Songs About Travel: Best Tunes for Any Type of Trip!

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Songs About Travel: Best Tunes for Any Type of Trip!
I'm a fan of jamming along to tunes while I'm traveling, and if you're like me I've got you! Here are some of my favorite songs to listen to while I'm taking a trip...
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We all know music is fun and enjoyable, but did you know that the perfect playlist can really solidify your memories?

Much like certain smells, music creates memories of sound that add an extra dimension to what you recall. You don’t just see the colorful Middle Eastern sounds, the smell of pungent spices, and the dry heat bristling on your skin. 

This study goes as far as saying music activates the areas of your brain to do with memory and mood. You don’t have to attend all of the best music festivals to get the same effect. (Though you definitely should anyway). 

So, what are you waiting for? You need the perfect travel playlist now, to make your next trip even more memorable and fun!

The Top 20 Songs About Traveling

20. I’m Like a Bird by Nelly Furtado

I remember loving Nelly Furtado’s song when I was in school in Taiwan. My parents traveled and moved around a lot, so "I’m Like a Bird" really resonated with me. “I don’t know where my soul is, I don’t know where my home is” particularly struck a chord with my life story.

I think this song will make you want to pick up and “fly away” somewhere exotic, stat. It’s one of the only pop songs about traveling on this list, but it ages so well.

Man with an old cassette in hand in a car
Photo by Tobias Tullius on Unsplash

19. Africa by Toto

Africa by Toto is, to my mind, the perfect travel-planning-while-drinking song. I’m not even sorry. There’s plenty of fun in the lyrics, and it’s sure to get you going! “It’s gonna take a lot to drag me away from you” — basically let’s get our tickets and go right this second. Just forget second-guessing your plans and go on! 

18. Take Me Back to London by Ed Sheeran

This one’s a fun, slightly different song about returning to places you’ve already visited. I think we all have memories of travels that we’d love to repeat. Take Me Back to London by Ed Sheeran ft. Stormzy is all about going back to, well London, to relive some memories. It’s one of the more modern songs about travel and adventure, but one you mustn’t miss.

17. Sleep on the Floor by The Lumineers

The Lumineers are a fab band to listen to on a long drive anyway, but Sleep on the Floor really has those roadtrip vibes down. I can just picture exploring the world in a little camper while listening to this tune. “Cause if we don’t leave this town, we might never make it out.” A great lyric for just letting it all go and getting out there on a long trip.

16. California Dreamin’ by The Mamas & The Papas

Who doesn’t know this tune? California Dreamin’ is all about thinking back to a beautiful time in the sunshine. It’s the ideal song for sitting in your apartment on a dull wintry day, planning your next vacation. Would you believe this song is nearly 60 years old, yet it still holds such an impact!

15. Road Trippin’ by Red Hot Chili Peppers

A perfect song about traveling together that does exactly what it says on the tin. Road Trippin’ by the Red Hot Chili Peppers is beautifully descriptive of what it is to go on a big road trip. The message of getting lost and soaking up the sunshine is perfect for those seeking a stress-free adventure.

Pair of legs with shoes out of a car window
Photo by Avinash Patel on Pexels

14. Leaving on a Jet Plane by John Denver

I personally love the Janis Joplin version of this oldie, but it was originally written by John Denver. It’s a little bit more somber than the other songs on this list, but great for the end of a big trip. Leaving on a Jet Plane is also a great song to reminisce over on the last day of a great holiday. Or toast to new friendships and shared adventures before you have to go home!

13. The Bonnie Banks of Loch Lomond by Runrig

Another technically sad tune, everyone in Scotland knows Loch Lomond (the lake and the song.) It’s a beautiful song about wanting to return home but being unable to. Loch Lomond is traditionally played at the end of Scottish weddings. So, if you’ve been to Scotland, it’s a fantastic one to reminisce to. If you haven’t yet, it’ll get you into the mood to go.

12. I’m Gonna Be (500 Miles) by the Proclaimers

Arguably one of the most fun, jumpy dance party songs around, the Proclaimers have got to be on your travel playlist! It’s all about going the extra mile (get it?) for that special loved one or friend. To me, it brings to mind traveling across the world to be with the man or woman of your dreams. Incidentally, that’s just what I did, though I drunkenly listened to "Let It Go" at the time.

11. Don’t Stop Believin’ by Journey

It’s that midnight train going anywhere isn’t it? Journey’s most famous song makes me think of traveling somewhere spontaneously. Imagine waking up and just going someplace for an adventure! Don’t Stop Believin’ also has to be on your playlist if you’re trying to make it abroad, perhaps as a digital nomad.

10. Dancing in the Moonlight by Toploader

Beach party vibes. Actually no, 90s beach party vibes! Dancing in the Moonlight has got to be on your travel music playlist if you’re going on a beach holiday. It doubly needs to be on your list if you’re going with a group of friends.

Picture yourself sipping cocktails from coconut shells while jumping around to this classic tune. Bliss!

Woman jumpin on an empty street
Photo by Ruslan Zzaebok on Pexels

9. The Wanderer by Dion

This classic is all about wandering and roaming. It’s perfect for that gap year you planned to do so you could travel the world! “I hop into that car of mine and ride around the world…” can you say road trip vibes? If you’re thinking of going on a tour of the USA or even a hiking trip across Europe, Dion has got to be on your playlist. It’s a great adventure song!

8. You Make My Dreams (Come True) by Hall & Oates

This famous tune by Daryl Hall & John Oates is one of those songs about traveling with your love that just warms the heart! It’s a great song to listen to as your plane takes off to carry you to a special holiday destination.

It’s not exactly a song about flying, but it certainly feels that way. It’s also a super fun song for when you’re compiling a travel recap video afterwards!

7. I’ve Been Everywhere by Johnny Cash

I’ve Been Everywhere is one of those ultimate travel songs, as it’s really all about traveling. Johnny Cash lists a deluge of places he’s visited in the US. The lyrics, “Of travel I’ve had my share” really sums it up. It’s one of the best songs about traveling alone. Equally, you can just enjoy it on a long road trip with friends though.

6. Route 66 by Nat King Cole

The ultimate American road trip song for when you’re exploring the famed Route 66. This one’s the perfect song to blast while you’re driving in a car with the top down. I picture a sort of vintage vibe here, big sunglasses, and sunkissed hair getting whipped about in the wind. Perfection.

5. Hopeless Wanderer by Mumford & Sons

Another stunning song for those who feel like they can’t quite sit still. Mumford & Sons is great for more relaxed travel-listening. Hopeless Wanderer strikes me as a song for the digital nomad who doesn’t quite know where to settle yet. It’s a beautiful song, but a touch more somber than many of the others on this list.

Woman driving a car with phone connected to car audio
Photo by Peter Fazekas on Pexels

4. Life is a Highway by Tom Cochrane

Life is a Highway is a classic travel song. It’s great for roadtripping, and equally good for sharing the van life. This one’s a true world-travel kind of tune. It’s both perfect for your adventure around the world as well as your American road trip.

3. On the Road Again by Willie Nelson

A classic that will make you want to plan that next trip and get “on the road again” immediately! Willie Nelson’s fun song is all about traveling the world and making music. The One the Road Again lyrics speak to the soul of the traveler, I think.

If you too can’t wait, why not pop on this tune and plan your next big adventure right now? It’s one of the all time classic songs about traveling on the road.

2. Sweet Home Alabama by Lynyrd Skynyrd

Sweet Home Alabama has been an all time favorite for such a long time, I can’t even remember existing without it! “Carry me home to see my kin” says it all, doesn’t it? It’s a song about traveling back to your roots, seeing family, and doing all that you love about your homeland. When you travel a lot, you need at least one song that draws you back home too! This is one of the best travel songs about family.

1. Born to Run by Bruce Springsteen

This is the ultimate ‘I’m running away to travel’ song! Listening to Born to Run is all the inspiration you need, if you need any at all. “We’re gonna get to that place where we really wanna go and we’ll walk in the sun” is the perfect travel lyric.

It’s one of the best songs about adventure, and the best of rock songs about traveling! Whether you’re planning a once in a lifetime adventure or a roadtrip, or just want to get away from it all, Born to Run is your song.

Two woman on the roof of car laughing
Photo by ROMAN ODINTSOV on pexels

Plan Your Music-Loving Adventure With Pilot!

So here you have it, the ultimate travel songs to compile into your own perfect playlist. These are the ideal songs to enjoy and reminisce to later. You’ll find they’ll really jumpstart your memories of all those magical experiences you shared, too!

If you’d rather listen to a pre-made travel playlist, that’s ok too. Some fantastic ones are this USA Away road trip one, and Pilot's European adventure playlist. Alternatively, you can also plan your next skiing holiday with these fab tunes for ski bums!

With so many travel songs to choose from, you can start to craft your ideal travel experience for you, your family, and your friends.

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Disclosure: Pilot is supported by our community. We may earn a small commission fee with affiliate links on our website. All reviews and recommendations are independent and do not reflect the official view of Pilot.

Julia Gallacher Blog
Written by:
Julia Gallacher
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