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

Katie Hammel

Katie Hammel

July 18, 2023

10 min read

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

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

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

56 songs that reference specific places in the title or lyrics

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

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

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

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

1. Kathmandu – Bob Seger

I think I'm going to Katmandu

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

If I ever get out of here

That's what I'm gonna do

I know my plane is due

The one that's going to Katmandu

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

K-k-k-k-k-k Kathmandu ‍

2. One Night in Bangkok – Murray Head

One night in Bangkok and the world's your oyster

The bars are temples but the pearls ain't free

You'll find a god in every golden cloister

A little flesh, a little history

I can feel an angel sliding up to me

3. I've Been Everywhere – Johnny Cash

I've been everywhere, man

Crossed the deserts bare, man

I've breathed the mountain air, man

Travel, I've had my share, man

I've been everywhere

I've been to

4. Africa – Toto

The wild dogs cry out in the night

As they grow restless, longing for some solitary company

I know that I must do what's right

As sure as Kilimanjaro rises like Olympus above the Serengeti

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

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

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

I bless the rains down in Africa

Gonna take some time to do the things we never have

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

5. Marrakech Express – Crosby, Stills & Nash

Take the train from Casablanca going south

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

Colored cottons hang in air

Charming cobras in the square

Striped jellabas we can wear at home

Don't you know we're riding on the Marrakesh Express

6. Waka Waka (This Time for Africa) – Shakira

Today's your day

You paved the way

If you get down get up oh oh

When you get down get up eh eh

Tsamina mina zangalewa

This time for Africa

7. San Francisco – Scott McKenzie

If you're going to San Francisco

Be sure to wear some flowers in your hair

You're gonna meet some gentle people there

8. London Calling – The Clash

The ice age is coming, the sun is zooming in

Engines stop running, the wheat is growin' thin

A nuclear era, but I have no fear

'Cause London is drowning, and I, I live by the river

9. Galway Girl – Ed Sheeran

You know, she played the fiddle in an Irish band

But she fell in love with an Englishman

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

Said, "Baby, I just wanna dance"

With my pretty little Galway girl

You're my pretty little Galway girl

10. Istanbul (Not Constantinople) – They Might Be Giants

Every gal in Constantinople

Lives in Istanbul, not Constantinople

So if you've a date in Constantinople

She'll be waiting in Istanbul

Even old New York was once New Amsterdam

Why they changed it I can't say

People just liked it better that way

11. Ramblin’ Man – the Allman Brothers Band

I'm on my way to New Orleans this mornin'

I'm leavin' out of Nashville, Tennessee

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

Lord, them Delta women think the world of me

Lord, I was born a ramblin' man

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

And when it's time for leavin'

I hope you'll understand

That I was born a ramblin' man

12. Aux Champs-Élysées – Joe Dassin

Aux Champs-Elysées, aux Champs-Elysées

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

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

In English:

Champs-Elysees, Champs-Elysees In the sun, in the rain, at noon or midnight There is everything you want on the Champs-Elysées

13. Lovers in Japan – Coldplay

Tonight, maybe we're gonna run

Dreamin' of the Osaka sun

Ohh, ohh, ohhh

Dreamin' of when the morning comes

14. Barcelona – George Ezra

Every time you have to go

Shut my eyes and you know

I’ll be lying right by your side

In Barcelona

15. April in Paris – Ella Fitzgerald and Louis Armstrong

I never knew the charm of spring

I never met it face to face

I never knew my heart could sing

I never missed a warm embrace

Till April in Paris, chestnuts in blossom

Holiday tables under the trees

April in Paris, this is a feeling

16. Blue Hawaii – Elvis Presley

Come with me

While the moon is on the sea

The night is young

And so are we, so are we

Dreams come true

In blue Hawaii

17. Back in the U.S.S.R. – The Beatles

Well the Ukraine girls really knock me out

They leave the West behind

And Moscow girls make me sing and shout

That Georgia's always on my mind

Aw come on!

Yeah I'm back in the U.S.S.R.

You don't know how lucky you are boys

Back in the U.S.S.R.

18. Rio – Netsky featuring Macklemore

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

Swimming in the ocean like the pool is hella heated

Expedited Visa and I’m posted with my feet up

Parasailing over beaches, got my girl from Ipanema

19. Barcelona – Ed Sheeran

And you and I we're flying on an airplane tonight

We're going somewhere where the sun is shining bright

Just close your eyes

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

20. Havana – Camila Cabello

Havana, ooh na-na

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

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

Oh, but my heart is in Havana ‍

21. In America – Neil Diamond

Everywhere around the world

They're coming to America

Every time that flag's unfurled

Got a dream to take them there

Got a dream they've come to share

22. Tennessee – Arrested Development

They tell me my ears are so young

Go back, from whence you came

My family tree, my family name

For some strange reason it had to be

He guided me to Tennessee

Take me to another place, take me to another land

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

23. Paris – The Chainsmokers

We were staying in Paris

To get away from your parents

You look so proud

Standing there with a frown and a cigarette

Posting pictures of yourself on the internet

24. Graceland – Paul Simon

The Mississippi Delta was shining

Like a National guitar

I am following the river

Down the highway

Through the cradle of the civil war

I'm going to Graceland

25. Carolina in My Mind – James Taylor

In my mind I'm gone to Carolina

Can't you see the sunshine?

Can't you just feel the moonshine?

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

To hit me from behind?

Yes, I'm gone to Carolina in my mind

26. New York State of Mind – Billy Joel

Some folks like to get away

Take a holiday from the neighborhood

Hop a flight to Miami Beach or to Hollywood

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

I'm in a New York state of mind

27. Walking in Memphis – Marc Cohn

Saw the ghost of Elvis

On Union Avenue

Followed him up to the gates of Graceland

Then I watched him walk right through

Now security they did not see him

They just hovered 'round his tomb

But there's a pretty little thing

Waiting for the King

Down in the Jungle Room

When I was walking in Memphis

I was walking with my feet ten feet off of Beale

Walking in Memphis

But do I really feel the way I feel?

28. America – Simon & Garfunkel

Cathy, I said as we boarded a Greyhound in Pittsburgh

Michigan seems like a dream to me now

It took me four days to hitchhike from Saginaw

I've gone to look for America

29. Mexico – James Taylor

Way down here you need a reason to move

Feel a fool running your stateside games

Lose your load, leave your mind behind Baby Jane

It sounds so simple I just got to go

The sun's so hot I forgot to go home

Guess I'll have to go now

30. California – Phantom Planet

Hustlers grab your guns

Your shadow weighs a ton

Driving down the 101

California here we come

Right back where we started from

California, here we come.

31. Chicago – Sufjan Stevens

I fell in love again

All things go, all things go

Drove to Chicago

All things know, all things know

32. Kokomo – The Beach Boys

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

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

Bodies in the sand, tropical drink melting in your hand

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

Down in Kokomo

Aruba, Jamaica, oh I want to take you to

Bermuda, Bahama, come on pretty mama

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

down to Kokomo, we'll get there fast and then we'll take it slow

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

33. Sweet Home Alabama – Lynyrd Skynyrd

Sweet home Alabama

Where the skies are so blue

Lord, I'm coming home to you

34. Vertigo – FM Belfast

We are going far away

Don't you look down

You are high above ground

We are driving with our friends

We are driving to a faraway place

35. California Love – Tupac and Dr. Dre

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

Let me serenade the streets of L.A

From Oakland to Sacktown

The Bay Area and back down

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

California, knows how to party

In the city of L.A.

In the city of good ol' Watts

In the city, the city of Compton

We keep it rocking

36. Malibu – Miley Cyrus

But here I am

Next to you

The sky is so blue

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

He's leaving

On that midnight train to Georgia

And he's goin' back

To a simpler place and time

And I’ll be with him

I'd rather live in his world

Than live without him in mine

38. California Dreaming – The Mamas and the Papas

All the leaves are brown

And the sky is grey

I've been for a walk

On a winter's day

I'd be safe and warm

If I was in L.A.

California dreamin'

On such a winter's day

39. New York Groove – Ace Frehley

Many years since I was here

On the street I was passin' my time away

To the left and to the right,

Buildings towering to the sky

It's outta sight in the dead of night

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

And baby, you'd better believe

I'm back, back in the New York groove

40. Miami – Will Smith

Party in the city where the heat is on

All night, on the beach till the break of dawn

Welcome to Miami

Bienvenidos a Miami

Bouncin' in the club where the heat is on

I'm goin’ to Miami

41. Vienna – Ultravox

The music is weaving

Haunting notes, pizzicato strings

The rhythm is calling

Alone in the night as the daylight brings

A cool empty silence

The warmth of your hand and a cold grey sky

It fades to the distance

The image has gone only you and I

It means nothing to me

This means nothing to me

42. Viva Las Vegas – Elvis Presley

Bright light city gonna set my soul

Gonna set my soul on fire

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

So get those stakes up higher

There's a thousand pretty women waitin' out there

And they're all livin' devil may care

And I'm just the devil with love to spare

Viva Las Vegas, viva Las Vegas

43. Rocky Road to Dublin – The Irish Descendants

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

To be so soon deprived a view of that fine city

So then I took a stroll down among the quality

Me bundle it was stolen in a neat locality

Something crossed me mind, then I looked behind

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

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

On the rocky road to Dublin

44. Beverly Hills – Weezer

Beverly Hills

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

Livin' in Beverly Hills

Rollin' like a celebrity (gimme, gimme)

45. Surfin' USA – The Beach Boys

Haggerties and Swamies

Pacific Palisades

San Anofree and Sunset

Redondo Beach L. A.

All over La Jolla

At Waimea Bay

Everybody's gone surfin'

Surfin' U.S. A.

46. I'm Shipping Up To Boston – Dropkick Murphys

I'm a sailor peg

And I've lost my leg

Climbing up the top sails

I've lost my leg!

I'm shipping up to Boston, whoa

I'm shipping off to find my wooden leg

47. Hello Seattle – Owl City

Hello Seattle, I am a manta ray

Deep beneath the blue waves

I'll crawl the sandy bottom of Puget Sound

And construct my summer home

48. God Blessed Texas – Little Texas

God blessed Texas

With His own hand

Brought down angels from the promised land

Gave 'em a place where they could dance

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

I've been sent to spread the message

49. Taj Mahal – Sam Roberts Band

Sitting with you on the banks of the Ganges

Stealing a kiss on the streets of Bombay

Caressing your hair like the wind through the palm trees

I never dreamed that anyone could take you away

Keep on keep on keep on singing

I'm building a beautiful statue

To make sure that no one forgets you

50. Alaska – Maggie Rogers

I was walking through icy streams

That took my breath away

Moving slowly through westward water

Over glacial plains

And I walked off you

And I walked off an old me

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

So it seemed

51. Miles from Minnesota – The Lower 48

Yes next year we'll go traveling

Our escapades so baffling

Our sovereign love returning to the sea

We'll be miles from Minnesota then

Writing letters we won't send

For no words shall contain what will be

Well your sweet voice and my rough hands

When darkness prowls we will dance

Through bluffs and fields and orchards with the moon

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

Fall's warm embrace is coming to us soon

Oh! We've got everywhere to go

You should sleep, I'll see you in the morning

52. Take Me Home Country Roads – John Denver

Almost heaven, West Virginia

Blue Ridge Mountains, Shenandoah River

Life is old there, older than the trees

Younger than the mountains, blowing like a breeze

Country roads, take me home

To the place I belong

West Virginia, mountain mama

Take me home, country roads

53. Miles Away – The Maine

I took a trip up the west coast

Was searching for a temp so low

And a summer high

The Sun swayed and set slow

Made waves with some friends I know

Got lost in the ebb and flow

Of the drifting tide

I didn't ever want to come down

From that west coast rush and summer high

And easy, peaceful sense of time

54. Brazil – Declan McKenna

I wanna play the beautiful game while I'm in Brazil

'Cause everybody plays the beautiful game while out in Brazil

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

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

55. Under African Skies – Paul Simon

Joseph's face was as black as the night

And the pale yellow moon shone in his eyes

His path was marked

By the stars in the Southern Hemisphere

And he walked the length of his days

Under African skies

56. Take It Easy – The Eagles

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

Such a fine sight to see

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

Ford slowin' down to take a look at me

Come on baby

Don't say maybe

I gotta know if your sweet love is gonna save me

We may lose and we may win

Though we will never be here again

So open up, I'm climbin' in

Take it easy

26 awesome international songs

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

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

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

57. The Last – Tokyo Ska Paradise Orchestra

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

61. Immigrant Song – Led Zeppelin

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

69. Counting Stars – Nujabes

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

73. On and On – VIXX

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

79. Hoppípolla – Sigur Rós

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

‍ 18 great songs about travel and wanderlust

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

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

83. Born to be Wild – Steppenwolf

Get your motor runnin'

Head out on the highway

Lookin' for adventure

And whatever comes our way

Yeah Darlin' go make it happen

Take the world in a love embrace

Fire all of your guns at once

And explode into space

84. Roam – The B52s

Roam if you want to

Roam around the world

Without wings, without wheels

Without anything but the love we feel

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

I have climbed the highest mountains

I have run through the fields

Only to be with you

I have run, I have crawled

I have scaled these city walls

These city walls

But I still haven't found

What I'm looking for

86. Come Fly with Me – Frank Sinatra

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

If you can use some exotic booze

There's a bar in far Bombay

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

87. On the Road Again – Willie Nelson

On the road again

Goin' places that I've never been

Seein' things that I may never see again

And I can't wait to get on the road again

88. Road to Nowhere – Talking Heads

We're on a road to nowhere

Come on inside

Taking that ride to nowhere

We'll take that ride

I'm feeling okay this morning

And you know

We're on the road to paradise

Here we go, here we go

89. Life is a Highway – Tom Cochran

Life's like a road that you travel on

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

Sometimes you bend, sometimes you stand

Sometimes you turn your back to the wind

There's a world outside every darkened door

Where blues won't haunt you anymore

Where the brave are free and lovers soar

Come ride with me to the distant shore

We won't hesitate, break down the garden gate

There's not much time left today

90. When I’m Gone (Cups Song) – Anna Kendrick

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

The one with the prettiest of views

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

But it sure would be prettier with you

When I’m gone

You’re gonna miss me when I’m gone

You’re gonna miss me by my walk

You’re gonna miss me by my talk, oh

91. Born to Run – Bruce Springsteen

Someday girl I don't know when

We're gonna get to that place

Where we really wanna go

And we'll walk in the sun

But till then tramps like us

Baby we were born to run

92. Send Me On My Way – Rusted Root

Well, I would like to hold my little hand

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

I would like to hold my little hand

And we will run, we will, we will crawl

Send me on my way (on my way)

93. Margaritaville – Jimmy Buffett

I blew out my flip flop

Stepped on a pop top

Cut my heel had to cruise on back home

But there's booze in the blender

And soon it will render

That frozen concoction that helps me hang on

Wastin' away again in Margaritaville

Searchin' for my lost shaker of salt

Some people claim that there's a woman to blame

But I know it's my own damn fault

94. Moon River – Audrey Hepburn

Two drifters, off to see the world

There's such a lot of world to see

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

My huckleberry friend, moon river, and me

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

My bags are packed

I'm ready to go

I'm standing here outside your door

I hate to wake you up to say goodbye

But the dawn is breakin'

It's early morn

The taxi's waitin'

He's blowin' his horn

Already I'm so lonesome

I could cry

So kiss me and smile for me

Tell me that you'll wait for me

Hold me like you'll never let me go

I'm leavin' on a jet plane

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

Oh, babe, I hate to go

96. The Passenger – Iggy Pop

I am a passenger

And I ride and I ride

I ride through the city's backside

I see the stars come out of the sky

Yeah, they're bright in a hollow sky

You know it looks so good tonight

I stay under glass

I look through my window so bright

I see the stars come out tonight

I see the bright and hollow sky

Over the city's ripped-back sky

And everything looks good tonight

97. Vacation – The Go-Go's

All I ever wanted

Had to get away

Meant to be spent alone

98. Homeward Bound – Simon & Garfunkel

Every day's an endless stream

Of cigarettes and magazines

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

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

Homeward bound

I wish I was

Home where my thought's escaping

Home where my music's playing

Home where my love lies waiting

Silently for me

99. No Roots – Alice Merton

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

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

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

I count gates and numbers, then play the guessing game

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

And a thousand times I've seen this road

A thousand times

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

100. Fly Away – Lenny Kravitz

I want to get away

I want to fly away

Yeah, yeah, yeah ‍

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

Katie Hammel

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

Published July 18, 2023

Last updated December 28, 2023

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YourTango

65 Songs About Travel & Adventure For The Ultimate Wanderlust Playlist

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

Last updated on Jun 28, 2023

woman smiling for songs about wanderlust

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

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

65 Best Songs About Wanderlust, Travel & Adventure

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

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

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

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

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

3. "On The Road Again" by Willie Nelson

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

4. "Come Sail Away" by Styx

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

5. "Road To Nowhere" by Talking Heads

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

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

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

7. "Travelin’ Man" by Ricky Nelson

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

8. "Homeward Bound" by Simon & Garfunkel

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

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

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

10. "Life Is A Highway" by Rascal Flatts

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

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

11. "Space Oddity" by David Bowie

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

12. "Fast Car" by Tracy Chapman

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

13. "Orinoco Flow" by Enya

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

14. "See The World" by the Kooks

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

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

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

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

Nothing screams summer vacation like hot fun summertime.

17. "Malibu" by Kim Petras

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

18. "Island in the Sun" by Weezer

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

19. "Surfin’ USA" by The Beach Boys

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

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

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

21. "School’s Out" by Alice Cooper

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

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

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

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

23. "Soak Up The Sun" by Sheryl Crow

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

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

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

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

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

26. "Meet the Parents" by Kim Petras

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

27. "Galway Girl" by Ed Sheeran

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

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

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

29. "Night in Bangkok" by Murray Head

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

30. "Free Man In Paris" by Joni Mitchell

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

31. "Paris, Tokyo" by Lupe Fiasco

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

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

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

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

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

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

34. "Havana" by Camila Cabello

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

35. "Sweet Home Alabama" by Lynyrd Skynyrd

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

36. "A Thousand Miles" by Vanessa Carlton

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

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

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

38. "Everywhere" by Fleetwood Mac

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

39. "Roam" by the B52s

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

40. "My Traveling Star" by James Taylor

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

41. "Come Away With Me" by Norah Jones

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

42. "Shut Up and Drive" by Rihanna

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

43. "The Long Way Around" by The Chicks

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

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

44. "Route 66" by Nat King Cole

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

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

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

46. "Montego Bay" by Amazulu

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

47. "Proud Mary" by Tina Turner

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

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

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

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

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

50. "Runaway" by Kanye West

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

51. Bruno Mars TikTok Song

This Bruno Mars remix is a staple for travel TikTokers.

52. TikTok Snapping Song

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

53. "Sunny Day" by Ted Fresco

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

54. "Vacation" by The Dirty Heads

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

55. "Paradise" by Bazzi

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

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

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

RELATED: Why I Travel To Cure My Broken Heart

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

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

58. "Traveling Alone" by Passenger

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

59. "Down Under" by Men at Work

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

60. "Guaranteed" by Eddie Vedder

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

61. "Vienna" by Billy Joel

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

62. "Born To Be Wild" by Steppenwolf

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

63. "Graceland" by Paul Simon

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

64. "Come Fly With Me" by Frank Sinatra

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

65. "Travelin Band" by Creedence Clearwater Revival

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

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

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

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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!

Best songs about travel

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.

Best Travel Songs: “On Top of the World” by Imagine Dragons Song

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.

Road trip songs: “Fast Car” by Tracy Chapman

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.

Songs about travel: “Somewhere over the Rainbow” by Israel Kamakawiwo'ole

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.

Travel Playlist: “Adventure of a Lifetime” by Coldplay

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.

Traveling Tunes: “Paris” by The Chainsmokers

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.

Songs about travelling: “Sleep on the Floor” by The Lumineers

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.

Songs for the traveler: “Heading Home” by Gryffin feat. Josef Salvat

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.

Songs to add to your playlist: “Havana” by Camila Cabello

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.

Wanderlust songs: “Autumn Dawn” by Volcan Peaks

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.

Tunes for the holidays: “Beach Bonfire” by Sandro

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!

Best Travel Songs For Your Playlist

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

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

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

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

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

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

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29 Travel Songs for the perfect Road Trip Playlist – Hostelgeeks Mixtape

Matt Kiefer - Hostel Expert on Hostelgeeks.com

We collected here 29 travel songs that we think can’t be missed on the perfect playlist for travelers.

Some of those travel songs will make your hips move, others are more calm, laid-back.

Just decide for yourself. Either way, those travel songs are the perfect background jingles, when backpacking the world.

This quote “open up your hear, even good things can leave scars, don’t be afraid” is a quote from Ramon Mirabet – Those Little Things (Song #12 in this list!).

Find 109 more beautiful travel quotes here .

More quotation articles

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We at Hostelgeeks award the most amazing Hostels in the world. Many of the 5 Star Hostel are also passionate music lover. They organize live concerts, invite musicians, and create a cosy vibe around the music.

Find 17 more backpacker songs  you will love as well.

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Even good things can leave scars!

We want to start this list with one of our favorite travel songs:

1. Here we are – Part-Time Friends

One our latest discoveries.

Click play, we bet you cannot hold your feet still. We found this song when leaving the Airport in Singapore. We were on our way to Adler Luxury Hostel and ever since, this song reminds us of that time.

But now, listen:

Get up we are still in trouble Still a shamble Here we are Instead of staying in this bow Let’s have a bloody row Here we are It’s unfair to love someone who wants to beat you down so much here we are

Something rise and fall We thought we never lost control Something tear us apart We thought we never laughed before Something rise and fall who though it would be nothing at all

2. Happy Days – Ramón Mirabet

I wonder very far. I am all I’ve known I’m not afraid to let myself go. I say Yeah! I say Yeah! I say Yeah! Could I ask myself for more?

3. Sky on the Loose – Inkfields

Let us a go less mainstream. Meet Inkfields, a solo india rock act from Edinburgh, UK. He is a keen traveller and so many of his songs are travel related such as The Last Ebb , People of the Sea and Svennige .

“Sky on the loose” is our favorite. Listen to the song below and find all his songs on Spotify here .

Messaging like nights before, crashing through the wall I’m using all my strength and breath, I’m gonna show them all

You talk of my impending doom, no promise nor a myth You justify avoiding me to sell out on a whiff

Oh if I, I want to be the lonely one, I want to be the only one And if I, lord I And if I, I want to be the chosen one, I want to be the chosen one And if I, lord I

Don’t you tire of telling me? ‘The world ends at the sky, You’re just a little fish another simple passer by, All your songs and poetry are droplets in the sea’ I said ‘That is ok for you, your words won’t follow me!’

4. Fantastic shine – Love of Lesbian

Mediterranean flair all over it. Jump on your Vespa and listen to the track, you will thank me later. Fantastic shine by Love Of Lesbians.

Have I told you lately? We are friends through this trip of… Time, oh, what is time? The kind of thing that no one knows Take a look at who’s around you Spin in circles, ring round with you

5. We Are Young – Fun. ft. Janelle Monáe

Tonight We are young So let’s set the world on fire We can burn brighter than the sun

Stay young with this one. WE ARE YOUNG

6. Bicicletes – BLAUMUT

This is my favorite Catalan music group. Get the full album by Blaumut here.

Un dilluns perfecte, Bicicletes sense mans. Tinc un pas de zebra nou, recent pintat. Vols gelat de menta? Les finestres semblen de paper mullat.

Tant soroll que falta l’aire, He perdut la brúixola i el nord, Que dec haver guardat per aquí. Deixa’t de paraules ara, Penja des d’un arbre aquesta

7. Song 2 – Blur – the FIFA Classic

I bet you cannot hold still when listen to this one.

Woo-hoo Woo-hoo Woo-hoo Woo-hoo

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

8. Candy – Paolo Nutini

Oh darling, I’ll kiss your eyes and lay you down on your rug Just give me some candy after my hug Oh, and I’m often false explaining But to her it plays out all the same And although I’m left defeated It gets held against my name

9. Someone Told Me –  Jake Bugg

Get the track by Jake Bugg here.

Tried to break from this lonely pain Someone told me I’m just insane oh oh oh Broke my heart when I knew, That I could never be with you oh oh oh

10. We are the people – Empire of the Sun

We are the people that rule the world

A force running in every boy and girl

All rejoicing in the world

Take me now, we can try

11. Caravan – Passenger

Cause you search for years but you lose everything you find.

There’s braille for the deaf and a signpost for the blind,

there’s heaven for the cruel but the devil waits for the kind.

12. Those Little Things – Ramon Mirabet

Life (spreading) on a fire.

Say we’ll do it all again,

Trying to (west) to get it higher,

Always with a smile upon my face.

13. Paradise – Coldplay

My absolute favorite band out there.

When she was just a girl

She expected the world

But it flew away from her reach

And the bullets catch in her teeth

Life goes on, it gets so heavy

The wheel breaks the butterfly

Every tear a waterfall

In the night the stormy night she’ll close her eyes

In the night the stormy night away she’d fly

14. Break The Night With Colour – Richard Ashcroft

Monday morning coming down, lack understanding

Mama thinks you are the clown, your looking so frightening

Nothing’s going right today, cos nothing ever does

15. One day baby – Asaf Avidan

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

16. Heroes – David Bowie

I, I will be king And you, you will be queen Though nothing will drive them away We can be Heroes, just for one day We can be us, just for one day

17. Listen to the Man – George Ezra

Your world keeps spinning and you can’t jump off But I will catch you if you fall, I can’t tell you enough I hate to hear that you’re feeling low I hate to hear that you won’t come home

18. Back down south – Kings of Leon

Underneath the stars Where we parked the cars Ain’t showing signs of stopping Pretty little girls Naked to their curls Ready to lay in the coffin

19. Spirits – The Strumbellas

I spent a lot of nights on the run And I think oh, like I’m lost and can’t be found I’m just waiting for my day to come And I think oh, I don’t wanna let you down Cause something inside has changed And maybe we don’t wanna stay the same

20. Simple Song – The Shins

Well, this would be a simple song, To say what you done. I told you ’bout all those fears, And away they did run. You sure must be strong, And you feel like an ocean being warm by the sun.

21. Stubborn Live – The Lumineers

And I don’t blame you, dear For running like you did all these years I would do the same you best believe And the highway signs say we’re close, But I dont read those things anymore I never trusted my own eyes

22. Catch& Release – Matt Simons

There’s a place I’m going No one knows me If I breathe real slowly I let it out and let it in

It can be terrifying To be slowly dying Also, clarifying We end where we begin

23. End of the Line – Traveling Wilburys

Well it’s all right, even if they say you’re wrong Well it’s all right, sometimes you gotta be strong Well it’s all right, As long as you got somewhere to lay Well it’s all right, everyday is Judgment Day

24. If I had a boat – James Vincent McMorrow

If I had a boat I would sail to you Hold you in my arms, ask you to be true Once I had a dream, it died long before Now I’m pointed north, hoping for the shore

25. Traveling On – Kongos

And when the years pass us by I wonder if we’ll cry For losing so much time For moments we may miss For the love that still exists tonight

26. Milk & Honey – Beatsteaks

Some people wear gloves Carrying their portions of love Until death comes from above Now for dreams and for plans You try as hard as you land But I’ve made up my mind

27. Home – Edward Sharpe & The Magnetic Zeros

I’ll follow you into the park, through the jungle, through the dark Girl, I’ve never loved one like you

Moats & boats & waterfalls, alley ways & pay phone calls I’ve been everywhere with you

28. Reality – Lost Frequencies feat. Janieck Devy

Decisions as I go, to anywhere I flow. Sometimes I believe, at times I’m rational. I can fly high, I can go low. Today I got a million, Tomorrow, I don’t know.

29. Tour the World – Video with every country in the world

30. Riptide – Vance Joy

And they come unstuck Lady, running down to the riptide taken away to the dark side I wanna be your left hand man. I love you, when you’re singing that song and I got a lump in my throat ’cause

31. Our Place – Maia Vidal

We found this song of Maia Vidal, called “Our Place”. Have a look at the lyrics. It makes it such a romantic travel songs, doesn’t it?

I’d like to stay here For a while and go wild You’ll call me crazy But I don’t care Because I know where…

Where I go where I go You’re going to take me Where I go where I go You’re going to take me Take me for a ride And I’ll be by your side

32. Feel Good – Gorillaz

Turn forever hand in hand Take it all in on your stride It is ticking, falling down Love forever love is free Let’s turn forever you and me Windmill, windmill for the land

Summary: Travel Songs for the perfect Playlist

C’mon, you didn’t just sit on your chair, right?! We love these travel songs, and we hope so do you. You can find more AWESOME backpacker songs here .

Find 17 more travel songs here .

Do you have a favorite travel song you’d recommend? Please leave a comment, we’d be happy to extend this travel music playlist!

pin it now, read and listen later

29 Travel Songs for the perfect Playlist! Hostelgeeks Mixtape

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That Texas Couple

125 Songs About Travel To Fuel Your Wanderlust

travel songs pin image

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

125 Songs About Travel

Kokomo by Beach Boys

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

B lue Hawaii by Elvis Presley

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

Holiday by Madonna

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

Gravity by Coldplay  

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

Margaritaville by Jimmy Buffet

songs about travel-beach

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

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

Midnight Train to Georgia by Gladys Knight and the Pips  

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

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

Read Next: The Ultimate List of Friends Traveling Quotes

What We Live For by American Authors

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

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

Travelin’ Man 1961 by Ricky Nelson

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

Waka Waka (This Time for Africa) by Shakira

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

Hello Seattle by Owl City

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

Havana by Camila Cabello

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

Rio by Michael Nesmith

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

Leaving Las Vegas by Cheryl Crow

Las Vegas sign-travel songs

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

Fr ee by Donovan Frankenreiter

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

Come Fly With Me by Frank Sinatra

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

One Night in Bangkok by Murray Head

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

Graceland by Paul Simon

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

The Passenger by Iggy Pop

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

Life is a Highway by Rascal Flats

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

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

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

Leaving on a Jet Plane by Peter Paul and Mary

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

Have Love, Will Travel by The Sonics 

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

These Days by The Foo Fighters

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

American Boy by Estelle featuring Kanye West

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

First Day of My Life by Bright Eyes

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

Miles Away by The Maine

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

Take Me Home by Phil Collins

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

Hopeless Wanderer by Mumford and Sons

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

Carolina In My Mind by James Taylor

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

Destination Calabria by Alex Gaudino featuring Crystal Waters

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

Toes by The Zac Brown Band

where to stay in Cancun

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

Travelling Alone by Passenger

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

You Only Live Once by The Strokes

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

Two Tickets To Paradise by Eddie Money

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

Walking in Memphis by Mark Cohn

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

Africa by Toto

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

Road to Nowhere by Talking Heads

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

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

California Dreaming by The Mamas and Papas

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

Beverly Hills by Weezer

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

wildflowers on road trip in Texas

Born to Be Wild by Steppenswolf

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

Not Today by Imagine Dragons

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

Do You Want to See the World by the Kooks

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

April in Paris by Ella Fitzgerald and Louis Armstrong

Eiffel Tower Paris- travel songs

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

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

A Million Miles Away by David Byrne

“Oh oh A million miles away from here”

Get Here by Oleta Adams

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

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

Vacation by The GoGo’s

The chorus of this song sums up my travel addiction:

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

Catch & Release by Matt Simons

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

Road Trippin’ by the Red Hot Chili Peppers

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

Take Me Home (Country Roads) by John Denver

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

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

Lovers in Japan by Coldplay

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

London Calling by The Clash

take the bus during your London itinerary 4 days

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

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

Around the World by Daft Punk

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

Are You Gonna Go My Way by Lenny Kravitz

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

We Gotta Get Out of This Place by The Animals

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

Sail Away by David Gray

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

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

travel songs list

Best Travel Songs To Get You Singing Along

Wake up in paris by hot sardines.

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

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

Malibu by Miley Cyrus

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

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

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

Ramblin Man by The Allman Brothers Band

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

“Lord, I was born a ramblin’ man”

San Francisco by Scott McKenzie

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

Change by Some Poetries

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

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

Take It Easy by The Eagles

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

Come Away by Sons of the East

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

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

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

Wanderlust by The Weeknd

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

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

Sweet Home Alabama by Leonard Skynard

“Sweet home Alabama Where the skies are so blue”

New York by Cat Power

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

Sitting on the Dock of the Bay by Otis Redding

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

Surfin’ USA by The Beach Boys

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

Mexico by James Taylor

where to stay in Cancun

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

Island in the Sun by Weezer

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

Send Me On My Way by Rusted Root

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

Send me on my way…”

Wonderful Life by Black

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

When I’m Gone by Anna Kendrick

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

See the World by Gomez

“See the world, find an old fashioned girl”

Travelin’ Prayer by Billy Joel

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

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

America by Siman & Garfunkel

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

Born to Run by Bruce Springsteen

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

Kathmandu by Bob Seger

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

Wish You Were Here by Incubus

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

Come With Me Now by KONGOS

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

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

End of the Line by Traveling Wilburys

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

Moon River by Audrey Hepburn

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

California Love by Tupac and dr. Dre

“California love! California knows how to party…”

God Bless Texas by Little Texas

canyons and a river in Big Bend

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

Englishman in New York by Sting

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

Galway Girl by Ed Sheeran

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

On The Road Again by Willie Nelson

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

Big Jet Plane by Angus and Julia Stone

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

Go Your Own Way by Fleetwood Mac

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

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

I’ve Been Everywhere by Johnny Cash

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

Castle on the Hill by Ed Sheeran

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

Anywhere by Passenger

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

Miami by Will Smith

“I’m goin to Miami Welcome to Miami…”

Traveling On by KONGOS

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

Fast Car by Tracy Chapman

must haves for road trip

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

Budapest by George Ezra

“My house in Budapest My hidden treasure chest…”

King of the World by First Aid Kit

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

Hotel California by The Eagles

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

Adventure of a Lifetime by Coldplay

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

Leave by R.E.M.

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

On Top of The World by Imagine Dragons

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

A Thousand Miles by Vanessa Carlton

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

Californication by Red Hot Chili Peppers

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

Permanent Vacation by Aerosmith

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

In America by Neil Diamond

“Free, Only want to be free…”

Roam by the B-52s

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

Viva Las Vegas by Elvis Presley

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

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

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

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

Barcelona by Ed Sheeran

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

Marrakesh Express by Crosby, Still, and Nash

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

Pompeii by Bastille

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

Ho Hey by The Lumineers 

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

On My Way by Phil Collins 

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

Ventura Highway by America

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

New York State of Mind by Billy Joel

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

Fly Away With Me by Tom Walker

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

Time of Your Life by Green Day

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

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

Paris by The Chainsmokers  

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

Travelling by Paper Lions

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

Escape (The Pina Colada Song) by Rupert Holmes

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

Rocky Road To Dublin by The Irish Descendents

travel songs list

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

Running Away by Ed Sheeran ft. Kygo 

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

Final Thoughts  

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

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

Happy Travels, Friends!!

While You’re Here, Check Out These Posts:

100 Perfect Quotes About Paris

The Road to Hana: 22 Must-See Stops

85 Quotes About Italy to Inspire Your Wanderlust

25 Roman Ruins In Rome That You Have To See

3 Days in Venice: A Great Venice Itinerary

150 Dreamy Beach Quotes

101 Travel Quotes for Insta

Perfect Sunshine Captions for Instagram

The Best Wheeled Backpack for Travel

The Best Travel Backpack for Europe…and Beyond

How We Travel With Only a Backpack

The Perfect Gifts for Travel Lovers

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travel songs list

Book Your Trip: Logistical Tips and Tricks

Book Your Flight:

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

Book Your Vacation Package:

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

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

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

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Book Your Accommodations:

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

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

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

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

Tour Companies We Trust:

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

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

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

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

Looking to Save Time and Money?

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

Michelle Snell-Founder That Texas Couple

About the Author

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

Monday 15th of February 2021

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

Sunday 14th of February 2021

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

Saturday 13th of February 2021

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

thattexascouple

Thank you for checking it out!

Friday 22nd of January 2021

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

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

Renata - bye:myself

Tuesday 19th of January 2021

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

Wednesday 20th of January 2021

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

Girl With The Passport

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

By: Author Girl with the Passport

Posted on Last updated: July 7, 2022

Categories Travel Tips

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

1. Alaska by Maggie Rogers

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

“I was walking through icy streams

That took my breath away

Moving slowly through westward water

Over glacial plains

And I walked off you

And I walked off an old me

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

So it seemed”

2. Taj Mahal by Sam Roberts Band

“Sitting with you on the banks of the Ganges

Stealing a kiss on the streets of Bombay

Caressing your hair like the wind through the palm trees

I never dreamed that anyone could take you away

Keep on keep on keep on singing

I’m building a beautiful statue

To make sure that no one forgets you”

3. Carolina in My Mind by James Taylor

“In my mind I’m gone to Carolina

Can’t you see the sunshine?

Can’t you just feel the moonshine?

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

To hit me from behind?

Yes, I’m gone to Carolina in my mind”

4. New York State of Mind by Billy Joel

Some folks like to get away

Take a holiday from the neighborhood

Hop a flight to Miami Beach or to Hollywood

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

I’m in a New York state of mind”

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

5. Hello Seattle by Owl City

“Hello Seattle, I am a manta ray

Deep beneath the blue waves

I’ll crawl the sandy bottom of Puget Sound

And construct my summer home”

6. Miles from Minnesota by The Lower 48

“Yes next year we’ll go traveling

Our escapades so baffling

Our sovereign love returning to the sea

We’ll be miles from Minnesota then

Writing letters we won’t send

For no words shall contain what will be

Well your sweet voice and my rough hands

When darkness prowls we will dance

Through bluffs and fields and orchards with the moon

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

Fall’s warm embrace is coming to us soon

Oh! We’ve got everywhere to go

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

7. God Blessed Texas by Little Texas

“God blessed Texas

With His own hand

Brought down angels from the promised land

Gave ’em a place where they could dance

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

I’ve been sent to spread the message

God blessed Texas”

8. Graceland by Paul Simon

“The Mississippi Delta was shining

Like a National guitar

I am following the river

Down the highway

Through the cradle of the civil war

I’m going to Graceland”

9. Miles Away by The Maine

“I took a trip up the west coast

Was searching for a temp so low

And a summer high

The Sun swayed and set slow

Made waves with some friends I know

Got lost in the ebb and flow

Of the drifting tide

I didn’t ever want to come down

From that west coast rush and summer high

And easy, peaceful sense of time”

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

“I’m a sailor peg

And I’ve lost my leg

Climbing up the top sails

I’ve lost my leg!

I’m shipping up to Boston, whoa

I’m shipping off to find my wooden leg”

11. Lovers in Japan by Coldplay

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

“Tonight, maybe we’re gonna run

Dreamin’ of the Osaka sun

Ohh, ohh, ohhh

Dreamin’ of when the morning comes”

12. Aux Champs-Élysées by Joe Dassin

“Aux Champs-Elysées, aux Champs-Elysées

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

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

And in English:

“Champs-Elysees, Champs-Elysees

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

There is everything you want on the Champs-Elysées”

I’m Shipping Up To Boston – Dropkick Murphys

I’m a sailor peg

13. Rock the Casbah by The Clash

“Sharif don’t like it

Rockin’ the Casbah

Rock the Casbah

Sharif don’t like it

Rock the Casbah”

14. Brazil by Declan McKenna

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

‘Cause everybody plays the beautiful game while out in Brazil

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

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

15. Surfin’ USA by The Beach Boys

“Haggerties and Swamies

Pacific Palisades

San Anofree and Sunset

Redondo Beach L. A.

All over La Jolla

At Waimea Bay

Everybody’s gone surfin’

Surfin’ U.S. A.”

16. California by Phantom Planet

“Hustlers grab your guns

Your shadow weighs a ton

Driving down the 101

California here we come

Right back where we started from

California, here we come.”

17. Mexico by James Taylor

“Way down here you need a reason to move

Feel a fool running your stateside games

Lose your load, leave your mind behind Baby Jane

It sounds so simple I just got to go

The sun’s so hot I forgot to go home

Guess I’ll have to go now”

18. Beverly Hills by Weezer

“Beverly Hills

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

Livin’ in Beverly Hills

Beverly Hills

Rollin’ like a celebrity (gimme, gimme)

Livin’ in Beverly Hills”

19. Barcelona by George Ezra

Parc Guell Barcelona Spain

“Every time you have to go

Shut my eyes and you know

I’ll be lying right by your side

In Barcelona”

20. Rocky Road to Dublin by The Irish Descendants

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

To be so soon deprived a view of that fine city

So then I took a stroll down among the quality

Me bundle it was stolen in a neat locality

Something crossed me mind, then I looked behind

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

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

On the rocky road to Dublin”

21. America by Simon & Garfunkel

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

Michigan seems like a dream to me now

It took me four days to hitchhike from Saginaw

I’ve gone to look for America”

22. Walking in Memphis by Marc Cohn

“Saw the ghost of Elvis

On Union Avenue

Followed him up to the gates of Graceland

Then I watched him walk right through

Now security they did not see him

They just hovered ’round his tomb

But there’s a pretty little thing

Waiting for the King

Down in the Jungle Room

When I was walking in Memphis

I was walking with my feet ten feet off of Beale

Walking in Memphis

But do I really feel the way I feel?”

23. Africa by Toto

“The wild dogs cry out in the night

As they grow restless, longing for some solitary company

I know that I must do what’s right

As sure as Kilimanjaro rises like Olympus above the Serengeti

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

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

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

I bless the rains down in Africa

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

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

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

“Today’s your day

You paved the way

If you get down get up oh oh

When you get down get up eh eh

Tsamina mina zangalewa

This time for Africa”

25. Marrakech Express by Crosby, Stills, & Nash

“Take the train from Casablanca going south

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

Colored cottons hang in air

Charming cobras in the square

Striped jellabas we can wear at home

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

26. Blue Hawaii by Elvis Presley

“Come with me

While the moon is on the sea

The night is young

And so are we, so are we

Dreams come true

In blue Hawaii”

27. I’ve Been Everywhere by Johnny Cash

“I’ve been everywhere, man

I’ve been everywhere, man

Crossed the deserts bare, man

I’ve breathed the mountain air, man

Travel, I’ve had my share, man

I’ve been everywhere

I’ve been to

Winslow”

28. Rio by Netsky and featuring Macklemore

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

Swimming in the ocean like the pool is hella heated

Expedited Visa and I’m posted with my feet up

Parasailing over beaches, got my girl from Ipanema”

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

“Well the Ukraine girls really knock me out

They leave the West behind

And Moscow girls make me sing and shout

That Georgia’s always on my mind

Aw come on!

Yeah I’m back in the U.S.S.R.

You don’t know how lucky you are boys

Back in the U.S.S.R.”

30. April in Paris by Ella Fitzgerald and Louis Armstrong

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

“I never knew the charm of spring

I never met it face to face

I never knew my heart could sing

I never missed a warm embrace

Till April in Paris, chestnuts in blossom

Holiday tables under the trees

April in Paris, this is a feeling”

31. Budapest by George Ezra

“My house in Budapest

My hidden treasure chest

Golden grand piano

My beautiful Castillo

I’d leave it all

My acres of a land

I have achieved

It may be hard for you to

Stop and believe

But for you

I’d Leave it all

Give me one good reason

Why I should never make a change

And baby if you hold me

Then all of this will go away.”

32. Viva Las Vegas by Elvis Presley

Bright light city gonna set my soul

Gonna set my soul on fire

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

So get those stakes up higher

There’s a thousand pretty women waitin’ out there

And they’re all livin’ devil may care

And I’m just the devil with love to spare

Viva Las Vegas, viva Las Vegas”

33. Vienna by Ultravox

“The music is weaving

Haunting notes, pizzicato strings

The rhythm is calling

Alone in the night as the daylight brings

A cool empty silence

The warmth of your hand and a cold grey sky

It fades to the distance

The image has gone only you and I

It means nothing to me

This means nothing to me

Oh, Vienna”

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

“He’s leaving (leaving)

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

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

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

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

35. Malibu by Miley Cyrus

“But here I am

Next to you

The sky is so blue

Next to you”

36. New York Groove by Ace Frehley

“Many years since I was here

On the street I was passin’ my time away

To the left and to the right,

Buildings towering to the sky

It’s outta sight in the dead of night

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

And baby, you’d better believe

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

37. Road to Nowhere by the Talking Heads

“We’re on a road to nowhere

Come on inside

Takin’ that ride to nowhere

We’ll take that ride”

38. California Love by Tupac and Dr. Dre

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

Let me serenade the streets of L.A

From Oakland to Sacktown

The Bay Area and back down

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

California, knows how to party

In the city of L.A.

In the city of good ol’ Watts

In the city, the city of Compton

We keep it rocking”

39. Renegades by X Ambassadors

“Run away-ay with me

Lost souls in revelry

Running wild and running free

Two kids, you and me

Hey, hey-hey-hey

Livin’ like we’re renegades

Hey-hey-hey

Renegades.”

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

40. Miami by Will Smith

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

“Party in the city where the heat is on

All night, on the beach till the break of dawn

‘Welcome to Miami’

‘Bienvenidos a Miami’

Bouncin’ in the club where the heat is on

I’m goin to Miami

‘Welcome to Miami'”

41. The Wanderer by Dion DiMucci

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

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

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

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

Yeah I’m the wanderer, yeah the wanderer

I roam around around around, let’s go”

42. Hotel California by The Eagles

“Welcome to the Hotel California

Such a lovely place (Such a lovely place)

Such a lovely face

Plenty of room at the Hotel California

Any time of year (Any time of year)

You can find it here.”

43. Where the Streets Have No Name by U2

“Where the streets have no name

Where the streets have no name

We’re still building then burning down love

Burning down love

And when I go there, I go there with you

It’s all I can do.”

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

“In New York (Ay, aha) (Uh, yeah)

Concrete jungle (Yeah) where dreams are made of

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

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

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

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

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

New York (Yeah), New York (Uh)”

45. Around the World by Daft Punk

“Around the world, around the world

Around the world, around the world

Around the world, around the world”

46. Down Under by Men at Work

“Buying bread from a man in Brussels

He was six foot four and full of muscle

I said, “Do you speak-a my language?”

He just smiled and gave me a Vegemite sandwich

And he said:

I come from a land down under

Where beer does flow and men chunder

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

You better run, you better take cover.”

47. Traveling On by The Decemberists

“Cause we’re traveling on

Sold for a song

We’re traveling on

And it won’t be long

‘Til we’re traveling on”

48. Hopeless Wanderer by Mumford & Sons

“But hold me fast, hold me fast

‘Cause I’m a hopeless wanderer

And hold me fast, hold me fast

‘Cause I’m a hopeless wanderer”

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

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

The one with the prettiest of views

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

But it sure would be prettier with you

When I’m gone

You’re gonna miss me when I’m gone

You’re gonna miss me by my walk

You’re gonna miss me by my talk, oh

You’re gonna miss me when I’m gone”

50. Born to Run by Bruce Springsteen

“Someday girl I don’t know when

We’re gonna get to that place

Where we really wanna go

And we’ll walk in the sun

But till then tramps like us

Baby we were born to run”

51. Moon River by Audrey Hepburn

“Two drifters, off to see the world

There’s such a lot of world to see

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

My huckleberry friend, moon river, and me”

52. Life is a Highway by Rascal Flatts

“Life is a highway

I wanna ride it all night long

If you’re going my way

I wanna drive it all night long”

53. Kathmandu by Bob Seger

“I think I’m going to Katmandu

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

If I ever get out of here

That’s what I’m gonna do

I know my plane is due

The one that’s going to Katmandu

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

K-k-k-k-k-k Kathmandu‍”

54. The Passenger by Iggy Pop

“I am a passenger

And I ride and I ride

I ride through the city’s backside

I see the stars come out of the sky

Yeah, they’re bright in a hollow sky

You know it looks so good tonight

I am a passenger

I stay under glass

I look through my window so bright

I see the stars come out tonight

I see the bright and hollow sky

Over the city’s ripped-back sky

And everything looks good tonight”

55. Havana by Camila Cabello

“Havana, ooh na-na

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

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

Oh, but my heart is in Havana” ‍

56. Fast Car by Tracy Chapman

“You got a fast car

Is it fast enough so we can fly away?

We gotta make a decision

Leave tonight or live and die this way”

57. Paris by The Chainsmokers

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

“We were staying in Paris

To get away from your parents

You look so proud

Standing there with a frown and a cigarette

Posting pictures of yourself on the internet”

58. Hotel Walls by Smith & Thell

“So I stand back and I watch us fall

As we break everything inside these hotel walls

Life’s for rent and it called us out

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

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

59. Vacation by The Go-Go’s

“Vacation

All I ever wanted

Had to get away

Meant to be spent alone”

60. On Top of the World by Imagine Dragons

‘Cause I’m on top of the world, ‘ey

I’m on top of the world, ‘ey

Waiting on this for a while now

Paying my dues to the dirt

I’ve been waiting to smile, ‘ey

Been holding it in for a while, ‘ey

Take it with me if I can

Been dreaming of this since a child

I’m on top of the world”

61. No Sleep Till Brooklyn by The Beastie Boys

“No sleep ’till

No sleep ’till Brooklyn

No sleep till Brooklyn”

62. Barcelona by Ed Sheeran

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

We’re going somewhere where the sun is shining bright

Just close your eyes

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

In Barcelona

Barcelona”

63. Homeward Bound by Simon & Garfunkel

“Every day’s an endless stream

Of cigarettes and magazines

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

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

Homeward bound

I wish I was

Home where my thought’s escaping

Home where my music’s playing

Home where my love lies waiting

Silently for me”

64. Tennessee by Arrested Development

“They tell me my ears are so young

Go back, from whence you came

My family tree, my family name

For some strange reason it had to be

He guided me to Tennessee

Take me to another place, take me to another land

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

65. In America by Neil Diamond

“Everywhere around the world

They’re coming to America

Every time that flag’s unfurled

Got a dream to take them there

Got a dream they’ve come to share

They’re coming to America”

66. No Roots by Alice Merton

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

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

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

I count gates and numbers, then play the guessing game

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

And a thousand times I’ve seen this road

A thousand times

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

67. California Dreamin’ by the Mamas and the Papas

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

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

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

On a winter’s day (on a winter’s day)

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

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

California dreamin’ (California dreamin’)

On such a winter’s day”

68. Party in the USA by Miley Cyrus

“I hopped off the plane at LAX

With a dream and my cardigan

Welcome to the land of fame excess (Whoa)

Am I gonna fit in?

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

Look to my right, and I see the Hollywood sign

This is all so crazy

Everybody seems so famous

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

Too much pressure and I’m nervous

That’s when the taxi man turned on the radio

And a JAY-Z song was on

So I put my hands up

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

I’m noddin’ my head like, “Yeah”

Movin’ my hips like, “Yeah”

Got my hands up, they’re playing my song

You know I’m gonna be okay

Yeah, it’s a party in the U.S.A.

Yeah, it’s a party in the U.S.A.”

69. Galway Girl by Ed Sheeran

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

But she fell in love with an Englishman

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

Said, “Baby, I just wanna dance”

With my pretty little Galway girl

You’re my pretty little Galway girl”

70. Fly Away by Lenny Kravitz

I want to get away

I want to fly away

Yeah, yeah, yeah‍”

71. Kokomo by The Beach Boys

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

Bermuda, Bahama, come on pretty mama

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

Ooh, I want to take you down to Kokomo

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

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

72. Margaritaville by Jimmy Buffett

“Wastin’ away again in Margaritaville

Searchin’ for my lost shaker of salt

Salt, salt, salt

Some people claim that there’s a woman to blame

I agree with that

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

73. Have Love Will Travel by The Sonics

Yeah, I travel from Maine to Mexico

Just to find a little girl that loves me so

No matter when, no matter where I’ll be

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

Whoa, baby, will travel

I said, yeah, yeah, have love

Woah, baby, will travel

I said, if you need loving then

Mm, hmm, I’ll travel

Woah!”

74. Chicago by Sufjan Stevens

“I fell in love again

All things go, all things go

Drove to Chicago

All things know, all things know”

75. One Night in Bangkok by Murray Head

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

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

The bars are temples but the pearls ain’t free

You’ll find a god in every golden cloister

A little flesh, a little history

I can feel an angel sliding up to me”

76. Leaving on a Jetplane by John Denver

“So kiss me and smile for me

Tell me that you’ll wait for me

Hold me like you’ll never let me go

‘Cause I’m leavin’ on a jet plane

Don’t know when I’ll be back again

Oh babe, I hate to go”

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

“But I would roll 500 miles

And I would roll 500 more

Just to be the man who roles a thousand miles

To fall down at your door”

78. Ramblin’ Man by The Allman Brothers Band

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

I’m leavin’ out of Nashville, Tennessee

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

Lord, them Delta women think the world of me

Lord, I was born a ramblin’ man

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

And when it’s time for leavin’

I hope you’ll understand

That I was born a ramblin’ man”

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

“Every gal in Constantinople

Lives in Istanbul, not Constantinople

So if you’ve a date in Constantinople

She’ll be waiting in Istanbul

Even old New York was once New Amsterdam

Why they changed it I can’t say

People just liked it better that way”

80. Vertigo by FM Belfast

“We are going far away

We are going far away

Don’t you look down

You are high above ground

We are driving with our friends

We are driving to a faraway place”

81. Sweet Home Alabama by Lynyrd Skynyrd

“Sweet home Alabama

Where the skies are so blue

Sweet home Alabama

Lord, I’m comin’ home to you”

82. On the Road Again by Willie Nelson

“On the road again

Like a band of gypsies, we go down the highway

We’re the best of friends

Insisting that the world keep turning our way

And our way

Is on the road again”

83. Born to be Wild by Steppenwolf

“Born to be wild

Born to be wild

Get your motor runnin’

Head out on the highway

Looking for adventure

In whatever comes our way”

84. Roam by The B-52’s

“Roam if you want to

Roam around the world

Roam if you want to

Without wings, without wheels

Without anything but the love we feel”

85. Send Me on My Way by Rusted Root

Well, I would like to hold my little hand

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

I would like to hold my little hand

And we will run, we will, we will crawl

Send me on my way (on my way)”

86. Take Me Home, Country Roads by John Denver

“Country roads, take me home

To the place I belong

West Virginia, mountain mama

Take me home, country roads”

87. San Francisco by Scott McKenzie

Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco

“If you’re going to San Francisco

Be sure to wear some flowers in your hair

If you’re going to San Francisco

You’re gonna meet some gentle people there.”

88. London Calling by The Clash

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

Engines stop running, the wheat is growin’ thin

A nuclear era, but I have no fear

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

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

“And all the roads we have to walk are winding

And all the lights that lead us there are blinding

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

Because maybe

You’re gonna be the one that saves me

And after all

You’re my wonderwall”

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

90. Come Fly With Me by Frank Sinatra

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

If you can use some exotic booze

There’s a bar in far Bombay

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

91. Truckin’ by the Grateful Dead

“Truckin’, like the do-dah man

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

Sometimes the cards ain’t worth a dime

If you don’t lay ’em down.”

92. What We Live For by American Authors

“We’re taking off, woo

We’re taking off, woo

This is what I live for

Baby, you’re my open road.”

93. Holiday by Madonna

“If we took a holiday

Took some time to celebrate

Just one day out of life

It would be, it would be so nice.”

94. Gravity by Cold Play

“Baby

It’s been a long time coming

Such a long, long time

And I can’t stop running

Can you hear my heart beating?

Can you hear that sound?

‘Cause I can’t help thinking

And I won’t stop now“

95. Leaving Las Vegas by Cheryl Crow

“I’m leaving Las Vegas

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

Leaving Las Vegas

Leaving for good, for good

I’m leaving for good

I’m leaving for good”

96. Free by Donovan Frankenreiter

“Here comes corner winds and the changin’ tide

We better drop them sails and get inside

When will the weather ever let us go

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

97. Come Away with Me by Norah Jones

“Come away with me and we’ll kiss

On a mountain top

Come away with me

And I’ll never stop lovin’ you”

98. American Boy by Estelle and featuring Kanye West

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

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

I really want to come kick it with you

You’ll be my American boy.”

99. Destination Calabria by Alex Gaudino featuring Crystal Waters

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

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

100. Toes by the Zac Brown Band

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

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

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

Life is good today”

101. Last Train Home by John Mayer

“I’m on the last train runnin’

I’m on the last train runnin’

And I surrender

And I surrender”

102. Two Tickets To Paradise by Eddie Money

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

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

We’ve waited so long, waited so long.

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

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

“Do you want to see the world?

In a different way, yeah”

104. A Million Miles Away by David Byrne

“Oh oh

A million miles away from here”

105. Space Oddity by David Bowie

“This is Major Tom to Ground Control

I’m stepping through the door

And I’m floating in a most peculiar way

And the stars look very different today

Am I sitting in a tin can

Far above the world

Planet Earth is blue

And there’s nothing I can do”

Additional Travel Resources You’ll Love

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

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

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

travel songs list

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The Planet D: Adventure Travel Blog

The Ultimate Travel Songs Playlist to Inspire Wanderlust

Written By: The Planet D

Inspiration

Updated On: March 2, 2023

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

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

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

Table of Contents

The Best Travel Songs Playlist

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

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

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

1. Africa by Toto

best travel songs of all time | africa by toto

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

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

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

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

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

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

2. Galway Girl by Ed Sheeran

best songs about travel | galway girl

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

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

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

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

3. One Night in Bangkok by Murray Head

best travel songs | one night in Bangkok

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

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

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

4. Land Down Under by Men at Work

travel songs | land down under

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

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

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

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

5. Havana by Camila Cabello

traveling songs playlist

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

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

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

6.  Sweet Home Alabama by Lynyrd Skynyrd

best songs about travel | sweet home alabama

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

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

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

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

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

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

7. I’ve Been Everywhere Man by Johnny Cash

best travel songs | I've been everywhere

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

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

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

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

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

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

 8. Route 66 by Nat King Cole

traveling songs | route 66

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

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

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

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

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

9. Desert Rose – Sting

sting | songs about travel desert rose

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

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

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

10. Where the Streets Have No Name by U2

songs about traveling | Streets have no name

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

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

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

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

11. Sympathy For The Devil by The Rolling Stones

traveling songs | rolling stones

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

This travel song had the most votes in our survey.

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

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

12. On the Road Again by Willy Nelson

travel songs | willie nelson

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

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

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

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

songs that inspire travel | San francisco

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

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

Add it to your playlist on Amazon

14. Montego Bay by Amazulu

inspiring travel songs | montego bay

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

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

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

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

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

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

travel songs about a destination | midnight train to georgia

Lauren Mcleod  made this addition to our playlist.

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

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

You can also download on Amazon

16. Roam by the B52s

traveling music | roam b52s

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

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

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

17. Leaving on a Jet Plane by Chantal Kreviazuk

travel songs | leaving on a jet plane

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

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

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

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

18. Kokomo by The Beach Boys

songs to inspire people to travel | kokomo

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

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

19. Graceland by Paul Simon

great travel songs | graceland

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

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

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

2 0. Born to be Wild by Steppenwolf

travel songs for travelers

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

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

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

21. New York State of Mind by Billie Joel

best travel songs | New York State of mind

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

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

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

Get New York State of Mind on Amazon

22. Sailing, Christopher Cross

best songs for travelers | sailing

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

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

23. Proud Mary – Tina Turner

best songs for travellers | proud mary

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

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

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

24. American Woman by The Guess Who

songs for travel

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

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

Check it out on Amazon .

25. Man in the Mirror by Micheal Jackson

music to inspire travel | man in the mirror

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

We love the words of The Man in the Mirror .

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

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

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

26. Kathmandu

kathmandu bob seger

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

This song captures the wanderlust of travel.

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

It’s such a fun song.

Check it out on Amazon

27. London Calling by the Clash

london calling the clash

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

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

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

28. Coming to America by Neil Diamond

coming to america neil diamond

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

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

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

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

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

29. Rambling Man by The Allman Brothers

songs for travel

Voted by – Rasheed Hooda – It’s a classic

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

30. Laredo by Band of Horses

songs for traveling

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

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

31. Istanbul not Constantinople by They Might Be Giants

istanbul not sonstantinople | they might be giants

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

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

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

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

Seriously, give it a listen!

And add it to your playlist through Amazon $1.29

32. Carolina on my Mind by James Taylor

songs about travel | carolina on my mind by james taylor

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

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

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

33. California Dreaming – Mamas and the Papas

travel songs | california dreaming mamas and papas

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

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

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

Start dreaming and get it now.

33. Bali Eyes – Porno for Pyros

songs to inspire travelers | bali eyes

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

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

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

34. Sand in My Shoes – Dido

songs to inspire travellers | sand in my shoes

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

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

35. New York by Alicia Keys

inspiring songs for travel | New York

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

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

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

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

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

ultimate travel songs playlist

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

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Travel Planning Resources

Looking to book your next trip? Why not use these resources that are tried and tested by yours truly.

Flights: Start planning your trip by finding the best flight deals on Skyscanner

Book your Hotel: Find the best prices on hotels with these two providers. If you are located in Europe use Booking.com and if you are anywhere else use TripAdvisor

Find Apartment Rentals: You will find the cheapest prices on apartment rentals with VRBO . 

Travel Insurance: Don't leave home without it. Here is what we recommend:

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Need more help planning your trip? Make sure to check out our Resources Page where we highlight all the great companies that we trust when we are traveling.

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

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

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

Please add the Spanish song Ay Carmela to your playlist.

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

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

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

Great suggestion with – going up the Country.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Haha, I forgot about that. Very ironic.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

30 Best Songs About Travel

Looking for the best travel songs?  I’ve put together a list of what I consider to be 30 of the best travel songs . They are perfect songs for your next road trip, make you reminisce about past travels or inspire your future travels.

Best Songs About Travel

The songs below are my favorite travel songs. Some are travel songs about traveling in general and some are destination specific travel songs. I hope you enjoy this list of great travel songs. I have included a mix of travel songs from different genres (including rock, pop and country) and different eras (from classic travel songs to more modern travel songs).

(And if you are planning on taking a road trip soon make sure to check out my complete road trip packing list  to make sure you have all your road trip essentials before you go!)

Best Travel Songs

I think these are the best songs about traveling (in no particular order).

  • “The Passenger” by Iggy Pop
  • “ On the Road Again ” by Willie Nelson
  • “Take Me Home, Country Roads” by John Denver
  • “Life Is a Highway” by Tom Cochrane
  • “ I’m Gonna Be (500 Miles) ” by the Proclaimers (one of my favorite road trip songs )
  • “Take It Easy” by the Eagles
  • “Ramblin’ Man” by The Allman Brothers Band
  • “ I’ve Been Everywhere ” by Johnny Cash
  • “ Come Fly With Me ” by Frank Sinatra (this is a classic)
  • “Road Trippin'” by Red Hot Chili Peppers
  • “Road to Nowhere” by Talking Heads
  • “No Roots” by Alice Merton
  • “Born to Be Wild” by Steppenwolf
  • “Leaving on a Jet Plane” by Peter, Paul and Mary
  • “ Roam ” by The B52s

USA Travel Songs

Here are some of my favorite songs that mention a specific state or place in the USA. There are perfect for a USA road trip:

  • “Sweet Home Alabama” by Lynyrd Skynyrd
  • “California” by Phantom Planet (this is one of my favorite California road trip songs )
  • “ California Dreamin ‘” by The Mamas & The Papas
  • “San Francisco (Be Sure to Wear Flowers in Your Hair)” by Scott McKenzie
  • “Miami” by Will Smith
  • “Beverly Hills” by Weezer
  • “Chicago” by Sufjan Stevens (my hometown)
  • “Surfin’ USA” by The Beach Boys

International Travel Songs

Here are some of my favorite travel songs that mention a specific country or international destination:

  • “ Africa ” by Toto
  • “ Kathmandu ” by Bob Seger
  • “ Havana ” by Camila Cabello (this song will definitely make you want to go to Cuba )
  • “ Galway Girl ” by Ed Sheeran
  • “ One Night in Bangkok ” by Murray Head
  • “Barcelona” by George Ezra

What are your favorite travel songs?

To make it easier for you to listen, I have created a travel playlist on spotify:

Need some road trip and travel inspiration?

  • The Best Road Trips in the USA For Your Bucket List
  • USA Travel Bucket List: 125+ Best Places to Visit in the United States
  • 65+ Best Travel Quotes to Fuel Your Wanderlust

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Travel Tips and Trivia

Last Updated: January 23, 2024

120 Best Songs about Adventure [Travel Song Playlist Ideas!]

Trying to find the best songs about adventure to inspire wanderlust and take on the road with you? Check out this long list of 120 adventure songs and travel songs!

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Danny Newman

songsaboutadventure-8192143

Looking for some new songs about adventure to listen to on the road? I hope this list helps!

Some things just go well together, right?

Like salt and pepper. Or peanut butter and jelly.

Each respective element’s amazing in and of itself. But they’re made even better when you combine the two!

I think the same logic applies to music and travel .

Life on the road’s almost always improved when you have travel songs on in the background (or via your headphones)!

Likewise, at home, few things are more effective at inspiring a sense of wanderlust than the best songs about adventure.

…Or, for that matter, at transporting you instantly back in time to past journeys when they play over the radio.

All things considered, it seems to me that music and travel go hand in hand.

And, thankfully, talented musicians of past and present have blessed our ear holes with some epic adventure songs to take with us on our trips!

Want to discover a big long list of the best songs for travel? Keep reading for 120 songs about travel and adventure.

songsfortravellers-2282879

Here we go, then: 120 adventure songs for travellers!

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120 Best Adventure Songs, Travel Songs, and Songs About Journeys

Here we go, then: 120 of the best songs about travel and adventure, divided into sections to make everything a little more manageable!

Classic Songs About Adventure (with Lyrics!)

I decided to start with 20 classic adventure songs that we all know and love! Whether you’re looking for the perfect road trip playlist or a soundtrack for your next adventure, they’re sure to go down a treat.

1. Fly Away – Lenny Kravitz

I wish that I could fly Into the sky So very high Just like a dragonfly

I’d fly above the trees Over the seas in all degrees To anywhere I please, oh

I want to get away I want to fly away Yeah, yeah, yeah

Click here to listen to it on YouTube!

2. Born to Be Wild – Steppenwolf

Yeah, darlin’ Gonna make it happen Take the world in a love embrace Fire all of your guns at once And explode into space

Like a true nature child We were born Born to be wild We can climbed so high I never wanna die Born to be wild Born to be wild

3. Send Me On My Way – Rusted Root

Well, I would like to hold my little hand And we will run, we will, we will crawl, we will I would like to hold my little hand And we will run, we will, we will crawl

Send me on my way (on my way) Send me on my way (on my way) Send me on my way (on my way)

4. On the Road Again – Willie Nelson

And I can’t wait to get on the road again On the road again Goin’ places that I’ve never been Seein’ things that I may never see again And I can’t wait to get on the road again

On the road again Like a band of gypsies we go down the highway We’re the best of friends Insisting that the world keep turning our way And our way Is on the road again

5. Have Love, Will Travel – The Sonics

Have love Whoa, baby, will travel I said, yeah, yeah, have love Woah, baby, will travel I said, if you need loving then Mm, hmm, I’ll travel Woah!

6. Sweet Home Alabama – Lynyrd Skynyrd

Big wheels keep on turnin’ Carry me home to see my kin Singin’ songs about the south-land I miss Alabamy once again and I think it’s a sin, yes

Sweet home Alabama Where the skies are so blue Sweet home Alabama Lord I’m comin’ home to you

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

But I would walk five hundred miles And I would walk five hundred more Just to be the man who walked a thousand miles To fall down at your door

8. Fast Car – Tracy Chapman

You got a fast car I want a ticket to anywhere Maybe we make a deal Maybe together we can get somewhere Any place is better Starting from zero got nothing to lose Maybe we’ll make something Me, myself, I got nothing to prove

9. Free – Donavon Frankenreiter

We could let this love be the fading sky Or we could drift all night until the new sunrise Pass me a drink or maybe two One for me and one for you

And we’ll be free Free Free Free

travelsongs-9273854

Some of the best travel songs have been around forever and a day!

10. Island in the Sun – Weezer

When you’re on a holiday You can’t find the words to say All the things that come to you And I wanna feel it too

On an island in the sun We’ll be playin’ and havin’ fun And it makes me feel so fine I can’t control my brain

11. California Dreamin’ – The Mamas & Papas

All the leaves are brown (all the leaves are brown) And the sky is gray (and the sky is gray) I’ve been for a walk (I’ve been for a walk) On a winter’s day (on a winter’s day) I’d be safe and warm (I’d be safe and warm) If I was in LA (if I was in LA) California dreamin’ (California dreamin’) On such a winter’s day

12. Carry on Wayward Son – Kansas

Carry on, my wayward son There’ll be peace when you are done Lay your weary head to rest Don’t you cry no more

Once I rose above the noise and confusion Just to get a glimpse beyond this illusion I was soaring ever higher But I flew too high

13. Somewhere Over the Rainbow – Israel “IZ” Kamakawiwo’ole

Somewhere over the rainbow Way up high And the dreams that you dream of Once in a lullaby, oh

Somewhere over the rainbow Bluebirds fly And the dreams that you dream of Dreams really do come true-ooh-ooh

14. A Horse with No Name – America

I’ve been through the desert On a horse with no name It felt good to be out of the rain In the desert, you can remember your name ‘Cause there ain’t no one for to give you no pain La, la, la, la, la, la La, la, la, la, la, la La, la, la, la, la, la La, la, la, la, la, la

15. Born to Run – Bruce Springsteen

In the day, we sweat it out on the streets Of a runaway American dream At night, we ride through mansions of glory In suicide machines Sprung from cages out on Highway 9 Chrome wheeled, fuel injected and steppin’ out over the line Oh, baby this town rips the bones from your back It’s a death trap, it’s a suicide rap We gotta get out while we’re young `Cause tramps like us, baby we were born to run Yes, girl, we were

16. The Passenger – Iggy Pop

I am the passenger I stay under glass I look through my window so bright I see the stars come out tonight I see the bright and hollow sky Over the city’s ripped back sky And everything looks good tonight

17. Kokomo – The Beach Boys

Aruba, Jamaica, oh I want to take you to Bermuda, Bahama, come on pretty mama Key Largo, Montego, baby why don’t we go Oh I want to take you down to Kokomo, we’ll get there fast and then we’ll take it slow That’s where we want to go, way down in Kokomo

18. Down Under – Men At Work

Traveling in a fried-out Kombi On a hippie trail, head full of zombie I met a strange lady, she made me nervous She took me in and gave me breakfast

And she said:

Do you come from a land down under? Where women glow and men plunder Can’t you hear, can’t you hear the thunder? You better run, you better take cover

19. Africa – Toto

I hear the drums echoing tonight But she hears only whispers of some quiet conversation She’s coming in, 12:30 flight The moonlit wings reflect the stars that guide me towards salvation I stopped an old man along the way Hoping to find some old forgotten words or ancient melodies He turned to me as if to say, “Hurry boy, it’s waiting there for you”

20. I’ve Been Everywhere – Johnny Cash

I’ve been everywhere, man. I’ve been everywhere, man. Crossed the desert’s bare, man. I’ve breathed the mountain air, man. Of travel I’ve had my share, man. I’ve been everywhere.

adventuresongs-7808224

Some of the best adventure songs I listen to are decades old!

Old-School Adventure songs

Like the classics above, many of my favourite travel songs come from way back in the day! They might be 30, 40, or 50+ years old, but they never fail to spark my wanderlust and get me exciting about travelling! I hope they do the same for you.

21. Beautiful Day – U2

22. Hells Bells – AC/DC

23. Sittin’ On the Dock of the Bay – Otis Redding

24. Norwegian Wood – The Beatles

25. Leaving On a Jet Plane – Peter, Paul, and Mary

26. Take Me Home, Country Roads – John Denver

27. Life Is a Highway – Rascal Flatts

28. Crosstown Traffic – Jimi Hendrix

29. Forever Young – Alphaville

30. Eagles – Hotel California

31. Ain’t No Sunshine – Bill Withers

32. Golden Brown – The Stranglers

33. Truckin’ – Grateful Dead

34. Ramblin’ Man – The Allman Brothers Band

35. Back In Black – AC/DC

36. In the Summertime – Mungo Jerry

37. What a Wonderful World – Louis Armstrong

38. Riders on the Storm – The Doors

39. Graceland – Paul Simon

40. Mr. Blue Sky – Electric Light Orchestra

songsfortravel-5870045

If you’re into rock, indie, metal, or folk music, then make sure you check out the following 20 songs for travel!

Indie, Folk, Rock, & Metal Songs for travellers

If you prefer listening to hard rock, heavy metal, indie tunes, or folky ballads, then this section’s for you! Here’s a selection of epic songs for travel from each of these diverse genres.

41. Seven Nation Army – The White Stripes

42. Go Your Own Way – Fleetwood Mac

43. Time of Your Life – Green Day

44. Wish You Were Here – Incubus

45. Hopeless Wanderer – Mumford & Sons

46. These Days – Foo Fighters

47. Here It Goes Again – OK Go

48. Take Me Out – Franz Ferdinand

49. Drive – Fu Manchu

50. Borders – Feeder

51. No Sleep Till Brooklyn – Beastie Boys

52. Like a Rolling Stone – Bob Dylan

53. Show Me How to Live – Audioslave

54. Wash It All Away – Five Finger Death Punch

55. My Favourite Game – The Cardigans

56. Wayfaring Strangers – Johnny Cash

57. Learn to Fly – Foo Fighters

58. Anywhere – Passenger

59. Shotgun – George Ezra

60. Not Done Yet – Sticky Fingers

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After some of the best songs about travelling from recent times? The next section should do the trick!

Pop & Hip-Hop Songs about Travel and Adventure

Heads up, this section has a definite emphasis on recent pop music, but I threw in a couple of hip-hop tracks for good measure! With positive vibes and lyrics about making the most of life, these adventure songs should go well on any travel playlist you’re trying to put together.

61. What We Live For – American Authors

62. One Day/Reckoning Song – Asaf Avidan

63. Budapest – George Ezra

64. On Top of the World – Imagine Dragons

65. Malibu – Miley Cyrus

66. Summertime – Will Smith & DJ Jazzy Jeff

67. I Woke Up In a Car – Something Corporate

68. Drops of Jupiter – Train

69. New York – Alicia Keys

70. Midnight City – M83

71. Adventure of a Lifetime – Coldplay

72. Around the World – Daft Punk

73. Oceans Away – Arizona

74. Get Out – CHVRCHES

75. Thunder – Imagine Dragons

76. The Adventure – Angels & Airwaves

77. Live Before I Die – Mike Posner

78. Best Day Ever – Mac Miller

79. Rather Be – Clean Bandit

80. I’m Leaving – Mos Def

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Chill songs about travel always do down a treat…

Chill Songs about Travel

I had two playlists on the old iPod I used to take travelling: “Chilled” and “Less Chilled”! If you’re looking for a laid-back song about travel, then this section should do the trick.

81. Follow the Sun – Xavier Rudd

82. Old Man – Neil Young

83. Kongos – Traveling On

84. Society – Eddie Vedder

85. Motoring Home – Sweet Baboo

86. Fly Away With Me – Tom Walker

87. Renegades – X Ambassadors

88. Porcelain – Moby

89. Sleep On the Floor – Lumineers

90. I Follow Rivers – Lykke Li

91. Safe Travels – Lisa Hannigan

92. Wild World – Cat Stevens

93. Wandering Eye – Fat Freddy’s Drop

94. Cycling Trivialities – Jose Gonzalez

95. Promise – Ben Howard

96. A Walk – Tycho

97. Pepita – Calexico

98. Nantes – Beirut

99. Wild Horses – The Rolling Stones

100. Sailing – Christopher Cross

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Here are some of my personal favourite songs about travel and adventure to finish!

Best Songs for Travelling (My Personal Favourites!)

Last but not least, I thought I’d assemble 20 of my favourite songs for travelling. The coming tracks are a mix of different genres, styles, and vibes. For whatever reason, though, each one gets me raring to hit the road. I hope you like them!

101. Electric Feel – MGMT

102. Sweet Disposition – Temper Trap

103. Road Trippin’ – Red Hot Chili Peppers

104. Step Out – Jose Gonzalez

105. Travelling – Paper Lions

106. We Are the People – Empire of the Sun

107. Dirty Paws – Of Monsters and Men

108. Big Jet Plane – Angus and Julia Stone

109. You Only Live Once – The Strokes

110. Jungle – Tash Sultana

111. Home – Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros

112. Ocean – John Butler

113. Drive – Oh Wonder

114. Welcome Home – Radical Face

115. Traveller – Mungo’s Hi Fi

116. Chapinero – Thornato

117. Riptide – Vance Joy

118. Me Gustas Tu – Manu Chao

119. California – Phantom Planet

120. Permanent Holiday – Mike Love

Listen to These Songs about Adventure

I love listening to music when I travel.

It doesn’t matter whether I’m on an epic road trip with friends, waiting around in an airport, on a long bus journey, or whatever. I’ll turn on the radio, switch on the speakers, or put my headphones on to lose myself in a travel song or two.

However, there’s no denying that listening to music on the road (or at home, for that matter) is ten times better when you’re playing particular travel songs !

Some tracks just seem purpose-written to complement the travelling experience, evoke a pulsating sense of wanderlust, or make you nostalgic for bygone trips.

Have you been searching for the best songs about adventure that tick these types of boxes? Well, I hope this list of 120 adventure songs has helped!

Keep them in mind, download them to your phone, and enjoy these songs for travellers whenever you’re next away.

Do you have any other suggestions that you think should be on this list? Drop a comment below and I’ll be sure to add it in.

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Best road trip songs

The best road trip songs of all time

These road trip songs will make your next excursion a memorable one, whether you’re driving for few hours or a few days

Nick Levine

Don’t get us wrong—we really love city life. But sometimes day-tripping to a nearby summer music festival doesn’t quite satiate our need for escape, and that’s where these classic road trip songs come in. When the urge strikes, it’s time to hit the highway/motorway/ whatever for a good, old-fashioned road trip. Of course, you can’t drive in complete silence—well, you can, but the very thought is giving us a flat tyre—so we’ve compiled our list of the best road trip songs to get your motors running and propel your journey into fifth gear. Crank up classics from the Boss, the Dead and Prince, and even some Whitesnake, as you cruise along the open road, forgetting every care in the world.

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Best road trip songs, ranked

‘Born to Run’ by Bruce Springsteen

1.  ‘Born to Run’ by Bruce Springsteen

Like Bruce Springsteen’s ‘Born in the U.S.A.,’ ‘Born to Run’ is darker than it may seem. Embedded in the scuffed poetry of the lyrics is a potent combination of rebellion, sex, disgust and determination—brought to life by the throaty passion of Springsteen’s voice, the liberating wail of Clarence Clemons’s sax and the sheer propulsive force of the E Street Band’s backup. “Someday girl, I don’t know when/We’re gonna get to that place where we really wanna go,” Springsteen promises. ‘Born to Run’, for all its spikes, takes you there. It’s a love song, an urban-jungle cry and a perfect anthem of pedal-to-the-metal escape.

‘Little Red Corvette’ by Prince

2.  ‘Little Red Corvette’ by Prince

It doesn’t take a B.A. in poetry to figure this ditty’s got nothing to do with cars. In the world of Prince, coupés are women, horsepower is a pack of Trojan condoms, and gas is stamina in the sheets. The beat takes its time, synthetic drums echoing into the distance, just as the Purple One implores his one-night stand to take it slow, to make it two, three or more nights. Dez Dickerson peels out in the guitar solo, but she’s the one driving here. Perfect choice of car model—elusive, American, curvy, risky. It wouldn’t work as a Ferrari or Rolls.

‘Here I Go Again’ by Whitesnake

3.  ‘Here I Go Again’ by Whitesnake

Been dumped recently? You need to go for a drive (preferably in a Jaguar XJ). You’ve made up your mind. You ain’t wasting no more time. So tease your hair, don your pleather, and crank up the volume on this 1982 hit—just try not to get stuck in traffic. This power ballad works better on the open road (with no adjacent drivers to judge your Coverdale cover moves).

‘Where the Streets Have No Name’ by U2

4.  ‘Where the Streets Have No Name’ by U2

This anthemic opening track from U2’s landmark 1987 LP, The Joshua Tree, is an ideal kick-starter for any road trip (particularly if you're wandering about the California desert where the titular yucca plant is commonly found). From a whisper, the sound of an organ builds up like a spiritual beacon being unveiled. It’s well over a minute before the Edge’s churning guitar and Adam Clayton’s propulsive bassline kick in, and another 40 seconds before Bono’s vocals touch down. By then, you’re ready to hit top gear and wail along: ‘I want to run/I want to hide/I want to tear down the walls that hold me inside.’ Though this road trip song is about Bono’s vision of an Ireland free from class boundaries, it has inspired countless highway warriors to venture out to those places that maybe aren’t on the map.

‘Love Shack’ by the B-52s

5.  ‘Love Shack’ by the B-52s

‘Hop in my Chrysler! It’s as big as a whale, and it’s about to set sail!’ booms Fred Schneider on this all-time great party song . Admittedly, it’s hard to dance like no one’s watching when you’re behind the wheel of a Chrysler (or a Fiat Punto, for that matter), but ‘Love Shack’ will liven up any road trip. If your bum’s getting numb, just whack it on and have yourself a little front or backseat disco. 

‘Sweet Home Alabama’ by Lynyrd Skynyrd

6.  ‘Sweet Home Alabama’ by Lynyrd Skynyrd

American football possibly killed off Southern boogie rock. Hear us out. Because of college pigskin rivalries, this song could not be made today. College football is a matter of life and death down there, literally. Iconic trees and people have been murdered over games. Skynyrd was born deep in SEC country: The boogie-rock brothers were from Jacksonville, not Alabama, and cut the track in Georgia. Could you imagine a bunch of Gators fans cutting a tune that could in any way be construed as ‘Roll Tide’? Yankees and rivals love to mock and loathe the Crimson Tide, but when this ditty plays, every human in the room, no matter the allegiance, becomes a temporary, gen-u-wine Mobile redneck.

‘I Drove All Night’ by Cyndi Lauper

7.  ‘I Drove All Night’ by Cyndi Lauper

The irreverent thrift-shop spunk that defined Cyndi Lauper’s persona in the 1980s sometimes overshadowed her killer range and sensitivity as a vocalist, but ‘I Drove All Night’—from her third album, 1989’s ‘A Time to Remember’—finds her in a different mode. Driven by a feverish desire, she takes the wheel and makes her own way to her lover’s bed. (She may coyly ask, ‘Is that all right?’ but by that time she’s already done it.) And Lauper’s impressively sustained last note is a perfect expression of the song’s sense of undeterrable yearning.

‘Fast Car’ by Tracy Chapman

8.  ‘Fast Car’ by Tracy Chapman

Tracy Chapman’s beautifully direct 1988 hit, from her eponymous debut album, gives escapism an especially poignant twist. The speeding car and its romantic freedom (‘City lights stretched out before us/Your arm felt nice wrapped 'round my shoulder’) can’t be separated from what it’s speeding from: a life of urban poverty, trapped taking care of deadbeats—first a drunk father and then, at the end, the very driver that she had dreamed might carry her to rescue.

‘Keep the Car Running’ by Arcade Fire

9.  ‘Keep the Car Running’ by Arcade Fire

If there’s one quality that characterizes Arcade Fire’s sound, it’s urgency—and nowhere is that more evident than on ‘Keep the Car Running’ from the band’s super noir, grandiose 2007 ‘Neon Bible’ album. Based on singer Win Butler’s childhood nightmares (‘Men are coming to take me away!’ he pines), ‘Keep the Car Running’ expands these fears into a sense of global anxiety, and the certainty that there must be something better down the road (‘Don’t know why, but I know I can’t stay’). On its release, the song was likened to prime-era Bruce Springsteen; imagine fans’ joy when Butler and Régine Chassagne made a surprise showing at the Boss’s stadium gig to bust out the song with him. Warning: You will need to be super-careful not to break the speed limit if you play this song while driving.

‘Truckin’’ by Grateful Dead

10.  ‘Truckin’’ by Grateful Dead

Let us pause, and acknowledge the fact that this road trip song has been recognised by the U.S. Library of Congress as a national treasure. Mmmm. Written and performed communally by Jerry Garcia, Phil Lesh, Bob Weir and lyricist Robert Hunter, the catchy, bluesy shuffle turns the band’s misfortunes on the road into a metaphor for getting through life’s constant changes. And really, what’s a good trip—or a good life—if you can’t exclaim at the end, ‘What a long, strange trip it’s been’?

‘Road to Nowhere’ by Talking Heads

11.  ‘Road to Nowhere’ by Talking Heads

The gospel-choir intro to this upbeat single, off 1985’s ‘Little Creatures’ LP , makes for a great start to any road-trip mix. The song celebrates the journey over the destination—as frontman David Byrne puts it, ‘I wanted to write a song that presented a resigned, even joyful look at doom.’ (Typical of him.) Not every end point is a good one, but we’ll be damned if this march doesn’t have us enjoying the ride.

‘Graceland’ by Paul Simon

12.  ‘Graceland’ by Paul Simon

Road trips are a time for contemplation, whether we expect it (or like it) or not. Paul Simon’s 1986 single is a perfect, toe-tapping example—we’re treated to what’s basically his stream of consciousness on a drive to Graceland with his son after the failure of his marriage to the late, great Carrie Fisher. At turns both nostalgic and hopeful, it runs the gamut of emotions we always seem to experience a little more profoundly on the road.

‘Take It Easy’ by the Eagles

13.  ‘Take It Easy’ by the Eagles

The Eagles took flight in 1972 with their debut single: a quick but mellow paean to the romance of the road, where a world of troubles—romantic and otherwise—can be shucked at the mere sight of a girl (my lord!) in a flatbed Ford. Cowritten by frontman Glenn Frey and his friend Jackson Browne, the song’s rejection of worry and release into insouciant adventure are perfect for relieving tension on a drive. As the lyrics gently urge: ‘Don’t let the sound of your own wheels drive you crazy.’

‘America’ by Simon and Garfunkel

14.  ‘America’ by Simon and Garfunkel

Add this one to your bucket list: Everyone should be required (at least once) to listen to their restless side, hitchhike, board a bus and go to another city/state/country to find something better—as described in Simon and Garfunkel’s 1968 classic, which follows two young lovers on a Greyhound in search for America. Take your sweetie along for the ride, smoke cigarettes on the side of the road, chat with the weirdos you meet on your journey, and by all means, indulge in a few slices of all-American pie.

‘Route 66’ by Chuck Berry

15.  ‘Route 66’ by Chuck Berry

This R&B standard, written in 1946 by Bobby Troup, has been covered by everyone from the Rolling Stones to John Mayer and Depeche Mode. We’re partial to Chuck Berry’s 1961 rendition, which matches the 2,400-mile pilgrimage on the L.A.–Chicago-connecting titular highway to a T. Who better than the father of rock & roll to accompany a trip past greasy-spoon diners, tiny towns frozen in time and striking Americana landscapes?

‘Home’ by Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros

16.  ‘Home’ by Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros

First and foremost a love song, the L.A. troupe’s jingly-jangly 2010 smash single is also, obviously, about coming home – making it the perfect road trip song. Naturally, the feel-good tune should be played at the end of your voyage, when you’re speeding a bit because you just can’t wait to get home to your significant other/parents/puppy/comfy bed.

‘Going Up the Country’ by Canned Heat

17.  ‘Going Up the Country’ by Canned Heat

Released in 1968 and adapted from a 1920s blues song, Canned Heat’s highest-charting single was the unofficial anthem of Woodstock—and even after all this time, it’s the perfect track to kick off a road trip, a steering-wheel-tapping, grin-inducing song that makes you immediately pine for sun-drenched fields: “I’m going where the water tastes like wine, we can jump in the water, stay drunk all the time.” Those dudes had their priorities straight…just so long as they had a designated driver.

‘I’ve Been Everywhere’ by Johnny Cash

18.  ‘I’ve Been Everywhere’ by Johnny Cash

Music has always had the power to educate. Billy Joel’s ‘We Didn’t Start the Fire’ taught us more 20th-century American history than a year’s worth of school hisoty lessons. For a CliffsNotes anatomy lesson, we turned to Professor Sir Mix-a-Lot. And when it comes to geography, there is no better musical resource than this name-dropping country ditty, first released with North American locales in 1962 by Canadian crooner Hank Snow. In four verses, 91 places are rattled off in rapid-fire succession—destinations both big (Chicago and Nashville) and small (Fond du Lac, Wisconsin, and Haverstraw, New York). This road trip song has been covered many times and adapted for different regions of the globe, but we’re partial to the Man in Black’s 1996 rendition, simply because his weathered, gravelly bass-baritone suggests a man who has indeed been everywhere.

‘Hit the Road Jack’ by Ray Charles

19.  ‘Hit the Road Jack’ by Ray Charles

Fiendishly simple with its descending piano chords, ‘Hit the Road Jack’ is sung from the perspective of a philanderer being ejected by his lady. By all rights this 1961 R&B classic should win a prize for being impossible not to sing along to: ‘What you say?!’ screams soul hero Charles to his velvet-voiced Raelettes. Later he complains, ‘You can’t mean that,’ about as convincingly as a cat picking bird feathers from between its teeth. The track's most memorable use in a road trip appears in the 1989 comedy movie The Dream Team .

‘Holiday Road’ by Lindsey Buckingham

20.  ‘Holiday Road’ by Lindsey Buckingham

Hard to hear this seemingly happy little sock hop without thinking of the Griswold family station wagon zooming to Walley World. As its dark video helps to underline, the lyrics speak more of feeling trapped than free. The Fleetwood Mac man was an ace at hiding his boyish ache behind melodic smiles. Which is why this road trip song is such simple genius: It works the same whether you’re chained to a desk and longing for a vacation or finally on the highway, shooting to God knows where with no deadlines.

‘Mr. Blue Sky’ by Electric Light Orchestra

21.  ‘Mr. Blue Sky’ by Electric Light Orchestra

The sweet spot is 176 beats per minute. That’s a giddy run, the pace of your footsteps hitting the pavement as you jog home after a first kiss. Though we haven’t tested this, we theorise it is the precise cadence of fence posts whipping past your window as you motor down a highway just above the speed limit. ‘Mr. Blue Sky’ is 176 beats per minute, which is why, whenever it plays, you have the urge to run like a big dumb puppy dog to a boyfriend/girlfriend, or let the wind blow through your hair at 76mph, as you croon along to the vocoder like a robot. Warning: When ‘Mr. Blue Sky’ is used without such outlets, it can cause deep wanderlust.

‘I’m Gonna Be (500 Miles)’ by the Proclaimers

22.  ‘I’m Gonna Be (500 Miles)’ by the Proclaimers

If there’s one road trip song that can unite everyone in the car in the simple act of thumping whatever surface is near them in time with a ludicrously catchy tune, it’s this one—a hit in 1988 for Scottish twins the Proclaimers. Fun fact: The ‘havering’ referred to in the first verse (‘And if I haver, I know I’m gonna be the man who’s havering to you’) is Scots slang for babbling foolishly. So now you know.

‘Ride Like the Wind‘ by Christopher Cross

23.  ‘Ride Like the Wind‘ by Christopher Cross

Take your EGOT and stuff it. Chris Cross has the transportation trifecta—mega-hits for the sea (‘Sailing’), sky (‘Arthur’s Theme’) and road (‘Ride Like the Wind’). People condescendingly pigeonhole the guy as yacht rock (the pink flamingo on his smash album doesn’t help), but he’s truly yacht-jet-and-rental-car rock. Despite its lily-white reputation, ‘Ride‘ is cool and dangerous. It’s possibly—no, probably—about drug smuggling. Racing away to Mexico with Michael McDonald as the devil on your shoulder. Hearing those percolating bongos, wind effects, electric piano and oily guitar licks, it could fit right on Daft Punk’s ‘Random Access Memories’ album . It remains DJ gold. Call it ‘Get Unlucky’.

‘Ramblin’ Man’ by the Allman Brothers Band

24.  ‘Ramblin’ Man’ by the Allman Brothers Band

We may not have been born in the backseat of a Greyhound bus (thanks, mum!), but for whatever reason, the idea of being a ramblin’ man (or woman) is endlessly appealing. And when we play this 1973 hit—based on Hank Williams’s 1951 song of the same name—on the open road, that’s exactly who we are. At least until Monday.

‘On the Road Again’ by Willie Nelson

25.  ‘On the Road Again’ by Willie Nelson

Nothing beats hitting the open road, where you can escape the stress of work, family, bills, city life and just be free, man. Just ask tireless road dog Willie Nelson. The Red Headed Stranger penned this 1980 country hit—the ultimate get-the-hell-out-of-town anthem—not in the back of a tour bus but rather, of all places, on a barf bag midflight.

‘Runnin’ Down a Dream’ by Tom Petty

26.  ‘Runnin’ Down a Dream’ by Tom Petty

Some would argue that we could have built this entire list solely out of Petty tunes—but we had to make a choice, and we picked this 1989 single from the song man’s first solo record, ‘Full Moon Fever’. Not only does it take place in a car, but the tune’s reference to Del Shannon’s ‘Runaway’ and killer guitar solo make it a perfect fit for blasting out of your speakers while cruising down the interstate in pursuit of the American dream, your future destination or simply that next roadside burger.

‘Let Me Ride’ by Dr. Dre

27.  ‘Let Me Ride’ by Dr. Dre

Dr. Dre’s ‘The Chronic’ album arrived on the heels of the 1992 South Central riots. Folks in Compton were looking to escape and could not—and not just because of the traffic on the 110 and 405. This was a cry for cruising with the bucket seats dropped back, slow rolling on a resting-heart-rate rhythm and those G-funk dog-whistle keyboards. ‘Swing down, sweet chariot, stop, let me ride,’ goes the chorus lifted from Parliament’s ‘Mothership Connection,’ itself based on a slave spiritual. But just because the song hides a deeper political meaning the way lowriders hide a subwoofer in the trunk, there’s no reason Dre can’t roll in style. Specifically, in a 1964 Chevy Impala shoed with Dayton rims (a.k.a. ‘Ds,’ as in ‘Throw some Ds on that bitch’).

‘Born to Be Wild’ by Steppenwolf

28.  ‘Born to Be Wild’ by Steppenwolf

The riff, like the rev of a motorcycle throttle, has become so terribly commonplace, it’s hard to imagine what it must have been like to hear its ‘heavy-metal thunder’ with virgin ears during the opening credits of Easy Rider . Today, Steppenwolf’s monster hit is a movie-trailer cliché on par with ‘Bad to the Bone’ and ‘I Got You (I Feel Good).’ What was once-tough biker rock is now Viagra-ad fodder. Still, if you can wash out the soundtrack memories of Problem Child, Dr. Dolittle 2, Rugrats Go Wild, et al., the dirty little number still rips, along with a deep huff of exhaust fumes and jazz cigarettes.

‘Don’t Stop Believin’’ by Journey

29.  ‘Don’t Stop Believin’’ by Journey

A thousand terrible karaoke performances have somewhat dulled the lustre of this once-gleaming classic ’80s song , but once it comes on in the car, you’ll be in love with it all over again within seconds. Just don’t use it as a road map—there is no such place as South Detroit. Okay, there is, but it’s in Ontario, Canada, so you might need your passport. 

‘Interstate Love Song’ by Stone Temple Pilots

30.  ‘Interstate Love Song’ by Stone Temple Pilots

The underrated STP (hey, that’s a fuel additive) was never truly a grunge band. The ‘Core’ album was a trend-surfing foot in the door, the American equivalent to Blur’s baggy-riding ‘Leisure’. Really, the bands have more melodic ambitions. Scott Weiland, as his solo albums and pink fur coat proved, had far more Bowie in him than his peers. ‘Interstate Love Song’  was the lifting of the veil, when the Pilots announced, Hey, we actually listen to the Beatles , not the Melvins. It chugs along with drop-top bliss, even if the chorus is oddly about trains, not driving.

31.  ‘Radar Love’ by Golden Earring

Appropriately for a song about driving, this 1973 cut from Dutch rockers Golden Earring is one of the best road trip songs ever written. ‘The road has got me hypnotised, I’m speeding into a new sunrise!’ wails singer Barry Hay, as that bassline gets your head nodding and your foot instinctively pressing down on the gas. ‘Radar Love’ also has the best breakdown of any rock song ever. This is an indisputable scientific fact.

‘Life Is a Highway’ by Tom Cochrane

32.  ‘Life Is a Highway’ by Tom Cochrane

Okay. We know how heavy-handed these metaphors are. And how forced the rhymes are. We never said every song on this list was a masterpiece. But we dare you not to sing along with the chorus of this 1991 cheesefest— especially on a highway. Maybe no one ever listens to the song in its entirety (sorry Tom), but one or two ‘life is a highway’s are pretty much mandatory. Give in.

‘The Way’ by Fastball

33.  ‘The Way’ by Fastball

Alt-rock band Fastball had a breakout 1998 hit with this fast-driving tale of a married pair that ditches its conventional home and family, in favour of a dream life on the highway with no destination. The feel-good, sing-along optimism of the chorus—‘They’ll never get hungry, they’ll never get old and grey’—has a dark undercurrent: Weeks after their disappearance, the bodies of the real-life Texas couple who inspired the song were discovered in an Arkansas ravine. But all of life’s roads hit a dead-end eventually: Better, maybe, at least to leave the driveway.

‘California’ by Phantom Planet

34.  ‘California’ by Phantom Planet

Contrary to popular belief, the hair-metal power ballad did not die by grunge’s bullet. The hair just got shorter and the trousers got looser. Case in point: this 2002 theme from The O.C. It is emo made only from the emotion of uncut nostalgia. It is basically Motley Crüe’s ‘Home Sweet Home’ for mollycoddled millennials, right down to the video compiled from sentimental tour footage. And it is oddly reminiscent of Al Jolson’s ‘California, Here I Come.’ That’s some feat, finding the common ground between Jolson and the Crüe. Man, remember when Ryan became a cage fighter after Marissa died?

‘Shut Up and Drive’ by Rihanna

35.  ‘Shut Up and Drive’ by Rihanna

This electro bop from 2007 isn’t a top-tier Rihanna tune, but it still kinda rips. Driven – pun definitely intended – by a crafty sample from New Order’s club classic ‘Blue Monday’, it’s an unashamedly fluffy new wave pastiche that’s as much about sex as hitting the open highway. Don’t even pretend you can resist it – especially when the chance of RiRi releasing new music any time soon seems to get slimmer with each passing year. 

‘Running on Empty’ by Jackson Browne

36.  ‘Running on Empty’ by Jackson Browne

There’s a reason this song soundtracks the Forrest Gump  protagonist’s famous transcontinental jog: Few pop tunes capture the rush of earthbound travel—by foot, by car or, in Jackson Browne’s case, by tour bus—better than this autobiographical FM-radio staple. But what makes it a classic is the ambiguity in Browne’s message. ‘I don’t know where I’m running now; I’m just running on,’ he sings, perfectly summing up how the desire for escape can be its own kind of trap.

‘Two of Us’ by the Beatles

37.  ‘Two of Us’ by the Beatles

The Fab Four’s back catalogue is replete with songs about travelling around: ‘Drive My Car,’ ‘Day Tripper,’ ‘Ticket to Ride,’ ‘Yellow Submarine’—the list goes on and on like a long and winding road. No Beatles track, though, captures the feeling of setting off into uncharted territory with someone special better than ‘Two of Us,’ penned by Paul McCartney in 1969. There is debate as to whether McCartney’s partner in crime in this song is future wife Linda Eastman, as he claims, or John Lennon, which some of the nostalgia-infused lyrics would suggest. No matter—an impromptu road trip is a good time whether your passenger-seat companion is your new flame or your counterpart in the greatest songwriting tandem of all time.

‘Chicago’ by Sufjan Stevens

38.  ‘Chicago’ by Sufjan Stevens

Some songs make your heart beat faster from the get-go, and 2005 road-trip song ‘Chicago’ is just such a gem, announcing its entrance in a whirlwind of strings and a rush of percussion. The backing cuts suddenly to Stevens’s voice, whispering that most universal human sentiment: ‘I fell in love again—all things go, all things go,’ and then later, another familiar feeling: ‘I made a lot of mistakes, I made a lot of mistakes.’ It’s this acknowledgement of our frailty, coupled with our irrepressible capacity for hope and excitement that gives  ‘Chicago’ its electrifying, driving charge. That and the fact it features in the ridiculously touching road movie Little Miss Sunshine .

‘Fade Into You’ by Mazzy Star

39.  ‘Fade Into You’ by Mazzy Star

Night driving found a shimmering musical complement in this ethereal 1994 track from dream popsters Mazzy Star. In a rare bit of sonic magic, it seems that no matter how fast you’re driving, the low beats per minute on ‘Fade Into You’ always manage to sync up perfectly with the passing dividing lines visible from your car’s two headlights. And a night drive, preferably undertaken as you’re pining for an unrequited love, wouldn’t be complete without Hope Sandoval’s dusk, haunting vocals echoing throughout your ride. Two-lane highway bliss, by moonlight.

‘The Golden Age’ by Beck

40.  ‘The Golden Age’ by Beck

This 2002 road trip song, off Beck’s desolate, heartbreaking ‘Sea Change’ , is one of the most perfect and profound illustrations of driving as a means of escape. It’s best played at night, in the desert if you’ve got one handy, when you feel like crap but have pretty much come to terms with it. And when, as Beck says, ‘You've gotta drive all night just to feel like you’re okay.’ Go forth, drive and wallow. Maybe you’ll feel better in the morning.

‘Scar Tissue’ by Red Hot Chili Peppers

41.  ‘Scar Tissue’ by Red Hot Chili Peppers

The L.A.-bred Peppers clearly know a thing or two about hitting the highways, as evidenced by a song catalogue riddled with Cali-inspired, crank-up-the-dial tunes. For a journey out on the open road, we like this lead track off the band’s 1999 album, ‘Californication’, due to its lilting desert-by-twilight vibe. The song’s main attraction is John Frusciante’s wailing guitar solos, which achingly embody Anthony Kiedis’s lyrics about isolation and the twisted, drug-fuelled paths he’s traversed (‘With the birds I’ll share this lonely view’). Enter tumbleweed, stage right.

‘Every Day Is a Winding Road’ by Sheryl Crow

42.  ‘Every Day Is a Winding Road’ by Sheryl Crow

The little sister to Tom Cochrane’s ‘Life Is a Highway,’ Sheryl Crow’s 1996 hit unabashedly co-opts the use of automotive byways as metaphors for life’s ups and downs. (Billy ‘the world is a vampire’ Corgan apparently misread the memo.) The ‘wacky’ characters in Crow’s songs are often a bit too precious for our liking—in this case, a vending-machine repairman with a daughter he calls ‘Easter’ (what?)—but the chorus always gets us fired up for some hairpin turns, even when we’re cruising down a seemingly endless straightaway. This road trip song works perfectly when your destination is San Francisco’s iconic Lombard Street, whose residents probably have this tune swirling in their heads 24/7.

‘Jack & Diane’ by John Cougar Mellencamp

43.  ‘Jack & Diane’ by John Cougar Mellencamp

Inevitably, your road trip is going to hit some lulls: You’re fighting off the yawns, your passengers have passed out, and it's 57 miles to the next pit stop. When this happens, there’s one sure-fire way to get your journey back on course: Unleash the Cougar. Indiana’s favourite son specialiaes in songs about the heartland, and his crowning jewel is this 1982 chart topper about two high-school sweethearts and the twists and turns of their American Dream. Despite the jaunty beat and an epic drum breakdown rivaling the one in Phil Collins’s ‘In the Air Tonight,’ the tale is cautionary, urging us to savour those thrilling, carefree teenage years. Oh, to be young, in love and suckin’ on chilli dogs outside the Tastee Freez.…

‘King of the Road’ by Roger Miller

44.  ‘King of the Road’ by Roger Miller

Did our dads play this 1964 ditty on long car rides when we were little? You betcha. Do we think they contemplated the potential consequences of making penniless vagabonds sound super cool? Doubtful. Regardless, it’s a timeless everyman’s anthem, and darn if it isn’t catchy. We really like listening to it in our van down by the river.

‘Green Onions’ by Booker T. & the M.G.’s

45.  ‘Green Onions’ by Booker T. & the M.G.’s

This R&B instrumental, recorded in 1962, is the perfect soundtrack for an unhurried drive, when you’re sick of singing along and ready to just cruise. It’s repetitive, much like the open road, but with a steady beat and some soulful Hammond organ to keep things interesting. Widely considered to be one of the greatest songs of all time, it’s received accolades from Rolling Stone , Acclaimed Music, the Grammy Hall of Fame and the Library of Congress. If AAA had a greatest songs list, we’re sure ‘Green Onions’ would be on that, too.

‘Mustang Sally’ by Wilson Pickett

46.  ‘Mustang Sally’ by Wilson Pickett

You can probably blame censorship for our automobile sex fetishes. Early rock & rollers couldn’t sing about sex, so they sang about their cars…with not-so-subtle undertones. ‘Mustang Sally,’ the grandmother of ‘Little Red Corvette’ only wants to ‘ride around,’ and Pickett howls with his thumb out, looking to hitch. Don’t let this song’s karaoke staple status let you forget what it’s really about. 

‘Going Back to Cali’ by LL Cool J

47.  ‘Going Back to Cali’ by LL Cool J

From Al Jolson to Led Zeppelin and Phantom Planet, dozens of artists have tapped into the westward dream of the Golden State. Heck, the tradition stretches back to Gold Rush ditties of the mid 19th century, Smithsonian Folkways fodder like ‘Life in California.’ But only one man made the trip wrapped in precious metals, not seeking them. Cool J cruises to the coast, as he proclaims in verse, in a Corvette with a Laurents chrome chain steering wheel, Dayton wire rims and a gold-leaf convertible top. Rick Rubin’s stark 808 beats thunder under the extremely relaxed rhymes of Mr. Ladies Love. ‘I’m going back to Cali,’ he nearly whispers before shrugging it off. ‘Hmm, I don't think so’ He might go, he might not. With his riches, he is a walking California. That’s cool. Cool enough to pull off one of the few sax solos in hip-hop history.

‘The Distance’ by Cake

48.  ‘The Distance’ by Cake

With the band’s signature horns and a self-serious melody that practically requires head-bobbing and Speed Racer–esque intensity (you may even want to invest in racing gloves), this single off of 1996’s ‘Fashion Nugget’ album is irresistible. The album is filled with more on-the-nose driving songs than this one (‘Race Car Ya-Yas,’ ‘Stickshifts and Safetybelts’), but this is the money single—and got the album platinum status. Throw it on repeat and hit the open road. Just take an occasional break for track No. 7, the band’s excellent cover of Gloria Gaynor’s ‘I Will Survive.’

‘Roadrunner’ by the Modern Lovers

49.  ‘Roadrunner’ by the Modern Lovers

Talk about a brilliant juxtaposition: Jonathan Richman’s 1972 cut, written when he was 19, beautifully contrasts the Velvet Underground’s bare-bones, dirty-as-hell chugalug sound with a subject matter so suburban that Richman’s heroes Lou Reed & Co. wouldn’t dare touch it: The thrill of being young, driving in a car and blasting the radio. The song’s repetitive two-chord propulsion is a perfect late-night road-trip pick-me-up. And there’s a bangin’ cover by Joan Jett & the Blackhearts to check out, too.

‘Have Love, Will Travel’ by the Sonics

50.  ‘Have Love, Will Travel’ by the Sonics

At some stage in your life—at any point between getting your driver’s licence and getting married, really—you’ll drive from ‘Maine to Mexico’ for a piece of ass, as Gerry Roslie does in this proto-punk classic. The high-tension twang of the guitar sounds like the strings are about to snap, the perfect sonic emulation of sexual frustration. A recent ad for Mexican beer claims you need an ‘encyclopedic knowledge of garage rock’ to pull up this song, as if from some lost, dusty volume. Nah, this is Rock & Roll 101.

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Europe Travel Blog

29 Songs about Traveling and Adventure – The Perfect Road Trip Songs (Plus: Songs during Covid-19)

travel songs list

Traveling videos are filled with epic, memorable travel songs. They glorify the trip. And let’s be honest, everyone plays once in a while the favorite song in the head while traveling the world.

This list is dedicated to songs about traveling and backpacking. Every single song is written with the wanderlust-mindset.

We created one more article dedicated to travel music. Listen to 31 best travel songs we play over and over.

We also recently discovered an incredible Road trip on Spotify. If you use it, check this Road trip playlist now .

BUT… This collection of 29 songs about traveling is something special and differe

And if you’re interested in more travel quotes, you can check out these good reads.

  • funny travel quotes
  • travel quotes for friends
  • best adventure quotes

Or if you haven’t placed a bio on Instagram, here are amazing bios you can check this out.

My favorite song is #28 . So keep scrolling and give it a play . At the end of this list, you will find now as well songs to keep you motivated during the Covid-19 Crisis. These are also songs about and for travelers, but being stuck at home.

Let’s start with a bit Traveling Wilburys, these guys know how to make your trip more pleasant with a song.

1. Traveling Wilburys – End Of The Line

Well it’s all right, riding around in the breeze Well it’s all right if you live the life you please Well it’s all right, doing the best you can Well it’s all right, as long as you lend a hand

You can sit around and wait for the phone to ring (End of the Line) Waiting for someone to tell you everything (End of the Line) Sit around and wonder what tomorrow will bring (End of the Line) Maybe a diamond ring

2. A Thousand Miles – Vanessa Carlton

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

It’s always times like these When I think of you And I wonder if you ever think of me ‘Cause everything’s so wrong And I don’t belong Living in your precious memory

‘Cause I need you And I miss you And now I wonder

3. Kongos – Traveling On

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

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

4. Travelling – Paper Lions

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

Please don’t be a stranger in my place Traveling come to a tavern for a momentary rest I see the old man that I passed on the road in his distress As I turned to go I can hear him say, “Son, stay. Have a drink, I’ll pay.”

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

So kiss me and smile for me Tell me that you’ll wait for me Hold me like you’ll never let me go

I’m leavin’ on a jet plane I don’t know when I’ll be back again Oh babe, I hate to go

Now the time has come to leave you One more time let me kiss you Then close your eyes, I’ll be on my way

Dream about the days to come When I won’t have to leave alone About the time, I won’t have to say

6. John Denver – Take Me Home, Country Roads

Almost heaven, West Virginia, Blue Ridge Mountains, Shenandoah River. Life is old there, older than the trees, younger than the mountains, blowing like a breeze.

Country roads, take me home to the place I belong. West Virginia, mountain mamma, take me home, country roads.

All my memories gather round her, miner’s lady, stranger to blue water. Dark and dusty, painted on the sky, misty taste of moonshine, teardrop in my eye.

7. Passenger – Travelling Alone

This song is a very special one. It is about an old man traveling the world – missing his passed wife.

I included the video where Passenger explains the story behind the traveling song.

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

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

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

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

This is the full song and the official video:

8. Ricky Nelson – Travelin’ Man 1961

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

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

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

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

9. BUDAPEST – George Ezra

My house in Budapest My, my hidden treasure chest Golden grand piano My beautiful Castillo

You Ooh, you Ooh, I’d leave it all

My acres of a land That I’ve achieved It may be hard for you to Stop and believe

10. Bright Eyes “First Day Of My Life”

This is the first day of my life Swear I was born right in the doorway I went out in the rain, suddenly everything changed They’re spreading blankets on the beach

Yours was the first face that I saw I think I was blind before I met you I don’t know where I am, I don’t know where I’ve been But I know where I want to go

And so I’d thought I’d let you know That these things take forever, I especially am slow But I realized that need you And I wondered if I could come home

11. Blaumut – Vent que mou el temps

T’imagino cap per avall, amb les cames a una branca i el teu cos, que es va gronxant, mentre cauen pensaments que es desprenen amb la força d’un got d’aigua a l’inrevés.

Un, dos, tres…, són les últimes gotes, i res més. Tres, dos, un…, s’evaporen i s’enfilen cap amunt, amunt, amunt, van tan amunt…

Que l’aire es torna vent, vent que mou el temps, temps que passa ràpid i fa empentes al present, present damunt del cap i el cap massa ocupat a no deixar-se res a les butxaques del passat. Vent que mou el temps.

12. Alvaro Soler – El Mismo Sol

Te digo claro claro No es nada raro raro Así se puede amor Un mundo enano enano Estamos mano a mano Solo hace falta el amor Se puede amor Yo quiero que este sea el mundo que conteste Del este hasta oeste Y bajo el mismo sol Ahora nos vamos Sí juntos celebramos Aquí todos estamos bajo el mismo sol Y bajo el mismo sol

13. Matt Simons – Catch & Release

There’s a place I go to Where no one knows me It’s not lonely It’s a necessary thing It’s a place I made up Find out what I’m made of The nights are stayed up Counting stars and fighting sleep Let it wash over me Ready to lose my feet

Take me on to the place where one reviews life’s mistery Steady on down the line Lose every sense of time Take it all in and wake up that small part of me Day to day I’m blind to see And find how far To go

Everybody got their reason Everybody got their way We’re just catching and releasing What builds up throughout the day

14. Ed Sheeran ft. Kygo – Running Away

I’ve known it for a long time Daddy wakes up to a drink at nine Disappearing all night I don’t wanna know where he’s been lying I know what I wanna do Wanna run away, run away with you Gonna grab clothes, six in the morning go

How long you leaving? Well, dad, just don’t expect me back this evening Oh, it could take a bit of time to heal this It’s been a long day, thumb on side of the roadway, but

I love him from my skin to my bones But I don’t wanna live in his home There’s nothing to say ’cause he knows I’ll just run away and be on my own

I’ve never seen my dad cry Cold as stone in the kitchen light I’ll tell you it’s about time But I was raised to keep quiet This is what I’m gonna do Gonna run away, gonna make that move Gonna grab clothes and when it’s morning go How long you leaving? Well, dad, just don’t expect me back this evening Oh, it could take a bit of time to heal this It’s been a long day, thumb on side of the roadway, but

15. American Authors – What We Live For

This is what I live for Baby, you’re my open road You can take me anywhere the wind blows Right into the great unknown We can throw our hands up out the window This is what we live for We look up at the stars, a perfect night to dream with you Got nineties retro on the radio, our favorite tune I put the pedal to the metal just to laugh with you It’s interstellar when it’s just us two

16. Tom Walker – Fly Away With Me

I’m strummin on the corner About to catch the last train home I’ll have to jump the barriers So can you spare a penny for my thoughts I’ve been praised upon the pavements Passers by don’t pay much Chased away by neighbours Seen things you couldnt make up If the streets could talk they’d tell a story or two I’ll paint a picture for you

I can tell you what it feels like To lose your home on a cold night Can you see the blood in my red eyes Have another total forget life So come on fly away with me To a place where we could be anyone we wanna be And we can bottle up our fears Grow a taste so sweet, knock us off our feet and more Burn our troubles Inhale them all Paint our future on a fractured wall So come on fly away with me To a place where we can be anyone we wanna be

17. Epic Road Trip Acoustic/Folk/Indie Compilation – Summer 2017 (1-Hour Playlist) #3

18. Summer Drive Playlist (INDIE/POP/ALTERNATIVE MUSIC)

19. Daft Punk – Around The World

Around the world, around the world Around the world, around the world Around the world, around the world Around the world, around the world

20. Gorillaz – Feel Good Inc.

City’s breaking down on a camel’s back They just have to go ‘cause they don’t know whack So all you fill the streets, it’s appealin’ to see You won’t get out the county ‘cause you’re bad and free You got a new horizon, it’s ephemeral style A melancholy town where we never smile And all I wanna hear is the message beep

21. Ed Sheeran – Castle On The Hill

When I was six years old I broke my leg I was running from my brother and his friends And tasted the sweet perfume of the mountain grass I rolled down I was younger then, take me back to when I

Found my heart and broke it here Made friends and lost them through the years And I’ve not seen the roaring fields in so long, I know I’ve grown But I can’t wait to go home

I’m on my way Driving at ninety down those country lanes Singing to “Tiny Dancer” And I miss the way you make me feel, and it’s real We watched the sunset over the castle on the hill

22. CHANGE by Some Poetries

As long as I turn my face into the light

I leave dark things behind

It feels like

I’m alive, I’m alive, I’m alive for the first time

Just because we found each other

Just because we cross dark ways

Just because of the pretty face

23. Our Adventure (EP) – The Long Valley

We found this travel music by chance.

We were looking for the most beautiful cities to visit in France, when we came across this video.

This video has the background music of “The Long Valley” “Our Adventure”.

24. Asaf Avidan – One day / Reckoning Song

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

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

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

25. Part-Time Friends – Here We Are

Something rise and fall We thought we never lost control Here we are Something rise and fall We thought we never lost control Here we are Silence Et si les vagues éteignent nos âmes Dans l’étourdissant vacarme Here we are Dansent les milles visages Dans ce si beau mirage Here we are Je t’emmène une dernière fois suivre cette lumière qui ne s’éteint pas Here we are Something rise and fall We thought we never lost control Here we are Something rise and fall We thought we never lost control Here we are

26. Jose Gonzalez – Step Out (from the movie The Secret Life of Walter Mitty)

Dark as night, let the lightning guide you

Time to step outside, time to step outside Time to step outside you

House on fire, leave it all behind you. Living life, feeding appetites. Stayed through every hard stop, every go. Being bland Breathing half the time. House on fire, leave it all behind you. Dark as night, let the lightning guide you

27. Coldplay – Gravity

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

And I could see Oh, the way that gravity pulls on you and me And then I looked up at the sky And saw the sun And the way that gravity pushes on everyone On everyone

28. Imagine Dragons – Not Today from ME BEFORE YOU

There she goes in front of me Take my life and set me free again We’ll make a memory out of it Holy road is at my back Don’t look on, take me back again We’ll make a memory out of it We finally fall apart and we break each other’s hearts If we wanna live young, love, we better start today It’s gotta get easier, oh easier somehow ‘Cause I’m falling, I’m falling Oh easier and easier somehow Oh I’m calling, I’m calling And it isn’t over, unless it is over I don’t wanna wait for that It’s gotta get easier and easier somehow But not today Not today

29. Alkey – Travel of life

30. On Top Of The World by Imagine Dragons

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

I’ve tried to cut these corners Try to take the easy way out I kept on falling short of something

I could gave up then but Then again I couldn’t have ’cause

Covid-19 Travel Songs

It is indeed tough times; for pretty much all of us. We extended this list for  favorite songs you can listen to when you are stuck at home due to lock-downs and restrictions.

O “Fly On” – Coldplay

A flock of birds Hovering above Just a flock of birds That’s how you think of love

And I always Look up to the sky Pray before the dawn ‘Cause they fly always Sometimes they arrive Sometimes they are gone

They fly on A flock of birds Hovering above Into smoke I’m turned and rise Following them up Still I always

Look up to the sky Pray before the dawn ‘Cause they fly always One minute they arrive

It’s Time – Imagine Dragons

So, this is what you meant? When you said that you were spent And now it’s time to build from the bottom of the pit Right to the top

Don’t hold back Packing my bags and giving the academy a rain check I don’t ever wanna let you down I don’t ever wanna leave this town ‘Cause after all

This city never sleeps at night It’s time to begin, isn’t it? I get a little bit bigger, but then I’ll admit I’m just the same as I was

Now don’t you understand That I’m never changing who I am So this is where you fell And I am left to sell The path to heaven runs through miles of clouded hell

Right to the top Don’t look back Turning to rags and giving the commodities a rain check

Dani Martin – Cero (Spanish Song)

All what we saw has gone I dreamed that always I’d go by side That what we invented it’s not anymore Now just exists past

And it’s time for me to understand What I do with your hugs Now it’s time to learn How to stop loving To know how to erase it well And how It comes it gone That today it’s ZERO

I want That everything starts all over again That everything turn back That everything comes from Zero From zero

And I want that everything sounds again That everything shines again That everything comes from zero From zero

Original Lyrics in Spanish:

Quiero… Que todo vuelva a empezar Que todo vuelva a girar Que todo venga de cero De cero

Y quiero que todo vuelva a sonar Que todo vuelva a brillar Que todo venga de cero De cero

Queen – We Are The Champions

I’ve paid my dues Time after time I’ve done my sentence But committed no crime

And bad mistakes I’ve made a few I’ve had my share of sand Kicked in my face But I’ve come through And we mean to go on and on and on and on We are the champions, my friends And we’ll keep on fighting till the end

We are the champions We are the champions No time for losers ‘Cause we are the champions of the World

Skylar Grey – Coming Home

Summary: Travel Music for your Road Trip

I hope this list ultimate travel playlist gave you a great boost of wanderlust while you are road-tripping, getting to your holiday destination, or simply dreaming about traveling again.

The world of music is rich with songs about travel and adventure. Popular songs about traveling, whether they are modern compositions or classics, often have a way of evoking the thrill and beauty of discovering new places. These songs may have subtle travel references in the lyrics or might revolve entirely around the theme of journeying.

For those seeking a romantic aspect, there are songs about traveling with your love, which make perfect soundtracks for couples’ road trips or backpacking adventures.

Moreover, various genres depict this universal theme, from the narrative tales in country songs about traveling to the rhythmic beats and poetic expressions in hip-hop travel songs.

Not to be left out, rock songs about traveling often capture the raw energy and freedom associated with hitting the road.

Each genre brings a unique perspective to traveling, yet all share the universal message of the transformative power of journeys.

You can also listen to the 31 best travel songs about Wanderlust we found.

Or maybe have a good read of these inspiring travel quotes and captions to match Instagram photos and WhatsApp statuses.

  • 499 best Instagram captions of all time
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  • How to rent a car in Europe? A simple solution
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Safe travels!

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29 Songs about Traveling and Adventure - The Perfect Road Trip Songs

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I love listening to travel songs, thanks for sharing the songs.

You left out Allman Bros, Rambling Man… Just Sayin’ …

Nice add-on, Rick 😉 Thanks!

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travel songs list

  • Songs with US Cities in Their Names
  • Songs with Girls' Names in the Title
  • Songs About Water
  • Songs About Stars
  • Songs with Numbers in the Titles
  • Songs About Brothers
  • Songs About Flying
  • Songs About Freedom
  • Songs About Heroes
  • Songs About Trees
  • Songs About Dogs
  • Songs About Cold
  • Songs About Paranoia & Schizophrenia
  • Songs About Flowers
  • The Greatest Songs About Friendship
  • The Greatest Songs About Winning
  • Songs About Anger
  • The Best Songs Of All Time, Ranked
  • Songs About Fire
  • Songs About Eyes
  • Hello, It's a Song
  • Songs About Friday
  • Songs About Revenge
  • Songs About Police
  • Songs About Sunday
  • The 16 Best Songs About Liking Someone That Rem...
  • Apocalyptic Songs

The 125+ Popular Songs About Traveling

Reference

Successful musicians spend a lot of time on the road, so it's only natural that they write songs about their constant moving and experiences away from home. This is a ranked list of all songs about traveling, as voted on by music fans like you. Some of the songs included below may have the words "travel" in the lyrics or title, while others are only about traveling the world as a subject or theme. A few of these tracks are about modes of transportation, while others are simply about traveling, whether it's a cruise on the ocean or a hike across the country.

Willie Nelson On the Road Again

Willie Nelson On the Road Again

Leaving on a Jet Plane

Leaving on a Jet Plane

On the Road Again

On the Road Again

Take Me Home Country Roads

Take Me Home Country Roads

Born to Run

Born to Run

The Long and Winding Road

The Long and Winding Road

We gotta get out of this place - animals.

Take It Easy

Take It Easy

Hit the Road Jack

Hit the Road Jack

Magic Carpet Ride

Magic Carpet Ride

Homeward Bound

Homeward Bound

Goodby yellow brick road.

Immigrant Song

Immigrant Song

Turn the Page

Turn the Page

Last Train to Clarksville

Last Train to Clarksville

King of the road roger miller.

Radar Love

Johnny Cash Highwayman

Midnight Train to Georgia

Midnight Train to Georgia

Going Up the Country

Going Up the Country

On the road again - canned heat.

Fly Me to the Moon

Fly Me to the Moon

Smoke on the Water

Smoke on the Water

Ventura Highway

Ventura Highway

Highway to Hell

Highway to Hell

No Particular Place To Go

No Particular Place To Go

Night Moves

Night Moves

Listen to the Music

Listen to the Music

Roll on Down the Highway

Roll on Down the Highway

  • Places/Travel

Songs for people who listen to the lyrics.

Songs with US Cities in Their Names

30 Road Trip Hindi Songs to Ad in Your Travel Playlist

We went ahead and made the complete list on Spotify for you here - Holidify's Road Trip Playlist .

1. Yunhi Chala Chal (Swades)

If you're treading along the lesser travelled roads of India, make sure you have this song on your playlist to keep your spirits up when you are squashed in a bus full of locals. Bonus fun if you can find a 'baba' to sing along on the trip.

2. Dil Chahta Hai (Title Track)

It's hard to leave this one of the list. Farhan Akhtar's 2001 debut film is when travel took a front seat in a Bollywood film than just as a backdrop to a scene. Dil Chahta Hai in our opinion will always remain the  ultimate hindi travel song for road trips, especially if during from Mumbai to Goa through the Konkan coast, where this song was shot.

3. Khwabon Ke Parindey (ZNMD)

Exactly ten years later, Farhan Akhtar's sister Zoya comes out with an extension of the road trip  vibe movie, only this time on a much larger scale. As a result, we have a film that not only has travel as the central theme but inspires you to travel . Haven't you all tried waving your hand against the wind, as Hrithik did?

4. Tanha Dil (Shaan)

5. Suhana Safar Aur Ye (Madhumati)

There is a reason why 'old is gold', it's because of classics like this song. From the 1958 movie Madhumati, picturized on Dilip Kumar and Vyjantimala, the tune is so melodious you can't help but hum along with it - A must add on your list of road trip songs.

6. Hum Jo Chalne Lage (Jab We Met)

7. Zindagi Ek Safar Hai Suhana (Andaaz)

8. Yeh Dil Na Hota Bechara (Jewel Thief)

Another of Kishore Kumar's best songs, add to that the evergreen Dev Anand's classic strut and you can't help but tap your feet to tunes of S.D. Burman's music while taking in the scenic beauty of the trip. We wholeheartedly approve that this song be added to the greatest list of best hindi travel songs ever.

9. Aaj Kal Zindagi (Wake up Sid)

Whether you're trying to scale the Mt. Everest or take a plunge in the Arabian Sea, this feel-good song is all the pep talk you need. From the movie Wake up Sid, Shankar-Ehsaan-Loy's beautiful composition!

10. Ilahi (YJHD)

Admit it, you wished for Bunny aka Kabir aka Ranbir's life in Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani. You repeated this dialogue, " Main udna chahta hoon, daudna chahta hoon, girna bhi chahta hoon bus rukhna nahi chahta" , to anyone who asked you why you want to travel !

11. Patakha Guddi (Highway)

This song from Highway won everyone's heart with its catchy lyrics and music and awesome video showing an actual road-trip ! Put on your headphones, turn up the volume and take a lift on the back of a truck for the best experience.

13. Musafir Hoon Yaaron

14.    Hai Apna Dil Toh Awara - Solva Saal

One of the best songs to bounce to, this number so aptly reverberates with the ethos of our generation, that it is impossible to not be in love with. All the more so when we have our travelling boots on! It is surely one of the best Hindi travel songs from the bygone era.

15. Kabira (Ye Jawani Hai Deewani)

Bunny was pretty nomadic, and boy wasn't his life awesome! Kabira is perfect for when you're leaving a tiny part of your heart in a new place and are dealing with all the blues of separation.

You can also check out this  Playlist of English Travel Songs

16.  Azaadiyan (Udaan)

Strict mucchhadd  dad, cute son, a cuter younger son, and a lovely song all about freedom. The travel playlist is just incomplete without this contemporary classic from Bollywood.

17.  Oh Gujaria (Queen)

Free, fun and lively, Gujariya from Queen is one of those songs that will make your head bounce back and let you soak in the joy of the lovely beats! What's more, it celebrates your aawaarapan ! Perfect road-trip song; isn't it?

18. Chhod Aaye Hum Wo Galiyaan (Maachis)

19. Kyon (Barfi)

20. Dekha Hai Aisa Bhi - Lucky Ali

A waylaid breeze, a road trip, and this blasting in your car? Isn't that the mantra for a great holiday! Last I heard, Lucky Ali was listed as a community favourite among us. We're sure you shall like the guy too!

21. Chala Jaata Hoon Kisi Ki Dhun Mein (Mere Jeevan Saathi)

22. Hairat (Anjaana Anjaani)

23. Safarnama (Tamasha)

24. Banjarey (Fugly)

25. Chota Sa Fasana (Karwaan)

26. Phid Se Ud Chala (Rockstar)

27. Journey Song (Piku)

28. Sooraj Dooba Hain (Roy)

29. Maeri - Euphoria

30. Udd Gaye (Bacardi House Party Sessions) - Ritviz

This post was published by Sneha Powar

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46 Bollywood Travel Songs For An Endless Road Trip Playlist

Bollywood's Musicophile

INTERVIEW: DREW PIERCE - What Songs To Play vs The Knot's DNP List (Part 2‪)‬ The Travel DJ Blend with DJ Brian B

  • Performing Arts

Earlier this year, the Knot published 26 "Do Not Play Songs" from the perspective of a guest attending a wedding. Some (not all) DJs made comments to the effect of, "These are go to songs for me" or "I'd feel handicapped without them." In an effort to help those DJs, Drew Pierce (fellow DJ, editor and programmer extraordinaire) and I give you replacement song ideas for songs #14-26 on the playlist with part of this interview. If nothing else, keep these song ideas on your radar in case they do appear on a client's do not playlist.

  • Episode Website
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  • © 2022 The Travel DJ Blend with DJ Brian B

IMAGES

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VIDEO

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    The ice age is coming, the sun is zooming in. Engines stop running, the wheat is growin' thin. A nuclear era, but I have no fear. 'Cause London is drowning, and I, I live by the river. 9. Galway Girl - Ed Sheeran. You know, she played the fiddle in an Irish band.

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    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.

  3. 65 Songs About Wanderlust And Travel For The Ultimate Adventure

    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. Video unavailable. Watch on ...

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    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.

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    75 Travel Songs to add to your Playlist in 2024 - Mixtape #2. Awesome and epic travel songs always come in handy when you travel this world. Every adventure deserves great background music. Heck, the music can play an essential of the whole travel experience. We curated the second mixtape of the best travel songs.

  6. 101 Travel Songs to Inspire You (Add to Your Playlist ASAP!)

    Feel-Good Travel Songs. There's something about traveling that activates a huge range of emotions, like happiness, excitement, and the warm and fuzzies. These feel-good travel songs capture that essence perfectly. This section of travel songs is a steady mix of classics and modern music that will get you in your feels.

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    A force running in every boy and girl. All rejoicing in the world. Take me now, we can try. 11. Caravan - Passenger. Cause you search for years but you lose everything you find. There's braille for the deaf and a signpost for the blind, there's heaven for the cruel but the devil waits for the kind. 12.

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    125 Songs About Travel. Kokomo by Beach Boys. "Aruba, Jamaica ooo I wanna take you. To Bermuda, Bahama come on pretty mama. Key Largo, Montego baby why don't we go ". B lue Hawaii by Elvis Presley. "Dreams come true. In blue Hawaii. And mine could all come true.

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    34. Midnight Train to Georgia by Gladys Knight & the Pips. "He's leaving (leaving) On that midnight train to Georgia (leaving on a midnight train) Hmm, yeah. Said he's going back (going back to find) To a simpler place and time (and when he takes that ride) Oh yes, he is (guess who's gonna sit right by his side)". 35.

  13. The Ultimate Travel Songs Playlist to Inspire Wanderlust

    9. Desert Rose - Sting. This song is apparently about when Adam was banished from the garden of Eden. But when I listen to it, I think of travel and it transports me straight to the Middle East. "I dream of rain, I dream of gardens in the desert sand. I wake in vain, I dream of love as time runs through my hand.

  14. 30 Best Songs About Travel

    Best Travel Songs. I think these are the best songs about traveling (in no particular order). "The Passenger" by Iggy Pop. " On the Road Again " by Willie Nelson. "Take Me Home, Country Roads" by John Denver. "Life Is a Highway" by Tom Cochrane. " I'm Gonna Be (500 Miles) " by the Proclaimers (one of my favorite road trip ...

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    Sweet Home Alabama - Lynyrd Skynyrd. Big wheels keep on turnin'. Carry me home to see my kin. Singin' songs about the south-land. I miss Alabamy once again and I think it's a sin, yes. Sweet home Alabama. Where the skies are so blue. Sweet home Alabama. Lord I'm comin' home to you.

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  18. 29 Songs about Traveling and Adventure

    Well it's all right, doing the best you can. Well it's all right, as long as you lend a hand. You can sit around and wait for the phone to ring (End of the Line) Waiting for someone to tell you everything (End of the Line) Sit around and wonder what tomorrow will bring (End of the Line) Maybe a diamond ring. 2.

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    I'm Gonna Be - The Proclaimers. This Scottish rock band is a classic for road trips and travel songs. It's perfect for driving 500 miles, for example, the NC500 in Scotland for instance. Ramble On - Led Zeppelin. You can't go wrong with Led Zeppelin and "Ramble On" is just too fitting a title.

  22. 30 Hindi Travel Songs for Your Next Road Trip

    Till date, it remains an evergreen classic from the 90s and where better than to put it on the list of Hindi travel songs. 30. Udd Gaye (Bacardi House Party Sessions) - Ritviz The greatest party song ever in our honest opinion, this banger by Ritviz goes at weddings, nightclubs, and most importantly on that road trip with friends.

  23. 46 Bollywood Travel Songs For An Endless Road Trip Playlist

    Here is the list of travel songs from Bollywood, which would add to your road trip's entertainment standard. 1. Zindagi Do Pal Ki. Zindagi Do Pal Ki | Road Trip Playlist. The beautiful soundtrack from the movie Kites is one of the best songs to play while traveling.

  24. INTERVIEW: DREW PIERCE

    In an effort to help those DJs, Drew Pierce (fellow DJ, editor and programmer extraordinaire) and I give you replacement song ideas for songs #14-26 on the playlist with part of this interview. If nothing else, keep these song ideas on your radar in case they do appear on a client's do not playlist.