes the Sun” by The Beatles

The Beatles’ “Here Comes the Sun” evokes a sense of new beginnings and hope. It’s a good song for Instagram stories that capture the start of an adventure.

34. “San Francisco (Be Sure to Wear Flowers in Your Hair)” by Scott McKenzie

This anthem of peace and love is ideal for reminiscing about travels to San Francisco. It sets a nostalgic mood for Instagram stories that share experiences of cultural landmarks and historic streets.

35. “New York, New York” by Frank Sinatra

How many of us have stood in Times Square and sang this classic? This is THE soundtrack for any Instagram story that features the hustle and bustle of the Big Apple.

36. “I’ve Been Everywhere” by Johnny Cash

“I’ve Been Everywhere” is a fun road anthem that speaks to the seasoned traveler. It’s a great choice for Instagram Stories to showcase a montage of travel destinations.

37. “It’s Time to Go Now” by Gladys Knight & The Pips

This soulful classic resonates with the bittersweet moments. It’s fitting for Instagram stories that reflect on the end of a trip, saying goodbye to a favorite place, or the anticipation of heading home.

Cultural & Local Music for Instagram Stories

These cultural beats are perfect for sharing your journey abroad. Add some depth to your Stories by inviting your followers to experience all the neat experiences you’re having abroad.

38. “Bamboleo” by Gipsy Kings

The passionate vocals of “Bamboleo” by Gipsy Kings capture the vibrant spirit of just about anywhere. It’s a song that will have you and your IG viewers singing along!

39. “Volare” by Dean Martin

“Volare” is an Italian classic and an ideal soundtrack for Instagram stories that capture the essence of a Mediterranean getaway, from colorful cliffside villages to the waves crashing in the sea.

40. “O Sole Mio” by Luciano Pavarotti

Luciano Pavarotti’s rendition of “O Sole Mio” is a powerful piece that gets to the heart of Italy. Try it with Italian landscapes or the quiet moments of reflection in historic piazzas.

Love Songs for Instagram Stories

Every love story deserves its own soundtrack, don’t you think? Let these love songs for IG Stores help you to articulate the love you have for travel or your travel buddy.

41. “Just the Way You Are” by Bruno Mars

This Bruno Mars song is a lovely pick for Instagram Stories that celebrate love in all its forms, whether it’s a shared adventure or a quiet moment together in a new city.

42. “Have Love, Will Travel” by The Sonics

This rock and roll track is ideal for Instagram stories that chronicle the joys of traveling with a partner. Because unconditional love knows no boundaries.

43. “One Day / Reckoning Song” by Asaf Avidan

With reflective lyrics with an infectious beat, a compelling choice for Instagram Stories in Ode Day / Reckoning Song. Use it for introspective travel moments.

44. “Paris in the Rain” by Lauv

“Paris in the Rain” is a romantic ballad that captures what it means to fall in love in the city of lights. It’s an ideal song photos or videos of you strolling along the Seine or kissing atop the Eiffel Tower!

Solo Travel Songs for Instagram Stories

Every solo traveler needs an anthem, the perfect choice for those moments of solitude that are anything but lonely.

45. “Brave” by Sara Bareilles

Sara Bareilles’ song is an anthem of self-empowerment. Use if for solo travel Stories that are all about embracing independence and finding your own path.

46. “Roar” by Katy Perry

This song is a celebration of strength and resilience. Choose this one for Instagram Stories that highlight personal triumphs and the spirit of adventure!

47. “Riding Solo” by Jason Derulo

Jason Derulo’s “Riding Solo” is a great pick to showcase the freedom and excitement of traveling alone. It’s especially great if you’re on a solo road trip!

48. “Travelin’ Man” by Ricky Nelson

The perfect song for wanderlusters, choose “Traveln’ Ma” when you want to reflect on bittersweet, fleeting encounters and the allure of the road less traveled.

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

John Denver’s “Leaving on a Jet Plane” is such a good song to play when you’re leaving. It’s a classic, it’s a poignant addition. And, it captures the heartfelt goodbyes and the anticipation of the next journey…exactly why we chose it last on our list!

Conclusion: Top List of Travel Songs for Instagram Stories

​That concludes our list of the best songs you can use on your Instagram Stories to highlight your travels !

I’ve hand-selected each of these songs. At the time of this post, these are all in Instagram’s music library. So, you shouldn’t have to worry about any copyright license to use these songs for your personal IG Stories or Reels! (Just be sure to choose them using the Music Sticker to avoid any issues.) Have fun, and happy travels!

More Travel Inspiration

Ready to travel this year? Here are some posts to motivate you:

• Top Quotes for Solo Travelers
• Safest Cities in Europe To Visit
• Printable Travel Coloring Pages

Blogger & Ex-Spanish Teacher

Tristina Oppliger has traveled to 35+ countries on five continents. Having previously lived in Spain, she loves studying foreign languages and cultures. In fact, she has a Master's in Foreign Language Education and is a former Spanish Teacher! Tristina is passionate about living free—remote work, exploring the world, and finding adventure wherever she goes.

The Best Background Music for Travel Videos: Royalty-Free & Legal

Table of contents, related reading.

DON'T CHAT WITH SUPPORT - WE DON'T OFFER MUSIC FOR YOUR VIDEOS.

Adding music to your travel videos can help to tell the story and spice it up to keep a viewer’s attention. Music can help a viewer to feel a certain way and immerse them into the travel experience you are sharing more fully.

It can also help to pace out the video and work to keep viewers engaged and interested. The right music can help to alter the audience’s perception of the video and foster an emotional connection.

It is important to ensure you have permission to use the songs in your travel video, however. Most commercial music is copyright protected, and you will need to get permission to use it. This can be a tricky process.

There are a lot of free and paid options that don’t require a copyright license, including royalty-free music. There are multiple providers and services that host royalty-free music that you can download for your travel video.

Best Songs for Travel Videos

It is important to match your travel video or project to the music and vice versa. These are some of the best songs for travel videos:

• ‘Dancing in the Streets of Barcelona’ by Ed Sheeran
• ‘Paris’ by the Chainsmokers
• ‘Have Love Will Travel’ by the Sonics
• ‘Travelin’ Man’ by Ricky Nelson
• ‘Wake Me Up’ by Avicii
• ‘Car Song’ by Woody Guthrie
• ‘Freedom (Instrumental)’ by Bamtone
• ‘Bluegrass Foggy Mountain’ by Butch Roberts
• ‘Travel’ by Kapitol
• ‘Fly Away’ by Chantelle Berry

This is only a general list. While one song can be great for one travel video, it might not fit another. It is important to choose music that complements the video and does not take away or become a distraction from it.

Also, many of these songs are copyright protected, so you will need to find a royalty-free version or seek permission from the holder of the copyrights to use them legally.

How to Find What Music Best Fits My Travel Video

Music can help to tie your travel video together and elicit an emotional response in your viewer. It is important to consider what it is that you want your audience to feel. Once you identify that, music can help to set the mood, tone, and atmosphere for your video.

Music can influence consumer behavior and make people more inclined to buy what you are selling. When the music matches the product, views often increase.

Music for travel videos should be in the background and not take away from the video itself. You will need to choose music that helps your video to flow and is not jarring or distracting from the video content.

Music can help the audience to connect with your video, and the music should match the theme. For instance, if you are highlighting a ghost tour, thrilling music can be ideal. If it is a bright, sunny beach destination, the music should be more uplifting and happier.

Why Do I Need to Use Legally Downloaded Music for My Travel Video?

If you are going to post your travel video on social media, use it for commercial purposes, or stream it for people to see, you will need to use music that you have a legal right to play. If you do not have permission to use the music in the background of your video, you risk having it blocked or taken down, or facing legal issues.

Commercial music is protected by copyright laws, which means that you have to get permission from the copyright holders to use it without legal ramifications.

Most music requires at least two different copyright licenses: a master use license, which is for the actual sound recording, and a composition license, which protects the underlying musical composition.

Obtaining copyright licenses can be daunting, as you need to track down the holder of the copyrights directly. This can include the artist, composer, record label, or music producer.

Alternatives to copyright protected music include royalty-free music. With this type of music, a purchaser only needs to pay for the music license one time and no royalty fees are collected.

There are many providers of royalty-free music on the market that pay this fee for you. Often, you can pay a one-time fee, or a monthly or annual subscription fee, to access and use the music legally. Several of these sites and providers also offer this music for free as long as you credit the artist.

What Are My Options for Legal Music for My Travel Video?

There are options for using music legally in your travel video without tracking down copyright holders directly.

• Royalty-free music: This is music that is hosted by a service that pays the licensing fees. You do not incur royalties every time you use the music. Generally, you will pay a one-time fee to use this music or pay for a subscription for unlimited access to the music libraries.
• Public domain music: This is music published prior to 1927. It is copyright-free as the copyright has expired. This music can be used legally for free without a license.
• Creative Commons licensed music: This music is free to use legally as long as you credit the artist or creator.
• Personally created music: If you compose or create your own music, you own the rights to it and can use it as you wish.

Where to Download It?

Outside of copyrighted music, there are many service providers that host royalty-free and copyright-free music that you can download and use in your travel videos legally.

Free Services:

• Public Domain 4U : This is a collection of free music in the public domain.
• incompetech : This is royalty-free music that can be used for free if you credit the creator.
• Bensound : Eligible music can be downloaded and used for free if you credit Bensound.
• Dig ccMixter : This is Creative Commons music that can be used for free when you credit the musician.

Paid Services

• Artlist : This is a library of royalty-free music for unlimited use with a paid subscription.
• Soundstripe : With a paid subscription, you can gain unlimited access to the music library.
• Storyblocks : This is a large library of royalty-free music you can have unlimited access to with a paid subscription.
• Premium Beat by Shutterstock : With a one-time fee, you can purchase tracks from a large library.

Many of the service providers of royalty-free music will offer a free trial, so you can decide if the service will be worth the cost. From there, most work on either a monthly or an annual subscription.

A monthly subscription can cost between $10 and $20 on average. Often, if you choose the annual subscription and pay in full, you will pay a little less than this per month.

Other services will ask for a one-time fee for tracks, which can vary greatly in price, costing from as low as $1 per track all the way up to a few hundred dollars per track.

Tips for Choosing the Right Music for My Travel Video

When choosing music for your travel video, it is important to understand what you are trying to accomplish with your video. What do you want your viewer to feel, see, or do as a result of your video? Music can engage a viewer and help them feel as if they are in the place you are showing them.

The following tips can help you choose the best music for your video:

• Understand and define the purpose of your video.
• Choose music that fits the scenery and helps to set the mood.
• Use music that remains in the background and does not detract from your visual components.
• Find music that helps to set the pace and moves viewers through your video.
• Use music to set the tone and atmosphere for your video.
• Consider music from a specific location or cultural music if that is what your video is highlighting.

How do I find music for travel videos?

Music for travel videos can be found through a variety of service providers. You can choose from royalty-free or paid options.

Where can I get free background music for videos?

Look for music in the public domain, in Creative Commons, or music that only requires artist credit.

Can I use any music I want for my videos?

In short, no. You will need to ensure you have permission to use music in your video.

What happens if my music is copyrighted?

If the music you want to use is copyright protected, you will need to obtain the license to use it. The alternative is to find the same or similar music in a royalty-free library.

Why is music in travel videos important?

Music can help to create a more immersive experience for the viewer. It can increase viewership and the connection with your audience.

Music, Emotion, and Well-Being . (August 2019). Psychology Today .

Public Domain 4U . (2022). PublicDomain4U.

You Won’t Find This Anywhere Else . incompetech.

Royalty Free Music by Bensound . (2022). Bensound’s Royalty Free Music.

You Already Have Permission . Dig ccMixter.

Get Royalty Free Music and SFX for Your Videos. Artlist.

Travel Vlog Music . (2020). A Produce of Soundstripe, Inc.

Get Unlimited All Access . (2022). Storyblocks.

The Beat . (2022). Shutterstock Music Canada ULC.

How to Make Travel Videos – 5 Tips for Beginners . (June 2019). The Crowded Planet.

Get Legal Streaming Music for Your Enterprise Business

No credit card required

Dave's Travel Pages

Greek Island Hopping | Greece Travel Ideas | Bicycle Touring

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.

Leave a Comment Cancel reply

Animoto Blog

• Video Marketing
• Video Ideas
• News & Features

Our Top 20 Songs for Travel Videos (Free to Use)

Jun 12, 2019

The right song can help give your video a sense of time and place. That’s why we put together 20 travel song suggestions for you. Whether you’re remembering an island adventure or a vacation in Paris, we’ve got tunes to make your vacation slideshow sound as good as it looks. Then, when you find one you like, search for the track names or artists in our music selector to add them to your video.

Travel music for your vacation video

Recapture the thrill of traveling with music for planes, trains, automobiles, and everything in between.

• “90 Days with Animals” by Gor Mkhitarian
• “Fly Away” by Chantelle Berry
• “A Sunny Day with You” by Dean Wagg
• “Bluegrass Foggy Mountain” by Butch Robbins
• “Freedom (Instrumental)” by Bamtone

Travel video songs for a tropical vacation

Looking to remember your latest trip somewhere with blue water and beautiful beaches? Check out a few of our favorite songs for the beach.

• “Step It Up” by Herb Ohta Jr. and Daniel Ho
• “Pirate Vacation” by Loren Davidson
• “Waves on the Beach (Instrumental)” by Gooney Tunes
• “Aloha Oe” by Faith Rivera
• “Surf Karma” by Jim Stamper
• “Rum and Bananas” Olivier Renoir

European travel music

Add romance and excitement to your videos with songs inspired by countries like France, Italy, and more.

• “South of Andromeda” by David DiGiuseppe
• “Parisian Spring (Instrumental)” by David Khaskin
• “Mykonos” by David Keen
• “Sevilla” by Rik Pfenninger
• “Northern Lights” by The Frozen Ocean

World travel music

Match an international song to your memories of travel in Asia, Africa, and Latin America.

• “African Dance” by iKay and Bunny B
• “Yuzuru” by Taikozo
• “Beijing” by David Keen
• “Grow the World You’re Dreaming Of” by Hannah Christianson

What’s your favorite music for travel videos? Did you like any of our favorite vacation songs? Let us know in the comments! Or if you found the right song for your video, get started creating your own travel recap.

• Marketing video
• How-to video
• Slideshow video
• Social media
• Promo video
• Birthday video
• Intro / Outro videos
• Explainer video
• Email marketing
• Training video
• Internal communications video
• Presentation video
• Photography
• Real Estate
• Marketing Agency
• HR / People Ops
• Video commenting tool
• Screen recorder
• Photo video maker
• Music library
• Online video editor
• Video trimming
• Stock library
• Privacy policy
• Terms of use
• Animoto Tutorials

© 2024 Animoto Inc. All Rights Reserved.

Make every moment outside the office count!

Top 10 Happy Songs for Vacation Slideshows

“Clap along if you feel like happiness is the truth” ~Pharrel Williams – Happy

We are continuing our series for songs to use during vacation slides shows.  We already compiled our favorites for beach vacations as well as travel themed songs here and here .  Today we have compiled our favorite songs which evoke the happy emotions we feel when traveling!  To us, these songs make us feel good when listening and accompany vacation slide shows perfectly!

Top 10 Feel Good Songs for Travel Slideshows (In no particular order)

1. I Gotta Feeling – Black Eyed Peas

2. Beautiful Day – U2

3. Somewhere Over the Rainbow – Israel Kamakawiwo’ole

4. Good Life – One Republic

5. Best Day of my Life – American Authors

6. Happy – Pharrel Williams

7. What a Wonderful World – Louis Armstrong

8. Paradise – Coldplay

9. Don’t Worry be Happy – Bobby McFerrin

10. Good Vibrations – The Beach Boys

As a bonus track, if you end up having rain during your vacation Rain Drops Keep Falling on My Head by BJ Thomas could be a good option as well!

We’ve used all of these songs in vacation slideshows we have compiled in the past.  Which songs put you in a good mood?  Share them in the comments!

Our Love for Flags when Traveling

The best hotel in milos, greece, leave a comment cancel reply.

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed .

15 Best Songs About Travel

Is there anything better than cranking up the radio when you’re on the road? There’s something perfectly transporting about letting music fill your car, or just your head if you’re traveling publicly and need to use headphones. It’s almost as if the music gets you to your destination sooner, so it’s no coincidence that many of our most popular songs are about places to escape to when life has gotten to be too much.

We’ve put together the ultimate playlist of 15 classic songs about popular travel destinations. From the sunny shores of California to the gritty streets of New York and across the ocean, the list has something for every traveler. Or, if you’re just daydreaming about your next trip, let our list inspire you. What will it be? Aruba? Jamaica? Bermuda? Bahama?

1. 'Kokomo' by The Beach Boys

Well, we gave it away above, but of course this classic from the Beach Boys leads off our list! It’s the most recent hit in a long string of them for this band. Most Beach Boys songs celebrated the joys of California, but this one heads south to a place “off the Florida Keys” where you can “get away from it all" — Kokomo.

Sadly, Kokomo isn’t a real place, but the relaxed vibe of this song perfectly captures the feeling many of us want when we travel.

2. 'Carolina in My Mind' by James Taylor

James Taylor grew up in North Carolina, and his classic song about escaping back there when life is too tough perfectly captures the allure of his home state. The bridge of the song, “Dark and silent, late last night, I think I might have heard the highway call…” is a familiar feeling to any born traveler.

Listen to this song for long and you’ll be pulling up your favorite travel app  to see how much a direct flight to the Outer Banks is. Gone, you're gone…

3. 'Midnight Train to Georgia' by Gladys Knight and the Pips

Continuing our journey through the American South, we’d be remiss if we didn’t reference this iconic song by Ms. Knight and her back-up singers, which manages to refer to both a glorious destination (Georgia, of course) and the means to get there (that midnight train).

It’s probably not possible to take a midnight train to Georgia or much of anywhere else these days, but oh, the harmonies on this song!

4. 'Take Me Home, Country Roads' by John Denver

When we took a poll for favorite songs about specific destinations, this one was mentioned over and over again. And while it’s such an evocative celebration of West Virginia’s natural beauty that it became the state’s official song in 2014, that longing captured in Denver’s voice is really what makes the song universal.

Who of us hasn’t longed to go back “to the place I belong”? By the way, Denver had never even been to West Virginia when he wrote it!

5. 'Sweet Home Alabama' by Lynyrd Skynyrd

Here’s another absolute classic that’s about traveling home, which we defy you not to sing whenever anyone mentions traveling to Alabama.

Not only has this song made iconic appearances in several movies (like Nicole Kidman’s unforgettable dance to it in "To Die For"), it manages to diss to Neil Young, as well. But, oh, that guitar riff! Roll down the windows and turn up the volume…

6. 'California Dreaming' by the Mamas and the Papas

The four-part harmony of the Mamas and the Papas evocatively captures the longing many of us have felt on a dreary day at home, when we’ve dreamt of our packing our bags and heady to more sunny climates immediately.

“If I didn’t tell her,” they sing, “I could leave today.” It’s so tempting.

7. 'I Left My Heart in San Francisco' by Tony Bennett

Bennett is just one of many artists to record this classic, but his version is iconic. The song namechecks quite a few places we wouldn’t mind going – Paris, Rome – but then returns the singer to the best place of all, San Francisco, where the “golden sun will shine for me.”

San Francisco can be pretty grey, actually, but the song still hits the spot. Who of us wouldn’t take a trip to see the Golden Gate Bridge right this very moment?

8. 'I’ve Been to Memphis' by Lyle Lovett

While this song isn’t as well-known as others on the list, it deserves to be. Lyle Lovett released in 1992, but it has the sound of a much older song, the kind Ray Charles might have sung.

Lovett mentions a long list of places he’s been, such as Memphis, El Paso, San Antonio, only to return to his central problem: he loves a woman “what I don't know.”

Anyone who’s spent too much time on the road trying not to think about someone at home will understand.

9. 'April in Paris' by Ella Fitzgerald

Can you put together a road trip playlist and not include some Ella? We certainly can’t. This swinging song evokes springtime in Paris so beautifully, with the lyrics about “chestnuts in blossom” that it takes all of our will power not to buy a ticket for de Gaulle for next spring.

“What have you done to my heart?” Ella asks the city. We totally understand.

10. 'Atlantic City' by Bruce Springsteen

At the opposite end of the music spectrum is this classic rock number. Springsteen makes Atlantic City seem as gritty as can be, between the mobsters, the sketchy boardwalk and the cross-city bus. But still, the song is alluring.

Maybe it’s the promise that if we put “your make up on, put your hair up pretty” we can meet the Boss tonight in Atlantic City? It’s not an offer we’d pass up.

11. 'I Happen to Like New York' by Judy Garland

Look, there are dozens of great songs about New York, from “New York, New York” to “Empire State of Mind,” so we decided to go with a less obvious classic.

Garland’s version of Cole Porter’s song is swell. It manages to mention Hackensack, New Jersey (which is rejected) and a pastrami on rye at the Carnegie Deli (which is celebrated).

As the lyrics inform us, “The more I see New York, the more I think of it.” It’s a sentiment that many of us can agree with wholeheartedly.

12. 'Margaritaville' by Jimmy Buffet

But when the churning energy of cities gets to be too much, you’ll want to head south again, this time to a yet another place in that’s more a state of mind than a geographic location: Margaritaville.

Sometimes trips are really an excuse to waste away, and Buffet’s beloved song perfectly captures that mood. Grab a salt shaker and a bottle, and stay for a while. It’s not like Jimmy’s going to urge you to be more productive.

13. 'Africa' by Toto

We know, it’s already in your head: "dodo dodo dodo dooo." How much this song really has to do with the continent is anyone’s guess, but for many people, this is the song that comes to mind when Africa is mentioned as a travel destination.

The sense of longing and wonder that suffuses it is probably not a bad mindset for a traveler to any destination, but especially to Africa. Bless those rains.

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

Sure, you technically can’t travel to the U.S.S.R. anymore, but this song is still perfect for a trip to Russia!

The song parodies the Beach Boys’ “California Girls” a bit, with the lyrics like “The Ukraine girls really knock me out,” and the song is just a lot of fun: try to resist singing along to the line: “Georgia on my my my my mind”!

We could only hope a trip to Russia would be this fun!

15. 'America' by Neil Diamond

There are plenty of songs with “America” in the title, too, but we decided that this song by Neil Diamond, which manages somehow to be both a little campy and a little touching, perfectly captured the desire many of us, or our ancestors, felt: to get to the U.S.A. “on the boats and on the planes.”

Sure, the synthesizer is cheesy, but when you think of the amazing travel destinations the States offers, it’s hard not to agree that we’ve all “got a dream to take them there.”

Wanderlust-Inspiring Background Music Tracks for Your Travel Video

Forget about the same boring tunes that everyone uses in their travel video projects. Give your audience something to inspire them with these wanderlust-worthy background music tracks, perfect for pairing with that stellar video footage you captured while exploring the Great Wall of China or the stunning mountains of Machu Picchu. Whatever the destination, these royalty-free background music tracks will take your project places.

We’ve broken down our track list into helpful themes to easily sync your travel footage with the perfect music—so kick off your awesome travel video with these amazing tracks.

Into the Woods

With the perfect mix of acoustic guitar and drums, these tunes will breathe some fresh woodland air into your video. Adventurous and upbeat, they are ideal to put your viewers in the right frame of mind and get your creative juices flowing. Set the tone for something unexpected or guide viewers through a spectacular multi-day hike in the jungle with these charismatic melodies.

Downtown Saturday

Download this music track from our library. Hope for change

Download this music track from our library.

By the Campfire

Climbing the Mountains

If your recent excursions took you to new heights, you’re going to need some seriously epic music to match the experience. After all, a hike to the top of Everest isn’t an everyday experience. Recreate that summit experience for your audience with awe-inspiring music. These tracks capture what it feels like to stand on the top of the world. With a combination of guitar strums and piano notes, these songs are sure to perfectly complement your video footage. Deep Thoughts

A Day at the Beach

There’s nothing like a day at the beach. Embody those lazy days with these four tracks while your viewers watch the waves roll in. Whether you soaked up the sun in Jamaica or sailed the Mediterranean, capture the vibe of your epic beach journey with one of these four tracks. With gentle ukulele melodies or reggae-inspired drumming, these tracks will help you relive your time basking in the sun.

6. Jamaica Groove

City Dreaming

Did you spend a summer in Paris or bask in New York’s city lights? If so, you’ve probably already realized that no video can capture the experience without a bit of mood music. Of course, these tracks will whisk you and your loved ones away to your destination in an instant. Whether you went to London or Tokyo, explore our favorite big city melodies. With tunes ranging from sophisticated acoustic guitar riffs to sonorous ringing bells, you’re sure to find a sound to suit your footage.

Road Trippin’

Road trips are one of the best ways to see your home turf in a whole new light. Whether you’ve traveled across the continental U.S. or are planning a day trip to a nearby oasis, you need the right music to pair with your adventure. Crank up the music and capture the vibe of the open road with these three upbeat and inspirational guitar-based tunes. Ready to share your adventure? Get creating with one of these killer background music tracks for your travel video. And remember: “Not all who wander are lost.”

Explore Our Music Library

Recommended for you

MOV vs MP4: What’s the right format for your videos?

4 things video marketers are getting wrong with B2B ads

The rise of social media as a search engine and how creators can take advantage

Your Cart ( 0 )

Upload anytime after ordering!

Your cart is empty

• Money back guarantee
• Easy communication

Others also bought

• Canadian Dollar
• Australian Dollar
• British Pound
• European Euro
• Mexican Peso

Songs for Vacation Videos: The Best Music for Your Travel Edit

Jul 31, 2023

Posted by: Grace Oborne

How to find the music best fits travel videos

Music and song play crucial roles in shaping and creating video memories. It has the ability to evoke emotions, it enhance storytelling, sets the mood, and triggers memories, making the experience more meaningful and cherished.

Emotional Resonance

For many, songs and their lyrics have the unique power to connect to our emotions. The lyrics may trigger something meaningful, the melody and pace of the song may intensify the impact the video memory.

More than that, the right music makes the moments that were captured more vivid, provoking profound feelings within the viewers of your travel videos.

Enhanced Storytelling

Music acts as tool for storytelling in video memories. The best songs are when the lyrics of the song complement the visuals and narrative, which ultimately guide you or your audience emotions and help to grasp the underlying themes or messages.

If you use the right song for travel videos, a simple sequence could easily become compelling and unforgettable.

Mood Setting

It's no secret that music sets the mood for different atmospheres. Music also sets the mood for video memories.

Whether it's a joyous, upbeat tune for celebrations, or a quieter, reflective melody for contemplative moments, music makes the viewing experience more immersive.

When your travel video memories are shared with others, it's guaranteed that the music will enhance the shared experience. It fosters a sense of unity and understanding between viewers.

Memory Trigger

Music has the ability to trigger memories. How many time have you heard a song and have been reminded of a memory?

When you revisit your video memories with the original music, it'll instantly transport you back in time to the adventure or vacation you were on.

Let's use the joyous, upbeat tune as an example. Let's imagine that while you are camping, your friend pulls out his guitar and begins to play a song.

Fast forward, incorporating said song into your recap video, will trigger the memories of everyone gathered around at the camp site, listening to this song.

When you all watch that camping travel video, and recall the song, you'll be reminded of the memories you all share.

This is exactly why it's important to find the best travel songs or the right songs for your adventure videos.

Completeness

It isn't often recognized that music truly takes on every role; even the role of completeness. Similar to a cinematic movie with a soundtrack, travel videos or video memories in general, benefit from songs.

Music, like background music, fills the gaps, adds depth and emotion to visuals, and never leave dead space.

What are your options for legal music for your travel video?

If you plan to share your travel video on social media, use it for commercial purposes, or stream it for public viewing, it really is important to make sure that you have the legal right to use the music in your video.

Copyright Music

Using copyrighted music without permission can inevitably lead to many issues such as

your travel video being blocked

your travel video taken down

or even more seriously, you could facing legal consequences

Commercial music is protected by copyright laws.

This means you need explicit permission from the copyright holders to use it without any legal consequences and this typically involves obtaining two different copyright licenses:

a master use license for the actual sound recording

a composition license that protects the subsequent musical composition.

Obtaining these copyright licenses can be a very difficult process because you need to directly contact the copyright holders, which could include the artist, composer, record label, or music producer.

With royalty free music, you only need to pay for the music license once, and no further royalty fees are required. Seems easy? Well it is.

Many providers offer royalty free music and handle the necessary licensing fees on your behalf, which leads you to only pay a one-time fee, or you can choose a monthly or annual subscription to access and use the music legally.

Some of these sites and providers offer royalty free music for free, but only if you give credit to the artist when using or posting the music (on youtube or social media).

This way, you can find suitable music for your travel videos without the complexities and legal concerns associated with copyrighted music.

There are the legal options for using music in your adventure videos without the need to track down copyright holders directly:

Royalty Free Music

As mentioned, this type of music is provided by a service that takes care of the licensing fees. When you use royalty free music, you won't face royalties each time you incorporate it into your video.

Typically, you pay a one-time fee or subscribe to gain unlimited access to the music libraries.

Public Domain Music

Music published before 1927 falls into the public domain category. This means that the copyright has essentially expired. You have unlimited access to this music legally and free of charge without the need for a license or needing to give credit.

Creative Commons Licensed Music

This is music that is released under Creative Commons licenses is free to use legally, provided you give credit to the artist or creator.

Personally Created Music :

If you produce, compose or create your own music, you own the rights to it. Simple as that. This means, not only is it free music, but you're allowed you to use it in your travel videos as you wish.

Where can I download legal music?

Asides from copyrighted music, there are numerous service providers that offer royalty free and copyright-free music that you can legally download and use in your travel videos. There a reputable free and paid options.

Free Service Options

Public Domain 4U : Offer music that is free and available in the public domain.

incompetech : Offers royalty free music that you can use for free with proper credit to the creator or artist

Bensound: Provides eligible music for free download when you credit Bensound.

Paid Service Options

Artlist : A library of royalty free music accessible through a paid subscription for unlimited use The paid subscriptions are offered in different packages, starting at “Max Social” for $29.99 per month.

Soun d stripe : Offers unlimited access to their music library with a paid subscription starting at $9.99 per month.

PremiumBeat by Shutterstock : Offers tracks from a large library for a one-time fee purchase. 

Beyond this list, many royalty free music providers will most likely offer free trials to help you assess the service's value before committing. Afterward, most operate on a monthly or annual subscription basis.

On average, a monthly subscription ranges from $10 to $20. Choosing to go with an annual subscription and paying upfront often leads to a slightly reduced monthly cost.

Alternatively, some services offer one-time fees for individual tracks. Prices can vary significantly, starting as low as $1 per track and reaching up to a few hundred dollars per track.

Can I use any songs for my travel videos?

The short and logistical answer is no, and this is simply because of the copyright issue we just went in depth on.

If you're posting your travel video to youtube, then no. If it's just for you and your family to watch in the privacy of your own homes, then yes.

Past that, if we're talking about using any song in terms of the aesthetic and the vibe of your travel videos, then the answer is yes. The world of the music library is your oyster.

List of songs for travel videos and why we recommend them

In light of it being summer, we know travel is picking up, and what does that mean? Travel videos!

We have a list of what we think are the best songs for travel to incorporate into your travel video, but make sure that past this blog, you're actually able to use them!

Wake Me Up - Avicii

Avicii is known for creating cool travel songs for video recaps. "Wake Me Up" is a great song for a travel video because not only is it upbeat, but it has universal appeal.

This means that it has catchy melody that is enjoyable for a broader audience. It's beats transcends cultural and age barriers for everyone to enjoy.

The song can enhance your video and make it more engaging for audiences from various backgrounds.

This song has a fun rhythm and beats that provide a natural pace for any travel video and will naturally sync well with different travel scenes and activities.

Paris - The Chainsmokers

"Paris" is perfect for travel videos because of its dreamy vibes, which are well-suited for travel videos.

I mean... imagine you went to Paris with your significant other and editing a travel video and this song is playing as the background music. It sets a captivating tone and adds feeling wanderlust.

It also enhances the emotional connection, making the visuals more captivating for viewers of all ages.

Travelin' Man - Ricky Nelson

This song, released in 1961, offers nostalgia, excitement, and is the right song for storytelling in travel videos.

For instance, "Travelin' Man" immediately hits the travel theme spot on with it's title. More than that, it's lyrics reinforce exploration and adventure. "I'm a travelin' man and I've made a lot of stops. All over the world"

The song's lyrics tell the story of a man's path to different places. This storytelling element can enhance the viewer's experience by complementing the clips of the travel video.

It's also a song that is on the quieter side, making it great as background music.

Sleep On The Floor - The Lumineers

Now, speaking personally, this is my favorite travel song and the Lumineers truly create great music.

"Sleep On The Floor" Overall, brings a sense of adventure through it's rhythm and melody. The thing to notice about the song though is that it brings emotional depth and versatility to travel videos.

The lyrics speak of adventure and the desire to explore new places. It encourages those who listen to embark on their own journeys.

That's where the emotional depth comes in. The song can foster a strong connection with visuals of a travel video, and can enhance a viewer's experience of travel.

Renegades - X Ambassadors

"Renegades" is a song that exhibits a youthful and adventurous, and road trip vibe, which is the right music for younger travellers to use.

Speaking of youthful, I'm reminded of popularity. This song was a commercial success and gained popularity worldwide, therefore, it's recognition can make any travel video more memorable.

The song has an upbeat energy that provides excitement. It uplifts the mood and makes one feel "free" in a way. I think it's safe to say that this song would fit well for a road trip travel video.

Just picture blue skies, sunny day, friends, it's summer, you're on an open road and you hit the play button...what an epic travel experience!

Road Trippin' - Red Hot Chili Peppers

Speaking of a road trip, this next song title says it all!

"Road Trippin" brings feeling of desired adventure, chill vibes, and positivity to travel videos, making it an ideal choice for creators looking to showcase the freedom of road trips and travel experiences.

The song's mellow and laid-back ambiance complements the leisurely pace of road trips and travel. It makes for a relaxed and carefree atmosphere.

This will enhance the viewer's experience of the travel video that is made of this road trip.

It's feel-good vibe will create a joyous and happy feeling while watching your travel video.

Vacation - Thomas Rhett

Do you feel like dancing or snapping your fingers? Listen to Thomas Rhett talk about what a vacation should be like!

But for real, let's talk about the timing of this song. It's upbeat, fast, and timely. It's easy to align clips from your own adventure to this song. It's catchy and dance-worthy beats will make it easy for anyone to watch your video over and over again.

Also, the song's title and lyrics are on point with regards to the theme of vacation and travel, making it a natural fit for travel videos.

Adventure Of A Lifetime - Coldplay

If you don't know Coldplay, you're definitely living under a rock, and if you listen to their music, then you're living life!

Coldplay's music is well known and they have songs perfect as travel music. Hear me out, Coldplay's popularity is to viewers of different ages and backgrounds. Using "Adventure Of A Lifetime" can help your travel video resonate with a diverse audience.

The song's catchy and memorable chorus says, "Turn your magic on, to me she'd say, everything you want's a dream away."

These lyrics definitely add quality to the travel video and can leave an impression on you and your audience and resonate with their own aspirations for travel and adventure.

On Top Of The World - Imagine Dragons

"On Top of The World" just has the overall feel-good feeling. It's not like most songs for travel videos, because this type of feel-good includes the idea of freedom, life, hope, wonder and feeling on top of the world when travelling.

The song's feel-good nature is bound to uplift your mood and will create a positive, emotional connection with the travel video. It'll enhance the overall viewing experience and will leave you and your viewers feeling SO happy.

Life Is A Highway - Rascal Flatts

"Life Is A Highway" is an iconic road trip song. Remember the movie Cars ? That's definitely the first thing memory I have when I think of this song.

It's worth mentioning that I think of the montage in the movie where Lightning McQueen is on a road trip to California, he's living his best life, he's a super star race car, and life truly feels like a highway; fast and adventurous!

It's lyrical meaning and message is also what makes this song for your travel video because it's about embracing life's journey and all its twists and turns. This will resonate with viewers from all walks of life, all generations.

It inspires optimism and appreciation for the experiences that travel brings.

Overwhelmed by all your song options?

Leave it to spivo video to choose the right song for your video, big jet plane - angus and julia stone.

This song is a little different, but in a great waym and has powerful features. "Big Jet Plane" is a song that is calming and has a mellow melody.

It creates a serene atmosphere, making it an the best accompaniment for capturing travel moments like scenic landscapes and peaceful getaways.

Additionally, it exhibits romantic and intimate vibes too. The song has lyrics that can add depth to your travel video, particularly when featuring travel experiences with loved ones or emphasizing the emotional connection to the places you have visited.

Travelin’ Band - Creedence Clearwater Revival

Your head will 100% be nodding and bouncing to this song when you hear it in your travel video!

"Travelin' Band" is a timeless classic, that exudes charm and is bound to make your travel video have a familiarity and connection vibe.

It is catchy and is widely known and appreciated, appealing to a broad range of audiences and will make your travel video more engaging for viewers of all ages.

The song's sing-along quality and infectious chorus create a fun and interactive experience, encouraging you and your audience to join in or tap their feet while enjoying the video.

Its energetic nature also makes it a perfect fit for montages of different travel experiences and destinations, while also seamlessly complementing any fast-paced editing of footage.

Barcelona - Ed Sheeran

Can you hear that? No, it's not the ad for travel insurance... it's Ed Sheeran . Not only is his voice and music serene, but his songs make for best travel songs.

His song makes specific references to Barcelona making it a perfect fit for your montage that feature the city of Barcelona or any other destination with a similar vibrant and lively atmosphere.

Ed Sheeran is popular so his music appeals to a broad audience, making "Barcelona" enjoyable for audiences of different ages and backgrounds, even if they are in fact from Barcelona.

It's also fair to say that the song has a cinematic quality that can enhance the visual storytelling of your video, making it more captivating

Budapest - George Ezra

"Budapest" a is an ideal recap video song because like others, its direct reference to a specific destination makes it a perfect fit for showcasing the beauty of Budapest or similar locations.

The song's lyrics about travel and experiencing new places can ignite wonder in viewers, encouraging them to plan their own adventures and travel memories.

Whether your video captures a solo, a romantic getaway, or a group exploration, the song seamlessly adapts to a variety of travel themes and would be perfect as background music for your travel's activities in your video.

Don't Stop Believin' - Journey

I bet you're on a midnight train listening to this song! "Don't Stop Believin" is iconic and is known by everyone, no matter where you are in the world.

The song's chorus, as memorable as it is, can leave a lasting impact on you and your audiences, enhancing the travel video's memorability and enjoyment.

The song serves as a feel-good anthem, giving viewers motivation and empowerment, and fostering a positive emotional connection with your video.

The song's themes are resilience and chasing dreams, which make it a fitting choice for any travel scenario, from backpacking to luxurious vacations.

Vienna - Billy Joel

"Vienna" is a fantastic song for your video for many reasons.

Its lyrics add emotional depth to the storytelling, leaving viewers feeling connected to your memories, and as a timeless classic, the song provokes feelings of nostalgia and appreciation, resonating with both new and seasoned travellers.

The track sets a mood for videos that explore vibrant cities with historical significance and cultural heritage, like Vienna. Its elegant and it's sound adds a touch of charm, complementing the city's aesthetics.

Overall, the song is a great choice for a video that needs a captivating experience to leave a lasting impact on you and your audience.

Collaborate with Spivo Video

If picking a song is overwhelming or if you don't want to deal with all the legal logistics of using music, consider Spivo Video .

Our team of professional video editors are ready to pick a song for your video that will make it unforgettable. We have a long list of royalty free music that one or two songs are guaranteed to fit perfectly with your video!

You can also upload your own music to us to incorporate in your video.

To see our music library, simply receive a quote , purchase the edit, and use the Dropbox provided to effortlessly upload your content files.

For examples of customer videos, make sure to check us out on TikTok and Instagram !

I'm sure all this talk about travel songs for travel videos is making you itch! Go on that adventure, but don't forget to collect video memories, send them to us, and pick a song!

Safe Travels!

Related Posts

How to Increase Watch Hours on YouTube Videos

GoPro Quik Desktop Download (Windows/Mac)

Video Editing Rates: How Much Do Freelance Services Cost?

Leave a comment.

• Entertainment & News
• Career & Money
• Health & Wellness
• Love Quotes
• Expert Advice
• Radical Acceptance
• search articles
• find an expert
• sign up for newsletter

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.

Sounds of Cities: Global Musical Discovery

Home » Songs For Any Occasion » Songs For Instagram » Travel Songs for Instagram Reels

Travel Songs for Instagram Reels

In the ever-evolving world of social media, Instagram reels have emerged as a captivating platform for travelers to share their journeys in bite-sized, visually appealing clips. As you traverse the globe, documenting your adventures, the right soundtrack can transform your travel content from ordinary to extraordinary. To help you curate the most enthralling reels, we’ve compiled a handpicked selection of the best songs for travel reels. These trending travel reel songs will transport your viewers into the heart of your wanderlust experiences, evoking emotions and creating lasting impressions.

Each song on this curated list has been carefully chosen to enhance your travel reels, adding depth and emotion to your visual storytelling. Whether you’re road-tripping through picturesque landscapes, savoring the beauty of bustling cityscapes, or getting lost in the wilderness, these tracks will undoubtedly elevate the impact of your travel content.

So, are you ready to embark on a virtual journey with your followers? Let the power of music infuse your travel reels with magic, turning fleeting moments into lasting memories. Join us as we delve into the overview of each of these 30 mesmerizing travel songs, unleashing the full potential of your wanderlust adventures on Instagram. Get your cameras ready, hit the play button, and let the reels take flight!

1. “Sunroof” by Nicky Youre and dazy

2. “home” by edith whiskers, 3. “another love” by tom odell, 4. “somewhere only we know” by gustixa, 5. “in this shirt” by the irrepressibles, 6. “daylight” by david kushner, 7. “running up that hill (a deal with god)” by kate bush, 8. “makeba” by jain, 9. “love me again” by john newman, 10. “evergreen” by richy mitch & the coal miners, 11. “love nwantiti” by ckay, dj yo & ax’el, 12. “welcome home, son” by radical face, 13. “way down we go” by kaleo, 14. “take a moment to breathe.” by normal the kid, 15. “move me” by lavern, 16. “on top of the world” by imagine dragons, 17. “riptide” by vance joy, 18. “here comes the sun” by the beatles, 19. “can we kiss forever” by kina, 20. “still don’t know my name” by labrinth, 21. “get you the moon” by kina, 22. “golden hour” by jvke, 23. “hotline” by billie eilish (edit), 24. “woop baby” by letherette, 25. “tainted love” by trinix, 26. “smooth operator” by sade.

• 27. “Don’t Let Me Down” by The Chainsmokers

28. “Radio” by Lana Del Rey

29. “what a wonderful world” by imaginary future and kina grannis, 30. “as it was” by harry styles, travel songs for instagram reels, final thoughts.

Released year: 2022

“Sunroof” by Nicky Youre and dazy is a feel-good, catchy tune that’ll have you dancing and dreaming of adventure. With its upbeat rhythm and vibrant lyrics , it captures the essence of carefree road trips and sun-soaked escapades.

Imagine yourself with your head out the sunroof, cruising down the freeway at night, blasting your favorite tunes. The song’s joyful vibe and captivating imagery will transport you to a world of possibilities and excitement.

Perfect for Instagram travel reels, “Sunroof” sets the ideal backdrop for showcasing your adventures and wanderlust. Its infectious melody and lyrics about feeling brand new and embracing life’s simple pleasures will resonate with your followers, inspiring them to join you on your journey and seek their own moments of bliss.

So, get ready to hit the road, capture those beautiful moments, and let “Sunroof” be the soundtrack to your next epic travel reel. Happy adventures!

Released year: 2020

“Home” by Edith Whiskers is a heartfelt ode to love and companionship. The lyrics take us on a journey through various places and experiences, emphasizing the irreplaceable bond between two people. From Alabama to waterfalls and beyond, they share laughter, joy, and unconditional love.

This song is perfect for Instagram travel reels because it beautifully encapsulates the essence of wanderlust and adventure. As the catchy tune plays, viewers can relish the joy of exploring new places with a loved one, making memories together.

The catchy “la-la-la-la” part adds a whimsical touch, making it an ideal background for captivating visuals of breathtaking landscapes and exciting escapades. So, hit the road and let “Home” be the anthem of your thrilling travel reels!

Released year: 2013

“Another Love” by Tom Odell is a heartfelt ballad expressing a desire to show care and affection to someone special. Amidst the cold uncertainty, the singer reminisces about bringing daffodils that won’t bloom like before. He longs to kiss and make the person feel alright, but exhaustion hinders him from sharing his nights.

With a broken hand, he vows to use his voice to protect and be bold. However, he’s lost in past loves, and his tears have all been used up. Despite this, the song’s emotional depth and beautiful melody make it a perfect choice for Instagram travel reels, evoking a sense of wanderlust and connection to the beautiful moments shared.

“Somewhere Only We Know” by Gustixa is a heartfelt journey through memories and nostalgia.

The singer reminisces about walking through familiar paths, feeling complete by the river. As time passes, she longs for a simple place to rely on, seeking somewhere special to start anew. The fallen tree evokes memories of cherished love. With a desire to escape to a secret location, she yearns to talk about it with someone special in a place only she knows.

The song’s emotional depth and dreamy atmosphere make it a perfect soundtrack for Instagram travel reels, inspiring wanderlust and captivating viewers with its magical essence.

Released year: 2010

“In This Shirt” by The Irrepressibles takes you on a poignant journey of love and loss, where a fading rainbow symbolizes the passing of time and emotions. The haunting melody echoes the pain of separation, yet the shirt serves as a tangible connection to the beloved.

With a blend of melancholy and hope, the song’s deep emotions and evocative lyrics make it perfect for Instagram travel reels, allowing users to showcase their adventures while capturing the fleeting moments of joy and introspection amid the ever-changing landscapes.

Released year: 2023

“Daylight” by David Kushner is a captivating song that delves into the internal struggle between love and guilt. With soulful lyrics , it beautifully captures the entangled emotions of two sinners, seeking redemption while hiding their sins from the world.

The juxtaposition of love and hate creates a gripping atmosphere, perfect for Instagram travel reels. Its evocative melody and meaningful lyrics would add depth to visual storytelling, making it a great choice to enhance travel footage and evoke emotions in viewers. So, give it a listen and let the song’s essence elevate your travel experiences!

Released year: 1985

“Running Up That Hill (A Deal with God)” by Kate Bush is a captivating song that explores the desire for change and the willingness to make a deal with a higher power. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of running towards new heights, both physically and emotionally, as the protagonist seeks a different perspective.

This song is great for Instagram travel reels because its powerful and uplifting melody, combined with the themes of transformation and adventure, perfectly complements breathtaking travel footage. The lyrics’ message of pushing boundaries and striving for new experiences resonates with the spirit of exploration and discovery, making it an ideal soundtrack for showcasing exciting journeys on social media.

So, if you’re looking to elevate your travel content, this song is an excellent choice to fuel wanderlust and inspire your audience!

Released year: 2015

“Makeba” by Jain is a mesmerizing and rhythmic track that will make you want to move your body. The catchy “oohe” chorus and infectious beats will get you dancing for sure. The lyrics celebrate the beauty of Makeba, who embodies the real essence of human rights and the spirit of Mama Africa.

With its vibrant and energetic vibe, this song is perfect for Instagram travel reels. As you explore different destinations, the lively rhythm will match the excitement of your adventures.

Whether you’re dancing on a beach, hiking through nature, or capturing the local culture, “Makeba” will add a captivating touch to your travel content and keep your audience grooving along. So, get ready to dance your way through your travel adventures with this incredible tune! Ooohe!

In “Love Me Again” by John Newman, the singer reflects on past mistakes, seeking redemption and love. With powerful lyrics and a compelling melody, he rises above his wrongdoings and finds strength within.

The song’s emotional journey, coupled with its catchy chorus, makes it perfect for Instagram travel reels, as it complements captivating visuals of personal growth, breathtaking destinations, and new beginnings, resonating with viewers’ hearts and inspiring them to explore and love again.

Released year: 2017

“Evergreen” by Richy Mitch & The Coal Miners is a soul-stirring anthem that delves into the struggle of being trapped between opposing forces. The lyrics portray a tense battle, with vivid imagery of a rock and a hard place, and the determination to stand firm despite the odds.

The song’s emotive storytelling is perfect for Instagram travel reels, where it can amplify adventurous journeys and inspire viewers to conquer their own challenges with unwavering resilience.

“Love Nwantiti” by CKay, DJ Yo, and AX’EL is a captivating Afrobeat love anthem that exudes passion and joy. The song beautifully describes a deep connection between two lovers, with catchy rhythms and an infectious chorus that will have you singing along.

The vibrant melody and engaging lyrics create an irresistibly feel-good vibe, perfect for travel reels on Instagram. Its energetic beats and romantic theme make it a fantastic soundtrack to showcase adventurous moments and beautiful destinations, making viewers feel the excitement and love of exploring new places.

Released year: 2007

In “Welcome Home, Son” by Radical Face, the haunting lyrics paint a vivid picture of introspection and longing. The sun becomes suffocating as days blend, and the eyes hold regrets. Memories are represented by swaying sheets like captured ghosts. Ships launch from the heart, carrying lost pieces, and scars are peeled away, symbolizing healing. Nightmares torment, but there’s hope in reconnection beneath the skin.

This song’s emotional depth and evocative imagery make it perfect for Instagram travel reels, as it captures the essence of self-discovery and longing on life’s journey.

In “Way Down We Go” by KALEO, the singer questions if we get what we deserve, emphasizing the consequences of our actions. The song’s repetitive lines create a captivating rhythm as it delves into facing challenges head-on.

The powerful vocals and deep lyrics make it an excellent addition to Instagram travel reels, evoking emotions of adventure and self-discovery amidst stunning destinations.

Released year: 2021

“Take a Moment to Breathe” by Normal the Kid is a heartfelt tune that urges you to pause and reflect. The lyrics express a longing for someone not to leave, battling inner turmoil, and wishing for a different outcome. The song beautifully speaks of love’s complexity and the desire for physical and emotional closeness.

Song’s emotional depth and soothing melody make it a perfect soundtrack for Instagram travel reels, evoking a sense of introspection amidst breathtaking destinations.

So, take a moment, listen, and let its soothing vibes enrich your wanderlust adventures!

“Move Me” by Lavern is a groovy track that’ll instantly captivate you with its catchy beats. It’s a delightful invitation to experience something extraordinary together.

The recurring “yeah, yeah” and “with you, baby” create an infectious rhythm, making you want to move and groove. The song’s playful lyrics, “let’s make a movie,” add a sense of adventure and romance.

With its vibrant energy and positive vibes, this song is perfect for Instagram travel reels, as it complements the excitement of exploring new places and sharing unforgettable moments with loved ones.

So get ready to hit the road and let “Move Me” be the soundtrack of your unforgettable journey! Yeah, let’s make a movie with-with-with you!

Released year: 2012

“On Top of the World” by Imagine Dragons is an uplifting anthem filled with hope and determination. The lyrics convey the importance of expressing love and seizing opportunities before it’s too late. The track celebrates overcoming challenges and pursuing dreams, with catchy melodies that resonate deeply.

This song is perfect for Instagram travel reels because it captures the essence of adventure and triumph. The empowering message, paired with scenes of breathtaking landscapes and exciting experiences, will inspire viewers to embrace life’s opportunities and savor every moment.

So, share your journey with this upbeat track and let it fuel your wanderlust spirit!

“Riptide” by Vance Joy is a catchy and heartfelt tune that explores the fears and dreams of a person. With smooth transitions between verses, Vance talks about being scared of things like dentists, the dark, and starting conversations. He compares his friends to the magician’s assistant, and they come unstuck.

The chorus depicts a lady running down to the riptide, taking a journey to the dark side. He wants to be her left-hand man and loves how she sings, even if she gets the words wrong, evoking emotions and a lump in his throat.

The song paints a vivid picture of a captivating movie-like romance, making it perfect for Instagram travel reels to complement breathtaking adventures and heartfelt moments.

Released year: 1969

“Here Comes the Sun” by The Beatles is a delightful tune that brings a much-needed ray of hope after a long, cold winter. The song’s uplifting melody and lyrics about the return of the sun will instantly put a smile on your face.

Perfect for Instagram travel reels, it captures the joy of exploring new places and the warmth of adventure, making it a fantastic soundtrack for sharing your travel experiences with the world. So, get ready to groove and spread those positive vibes—it’s alright!

“Can We Kiss Forever” by Kina is an emotional journey wrapped in a dreamy melody. As the lyrics tell a story of longing and pain, they tug at your heartstrings. The transition words “I tried,” “whenever,” and “but in the end” guide us through the highs and lows of this profound connection.

This song is perfect for Instagram travel reels as it captures the essence of wanderlust, the yearning to explore, and the bittersweet emotions that come with it. So, why not pair those breathtaking travel moments with this captivating song and let the emotions flow?

Released year: 2019

In “Still Don’t Know My Name” by Labrinth, the singer expresses a deep longing for connection and recognition. Despite intense passion and devotion, the person remains distant, leaving the singer yearning for acknowledgment. With soulful vocals and heartfelt lyrics , Labrinth beautifully portrays the emotional struggle of unrequited love.

This song is perfect for Instagram travel reels, as its evocative melody and expressive storytelling can amplify the emotions captured in breathtaking travel visuals, creating a captivating and relatable narrative for viewers.

Released year: 2018

In “Get You The Moon” by Kina, the lyrics speak of unwavering support, love, and sacrifice. It portrays a deep connection, with lines like “You are the reason why I’m still hanging on” and “If I could, I’d get you the moon.”

The song’s emotional depth and raw sentiments make it perfect for heartwarming travel reels on Instagram, evoking feelings of adventure and togetherness.

“Golden Hour” by JVKE is a magical tune that takes you on a journey of love and wonder.

Picture two lovers in a car, basking in the glow of pink and orange skies, feeling all giddy and youthful. With the radio blasting, they’re driving nowhere fast, making the moment last as time slows down during their golden hour.

The lyrics beautifully describe the mesmerizing connection they share, making you wish you had a love like that.

The song’s dreamy vibe and catchy beat make it perfect for Instagram travel reels. Just imagine capturing breathtaking sunsets, fun road trips, and cherished moments with your special someone under the golden hour’s enchanting spell.

So, give it a listen, and let “Golden Hour” inspire your next adventure!

“Hotline” by Billie Eilish is a catchy tune with a phone-inspired beat that instantly grabs your attention. The repetitive line, “I know when that hotline bling, that can only mean one thing,” creates an addictive rhythm.

This song’s perfect for your Instagram travel reels as it adds a fun, trendy vibe to your videos, making them even more engaging!

Letherette’s “Woop Baby” is a smooth, groovy jam filled with repetition and soulful vibes. The lyrics are simple, but they draw you in with their catchy, mesmerizing rhythm.

Perfect for those Instagram travel reels, this track’s chill atmosphere will make your videos feel effortlessly cool and captivating. So, let the rhythm carry you away as you showcase your adventures in style!

“Tainted Love” by TRINIX is a heartfelt track, expressing the need to escape from pain and lost love. The haunting melody and soulful lyrics make you feel the emotional turmoil.

This song is perfect for those moments when you’re on a breathtaking adventure, capturing the beauty of travel on your Instagram reel. The contrast between the song’s melancholy and the stunning visuals will create a captivating and relatable experience for your audience.

So, go ahead, hit the road, and let “Tainted Love” add a touch of depth to your travel reels!

Released year: 1984

“Smooth Operator” by Sade is a mesmerizing track that paints a vivid picture of a charming yet elusive lover. With his alluring ways, he conquers hearts in multiple languages and indulges in luxury. This smooth operator glides effortlessly from coast to coast, leaving a trail of love and intrigue.

The song’s rhythmic flow and captivating lyrics make it a perfect choice for Instagram travel reels, as it sets the mood for exploring new destinations and capturing the essence of a jet-setting adventure. So, if you’re looking to add some flair to your travel content, let this smooth operator guide you through your wanderlust-filled journey! Smooth operator, indeed.

27. “Don’t Let Me Down” by The Chainsmokers

Released year: 2016

“Don’t Let Me Down” by The Chainsmokers is a passionate and intense plea for support. The singer feels stranded and in need of a miracle, desperately calling out for someone who seems distant. The lyrics express a fear of losing their mind and a longing for someone to be there when they need them the most.

This song is perfect for Instagram travel reels because it captures the emotions of adventure and unpredictability. It could accompany breathtaking footage of exploring new places, showcasing the highs and lows of travel.

The song’s catchy beats and relatable lyrics would resonate with viewers, making it a great choice to add depth and connection to your travel content. So, don’t let this opportunity pass, share your wanderlust with “Don’t Let Me Down” and create an unforgettable travel experience!

Lana Del Rey’s “Radio” is a mesmerizing anthem of resilience and newfound love. With soaring vocals, she triumphantly declares how she’s risen above the weight of others’ judgments. From past struggles to reaching her dreams in L.A., she sings of paradise found.

The song’s dreamy, euphoric melody makes it perfect for Instagram travel reels, where it can infuse wanderlust-filled clips with an enchanting vibe. The captivating lyrics , blending sweet and venomous imagery, will leave listeners hooked, making it an ideal soundtrack for showcasing breathtaking destinations and unforgettable experiences.

So, whether you’re exploring paradise or just want a taste of it, “Radio” is sure to add that magical touch to your travel memories.

Imaginary Future and Kina Grannis beautifully reprise Louis Armstrong’s “What a Wonderful World” in a heartfelt rendition.

The song paints a vivid picture of nature’s beauty, love, and human connections. With its uplifting melody and timeless lyrics , it’s perfect for Instagram travel reels to capture the breathtaking landscapes and heartwarming encounters, evoking a sense of awe and appreciation for the world’s wonders.

“As It Was” by Harry Styles is an emotional journey through introspection and change. With lines like “Holding me back, Gravity’s holding me back,” Harry expresses a struggle to move forward. Yet, the song also reveals a desire for connection, as he sings, “I want you to hold out the palm of your hand.”

It’s a reflection on life’s ups and downs, beautifully captured in the phrase, “You know it’s not the same as it was.” The song’s raw honesty and relatable themes make it a great addition to Instagram travel reels, as it complements personal growth and evolving experiences.

In conclusion, as we reach the end of our journey through the world of travel songs for Instagram reels, we hope you’ve discovered the perfect soundtrack to elevate your wanderlust adventures. Music has an incredible ability to amplify emotions, and when paired with captivating visuals, it becomes a powerful tool to transport your audience to the heart of your experiences.

Whether you’re exploring distant lands, seeking self-discovery, or reveling in the beauty of nature, these handpicked tracks have been carefully curated to complement your travel reels and leave a lasting impression on your viewers. Embrace the rhythm, the melody, and the lyrics, and let them paint a vivid backdrop to your unforgettable moments.

As you share your travel stories through Instagram reels, don’t forget the impact of music in crafting a memorable narrative. With the right song, you can evoke a sense of wanderlust, inspire others to explore, and create a connection with your audience that goes beyond borders.

But this is only the beginning! As you continue your adventures and capture new memories, consider exploring the world of songs for instagram stories . Just as music enriches reels, it can also breathe life into your Stories, engaging your followers in a more intimate and immersive way.

So, fellow travelers, keep embracing your wanderlust, keep seeking new horizons, and keep curating those compelling reels and Stories. Let the magic of music be your constant companion, turning every travel moment into a symphony of emotions. Thank you for joining us on this melodic exploration, and may your future journeys be filled with harmony, adventure, and the joy of discovery. Safe travels, and happy storytelling!

Best Songs for a Vacation Video Background Music (in 2024)

You’ve got the perfect vacation video, but something is missing. A soundtrack that fits the mood perfectly. You need music for your travel videos! But what music should you choose? What are the best songs for a vacation video?

One of the best songs to add to your travel videos is Bob Dylan’s “Gotta Travel On”. Just hearing the song instantly takes you to a peaceful place where nothing else matters but that beautiful moment. It’s even a perfect track to listen to while road trippin’ towards your much-awaited family vacation.

But there are various other songs that could be perfect for your epic vacation videos!

Whether you’re spending some good time in New York or basking under the sun in Greece, there sure is a song perfect for your travel clips. All you have to do is look!

If you want to begin searching for the right music to express all the good times you had, you’ve come to the right place!

Go on permanent vacation with @diplo ‘s Summertime Sounds playlist featuring music from @sanbenito , @TheChainsmokers , and more. 🌴 https://t.co/rao856cgOT pic.twitter.com/x1SwcYXAIG — Apple Music (@AppleMusic) June 13, 2022

Where can I find good background music for vacation videos?

You can find good background music for your vacation videos in many places. Indeed, the best way to hype up your clips is through great music.

Listening to a playlist of travel songs that you like is one way to find what you’re looking for. You can also look at the travel playlists of other people who have created videos with similar content as yours or check out some of those popular sites where people share their favorite songs with others.

In this day and age, social media has tons of ideas you can check out. Try to get a feel of what you want your video’s feel to be and look for similar ones on the internet.

Another option is to listen to the playlists that artists have made themselves—some artists will even share their own personal favorites!

You’ll want to be sure that whatever song you use is either available on streaming services or in online stores where downloads are allowed (such as iTunes). This way, people will be able to hear it even if they don’t have access to YouTube videos or Google Play Music.

You could set up an account on either platform so that all the music files are stored there and then download them onto offline devices such as cell phones or tablets later down the road when needed during production processes.

Which genres make the best background music for vacation videos?

Music for vacation videos or vacation slideshows can be categorized into a few different genres.

The most common is ambient and minimalist music, which involves the use of instruments like chimes and bells to create sounds that are soothing without being overpowering.

It all depends on whether you want the music to be as captivating as the video or just something chill in the background.

Ethnic or tribal music is another good choice for themed songs, as it often has a relaxing vibe to it while still having enough energy to keep viewers engaged.

Classical music is another option that usually works well in background music situations: many classic composers are well-known for their ability to conjure up feelings of romance and adventure with their compositions, making them perfect for travel videos.

Alternative rock or classic rock can also be used as background songs if you want something more upbeat than classical but not quite as intense as electronic beats or hip-hop songs (although those work well, too!).

Underground hip-hop beats could also work if you have an urban setting in mind—they’re less likely to clash with certain areas of your video editing project’s theme than other genres because they’re generally considered more “universal.”

If you want something mellow but still energetic enough to hold viewers’ attention throughout your entire video editing project, acoustic guitar pieces and love songs by artists like Jimi Hendrix may be just what you need!

Vacation by The Go Gos is the guiltiest of pleasures but you gotta respect it pic.twitter.com/oHX1uusgoz — Dan Chiofalome (@chiofalome) April 28, 2020

What are the best songs for travel videos?

When it comes to selecting music for your travel video, you’re going to want to consider a few different things.

The first thing you should think about is the type of vacation that you are going on and the destination where you’re going to be.

For example, if you are going on a relaxing beach getaway with your best friend, then mellow acoustic songs with soft vocals would be perfect. On the other hand, if you are going on an adventure vacation full of outdoor activities like hiking or kayaking, then upbeat rock music would make a good choice for background music to create your best music video yet!

The second thing that’s important is the season when your trip will take place.

For instance, wintertime will require festive Christmas songs since it’s such a jolly time of the year full of holiday cheer! Summer vacations bring about big summer hits, so some popular pop songs would work well with this type of setting.

And finally: personal preference!

Everyone has their own preferences when it comes to what kind of music they like listening to, which makes choosing something specific really difficult sometimes. Luckily, there’s one good song out there for everyone (maybe even two!).

To help you narrow down your options, let me share 30 of the best songs for travel videos:

• “Open Road” by Bryan Adams
• “I Walk The Line” by Johnny Cash
• “Moon Dawg” by The Beach Boys
• “Take Me Home, Country Roads” by John Denver
• “Sweet Home Alabama” by Lynyrd Skynyrd
• “Under The Bridge” by Red Hot Chili Peppers
• “On The Road Again” by Willie Nelson
• “San Francisco” Scott McKenzie
• “Travelin’ Man” by Ricky Nelson
• “Ramblin’ Man” by The Allman Brothers Band
• “Around The World” by Daft Punk
• “Have Love, Will Travel” by Richard Berry
• “Fast Car” by Tracy Chapman
• “Leaving On A Jet Plane” by John Denver
• “Montego Bay” by Bobby Bloom
• “City Of New Orleans” by Willie Nelson
• “Highest Mountains” by Zibbidi Zaaba
• “Own Way” by Fleetwood Mac
• “Galway Girl” by Ed Sheeran
• “Hills of West Virginia” by Phil Ochs
• “Free Man” by South Shore Commission
• “Graceland” by Paul Simon
• “Come Fly With Me” by Frank Sinatra
• “Carolina In My Mind” by James Taylor
• “Fly Away” by Lenny Kravitz
• “Gotta Travel On” by Bob Dylan
• “The Passenger” by Iggy Pop
• “Ziggy Stardust” by David Bowie
• “No particular Place To Go” by Chuck Berry
• “Soak Up The Sun” by Sheryl Crow
• “Pink Cadillac” by Bruce Springsteen
• “Road To Nowhere” by Talking Heads
• “Long Road To Ruin” by Foo Fighters
• “Have You Ever Seen The Rain?” by Creedence Clearwater Revival
• “Uptown Girl” by Billy Joel
• “Midnight Train To Georgia” by Gladys Knight and The Pips
• “Havana” by Camila Cabello
• “Vacation” by The Go Go’s

Is it legal to use songs in a travel video for my own?

No matter how much you like a song and how much you envision it to be such a great fit for your travel videos, you may not always have the luxury (legally) to use it. But there are some options you can look into.

Having said that, it also depends on what you plan to do with the video. I have several of my family’s vacation videos on a hard drive hooked up to my TV, and they’re just for watching at home. So my travel videos have songs like The Go Go’s “Vacation” on them.

But if you’re posting them on social media, especially if you are using an entire song , you’ll want to be careful.

Snapchat, of course, gives you lots of song options to add to videos, as do other platforms. But you’re just adding tiny snippets, not whole songs. It’s when you’re using an entire song, especially if there is no narration or other noises in the background. But even then, as you see on YouTube where most songs you know are literally uploaded in full by hundreds of users, it’s probably not really a big deal.

Most bands and record labels have grown accustomed to streaming music and the financial realities of that. They aren’t likely to ever target a home user unless it’s obvious they are trying to distribute and profit from an artist’s work.

But if you want to make sure you’re in compliance, here are the steps:

The first step to using music in your travel video is determining the type of license that applies to the song. There are three main types: public domain, royalty-free and creative commons.

Public domain music is freely available for use by anyone without restrictions on how it can be used or distributed. With this type of song, there are no fees associated with its use, and you can use as much or as little of a recording as you’d like without any hassle or legal worries.

Royalty-free songs have similar terms, but they usually require payment once per project instead of per listener (which could get expensive).

It may require some money from your end, but the fact that it only needs a one-time payment is already a great deal if you really enjoy the music. But there are other free options out there, so these should be the last songs on your list.

Creative commons songs are released under specific licenses with different rules about how they can be shared and used commercially.

The underlying principle is still one where people don’t have to pay royalties when using these materials; however, creators retain certain rights over how their work is presented outside of those limits set forth by each license type.

🎬 I prefer to use Creative Commons 0/Public Domain images, videos, music, and sound effects in my own videos. Here’s where I get my media. #GAETC22 pic.twitter.com/GCXYnWvIAF — Tony Vincent (@tonyvincent) November 3, 2022

How can I post a video on social media with music without violating copyright laws?

As I have expounded above, the key to sparing yourself from any potential legal issues is to understand the different licenses that may apply to different music. But in most cases, most artists, platforms, and record labels aren’t going to care unless it seems obvious you are trying to make money off the music.

A good rule of thumb is to avoid any music that you do not have an explicit license to use. If you are not sure of the legality of a particular piece of music, it’s best to err on the side of caution and avoid using it.

Besides, there are literally millions of songs out there to choose from. It is always best to opt for one which allows you to post your video with no worries.

To ensure that you do the right thing in choosing the perfect background music for your travel video, there are some things you can do.

For starters, don’t use an entire song from start to finish. That could be seen as “distributing” the song, as it would be possible for someone to download and extract the audio file. Just use a series of small snippets.

You can also blend the song with the actual audio from your video.

Next, you can use public domain songs if you don’t want to spend any dollars. A lot of the most popular songs have expired copyrights, which means they are now in the public domain and can be used freely by anyone who wishes to use them!

You can also opt for music under a creative commons license for free song options.

Another option is to purchase licenses from online websites where there may be prerecorded instrumental tracks available for purchase so long as they don’t contain any copyrighted vocals or lyrics written by another party.

This option is usually pretty pricey since most musicians want their work compensated fairly for its usage rather than giving it away for free, but this could be worth considering if your budget allows it!

What are the all-time best travel songs?

And when compiling your videos from those trips, never underestimate the power of a great song to set the tone for your whole trip.

For instance, the song “Walking on Sunshine” by Katrina and the Waves is an all-time great travel song. 

Not only is it upbeat, but it also features lyrics such as “I’m walking on sunshine” and “shining through darkness” that are perfect for setting a positive mood, making them the favorite lyrics of a lot of people.

Another great choice would be Taylor Swift’s “You Belong With Me.” 

This fun hit song will get you pumped up for your trip, especially if you’re traveling solo or with someone special who reminds you how much they belong with you. It makes anyone feel like they’re in their comfort zone and that they’re in the right place at the right time!

If you’re looking for a song that will make you feel like an international jet setter, even if it’s just your first time, try The Go-Go’s “Vacation.” 

This classic 80s tune is the perfect choice for anyone who wants to get up and dance while they wait in line at airport security, which makes it one of my favorite things to listen to.

If you’re looking for a song to help you feel like you’ve got the whole world in your hands, try “I Want You Back” by The Jackson 5. 

This classic song will have you singing along (and dancing in your seat) for a long time!

But if you’re feeling nostalgic and want to reminisce about simpler times, try listening to Don McLean’s “American Pie.” 

This iconic song will have you feeling like you’re on an adventure even before you officially start your much-awaited trip. It feels like it takes you to a specific place in the United States, wherever in the world you may be.

And if you’re looking for a song that will help you get in the mood for your trip, try listening to “Lose My Breath” by Beyoncé. 

This upbeat tune is perfect for anyone who wants to feel like they’re running through an airport full of people who are all trying to get somewhere just as fast as they are!

This experience is especially true when you’re traveling with your kids. We all know that can be chaotic (but undoubtedly rewarding!).

You might be thinking that the stress of taking your children far away from home is not worth it, but with the right guide and tips, it should not be as stressful as you think!

And the music for an international destination like London really gets interesting.

In a recent article I authored, I created a detailed guide on how I got to travel with my kids to London with ease, so you won’t have to! I even cover the amazing Harry Potter Studio Tour!

Just click that link to read it on my site.

“Travel with me Don’t you wanna get away? Don’t you wanna run away? I can take you anywhere Ride with me anywhere” (Song posted by #V of @BTS_twt on his Instagram stories) – 🌹 #SkyForARMY #SkyForBTS #SkyByARMY #BTS #BTSARMY pic.twitter.com/i6aHsKgemN — SkyForARMY (@SkyForARMY) December 29, 2021

What are the best travels songs for Instagram stories?

I’m sure you’re familiar with the saying, “go big or go home.”

It’s a mantra that’s been passed down from generation to generation and has become as popular today as it was when the phrase was first coined.

If you’re like a lot of people, then you probably want to make your Instagram stories stand out among all the other ‘grammers out there. You don’t want your viewers’ eyes glazing over while they see yet another series of seemingly random videos of Paris or Rome.

Instead, I recommend using music that will help capture their attention from start to finish! Here are five songs for a vacation video background music that will make sure each Instagram story has its own unique personality:

First up is we have “California” by Phantom Planet. 

This upbeat song is a perfect vacation video background music because it’s catchy and easy to sing along with, which will help keep your viewers’ attention. It also has an indie rock sound that will come across as fresh and new to anyone who watches your story.

Next is the “Fireflies” by Owl City.

If you’re looking for a song that’s both romantic and nostalgic, then this one might be right up your alley!

It features soft piano melodies accompanied by light percussion instruments that create a dreamy vibe that’ll make any viewer want to kick back on their couch with a glass of wine in hand while watching your stories.

Queen’s “Don’t Stop Me Now” is also an awesome choice. If you’re looking for a song that has a fast-paced tempo with an upbeat melody, then this one’s for you!

It’s perfect for a vacation video background music because it’ll help keep your viewers interested in what comes next.

We also have “Sugar” by Maroon 5.

This song is great for a vacation video background music because it’s catchy and upbeat, but it also has a soulful vibe that makes it feel like the perfect soundtrack for a sunset walk on the beach or around town.

U2’s “You’re the Best Thing About Me” is a song that has a super positive, feel-good vibe that’ll make any viewer smile!

It’s also got an uplifting tempo that makes it perfect for a vacation video background music because it’ll help keep your viewers engaged and interested in what comes next.

Then there’s “Firework” by Katy Perry. 

If you’re looking for a song that has an upbeat melody but with strong percussion instruments, then this one might just fit the bill! It’s got a pop sound that will come across as fresh and new to anyone who watches your stories.

How many playlists do you need? I guess that depends on how many vacations you take a year.

And if you’re wondering how many vacations an average family takes, you can also learn more about that in another one of my recent articles . I get into all the statistics, including not only how many but also the average costs.

How do I download songs to put in a travel video?

The easiest way to add music to your video is by finding the song you want on YouTube and using a website like YouTubeToMP3 to download it (not a paid endorsement).

Every once in a while, I find a video with privacy settings that won’t allow downloading. But luckily, almost any song you can think of probably has dozens, if not hundreds, of videos of it on YouTube, so just look for another one. Unfortunately, streaming platforms like Spotify don’t have a way to download songs.

Save it as an MP3 file, and then it will be easy to upload into your video editing software.

Go ahead and drag the song into the timeline of your project. Once placed, it will automatically sync with your video footage. There are lots of different types of music that can be added to a travel video—from original compositions to covers by popular artists.

If you’re looking for inspiration for what to download outside of what I’ve shared here, check out various playlists of travel-related songs on Spotify, YouTube, or any music apps and websites out there.

Traveling is an experience made incredibly better when spent listening to good music.

There is nothing like the perfect song to reflect the good life you’ve experienced, jumping from one place to another with your friends and family.

And by the way, did you know that families that travel together actually reap multiple benefits from doing so?

If you want to learn more about them, check out this recent article I wrote! Believe it or not, there are a number of studies that show a whole host of benefits for parents and kids alike when you do vacations together.

Waves as my background music as I read and enjoy my coffee #vacation pic.twitter.com/uLVckEXel6 — Brenda Youngblood (@principalyblood) July 7, 2019

Are instrumental songs better for vacation videos?

When you’re planning a vacation video, it can be hard to find the right song. There are so many choices!

And even when you think you’ve found the perfect song, after a few seconds of watching your video, it might feel like something’s missing. Your best bet is instrumental music because it doesn’t distract from your content—you can use it in any type of vacation video and get great results.

Instrumental songs also don’t take away from a story that’s being told by voiceover or other audio elements like sound effects or narration (if those things are important).

So if you’re looking for something lighthearted and fun while still giving people their money’s worth? Look no further than good ol’ instrumental tracks!

You can easily find them by searching on YouTube or Spotify and filtering your results by “instrumental” or “no vocals.”

If you’re looking to add a little spice to your vacation video, try adding some old-school jazz music from generations past. The mellow sound is perfect for showing off the exotic beauty of your destination while still giving the focus on your travel clips.

If you’re looking for something more upbeat, try adding some instrumental music from the genre of pop. The catchy tunes are perfect for showing off the fun side of your destination!

Being from Texas, if you haven’t picked a destination yet for your next road trip, I want to suggest Texas. 

I shared some fun vacation ideas you can do in Texas in this recent article . I cover some of my all-time favorite destinations, including one that only locals know about.

Where can I find free background music for travel videos?

When it comes to finding free background music for your travel videos, there are plenty of options.

You just have to be careful about copyright violations and make sure that you’re not breaking any laws by using the music in your video.

Music can still be used without paying royalties if you follow a few simple rules. 

The most important thing is to only use royalty-free music that’s been specifically created for use in videos or other multimedia projects like YouTube videos (which is why we recommend the websites below).

To ensure that you don’t get sued by a copyright holder:

• Only download from legitimate websites and apps that legally host royalty-free tracks (like YouTube)
• Make sure there aren’t any restrictions on what kind of project this track can be used with (YouTube has specific rules about how long each video needs to be before videos can qualify).
• Always give credit to the artist and website in your video description.
• Always use a video editing software like Adobe Premiere Pro or Final Cut Pro to edit your video.

If you want to use music in your travel videos, we also recommend using the websites below: (not paid endorsements)

• Cepstral ( https://www.cepstral.com/ )
• Audio Jungle ( https://audiojungle.net/ )
• Epidemic Sound ( https://www.epidemicsound.com/ )
• Jamendo ( https://www.jamendo.com/ )
• Royalty-Free Music ( https://www.royaltyfreemusic.audio/ )
• TeknoAXE ( https://www.teknoaxe.com/
• Music Bed ( https://www.musicbed.com/ )
• Premium Beat ( https://premiumbeat.com/ )
• AudioMicro ( https://www.audiomicro.com/ )
• Free Music Archive ( https://freemusicarchive.org/ )

Try exploring the websites listed to see which of them fits your content the best!

October 19th, 1992: #Metallica released the single “Wherever I May Roam” from thier self-titled album “Metallica”, AKA “The Black Album”! pic.twitter.com/22vN6qtyTA — MᴇᴛᴀʟʟɪᴄA (@BookOfMetallicA) October 19, 2021

What is the very best song for a travel video?

Ultimately, the best song for a travel video is the one you like. It’s your content, so it should reflect your interests.

But here are a few suggestions from different genres.

Class Rock and Pop:

• “Clear Blue Skies” – Crosby, Stills, Nash, and Young
• “Rockin’ Down the Highway” – The Doobie Brothers
• “Truckin” – The Grateful Dead
• “On the Road Again” – Canned Heat
• “King of the Road” – Roger Miller
• “Six Days on the Road” – Dave Dudley
• “These Roads Don’t Move” – Ben Gibbard & Jay Farrar

Modern Rock and Pop:

• “Wherever I May Roam” – Metallica
• “Road Trippin’” – Red Hot Chili Peppers
• “Ride” – Twenty One Pilots

This may seem like an obvious statement, but it’s really important to remember that your decision will be influenced by your personal preferences and tastes.

If you find something that fits perfectly with what you want to say in your video, then it will make all the difference.

It also depends on the type of travel video you have. Is it a relaxing trip to the beach? Is it a fun-filled day full of adventures under the sun? Or is it one where you get to attend a grand parade?

All of these things are worth considering.

If you are looking for background music that can help set the mood or tell a story without distracting from what is happening on screen, then there are lots of options available online.

There are also some great websites where people have shared their favorite travel songs for this purpose—so if you have time to seek them out, then go ahead!

When deciding on background music for your vacation videos (or any other type of video), try not to get too hung up on worrying about whether someone else would agree with every choice made. Instead, focus on creating something which feels right for YOU as an individual content creator!

So there you have it!

This is our list of the best songs for vacation video background music. We hope this helps you pick out some good tunes for your next trip.

After writing this article, I have realized that there are many ways to use music in your vacation video. So, you don’t have to stick with just one of these options!

Instead, try adding a few different types of songs or even background music tracks into your footage, so they all fit together well.

The key is finding the right combination that works for you and your audience.

We hope you found the information shared in this blog useful when planning your holiday video. If you have any questions about how to create a video for your holiday, feel free to ask us in the comments section below!

Image by Pexels from Pixabay

Jeff Campbell

Hi, I'm Jeff Campbell, a former DJ, music journalist, musician, and music lover. I'm old enough to have seen all the cool bands and young enough to still remember them. Click Here to learn more about Jeff Campbell. Click Here to learn more about my site. Editorial Policies

Top Related Posts

14 Best Tube Headphone Amps Under $90 (for 2024)

Headphones are a great way to appreciate all the little details in our favorite music. And there's no doubt the warmth of a tube amp provides the best sound. But they can be pricey, so what is the...

What is the Difference Between Rock and Classic Rock?

I recently realized I don't know what the difference is between classic rock and rock music. I thought I had it figured out, but then a younger friend casually mentioned that Nirvana is a classic...

The leading authority in photography and camera gear.

Become a better photographer.

12.9 Million

Annual Readers

Newsletter Subscribers

Featured Photographers

Photography Guides & Gear Reviews

20 Great Songs About Photography & Pictures

Want to have a sing-a-long to songs about photography?! Here's a list of 20, plus some bonus songs which have 'photograph' or 'camera' in the lyrics.

Learn | By Jeff Collier | Last Updated: September 18, 2023

These are the songs about photography I have enjoyed listening to over the years.

Each of the songs below features cameras, videos, photographers, photography, or some form of photographic element.

Whether you were looking for songs about pictures or songs about cameras, your search ends here.

If you need some inspiration or entertainment, play these songs about photography and read the background about them below.

(You can click the YouTube images to play each song)

Grab your headphones and a cup of tea, and let’s dive into the recommendations.

• Movies about photography
• Books about photography
• Quotes about photography

Table of Contents

20 Songs About Photography (Play Each One Below)

1. “kodachrome” by paul simon.

“Kodachrome,” released in 1973, is one of Paul Simon’s most famous songs.

Named after the iconic Kodak film, the song is a melancholic musing on the past.

Through its lyrics, Simon explores how photographs can encapsulate our memories and emotions.

Despite Kodak’s discontinuation of the film in 2009, the song remains an enduring tribute to the enduring power of photography and its role in our lives.

It’s worth noting that it was also the first major song to use a brand name in its title.

When this song was released, Kodak required approval for the use of its product names in advertisements, but Paul Simon was not asked for permission before the song’s release.

However, Kodak didn’t raise any legal issues, presumably because the song acted as free advertising.

2. “Photograph” by Ed Sheeran

“Photograph,” from Ed Sheeran’s second studio album “x” released in 2014, is a heartfelt love song.

In the lyrics, Sheeran describes a photograph of a loved one as a source of comfort during times of separation.

The song has been interpreted as a commentary on how photographs can serve as tangible memories, anchoring us to certain times, places, and people.

The song’s music video features real home footage from Sheeran’s childhood, effectively using the theme of photography and capturing moments to portray a very personal story.

The song was also part of a high-profile copyright infringement case.

How Much Do You REALLY Know About Photography?! 🤔

Test your photography knowledge with this quick quiz!

See how much you really know about photography...

Your answer:

Correct answer:

SHARE YOUR RESULTS

Your Answers

3.”Picture To Burn” by Taylor Swift

“Picture To Burn” is one of Taylor Swift’s earliest hits, from her debut album in 2006.

The song’s title and lyrics refer to a photograph of an ex- boyfriend that Swift is eager to erase from her life.

As such, it’s an exploration of the pain that old photos can sometimes bring, reminding us of relationships that have ended and the emotions that linger afterwards.

This song is one of the few instances where Swift openly addresses an ex-boyfriend.

After releasing the track, she had to change a lyric to avoid a potential libel lawsuit from the boy who inspired the song.

4.”Photographs” by Rihanna ft. Will.i.am

“Photographs” is a track from Rihanna’s 2009 album “Rated R”.

The song sees Rihanna and Will.i.am trading verses about the pain of lost love, using photographs as a metaphor for the memories they can’t forget.

It captures how photos can serve as a reminder of past relationships, conveying the emotion and longing for what’s been left behind.

5. “Pictures of You” by The Cure

Released in 1989 as part of the band’s “Disintegration” album, “Pictures of You” is an evocative song about loss and memory.

It uses photography as a metaphor to express the feelings of longing and nostalgia that come with reminiscing over past relationships.

The song remains one of The Cure’s most popular tracks.

The inspiration behind the song is actually quite poignant. Robert Smith was inspired to write the song when a fire broke loose in his home.

Among the charred items that survived was his wallet which contained pictures of his wife.

6.”Freeze Frame” by The J. Geils Band

“Freeze Frame” by The J. Geils Band, released in 1981, utilizes photography as a metaphor for capturing a moment in time.

The song’s infectious energy underscores the theme of wanting to stop time, preserving the joy and thrill of the present.

“Freeze Frame” reached number 4 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart.

The term “freeze frame” is a term used in cinematography, describing the act of freezing the motion picture to create a static image, showing the band’s penchant for blending different artistic expressions.

• How to take photos of bands

7. “3×5” by John Mayer

In this song from his 2001 album “Room for Squares,” John Mayer sings about a road trip and his regret at not having a camera (a 3×5) to capture the scenes he’s seeing.

It reflects on how life experiences are often more significant than photographs and emphasizes the importance of living in the moment.

8. “Photograph” by Nickelback

“Photograph” by Nickelback, released in 2005, is a sentimental song about nostalgia and the passage of time.

The song narrates a trip down memory lane through old photographs, examining the emotions, memories, and stories each snapshot holds.

The song’s music video was filmed in Hanna, Alberta, the small Canadian town where the band originated. The places shown in the video, such as the old high school and street scenes, are real locations from the band members’ pasts.

9. “People Take Pictures of Each Other” by The Kinks

From their 1968 album “The Kinks Are the Village Green Preservation Society”, this song is a commentary on the culture of taking photos.

The Kinks express the human desire to immortalize moments through photography, yet suggest that this fixation might prevent us from truly living in the moment.

10. “Girls on Film” by Duran Duran

This 1981 release from Duran Duran, “Girls on Film”, is about the exploitation of fashion models in the photography industry.

The song sparked controversy due to its provocative music video, which was seen as a critique of the fashion industry’s treatment of its models.

The song’s controversial music video, directed by Godley & Creme, featured semi-naked women and lascivious scenes. The video was initially banned by the BBC, and a ‘clean’ version was created later for wide broadcast.

11. “This Is Not a Photograph” by Mission of Burma

Released in 1981 by the American post-punk band, this song explores the idea of photography as a method of freezing time but also questions the authenticity of these frozen moments.

It’s a deep dive into the philosophy of photography and the nature of reality.

12. “Photobooth” by Death Cab for Cutie

“Photobooth,” a track from the 2000 EP “Forbidden Love,” captures the nostalgia associated with photobooth pictures from past romantic relationships.

The song expresses a longing for those simpler, happier times and highlights how photographs serve as poignant reminders of the past.

13. “Take My Picture” by Filter

From their 2002 album “The Amalgamut,” “Take My Picture” is a song that uses the act of taking a photograph as a metaphor for longing to be noticed.

This longing extends beyond just the individual in the song, but also to society’s obsession with fame and recognition.

This song gained popularity and widespread recognition when it was used as the theme song for a commercial by an airline company, despite its somewhat cynical take on fame and the desire for recognition.

14. “Camera” by R.E.M.

“Camera,” from R.E.M.’s 1984 album “Reckoning,” is a heartfelt tribute to a friend of the band who tragically passed away.

The lyrics poignantly explore the theme of memory and loss, with the title “Camera” serving as a metaphor for the captured moments and memories encapsulated in photographs.

R.E.M. frontman Michael Stipe reportedly wrote this song as a tribute to a friend named Carol Levy, who passed away in a car accident.

Levy was a photographer, hence the reference to a “camera” in the song’s title.

15. “Swap Meet” by Nirvana

“Swap Meet” from Nirvana’s debut album “Bleach” released in 1989, uses photography in a more abstract way.

The song tells a story about people at a swap meet selling and trading their items, which include photographs.

The images in these photos are used to depict character traits and the interactions between them.

Despite being one of the lesser-known songs in Nirvana’s discography, “Swap Meet” is appreciated for its narrative lyricism and grunge sound that characterizes the band’s early works.

16. “Distant Camera” by Neil Young

Neil Young’s “Distant Camera” from his 1996 album “Broken Arrow” is a poignant reflection on time, change, and the desire to capture fleeting moments.

The song beautifully articulates the role of photography in capturing and preserving moments of our lives, giving us the means to look back and reflect.

This song is part of Neil Young’s “Broken Arrow” album which, upon its release, was a commercial disappointment. Despite this, it is now regarded as a deep-cut classic in Young’s extensive catalogue.

17. “Kamera” by Wilco

“Kamera” is a track from Wilco’s 2002 album “Yankee Hotel Foxtrot.”

The song’s lyrics, while abstract, seem to use the camera as a metaphor for how we frame and interpret our personal experiences.

It emphasizes the selective nature of memory, much like a photograph focuses on a particular scene.

The album “Yankee Hotel Foxtrot” was infamously rejected by their record label for not being commercially viable.

It was eventually released by another division of the same parent company and is now considered one of Wilco’s best works.

18. “Taro” by alt-J

“Taro,” from alt-J’s debut album “An Awesome Wave,” tells the story of renowned war photographers Robert Capa and Gerda Taro.

The song is a tribute to the couple’s love story, which ended with Taro’s death in the Spanish Civil War and Capa’s subsequent death years later.

It reflects on the danger and allure of warzone photography .

The song’s lyrics refer to the deaths of war photographers Robert Capa and Gerda Taro. The title “Taro” is a nod to Gerda Taro, whose real name was Gerta Pohorylle

19. “Itchin’ on a Photograph” by Grouplove

Grouplove’s “Itchin’ on a Photograph,” from their 2011 album “Never Trust a Happy Song,” uses a photograph as a metaphor for a past that the narrator can’t let go.

The song discusses the deep longing and nostalgia that comes with holding on to a physical manifestation of the past.

Grouplove’s debut album was named “Never Trust a Happy Song” as a tongue-in-cheek comment on the typically upbeat and energetic nature of their music, despite sometimes dealing with deeper themes, such as longing and nostalgia in “Itchin’ on a Photograph.”

20. “Paparazzi” by Lady Gaga

“Paparazzi,” released in 2008 by Lady Gaga, is a critique of the invasive celebrity culture perpetuated by paparazzi photographers.

The song highlights the tension between public figures and the media, examining the often destructive relationship between the two.

The song peaked at #6 on the Billboard Hot 100 and remains one of Gaga’s most well-known songs.

The song served as a prophecy of Lady Gaga’s own experience with fame.

The music video, directed by Jonas Åkerlund, also caused a stir with its controversial themes and cinematic approach.

It portrayed Gaga as a starlet who is killed by the paparazzi, thus commenting on the destructive nature of fame.

5 Songs with ‘Photograph’ in the Lyrics

I hope you enjoyed all the above songs about photography as much as me.

Now here’s a list of some songs I know with the word ‘photograph’ in the lyrics:

• “Photograph” by Ed Sheeran : The lyrics go “Loving can hurt, loving can hurt sometimes / But it’s the only thing that I know / When it gets hard, you know it can get hard sometimes / It is the only thing that makes us feel alive / We keep this love in a photograph / We made these memories for ourselves…”
• “Photograph” by Nickelback : The lyrics include “Look at this photograph / Every time I do it makes me laugh / How did our eyes get so red? / And what the hell is on Joey’s head?”
• “Photograph” by Ringo Starr : Starr sings, “All I’ve got is a photograph / And I realize you’re not coming back anymore”
• “Photograph” by Def Leppard : The band sings “ Photograph – I don’t want your / Photograph – I don’t need your / Photograph – All I’ve got is a photograph / But it’s not enough”
• “Photographs and Memories” by Jim Croce : In this song, the lyrics go “ Photographs and memories / Christmas cards you sent to me / All that I have are these / To remember you…” This song about photography is a poignant expression of how photographs and memories can serve as reminders of people and moments that we’ve lost.

5 Songs with ‘Camera’ in the Lyrics

Now here’s a list of some songs I found with ‘camera’ in the lyrics:

• “Into the Lens” by Yes : The lyrics go “I am a camera / Camera camera / I am a camera, camera camera / There by the waterside / Here where the lens is wide / You and me / By the sea.”
• “Camera Phone” by The Game ft. Ne-Yo : “And you’re a star and I got my camera phone / (I got my camera phone) / I’m looking at you, you’re looking at me and you’re a star (I like that right there).”
• “Kamera” by Wilco : The lyrics mention “I need a camera to my eye / To my eye, reminding / Which lies have I been hiding / Which echoes belong / I’ve counted out days / To see how far / I’ve driven in the dark / With echoes in my heart.”

Check out these 8 essential tools to help you succeed as a professional photographer.

Includes limited-time discounts.

You'll Also Like These:

Jeff Collier is an experienced film photographer who enjoys experimenting with modern digital photography equipment, software and apps. He’s also an ex-world champion triathlete and avid cyclist, clocking hundreds of km each week in the beautiful Tweed Valley of northern NSW, Australia.

How could you leave out “Photograph” by Ringo?!!!

So sorry Tom that is a great song!

Totally agree. Would be first on my list

Leave a Comment Cancel Reply

👋 WELCOME TO SHOTKIT!

🔥 Popular NOW:

Unlock the EXACT blueprint to capture breathtaking iPhone photos!

Shotkit may earn a commission on affiliate links. Learn more.

Songs For Travel Reels: 29 Songs For Instagram Stories & TikTok In 2024

Looking for the best Songs For Travel Reels, Instagram Stories & Tikok videos?

Who doesn’t love showing off their best travel content on social media? You’ve had the adventure of a lifetime, visited some super cool places and now you want to share the best of it with your family, friends and followers.

Choosing the best travel song for your Instagram stories, reels or TikTok posts can sometimes be a little overwhelming. The right song can add depth and emotion to your videos, making your adventures more memorable for you and everyone else.

I post regularly on my own Instagram so I know how important it is to get the songs/sounds just right. I could spend hours flicking through the different songs but there are some that just work every time!

I’ll list the best travel songs for your content and I have regularly used these for my own social media . No matter the destination, you’re sure to find the best song from this list to make your reels and travel TikToks stand out.

Planning Your Trip? Use Our Favourite Travel resources below!

Accommodation – I recommend Booking.com Tours & Activities – I recommend Viat or Flights – I recommend Skyscanner Car Rental – I recommended Discover Cars

The Best Songs For Travel Reels

Without beating around the bush, let’s dive right into the list of songs for travel reels and the best travel TikTok songs to add that extra dimension to your visual journey.

These are a mix of absolute classics as well as modern, trending tracks. You’ll find that different songs will work completely differently depending on location and activity so try a few out before posting.

1. Explore the World (feat. Sis) – Brainheart

‘Explore The World’ is quite a fitting tune for travel videos. Released in 2019, the song’s upbeat tempo and lively melodies quickly made it one of those perfect songs about travelling.

The catchy tune made it the go-to choice for many travel content creators looking to jazz up their adventures. Perfectly synced with the pace and excitement of exploring different places, this song amps up the vibe of travel videos, creating a lively backdrop for showcasing various journeys and experiences.

2. Interstellar Theme – Hans Zimmer

This epic instrumental piece is one of my favourite pieces of music from one of my favourite movies (no bias then!) The song is from the 2014 movie Interstellar and is used often to create a powerful and cinematic mood for travel videos.

The instrumental, though lacking lyrics, creates an otherworldly and adventurous vibe that perfectly complements awe-inspiring landscapes and adventurous activities in travel reels. Think epic mountain scenery and epic hiking!

3. Magic Moments – Austin Farwell

Magic Moments by Austin Farwell is the perfect soundtrack for Instagram reels during your travels. You may have heard it many times already as you’re scrolling through the travel content on your social media feed.

With its upbeat tempo and lively melodies, this song elevates the energy of your videos, making each moment captured more vibrant and exciting.

Its infectious rhythm pairs effortlessly with the visual storytelling of your adventures, infusing your Instagram reels with a contagious enthusiasm that perfectly captures the essence of your travel experiences.

4. I’m Gonna Be (500 Miles) – The Proclaimers

This classic is an absolute gem for travel content. Anyone who’s seen How I Met Your Mother will remember the scene with Ted and Marshall listening to this on an endless loop during their road trip.

Released in 1988, it stands the test of time with its upbeat tempo and vibrant energy, perfectly capturing the essence of exploration and discovery.

The song’s infectious rhythm and lively vibe effortlessly enhance the visual narrative of your travel experience, making your travel content fun and memorable.

5. Feels Like Summer – Samual Jack

This track by Samual Jack is absolutely perfect for sunny beach vibes. I can’t even remember how many times I’ve used it or heard it on other reels and stories.

Released in 2017, Feels Like Summer has a catchy melody and upbeat rhythm and captures the essence of joy and carefree adventure. The song’s lively spirit mirrors the feeling of fun in the sun and discovery, enhancing the mood of your summer travel experiences.

6. The Best Part – gardenstate & Bien

The chorus of this song is the perfect match for happy, fun travel videos. Its mix of electronic beats and vocals creates a mood of adventure and relaxation, perfectly complementing visual journeys.

The song’s calm yet energetic feel enhances travel scenes, giving a sense of discovery and happiness. It blends well with the excitement of exploring new destinations and experiencing diverse cultures, making it a great addition to travel content.

7. Good Morning – Kanye West

The perfect song for any travel content that involves views, walks or anything morning-related! Good Morning was released as the opening track on his 2007 album ‘Graduation’ and brings a motivational and spirited tone.

With its lively beat and confident rap, this song is definitely the cool choice for travel videos. Its upbeat rhythm and optimistic lyrics propel a sense of adventure and new beginnings. It’s a great backing track for those reels where you get out of bed and open up the curtains of your dreamy beach location.

Packed with vibrant energy and Kanye’s distinctive style, it adds a positive, forward-moving vibe to visual travel narratives, serving as a perfect mood booster for travel content.

8. Summer Love – Sole Sole

This song may not be the most famous but I guarantee you’ll have heard it somewhere, or will do very soon. The track’s relaxing and smooth rhythm is a fitting song choice for travel content giving off carefree summer vibes.

Its laid-back yet cheerful melody adds a mellow feel to travel videos, while its pleasant and easygoing tone complements your travel scenes and experiences with light and positive energy.

9. A Sky Full of Stars – Coldplay

Confession time – I’ve seen Coldplay twice recently so I’m a little in love with pretty much all their songs. But it’s not just me and much of their music would suit travel content.

A Sky Full of Stars has an upbeat tempo and energy creating a vibrant and optimistic atmosphere. Its catchy melody and feel-good rhythm will suit various travel scenes, adding a sense of joy to your reels, stories and TikTok posts.

Of course, A Sky Full of Stars is just one of many Coldplay songs you could easily use for your travel content. Try Paradise, Adventure of a Lifetime and Every Teardrop Is a Waterfall.

10. Mellow Skies – Hakaisu

This tranquil and laid-back melody offers a perfect backdrop for travel content to capture the quieter, more introspective side of travel.

The song’s calm and soothing ambience makes it ideal for serene moments and slower-paced travel scenes. Its mellow vibe pairs well with peaceful and reflective visuals, creating a relaxed and meditative atmosphere such as a tranquil sunset or serene landscapes.

I find the song works best at 0.29 seconds into the track when the melody starts to kick in.

11. Makeba – Jain

A perfect example of how an older tune can become viral at any time! Released in 2015 as part of Jain’s album ‘Zanaka’, Makeba is a lively and energetic song that perfectly fits in travel videos.

This song has a catchy rhythm and a blend of diverse sounds, giving off a cheerful and vibrant vibe drawing from Afrobeat influences. Jain’s spirited vocals create an exciting atmosphere that captures the thrill of exploration and adventure with an exotic and adventurous feel.

There is also a little dance that’s popular with this track that you could try on the beach or any location. Not my cup of tea but each to their own!

12. Past Lives – Sapientdream

A song with 113 million views and 50k comments on YouTube must tell you something. Not that it was a commercial success or made for pop culture but that it’s a song that resonates with many of us in a different way.

The song’s dreamy and relaxed vibe pairs well with contemplative visuals and reflective moments during travel. It’s perfect for capturing introspective scenes, such as gazing at scenic landscapes, self-reflection, or moments of calm amidst the journey.

With its smooth and tranquil melody, this song complements content aiming to show the quieter, thoughtful aspects of travel experiences.

13. Better Together – Jack Johnson

This delightful and laid-back track will always remind me of my backpacking days in Thailand . With its calming melody and Johnson’s warm vocals, the album ‘In Between Dreams’ was the soundtrack of Southeast Asia in the mid-2000s.

This particular song adds a sense of togetherness, making it perfect for showcasing travel adventures shared with loved ones.

The song is perfect for anyone wishing to showcase their travels to those perfectly laid-back, sun-drenched days in far-off destinations.

14. Follow The Sun – Xavier Rudd

Having been around since 2012, Follow The Sun, by Xavier Rudd, has slowly found its way into chilled, summer acoustic playlists on all streaming platforms.

The track presents a mellow and easygoing melody that is perfect for Instagram reels featuring travel experiences. The mellow, easy-going song encapsulates a laid-back, feel-good vibe, making it an awesome choice for relaxed moments during your travels.

Its soothing acoustic tones and Rudd’s complement the slower-paced, serene aspects of travel, making it an excellent match for peaceful and reflective scenes in your travel content.

15. Ocean Eyes – Billie Eilish

It’s hard to believe that this debut single from pop superstar Billie Eilish was released in 2015. Eilish’s soothing voice and the song’s dreamy, enchanting melody would go perfectly with serene landscapes, reflective moments, and scenic beauty.

Ocen Eyes offers a dreamy and introspective vibe that goes with breathtaking vistas, peaceful settings, and the emotional connection you can have during your dreamy escape.

It evokes a sense of wanderlust and introspection, enhancing the visual storytelling of peaceful and tranquil travel scenes in your travel videos.

16. Don’t Stop Me Now – Queen

Don’t Stop Me Now is an iconic anthem, released in 1979, known for its energetic beats and Freddie Mercury’s dynamic vocals.

This lively and uplifting tune radiates a sense of enthusiasm and adventure, perfectly matching thrilling travel experiences. With its upbeat rhythm and spirited lyrics, it’s an ideal choice for capturing exhilarating activities, vibrant city tours, and exciting escapades.

This song is an awesome choice for thrilling road trips or adrenaline-filled explorations. Using the verse and chorus separately can also alter the mood of your video depending on what you’re going for.

17. Now We Are Free – Hans Zimmer & Lisa Gerrard

What is it about Hans Zimmer? Not only is he one of the best composers out there, but he always seems to be on the soundtracks of my favourite movies!

Here he’s teamed up with Lisa Gerrard to offer a powerful, emotive track from the movie Gladiator that can beautifully complement your Instagram reels. The song’s majestic orchestration and evocative tones create a grand sense of adventure, fitting for breathtaking landscape shots and awe-inspiring travel moments.

It’s an ideal piece for scenic views, cultural explorations, and life-changing travel experiences. If you want to post serene sunsets or monumental landmarks, this track is the one you’ve been looking for.

18. Golden Hour – JVKE

I’ve only just found this track whilst looking for the perfect sunset song for one of my Instagram stories.

Golden Hour is vibrant and upbeat with positive energy with lovely vocals, especially the atmospheric chorus. This catchy tune serves as an excellent backdrop for sun-kissed landscapes and exciting adventures.

Its joyful rhythm matches the carefree spirit of travel and can elevate the mood of your dreamy content. It would be an ideal match for lush sunsets, joyous experiences and outdoor explorations and there are now several variations of the song available.

19. Snowfall – Øneheart x Reidenshi

Although ‘Snowfall’ has no lyrics, it’s still a mellow and atmospheric tune that complements dreamy landscapes and snowy destinations.

With its tranquil vibe and ambient sounds, this song is an ideal match for serene and scenic moments captured during travels. You don’t have to just use it for snowy landscapes. It’s also great for peaceful settings and reflective journeys.

The song sets a calming tone for your videos and stories. The next time you want to capture the quieter, contemplative side of travel, use this soothing melody to show the beauty of what you’ve just caught on camera.

20. On Top of the World – Imagine Dragons

Want an uplifting and spirited track? Then ‘On Top of the World’ by the popular group Imagine Dragons is the one for you.

Its vibrant beat and jubilant energy will suit moments of adventure and triumph. With lyrics that evoke a sense of excitement, this song will add a positive and invigorating touch to your travel videos.

I think I’ve used this song nearly every time I’ve climbed to the top of something whether that be a mountain or a building. It never gets old!

21. I Got Summer on My Mind – Elli Eli

Those of us who remember the West Coast anthem ‘Still D.R.E.’ by Dr Dre will either love or hate this song that samples the track.

I personally really like ‘I Got Summer on My Mind’ and its upbeat and cheerful tune is a great choice for your travel content. This song is infectious energy with an obvious summer-filled vibe, ideal for showcasing joyful moments and vibrant experiences during travel.

Whether it’s beach escapades, exciting city explorations, or any sunny travel destination, this song is an excellent choice for your Instagram reels and TikTok videos.

22. Here Comes The Sun – The Beatles

Let’s face it, there’s almost a Beatles song for every type of moment you can think of. From their entire back catalogue, Here Comes The Sun is a song that often crops up when scrolling through travel content.

The 1969 hit is an iconic and timeless tune that has a cheerful melody, optimistic lyrics and beautiful guitar riffs. This classic track captures the joy of exploring new places, serene moments and embarking on adventures.

The uplifting lyrics from the Fab Four (minus Lennon at the time) can add a positive, happy vibe to any sunny travel video.

23. Be Free – Soul Rising

‘Be Free’ is a refreshing and liberating track popular on travel reels and acoustic playlists. There isn’t much in the way of lyrics but the vibrant and energetic vibe captures the essence of freedom and exploration.

The song’s lively beat would complement scenes of adventure, discovery, and enjoyment, encouraging your followers to embrace the wanderlust spirit. If you want to show off your carefree moments then this song would be the perfect soundtrack to your travel stories.

24. Happy – Pharrell Williams

Question – who isn’t happy when travelling? No one! That’s why ‘Happy’ by Pharrell Williams is such a great song for your travel stories. The song is a joyous and upbeat tune that adds an infectious energy to your content.

It’s a feel-good song from the Despicable Me 2 soundtrack that syncs seamlessly with visuals of adventure, friends’ gatherings, and discovering new places. The track’s positive vibes and catchy rhythm make it an excellent choice for celebratory and carefree moments.

Add a cheerful and uplifting tone to your content such as getting on a plane or arriving at an awesome city or location..

25. Unstoppable – Sia

It feels like Sia has been around forever. While she had success with Zero 7, it wasn’t until 2015 that she broke through as a solo artist.

Unstoppable was released in 2016 and remains one of her biggest hits and most used songs in travel content. The high-energy and empowering track with its motivational lyrics fits so well with exploration, adventure, and personal triumphs.

The song’s powerful and confident message amplifies scenes of overcoming challenges and seizing the moment while travelling. Think summiting mountains and completing multi-day treks!

26. Riptide – Vance Joy

One of my favourite songs to use on my travel content, ‘Riptide’ by Vance Joy brings a light and breezy feel to reels and stories.

I’ve used this one often and it worked well for things like road trips around Albania or motorcycle trips when visiting Bali or Vietnam!

The catchy ukulele riffs and upbeat tempo of this song are perfect for the carefree moments during your adventures. The track’s relaxed vibe creates an atmosphere of fun and leisure, ideal for visuals of road trips, beach outings, or exploration in beautiful locations.

It’s somehow energetic, yet relaxed making it an excellent choice for those scenes of casual exploration and memorable travel moments.

27. Blue Sea – Buffalo

When I hear ‘Blue Sea’ by Buffalo I instantly dream of far-off shores! It must be the sound of waves from this enticing and mellow track!

The calming melodies and soothing vibes create an ideal backdrop for any dreamy sea-related content. Whether that be cockatiels in a beach bar or simply chilling in a hammock the song gives off a peaceful and scenic feel.

There are no lyrics to this song so you could listen to it on an endless loop and never even realise!

28. Dancing In The Moonlight – Jubël

This 2020 cover of ‘Dancing In The Moonlight’ by Jubël is an upbeat track that takes a chilled classic and turns it into a lively, energetic song ready for scenes of fun and joy during adventures.

The song’s modern reimagining creates a cheerful atmosphere and inviting melody, making it a great choice for carefree moments, friendships, and vibrant travel scenes.

While this song is a great choice for your content, I would also suggest another Jubël hit – Klingande (wait for the dreamy saxophone part!)

29. On The Road Again – Willie Nelson

An utter classic that works on many levels! ‘On the Road Again’ was released back in 1980 and is a timeless anthem

The song encapsulates the adventurous spirit of being on the move, making it an excellent choice for any journey highlights. With its classic country sound and upbeat tempo, it’s perfect for road trips, exploration, and adventures.

Nelson’s spirited tune serves as an excellent choice for moments that capture the thrill and joy of travel experiences.

How Do You Make A Good Travel Reel?

Making a good travel reel, Insta story or TikTok doesn’t have to be difficult. You’ll naturally capture visually stunning content since you’re already travelling to epic destinations.

If you want to try and jazz up your reels and content, here are some tips to help:

• Use different angles to create different perspectives (try wide angle.)
• Check out some of the trending reels and stories for inspiration.
• Add text, like titles and inspirational captions if you feel the viewer can benefit.
• Choose an epic song for your travel reel from the list I just gave you.
• Don’t let filters overpower your content.
• Edit for the timing of the music if this adds to the flow.

Apart from that, the best advice is to just have fun with it. Remember that content is a result of your travel experiences, not the other way around!

Wrapping Up: Songs For Travel Reels

Since music plays such a significant role in how we remember our travel experiences it’s important to combine the visual and audio to create the perfect travel reel.

The songs listed here are just a small sample of the sounds that can make your travel reels more engaging. The more travel reels/stories you create, the easier it will be to choose the best song to match.

I prefer to edit my content after a trip since I’m always too busy enjoying myself during it. It’s important to know that creating great content isn’t the whole part of the journey (unless you’re a paid influencer!)

So, let your storytelling stand out with this amazing collection of travel reel songs but, above all, enjoy the journey and the process.

Share this post...

Jeff Yip is the owner and author of Life of Y, a blog that helps travellers find adventure travel on a budget. As a travel expert, Jeff has explored over 50 countries (many as a solo traveller), been to 6 continents, and seen all 7 World Wonders. Jeff shares his tips and hacks on Life of Y so others can follow their dreams without breaking the bank.

15 Best Hindi Songs for Instagram Travel Reels and Stories

• Share On Facebook
• Share On Twitter
• Share On WhatsApp
•   shares

Planning a vacation involves right from booking hotels, flight tickets, and buying dresses to capturing memorable moments. And when it’s time to show off to the world, don’t you want to create the same chilled vibe on your social media stories as if all your friends are there with you? Having perfectly edited reels and sun-kissed photos is great, but have you considered the perfect song to accompany your quintessential Instagram travel reels? Without them, it is the same as a romantic movie without Shahrukh Khan or a sad song without Arijit Singh’s melodious voice, haina? Besides, Instagram travel influencers cannot take the risk of not choosing the best song for their carefully made Instagram reels, can you? Of course not! But how would you find the best song choices for your social media stories?

No need to scroll through an endless list of songs, we have compiled a list of the 15 best Hindi songs that would fit like a glove on your all Instagram Travel reels and stories.

1. Illahi (Yeh Jawani Hai Deewani)

Whether you’re backpacking through a mountain trail, going on a road trip, or enjoying a beach vacation, “Illahi” is an evergreen song that captures the best vacation vibes. We’ve all listened to this song at some point and dreamt of traveling like Bunny from Yeh Jawani Hai Deewani. Even now, it evokes the same emotions.

2. Patakha Gudi (Highway)

The strong and energetic voices of the Nooran sisters in the song “Patakha Gudi” transport us on a journey far from the city’s hustle and bustle. This song would be a perfect fit as the background track for any of your adventure trips!

3. Yun Hi Chala Chal (Swades)

Yun Hi Chala Chal is a classic and hits differently each time. What makes it special is its calming tune and the lyrics. The song could fit in any Instagram travel reel easily.

4. Sau Aasman (Baar Baar Dekho)

A romantic song from the movie Baar Baar Dekho that would go along with your travel reels from any romantic vacation. Even the silliest reel or photo from your vacation can look cool when this song is added to it.

5. The Journey Song (Piku)

A simple road trip could open a clogged-up mind and revive a broken heart- that’s what the journey song is all about. The melodious voice of Anupam Roy and Shreya Ghoshal could make anyone nostalgic about our childhood vacations and get our hearts to beat again.

6. Safarnama (Tamasha)

Listening to Safarnama is like finding your long-lost goal, isn’t it? If you are on that solo-trip or an unplanned trip, then what better song than Safarnama to play along with your Instagram reel?

7. Hum Jo Chalne Lage (Jab We Met)

Want to add a perfect song to your Instagram story about the latest couple’s vacation? Hum Jo Chalne Lage from Jab We Met is the best choice.

8. Khwabon Ke Parindey (Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara)

The song itself is so serene that you wouldn’t want to not add it to your reels. A chilled, and relaxing vacation reel would look more serene when this song is added as its background music.

9. Phir Se Udd Chala (Rockstar)

Phir Se Udd Chala touches everyone’s heart. The lyrics are beautiful and the music is divine, this song definitely has that charm to increase the view count on your Instagram travel reels!

10. Banjarey (Fugly)

Whether you are on a trip with your friends, or a foreign trip, or maybe a vacation in Ladhakh, Banjarey from the movie Fugly goes along with every kind of trip. This song adds a sense of madness, fun, and escapism to your Instagram stories.

11. Hairat (Anjaana Anjaani)

The funky beats of the song Hairat can make any Instagram travel story come alive! This song will keep the energy from the vacation remain on your Instagram reel even after you come back from it.

12. Sooraj Dooba Hai (Roy)

Well, Ranbir Kapoor’s songs are an all-time favourite for most of our vacation reels. This upbeat track from Roy, Sooraj Dooba Hai is the best fit for any of your Goa trip reels that finally happened after a lot many delays!

13. Subah Subah (Sonu Ke Titu Ki Sweety)

This song can give any trip reels a classy vibe. How? You can try adding Subah Subah to any of your travel stories and see for yourself. The song is a mixed bag of calm, vibrant, and romantic.

14. Roobaru (Rang De Basanti)

Another hit number to play as background audio in any of your Instagram travel reels is Roobaru from the movie Rang De Basanti. If your travel reels are from a college trip or a trip with friends then this song is the best choice.

15. Makhna (Drive)

Makhna from the movie Drive was picturised as a trip video and that itself is the best example of why this song is everything that your Instagram travel story needs!

An Instagram travel reel always has a chance of getting many more likes and comments when the right music is also added to it. And to help you get more and more views we have the best Hindi songs for Instagram travel reels and stories. Do you have any more songs to suggest? Do let us know in the comments. Have a happy journey!

Read more: 17 Best Bollywood Travel Songs To Listen To When You Are On A Trip

A mass communication graduate and bibliophile who loves to read, write, and explore the world. Love to weave stories and connect with like-minded people to grow together! I love art, culture, travel, and fiction-stories.

5 Most Unexpected Collaborations That Happened in 2024

Heroic Bus Driver with a Bullet in Arm Keeps Driving for 30 Kms to Save 35 Passengers

20 Best Anant Ambani Wedding Memes Because It’s Trending Everywhere!

11 Best Dialogues From Article 370 That Are Show Stealer

20 Instagram Reel Songs That Are Viral Right Now | 2024

Imagining Popular Indian Daily Soaps Featuring Johnny Sins

5 Best Hindi Movies Streaming on OTT In February 2024

5 Best South Indian Movies You Should Watch on OTT in February 2024

Best Budget 2024 Memes To Laugh In Between Your 9-5 Majdoori!

Trekking Manaslu Circuit: Explore the Wondrous Beauty of Nepal’s Hidden Gem

• Skip to primary navigation
• Skip to main content
• Skip to primary sidebar
• Skip to footer

DIGITAL PHOTO MENTOR

Photography tips, tutorials and guides for Beginner and Intermediate Photographers.

Photography Challenge – Create an Image that Represents a Song

by Darlene Hildebrandt | Last Updated: September 21, 2022

Recently I participated in this challenge and after dragging my feet I really dug in and had so much fun doing it. So now it’s your turn to pick a song and create an image that represents it.

There are a few guidelines and suggestions for doing the challenge, but I’ll get to those shortly. But first I want to share my image and how I created it to give you some ideas and to help get you inspired.

Step #1 – Pick the right song

The first thing you need to do is pick a song. Choose one that will lend itself well to some great visuals and one that has some personal meaning for you. A song that you know, one that makes you feel something, will be easier for you to make an image because you have a connection to it.

Think about your skillset and the kind of photography you enjoy doing. Then browse YouTube or Spotify and see what’s in your playlists or favorites. Get your creative juices flowing and see where it leads.

I was a judge for a local photography competition that was spread over 12 weeks. During one long week the judges were challenged by the participants to do this one so I started off by considering what I could shoot that the other judges didn’t do. Night photography came to mind immediately.

That lead me to searching for songs about the night, moon, spooks, spirits and ghosts which finally had me hit on this one:

As a child of the 70s and 80s, this song and movie takes me way back and comes with fond memories. I have even visited the NYC fire station used as a set in the original movie. So I had my song. Next, I got to work on ideas.

Step #2 – Brainstorm ideas

Once you have chosen a song that is meaningful to you, make a list of things that come to mind as you listen to it. Find a copy of the lyrics and look at each verse and the chorus. Is there something in the lyrics you can represent well in an image?

Keep in mind you don’t have to be literal. What does the song make you feel when you hear it? Do you want to get up and dance, or is it more melancholy and reflective? Consider those things as well as the actual words.

For me these theme song makes me think of the green goblin, Slimer, and the Ghostbusters with the ray guns they used to catch the ghosts. It makes me think of a dark night with a spooky feeling. But at the same time, it’s also fun and light-hearted.

Step #3 – Plan the shoot

Once I convinced my husband to pose for me as one of the guys, he got into it and even found some old coveralls to wear and got the hose to our vacuum to use as a prop. We rigged up a backpack for him so I had my model all set.

Next, I needed just the right location and background. I asked people in a local photography group where to find graffiti walls in my area and scouted about eight different locations. I wanted something grungy and ghostlike in an area that would be relatively dark at night.

Here are some of the scouting shots I took with my phone.

IMPORTANT SAFETY NOTE: Never ever photograph in or near active train tracks. It is not only dangerous but illegal in most areas. Decommissioned tracks or inactive ones like this are okay ONLY if you know for sure 100% that they are NOT IN USE!

The location in the image above worked out great in the end because there is a big empty parking lot right in front of it and no pedestrian traffic. As a bonus, the lights in the parking lot were out (not sure why) so it was also almost pitch black. so it was perfect.

For light painting you need the ambient light to be very dim or non-existent or the painting doesn’t show up very well if at all. Getting out of the city is ideal but because I wanted graffiti I was limited for locations.

#4 – Execute the photo shoot

Now it’s time to go take your photos. Shoot in raw format if at all possible for the best image quality.

The only tips I will give you are the following.

Slow down, take your time, and do things right

Check your exposure ( use the histogram ), check for sharp focus , expressions (if you have a model), review the background , etc. Check and double-check everything!

One of my only regrets on this shoot is I wish his expression was meaner or angrier like he’s fighting a ghost. I set up my main camera on a tripod with a remote trigger to fire the camera and another on the hot shoe to fire an off-camera flash.

I set the camera’s self-timer to 10-seconds so that after I pressed the trigger, I had time to run over to the right to hold the flash in position to light him. As you can see I missed a few times or the flash didn’t fire. Just wish I wasn’t so focused on the technical and had looked at expressions too.

Note: Just to further complicate my own shoot, I had a second camera taking behind-the-scenes shots set up on a tripod behind the main camera. So I had to push the button to fire the back camera, then trigger the main camera, then I ran into the scene with the flash.

You’ll notice that I did some things that didn’t work out and even the pros experiment and have failures too. You really have to shoot a lot and try things – that’s how you learn!

Please remember that each botched attempt isn’t a failure – it’s a learning experience and as such is infinitely valuable!

Shoot a lot!

Take lots of variations of the shot you think you want. Try both vertical and horizontal. Try different lighting and camera positions. You can’t do more later so shoot away and make sure you have lots of options later.

For the light painting part of my image , I had to take a lot of shots because I had to predict where he was going to be in the frame later. I took about 30 different shots, the exposure settings were ISO 200, 30 seconds. I needed that exposure time to be able to make the green swirls.

Watch the behind-the-scenes video clip (below) of me using one of the Light Painting Brush tools to paint in the green bits. This is how light painting is done. FYI it’s really hard to take video in the dark! This was shot on my Samsung S9 phone which is great in the dark.

The bottom line is to make sure you get what you need when you’re in the field. It’s easier to just delete on the computer later if you have extra shots than it is to go back and reshoot because you missed something.

Step #5 – Use photo editing to style the final image

The final step is to process your photo in the style in which you envisioned for the image to match the song. That may involve a black and white treatment, color or sepia toning, adding a special effect, or simply just basic adjustments and cropping.

If you aren’t sure where to begin or are new to photo editing, you can tune in to my YouTube channel every Saturday at 1:00 pm MDT (3 PM EDT, noon PDT, 8 pm UK time). I am editing reader-submitted photos LIVE. You can submit your own photos to see how I would edit them, watch live and ask questions in the chat, or you can watch the replay later if you can’t make it.

Likely your image will require as much processing as my song project. But I’ve been asked by a few people how I made it so here are the steps I used to build the final image.

Basic edits in Lightroom first

In my workflow, I import all my raw files into Lightroom first and do all the basic edits there . I adjust the color or White Balance, Contrast, Clarity, and do some tone control where needed.

If you want to master your Lightroom skills, check out my brand new for 2022 Lightroom for Photographers course . With over 16 hours of video lessons and multiple hours of student initiated Q and A sessions, you’ll learn to use Lightroom quickly and efficiently.

I chose the best image of my ghost-fighter and edited that one so the background was dark and not distracting, and no highlights were clipped or blown out on him. I also had one shot of just the background in case I needed it for masking so I edited that one to match.

Next, I edited all of the images of the green swirls so they matched the color and tonality of the image above. Once that was done it was time for Photoshop.

Making a composite image in Photoshop

To add in the green swirls, smoke, the electric rays, and the green monster Photoshop’s layer capabilities were needed . You can do this with any program that has layers, meaning you cannot do it in Lightroom.

I opened the images from Lightroom by selecting all the ones I wanted to combine, then right-clicked and chose “Open as layers in Photoshop”. The advantage of doing it that way is that the editing image then gets added into Lightroom after it is saved and for cataloging purposes, it’s handy to have it there.

Note: I cover working with Photoshop layers in great detail in my Photoshop for Photographers course .

Add the green swirls

Because I had a lot of green swirl images, I used layer blend mode set to Lighten and turned each one on to check the placement of the green glow. I ended up choosing the best four and deleted the layers for all the unused ones (the more layers you have the larger the file, so I recommend dumping any not used).

NOTE: In order for this image to work I did NOT move the tripod the entire time. I shot the model and all the green swirls with the exact same camera position and cropping.

Add smoke and fire

After I had all the green swirls in place, I decided the image needed some smoke. So I did a search for some free stock image sites and found a smoke image I wanted to use. I added it to the image 3 separate times and rotated and moved it so each looks different.

When adding images as new layers in Photoshop the order you put them in matters. Here the smoke layer is above the model layer so the smoke appears in front of him. I wanted it to have more depth like the smoke was swirling around behind him too.

In order to do that I had to cut the model out from the background and put him on his own layer. Then I could move the smoke behind him.

Next I found some fire or electrical looking images I could use for the ray gun to make it look more realistic.

NOTE: If you need images for things like this never just grab some from Google Images. Those are not necessarily free to use or copyright free. Always look on a site that offers free stock images and illustrations and check that the licence is Creative Commons.

Add the monster

Finally, I just had to find a monster and add him to the image. I didn’t use one of the original Slimer from the movie because, again, that is a copyright and trademarked image and character. So I found a green glowing monster on a stock site that I liked.

NOTE: As each element was added that layer’s blend mode was changed to Lighten (with this mode anything that is lighter in the active layer than the one below appears, anything darker is hidden). The monster had a black background so Lighten blend mode completed knocked that out. so no masking was even needed.

There you have the final image and all the steps needed to make it. All up I spend about 2 hours location scouting, 3 hours shooting and preparing props, etc., and about another 4 hours processing. So nine hours approximately total.

I tell you this so you have an idea of the kind of time that goes into a shot like this – it doesn’t just happen. It takes planning, executive and dedication.

Sometimes things don’t work out even after all the effort. But I was determined to pull this off even if it wasn’t perfect – AND we both (me and my husband) had a lot of fun doing it. We actually did the photo shoot on my birthday so that’s my idea of a fun night out.

Your turn to get started

Okay now it’s your turn to pick a song and do this challenge. You do not have to get nearly as complicated as I did with my idea but do challenge yourself a little bit. Try something new and difficult. Just keep going until you get something you like.

I did one last fun and rather appropriate version of the image for you with the Coronavirus monster!

Please share your song images in the comment area below. Remember to post the image and the song it’s representing. Give us a link to the lyrics or video of it on YouTube.

I can’t wait to see how creative you get – just remember to HAVE FUN!!!

About Darlene Hildebrandt

Darlene is an educator who teaches aspiring amateurs and hobbyists how to improve their skills through her articles here on Digital Photo Mentor, her beginner photography course , and private tutoring lessons . To help you at whatever level you're at she has two email mini-courses. Sign up for her free beginner OR portrait photography email mini-course . Or get both, no charge!

Learn Photography Basics

Yes, you can learn to take better photos! It’s my passion to help you learn the photography basics and take better pictures. It’s also the same reason I teach workshops, do photo travel tours, and have online photography courses available.

Enroll in our free photography basics for beginners course, or 12-part portrait photography course , also free.

Recent Photography Articles

• Step-by-Step Guide to Making Stunning Portraits With One Light
• How To Discover and Develop Your Unique Photography Style
• Luminar Neo GenExpand: Game-Changer or Just Hype?
• PRO Tips – How To Create Great Looking Professional Headshots
• How To Find the Best Camera Bag for Your Needs

Useful Links

• Beginner Photography
• Intermediate Photography
• Photography Challenges
• Photography Tips
• Photo Editing
• Recommended Amazon Products
• Course Login
• Write for Us

Face Song: AI Photo Animator 4+

Funny face animation, lip sync, designed for ipad.

• Offers In-App Purchases

Screenshots

Description.

Have you ever wished your photos could sing, dance or even talk? Say hello to Face Song, the ultimate AI-powered photo animation tool that turns your selfies into captivating performances. With countless facial animation options at your fingertips, the possibilities are endless. Featured: - Make your photos stand out: Bring life to your photos by syncing them with your favorite songs. Just upload a photo, choose a sample video, and watch your images come to life to the beat. - Revive old memories with nostalgia mode: Turn back the clock and breathe new life into old photos with our Nostalgia mode. Whether it's a cherished family portrait or a classic snapshot, watch monochrome memories explode into vivid motion. - Create your own face dance: Become the star of your own show! Record yourself lip-syncing to your favorite tunes and share your moves with the world. Let others join in the fun by recreating your performance with their own selfies. - Turn your friends into Memes: Give your friends the attention they deserve by turning their photos into funny memes. Whether you want to make them sing, dance or impersonate their favorite movie characters, Face Song has you covered. - Seamless sharing: Share your animated creations with just one tap! Face Song creates perfectly optimized videos, ready to share on social networks or your favorite messaging platforms. Get ready to go viral! - Stay on trend with Daily Updates: Never run out of new ideas! We are constantly adding new animations and dances to keep you entertained. Check back every day to discover fun new ways to liven up your selfies. - Copyright Information: At Face Song, we take privacy and intellectual property rights seriously. If you believe that any material transmitted or created through Face Song infringes your copyright or personal rights, please use our Rights Policy Form to request removal or blocking of access. For more details, refer to the Rights Policy Form within the app. You may purchase an auto-renewing subscription through an In-App Purchase. • Auto-renewable subscription • 1 week ($4.99), 1 month ($14.99) and 1 year ($44.99) durations • Your subscription will be charged to your iTunes account at confirmation of purchase and will automatically renew (at the duration selected) unless auto-renew is turned off at least 24 hours before the end of the current period. • Current subscription may not be cancelled during the active subscription period; however, you can manage your subscription and/or turn off auto-renewal by visiting your iTunes Account Settings after purchase • Privacy policy: https://ngotienmobile.blogspot.com/2024/03/privacy-policy.html • Terms of use: https://ngotienmobile.blogspot.com/2024/03/terms-of-use.html Download Face Song: AI Photo Animator now and let your creativity shine!

Version 4.0

Fixed face swapping issue

App Privacy

The developer, Ngo Tien , indicated that the app’s privacy practices may include handling of data as described below. For more information, see the developer’s privacy policy .

Data Used to Track You

The following data may be used to track you across apps and websites owned by other companies:

Data Not Linked to You

The following data may be collected but it is not linked to your identity:

Privacy practices may vary, for example, based on the features you use or your age. Learn More

Information

• Face Song Premium Weekly $4.99
• Face Song Premium Yearly $44.99
• Face Song Premium Monthly $14.99
• Developer Website
• App Support
• Privacy Policy

More By This Developer

Face Over: AI Face Swap Photo

You Might Also Like

Morphify: Face Swapping Easy

Video Tune- Auto Vocal Effects

Dance with your face Christmas

Blokky: Diamond Painting Art

AI Voice Changer

Faces - video, gif for texting

Lizzy & the Triggermen keep swing sharp

Share this:.

• Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window)
• Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window)
• Click to share on Reddit (Opens in new window)
• Click to print (Opens in new window)
• Entertainment
• Multimedia/Video

Breaking News

Earthquake felt in massachusetts: ‘my apartment building just shook’, things to do.

Singer Lizzy Shapiro, who fronts the hip Los Angeles band Lizzy & the Triggermen, feels that swing music is anything but a relic from the past. “I’m really drawn to the subversiveness of it. It’s born out of needing to find joy in tough times, so there’s an interesting tension about it —the songs are about serious topics, but the music makes you want to dance. So even though some of our songs were written 100 years ago, to me it’s edgy and current and relevant.”

Hardly a polite throwback, the Triggermen are a full-throttle, ten-piece band, with Shapiro as a strong and sultry frontwoman. The set might include anything from vintage standards to originals, to Britney Spears and Strokes songs (Yes, they do a swing version of “…Baby One More Time”). They even have a trombone player who worked with Benny Goodman before his death in 1985. After stirring plenty of attention at home, the band is on its first national tour, making its Boston debut at the City Winery tonight.

Shapiro’s musical roots are actually close to Boston. “I fell in love with live performing at age four and a half, doing a production of “Annie” for Chelsea Community Theater. I ended up singing opera in Charlestown and later at Tanglewood.” But she realized she wasn’t cut out to be an opera star. “I had a bit of a hiatus, because I came to realize I was never going to be one of those fabulous, tubercular heroines who sing a dramatic high note and then drop dead. Basically, I was facing a lifetime of playing Mozart shepherdesses, which didn’t sound quite as cool.”

She went onto a successful career in Hollywood as a screenwriter and actress. But music came looking for her when she thought she was done with it. “One problem is that I have an old-fashioned voice and couldn’t find a context for it. But a friend of mine was having a 1920’s themed wedding and she asked me to sing, so I picked an obscure song (recorded by Annette Hanshaw in the 20’s) called ‘If You Want the Rainbow, You Must Have the Rain.’ It started raining at her wedding, just as I was singing, so that was my big lightbulb moment. I didn’t even know how to do it, but in that moment I became committed to putting together a vintage sounding swing band.”

That’s also where she found herself as a performer. “Lizzy onstage is a persona, but it’s closer to the real me than I am in everyday life. I come from the opera world so I love drama — and it seems our audience feels the same way, because they come to the shows in incredible outfits. We don’t have an opportunity for girls to dress up and play pretend.” And she doesn’t mind giving a spin to the sexual politics in the older songs. “What I initially fell in love with was the strong women singers — Billie Holiday, Sarah Vaughan, Ella Fitzgerald. But of course most of those songs were written by men, and what was edgy then might not be edgy now. There’s so much that tells women to tone themselves down, and I like to push the other way.”

Since forming this band she’s gotten as deeply into vintage jazz as she was into opera. “There’s so much incredible music that has fallen through the cracks, so I have been passionate about finding those tunes and giving them life. I wouldn’t say I’m a musicologist, but I do enjoy going down YouTube rabbit holes.”

More in Things To Do

Colin Farrell dives into L.A. noir in ‘Sugar’

‘Monkey Man’ serves vengeance with a flying kick

Dear Abby: Time to cut off criminal brother

Travel | Charming Ojai is Hollywood’s playground for a reason

University of Michigan Athletics

Michigan to Travel to Bucknell for Four CWPA Matchups

4/3/2024 4:40:00 PM | Water Polo

By: Alex Whisnant

ANN ARBOR, Mich. -- The No. 11-ranked University of Michigan water polo team (17-8, 4-1 CWPA) will travel east to Lewisburg, Pa., take on four conference opponents, starting with a matchup against host Bucknell on Friday (April 5) at 4:30 p.m. Michigan will play two on Saturday (April 6), first taking on Princeton at 11 a.m. followed by Harvard at 6 p.m., and will close out the weekend on Sunday (April 7) at 9 a.m. against Brown.

• Michigan boasts a CWPA record of 4-1 heading into the weekend, with the lone loss coming against then-No. 10 Princeton on March 2. In its four wins, the Maize and Blue has averaged 12.75 goals.

• Emma Gustafsson was prolific on the offensive end of the pool during the Michigan Invitational on March 23-24 to earn CWPA Player of the Week honors on March 27. The freshman scored seven goals and dished out six assists for a team-high 13 points. Over half of Gustafsson's shot attempts found the back of the net.

• Kata Utassy leads the way for the Wolverines at attack. The senior has scored 53 goals and chipped in 30 assists for a squad-best 83 points. Utassy also has shined on defense, totaling 22 steals and six blocked shots in 25 games.

• Alison Lock has emerged as a solid offensive option for the Wolverines with 23 goals and 21 helpers this season. Her total of 44 points ranks third on the team. Defensively, Lock has seven steals, three blocks and 11 drawn ejections.

• Sammi Monroe sits third on the roster with 23 assists while her 19 scores are good for fourth. Lola Ciruli leads the team in steals with 27 and boasts 41 points (22 goals, 19 assists).

• In goal, Alex Brown has been stout, racking up 223 saves in 23 games and allowing 8.44 goals per game. For her career, Brown has 868 saves and is poised to become the fourth goalie in program history to tally 900 career saves.

• Michigan will look to repeat its performance from its previous trip to Lewisburg in 2023 when it went 3-0 at the Bucknell Invitational with wins over Bucknell, LIU and Saint Francis.

• Search Please fill out this field.
• Manage Your Subscription
• Give a Gift Subscription
• Sweepstakes
• Travel Products

10 Comfy Athleisure Sets From Amazon That Double As the Perfect Spring Travel Outfits — Starting at $19

Wear them to the gym, airport, and beyond.

We independently evaluate all recommended products and services. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation. Learn more .

Travel + Leisure / Reese Herrington

As someone who is always on the move, a versatile wardrobe is key for seamless travel. I need garments that can be worn in a variety of different ways and environments, providing functionality beyond just having a pair of pants that I just wear to the gym. That’s precisely why I love matching two-piece sets so much — particularly athleisure sets. I don't want my workout attire to be limited to just performance; I need it to provide support and comfort throughout my entire day, and, of course, have the style points to make it look like intentional, well-thought-out outfits. 

Unbeknownst to most, Amazon is bursting with comfortable and affordable athleisure matching sets that are perfectly suited for busy individuals like you and me. I’ve taken the liberty to curate a list of my 10 favorite ones for travel, going to the gym, taking in the sights of a new city, and virtually anything else. Complete with a five-piece athletic set that’s just $45 and possibly the loungewear set of my dreams , these picks are easy to style and serve as hassle-free, one-and-done outfit options. What's even more exciting is that they're all under $50, so keep reading to stock up on these stellar travel outfits ahead of your next trip. 

Darong Women’s Lounge Two-piece Set

Although this lounge set may have just hit Amazon's virtual shelves , it's already received high praise from shoppers for its “soft and buttery” feel and “comfortable and stretchy" fit. I’m a comfort queen, so as you can imagine, I placed an order for one as soon as I saw it drop. I can’t wait to wear it for all of my low-impact workouts (think: Pilates and walking) and to the airport. Plus, each of the pieces in this set are super versatile, which means that you can wear the T-shirt with your favorite bottoms and the super-soft pants to bed, for running errands, and beyond. 

July’s Song Women’s Five-piece Athletic Set

There are plenty of excellent, top-rated choices in this round-up, but few are as good of a deal as this athletic set that comes with a sports bra, T-shirt, hoodie, leggings, and a pair of spandex shorts for a mere $45 (thanks to an on-site coupon that you need to clip before checkout). It's functional, comfortable, and grants you countless mixing-and-matching capabilities. Wear the hoodie and the leggings on the trails or the shorts and T-shirt to the hotel pool — with this set, the world is yours. 

Zesica Women’s Two-piece Lounge Set

The best athleisure sets are made with materials that move with you, not against you, and this duo has exactly that with its soft and flexible polyester-spandex blend. Beyond the gym, the simple jogger pants and cropped sweater combination lends itself well to an array of environments. Available in 19 different colors, there’s a shade (or two) for everyone, but if I were you, I’d go ahead and choose one sooner than later because it's on sale for just $35 this weekend. 

Glamaker Women’s Oversized Bike Shorts T-shirt Set

Considering how many pairs of spandex shorts that I have in my closet, I may as well be the president of the bike short fan club. They’re longer and more compressive than my running shorts, which means that I feel comfortable wearing them out in public, yet still short enough to keep me from overheating compared to a full-length pair of leggings. If you don’t already have a pair in your collection, consider shopping for this set that comes with a pair of bike shorts (that go just above your knee) and a breathable T-shirt that can be worn with or without them. It's the do-it-all athleisure set that doubles as a cute outfit for a laidback travel day. 

ToBeInStyle Women’s Velour Tracksuit 

Between its luxurious velvet feel and style that's reminiscent of the early 2000s, this velour tracksuit may just be the travel outfit of my dreams. Aside from its very obvious aesthetically pleasing look, it's “ great for traveling ," according to shoppers — especially "on planes [because the] fabric is not too heavy yet comfortable and functional.” And as an extra treat, it’ll only set you back $36. 

Coofandy Men’s Sweatsuit 

Amazon also has plenty of two-piece travel outfits for men as well, starting with this on-sale duo from Coofandy. Complete with a cozy zip-up hoodie and a pair of extra-soft sweatpants, it's the exact type of outfit that you want in your wardrobe if you prioritize comfort as much as I do. It's also made with a lightweight, breathable material, so although it’ll keep you warm, you can easily add or remove layers depending on the temperature of your destination or the plane cabin thermostat. 

Uni Clau Men’s Short Tracksuit

If you have your eyes set on something that can accommodate the warm weather a bit more, then this short-sleeve and shorts set is for you. It's made with a cotton-spandex-polyester blend that’s equally excellent for gym sessions, long travel days, and outdoor adventures. I also audibly laughed when I read this review appreciating that its matching look is “easy to wear, coordinated for those clothing challenged, and great for travel.”

Pinksavior Women’s Workout Set

When I read that one shopper urged other customers to “run to buy this” matching workout set, I knew that I had found a winner. That same reviewer went on to gush over its comfortable and stretchy yet secure fit, adding that they’re already planning on buying it in a few more colors. So, follow their lead and add a set (or two) to your cart especially while it's on sale for $27. 

Lingswallow Two-piece Shorts Lounge Set

If you really want to stretch your wardrobe, then you should add this matching shorts and tank set to your cart while it's $27 thanks to an on-site coupon). Hear me out, everyone needs a go-to pair of shorts for lounging around the house or outside in the summertime, and a racerback tank is a capsule wardrobe must that can be layered or worn as is.

Nova Active Women’s Athletic Set

One of my favorite, go-to travel outfits is a pair of comfy leggings, a well-fitted sports bra, and a relaxed hoodie. This particular set includes a majority of my airport outfit staples, and according to shoppers, it surpasses even pricier activewear options in terms of performance and comfort. Available in eight different colors — ranging from eye-catching green to neutral nudes —  you really can’t beat this deal. 

Love a great deal? Sign up for our T+L Recommends newsletter and we’ll send you our favorite travel products each week.

See More T+L Shopping Deals

• Search Please fill out this field.
• Manage Your Subscription
• Give a Gift Subscription
• Newsletters
• Sweepstakes

Loretta Lynn's Granddaughter Emmy Russell Says 'Out of Control' Eating Disorder Inspired Her Song 'Skinny' (Exclusive)

"I kind of grew up in the spotlight and so I was always very image-conscious," says Emmy Russell, who made Top 24 of this season's 'American Idol'

Eric McCandless/Disney

Emmy Russell , granddaughter of the late country music legend Loretta Lynn, auditioned for this season of American Idol with a deeply personal original song called "Skinny" — and now she's made the Top 24.

The rising star opened up to PEOPLE about her struggle with disordered eating and how she was inspired to take that difficult experience and transform it into something beautiful with "Skinny."

While Russell's eating disorder began in high school, she was able to get it under control until several years later. It was on a mission trip to Brazil when she was 22 that Russell noticed something was going wrong again with her health.

"All of a sudden I started getting a little bit sick and I was like, 'Why am I not keeping any of my food down?' And I think a part of it was the eating disorder in high school, but then the damage that happens to your body and it just happened again," Russell, now 25, tells PEOPLE. "Then I started seeing results from me getting sick, and then it just spun out of control."

"I felt a lot of shame. I was like, 'I'm serving God. I'm in Brazil. Why is this coming back?'"

She realized she needed to return home to Nashville and, with the help of her mom, seek recovery.

"I struggled a lot with physical beauty image pressures and social media. I kind of grew up in the spotlight and so I was always very image-conscious," Russell recalls.

But she realized she was not alone. "When I saw 80 or 70 million people struggle with eating, I was like, 'What? I'm not the only one. I need to sing about it.'"

With "Skinny," Russell learned that "you can only really succeed when you're truly yourself." The song helped her turn pain into beauty,

Hubert Vestil/WireImage

"I showed up, no makeup, my red hair, my natural color. And just got on the piano and I was like, 'Oh, Emmy works. My true self is OK. People relate to that,'" she says.

She adds, "When I wrote 'Skinny,' I felt a weight of responsibility [and thought], 'I don't need to go back to this. I know it's bad for me.' And so the more that I sing it, it's almost like the more that I'm delivering myself and I'm like, 'Oh, OK. Now I got that feeling out. Now I am above it.' And so finding a creative outlet for all your pain and beauty. Beauty from ashes, that's music for me. It's like the ashes are the pain and I make something out of it."

Russell wrote the song when she was in recovery and decided to release it on Song House. It was there that the song went viral and she was contacted by someone who worked in casting for American Idol .

"I was scared a lot, so I think American Idol pushed me to be like, 'Oh, I can do this and people actually like me and they relate to my story,'" she says.

For anyone going through something similar, Russell says the best thing to do is "take a break for a second and talk about it." She also recommends "unplugging and unwinding" from your phone.

"I feel like talking about it is the best thing, tell your family, talk to a therapist. I feel like just talking about it is the first step," she says. "And realize that your beauty is deeper than skin. That's kind of my mantra is beauty's deeper than skin. It's who you are inside. What are you passionate about? Who are you? Who are you? You're not just this. This just carries your human experience."

If you or someone you know is struggling with an eating disorder, please go to  NationalEatingDisorders.org .

Related Articles