Music in its many forms can be a great way to transport you away to another place and help you travel from home or wherever you are. We have several travel themed playlists on our Spotify from road trip anthems to peaceful in-flight songs. Whatever your taste in music this epic playlist of songs about travel recommended by bloggers will have you wanted to hop in the car or book your next flight as soon as possible.
Vienna by Billy Joel
Submitted by Erin from Pina Travels
Vienna was written by Billy Joel and released in 1977. Billy Joel wrote the song after visiting his estranged, elderly father, who was living at the time in Vienna, Austria. There are many different interpretations of the song, but one of the most common is that the song positions Vienna as a metaphor for old age.
The lyrics caution about how important it is in life to slow down, to dream, and to get what you want (rather than getting old). The final lyric of the song goes, “Why don’t you realize, Vienna waits for you?” Meaning, we all will get old one day. In listening to the beautiful piano chorus of this song, I always feel motivated to chase after my travel dreams. And of course, to visit Vienna, Austria.
California Girls by The Beach Boys
Submitted by Ali from Diary of a Detour
My favourite travel song has to be California Girls by The Beach Boys. It was released in 1970 and to me sums up the Californian vibe perfectly. When we were travelling on a road trip from Los Angeles to San Francisco it was on my playlist and it evokes a chilled, sunny, warm feeling.
As The Beach Boys sang, “I’ve been all around this great big world and I’ve seen all kind of girls…” but “I wish they all could be California Girls”! This echoes my own feelings, having travelled to many different countries, but California is top of my list of places to revisit.
Born to be Wild by Steppenwolf
Submitted by Džangir from Dr Jam Travels
Born to Be Wild is a song performed by the band Steppenwolf. It was written by Mars Bonfire and recorded in 1968 for the Dunhill Records label. A year later it was on the soundtrack for the movie Easy rider that launched the song to the top of the charts.
The track essentially talks about riding on the open road and the freedom that comes with it, searching for adventure, and embracing nature. It is considered one of the first heavy metal songs. Also, it is inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. So, when you hit the open road this tune should be on your list for sure.
A Nightingale Sang in Berkeley Square by Vera Lynn
Submitted by Rosanna from Rosanna Etc
A Nightingale Sang in Berkeley Square is about a pair of lovers on a romantic moonlit walk through central London. Written in 1939 by Eric Maschwitz and Manning Sherwin it has become a jazz standard performed by artists all over the world including Frank Sinatra, Bing Crosby and Nat King Cole. It was incredibly popular in the UK during World War Two and became an anthem for couples reuniting, especially after it was recorded by ‘the Forces’ Sweetheart’ Dame Very Lynn whose songs helped raise morale across the country. Berkeley Square is one of the largest garden squares in London. It was created in the 18th century and whilst Nightingales are rarely heard in London anymore, it is a still a beautiful place to roam around with all of the best London hotels, shops and restaurants nearby.
Guaranteed by Eddie Vedder
Recommended by Martina & Jürgen from PlacesofJuma
Guaranteed by Eddie Vedder, the singer of Pearl Jam, is a true classic among the most popular and best travel songs. This song was written in 2007 for the fantastic film “Into The Wild” and even won a Golden Globe in the category “Best Film Song”. If you haven’t seen this travel film, you should definitely watch it NOW.
The song Guaranteed basically embodies the struggle to go back to the simplest way of life. A very moving and especially touching song about the gift of life, about the freedom we have and also to realise it.
On Top of the World by Imagine Dragons
Submitted by John from Your Destination is Everywhere
“On Top of The World” by Imagine Dragons is a masterpiece released in 2012. Although it can be interpreted in many different ways, I think the song is ultimate about not giving up on your dreams. We all have big dreams and we all work hard in pursuing them.
If you are on this blog, then chances are, you want to travel. In the song’s chorus, it says that when you’ve finally made it, you’re standing “on top of the world”, whatever that may mean for you. You will smile, look down, and try to take it all in.
Overall, this song is a beautiful reminder that success takes time, your hard work will pay off, the risks you take will pay off, and your dreams will come true. So keep pushing and don’t give up just yet.
A Horse With No Name by America
Submitted by Camille from Everything Yoga Retreat
A Horse With No Name is a popular song from the folk rock band band America. It was released in 1971 in Europe, and in early 1972 in the United States. It is one the band’s most successful songs.
This song is about a trip through the desert, which is why it was originally titled ‘Desert Song’. Dewey Bunnell, the writer of the song, says he was inspired by his childhood travels through Arizona and New Mexico when he wrote the song at age 19. It was composed to capture the dry, hot feeling of the desert that had been pictured in a Salvador Dali painting.
A Horse with No name is a very inspiring travel song, and it’s definitely a must-have on a road trip playlist.
Down Under by Men at Work
Submitted by Audrey Chalmers from See Geelong
Released in 1982 the song “Down Under” by Men At Work has inspired many travellers to visit Australia.
The catchy tune was a smash hit with lyrics that were easy to sing along with. Written by Colin Hay, Down Under is a lighthearted celebration of the Australian culture and lifestyle.
The lyrics feature Australian slang and drug terms such as “chunder” (vomit), “zombie” (marijuana), and a “vegemite (spread) sandwich”.
The song tells the story of an Australian man who travels the globe telling the people he meets along the way about his home country “the land down under”.
He travels the hippie trail, gets taken in by a strange lady, meets a man full of muscle in Brussels, and ends up lying in a den in Bombay all the while extolling the virtues of Australia “the land of plenty”.
Down Under has become an unofficial national anthem that’s played at sporting events and in pubs and backpacker joints around the world. It’s always a crowd favourite.
Life is a Highway by Rascal Flatts
Submitted by Kris from My Michigan Travel and Nilu from The Travelling CA
There’s no better song for inspiring you to get out on the road than “Life is a Highway,” originally released by Tom Cochrane from his album, Mad Mad World in 1991. This rock & pop version of the song was covered by Rascal Flatts as part of the soundtrack of Pixar’s Cars in 2005. The Rascal Flatts version became a hit, peaking at number 7 on the US Billboard Hot 100 chart.
The lyrics carry a deep meaning implying that life is a long road with no directions & no stops. You can’t really control anything in life, you just do the best you can. The singer is thankful for his life with its ups & downs. Life is after all just one really long roadtrip; it’s up to you whether you’d want to have fun or sulk throughout the way!
In addition to its lyrics about hitting the road, the song name checks a couple big cities – Memphis and Vancouver – and mentions Mozambique, which is fitting since Cochrane said that it was inspired by a visit to Africa for the World Vision famine relief organization. With its catchy chorus and upbeat lyrics like, “There’s a world outside every darkened door,” it’s the perfect soundtrack for a long drive, especially if you encounter any challenges along the way. If it doesn’t have you itching to pack your bags and go exploring, nothing will.
Galway Girl by Ed Sheeran
Submitted by Charlotte from Bursting My Bubbles
Galway girl is such an uplifting song from Ed Sheeran! Very aptly released on St Patrick’s day, 17th March 2017. This song hooks you from the beginning:
‘She played the fiddle in an Irish band, but she fell in love with an English man’.
These lyrics combined with the perfect mixture of Ed Sheeran’s well known guitar chords and traditional Irish music. As soon as it begins you just want to hop on a plane over to Ireland, in the song Sheeran depicts how one night he met an Irish girl and they fell in love. A heart-warming, relatable and yet dreamy love story, that gives you those excitable butterflies in your stomach. With just the prospect that this could happen, you’ll be wanting to visit Ireland for your very own Galway love story!
Passenger by Traveling alone
Submitted by Alexander and Cynthia from Travel your Memories
Traveling alone by the Passenger is released in 2015 and is for sure one of the songs that motivate you to travel the world! Traveling alone is one of those songs to relax and to wonder about places you would like to travel to. The song is self-explanatory, it has two separate stories of lovers who have experienced hardships that broke up their relationships. If you travel alone you can identify with the lyrics because traveling alone can sometimes hard.
The most beautiful part of the lyric in the song is the chorus. He sings “I’m loving a shadow”. That line has a deeper meaning in comparison to the rest of the song. This is a metaphor for loving someone you can’t be with. Easy explanation: a shadow is always with you but you can’t hold or keep it. “Loving a shadow” is loving the memory or the thought of someone. If you love to travel this thought is probably a trip you want to do. If you like songs like this we recommend listening to the whole album of Passenger called Whispers.
New York by Alicia Keys
Submitted by Ingrid from Christmas Time Made Easy
The song that most inspires travel for me is Alicia Key’s song New York Empire State Of Mind which was released in October 2009. Although this song is about New York, what I find most inspiring about it is how it represents that anything is possible, how we can all follow our dreams no matter who we are or where we are from. The lyrics:
‘In New York! Concrete jungle where dreams are made of, There’s nothing you can’t do now you’re in New York! These streets will make you feel brand new, Big lights will inspire you, now you’re in New York!’
This song inspires me to follow my dream to travel to New York and then from there the world awaits me. If I get to New York, I can go anywhere!
Knee Deep by The Zach Brown Band
Submitted by Jenny from Traveling Party of 4
Knee Deep by The Zach Brown Band with my favorite featured artist, Jimmy Buffett, was released in September 2010. The song is about dreaming of experiencing a peaceful existence on the oceanfront and not worrying about anything — an ultimate vacation goal.
My travel philosophy has evolved from ensuring that I experienced everything and didn’t miss out on any adventure while traveling to a much slower and more peaceful vacation experience.
Back in the day, I was exhausted when I returned from vacation. This go-big-or-go-home way of life didn’t work after I had children. AND I needed to chill out.
Nowadays, my ultimate vacation goal is rest, relaxation, peace, and wellness, and all of these things I find on the ocean.
When I hear the song “Knee Deep,” I think of losing myself in the warm crystal clear blue waters of the Caribbean, the sound of the crashing waves, and the salty scent of the sea. And as the song states, “when you lose yourself, you find the key to paradise.”
Ramblin’ Rover by Andy Stewart of Silly Wizard
Submitted by Erica at Trip Scholars
Fellow rambling rovers with a strong sense of wanderlust will be inspired and find great humor in this Scottish classic which was released in 1985. Listeners are reminded that those who love to travel, “see the world and rove and wander, and are happier as a rule.” The lyrics talk of roaming from Orkney down to Dover, stretching fully across Great Britain, and eventually they extend to traveling around the world. The song concludes with a laugh as we are reminded that as we reach old age and the end of life, for those who have traveled over the years, “at least we tried!” Whether you are compiling a playlist of travel inspired songs with the help of this post or looking specifically for Scottish tunes to enjoy before your trip to Scotland, add this rousing and beautiful acapella gem to your list.
Fast Car by Tracy Chapman
Submitted by Tanya from My Right Sock
Though originally not intended as a travel song, Fast Car by Tracy Chapman has a set of lyrics that will inspire you to leave everything behind and hit the road. Released in 1988, the song paints a wistful tale of escaping the everyday life in a ‘fast car’. The tenderness of Chapman’s vocals combined with the signature guitar riff makes the song absolutely arresting and a legendary piece of music.
The rhythmic pace of Fast Car ties perfectly into the ending verse (“And I had a feeling that I belonged, that I could be someone”), fitting for a romantic road trip. Upon its release, the song was an instant success and continues to be an enduring hit even three decades later.
Rocky Mountain High by John Denver
Submitted by Sarah from Our Little Lifestyle
Inspired by his move to Aspen, Colorado, John Denver wrote Rocky Mountain High with Mike Taylor in 1972 to describe the feeling he got while spending time in the Rocky Mountains. He likens his experience to coming home and finding a missing piece of himself that was missing. The song highlights the mountains and references the meteor shower above and the clouds below as well as the forest, and the streams.
In the mid-1980s, with the song was at risk of being banned by stations nationwide, John Denver actually had to testify in front of Congress to explain the the “high” he is referencing is all-natural and one the mountains alone give you on a clear night or while you are camping with friends. 25 years later, the state of Colorado made Rocky Mountain High one of its official state songs.
Waterloo Sunset by The Kinks
Submitted by David from Delve Into Europe
Waterloo Sunset by the Kinks is regarded by many as the anthem of London, but it was originally intended to be about the city of Liverpool instead. The song came to Kinks singer Ray Davies in a dream, partly inspired by his love of the Beatles, but he soon changed it to somewhere more familiar, Waterloo in central London. It was then recorded later in 1967.
Davies had seen many Waterloo sunsets in his childhood, having stayed long term at St Thomas’ Hospital there and watched at sunsets behind one of the most famous London landmarks, the Houses of Parliament. The song is essentially an ode to London, mentioning the many taxi lights and people swarming around Waterloo Underground station, and it’s immensely evocative of the city to anyone familiar with it.
High on Life by Martin Garrix
Submitted by Jori from The Tejana Abroad
Whenever I want to get pumped up about a trip and travel in general, I listen to High on Life which was released in 2018. Although the song doesn’t mention specifically a certain destination, it is upbeat and talks about following a girl to the ends of the earth and living life to the fullest. It’s always a great listen for me when I may feel a bit burn out/exhausted during my trip. It also makes a great background music for any fun travel videos you might create!
The Nights by Avicii
Submitted by Em from That Travelista
“The Nights” is one of several well-known songs from the late Swedish DJ Avicii. It was first released in 2014 for digital download and is sung from the perspective of a man reminiscing on the lessons his father gave him as a young child.
Its inspiring lyrics include lines like “Go venture far beyond the shores, don’t forsake this life of yours,” “Son, don’t let it slip away … When you get older, your wild heart will live for younger days,” and, perhaps most poignantly, “One day you’ll leave this world behind, so live a life you will remember.”
These thought-provoking words from Nicholas Furlong in combination with Avicii’s signature euphoric and upbeat sound leave the listener inspired to face their fears, explore the world, and make the most of this one life we’ve each been given.
I’ve Been Everywhere by Hank Snow
Submitted by Sharon Henry of What The Saints Did Next
Possibly one of the most fun travel songs you’ll ever hear is, “I’ve Been Everywhere,” which topped the US country charts back in 1962 with Canadian singer, Hank Snow. It tells the story of a hitchhiker who catches a lift on a semi and in conversation with the trucker, boasts about the places he’s been. Rattling the names of 90+ locations, up and down North and South America in fast-paced, auctioneer-fashion.
The original version was written in 1959 by Australian, Geoff Mack and mentions 94 dots on the Aussie map. It reached the Sydney number one spot with singer, Lucky Star in 1962.
The song has been covered multiple times, more famously by the great Johnny Cash in 1996 with Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers, later by Kacey Musgraves and was even featured in an episode of The Simpsons.
The song’s lyrics have been adapted globally with versions featuring, New Zealand, UK, Germany, Finland and many others. Try counting the number of places you’ve been, along with the well-travelled hitchhiker.
Sometimes I feel like I’m in Barcelona by D. Kay and E-Sassin
Submitted by Mal from Raw Mal Roams
Sometimes I feel like I’m in Barcelona was released in 2004 and is about nostalgia and good memories from Barcelona. The author is saying that every time they hear this song, they want to go back. This is exactly how I feel when I hear this song. In the video clip, you can see all the main Barcelona sights such as Barceloneta Beach, La Rambla street, the Gothic Quarters, La Boqueria Market, and Casa Milo designed the Barcelona’s greatest architect – Antonio Gaudi. If you haven’t been to Barcelona yet, I strongly recommend listening to the song and watching the clip to get inspired. If you’ve been, also listen to the song. It will make you want to go back.
Mountain Sound by Of Monsters and Men
Submitted by Mia from Walk a While with Me
Released in 2012, “Mountain Sound” is a fabulous song by the Icelandic band Of Monsters and Men. While the song doesn’t feature any specific location per se, it inspires the desire for travel, nature, and adventure, with lyrics like “hold your horses now (we sleep until the sun goes down), through the woods we ran (deep into the mountain sound).”
While there are many interpretations to the lyrics of the song, from running away from your problems to escaping into the wilderness to join the fey folk, the overall atmosphere of the song remains the same: one of adventure and travel.
In all honesty, the entire Of Monsters and Men album “My Head is an Animal” is perfect for road trips (especially around Iceland!). Additionally, their song “Dirty Paws” was featured in the film “The Secret Life of Walter Mitty,” which is one of my absolute favorite travel films!
Barcelona by Freddie Mercury ft. Montserrat Caballé
Submitted by Vicki from Vicki Viaja
The song Barcelona by Freddie Mercury, the lead singer of the epic rock band Queen and the Catalan opera singer Montserrat Caballé is one of the most outstanding songs in the history of the Catalan capital Barcelona.
Although the song was initially released in 1987, it was not until 1992 that it became a terrific international success. Because then, half a year after Mercury’s death, the song became the anthem of the Olympic Games in Barcelona.
This song is still associated with the city’s unique flair for many today and therefore belongs to every visit to Barcelona. But even today, also younger audiences connect the famous song with Barcelona.
Last Mango in Paris by Jimmy Buffett
Submitted by Susan from Travel Guideline
The entire repertoire of songs by Jimmy Buffett is a travel inspiration for me, probably because I left part of my heart in the Florida Keys years ago. (And I return at least once a year to visit it!) But one that rings particularly true for me is “Last Mango in Paris” which was released in 1985.
The song starts off with Jimmy saying he “went down to Captain Tony’s” to escape the Key West heat. Captain Tony’s is a famous bar in Key West; it’s the original home of the famous Sloppy Joe’s, which is just up the road at its current location. But it’s also where Jimmy got his start – they even paid him in tequila sometimes!
As the song continues, you find it is about so much more than Key West. The gentleman that is the subject of the song has spent time in Paris, Vietnam, China, Brazil, and Africa. He has clearly spent his life exploring many parts of the planet! And the lyrics hint at adventure: He ate the last mango in Paris. He took the last boat out of China. He dodged bullets and slept under the stars.
I hope when I’m old and people describe my life, it too has many destinations and stories to share.
On the Road Again by Willie Nelson
Submitted by Victoria from Guide Your Travel
On the Road again by Willie Nelson is the perfect road trip song. It’s fun and upbeat while describing wanderlust and the constant desire to get back out there and see the world. The song was first recorded in 1979 and even reached number one on the US billboard Country charts. Willie Nelson manages to combine a light-hearted country song with a desire to see the world not alone but with your friends. This is an absolute must-have for any travel playlist especially when it comes to road trips and getting back to travel.
Beer in Mexico by Kenny Chesney
Submitted by Bailey from Inspire with Quotes
Beer in Mexico is a fun-loving light-hearted song about, you guessed it, enjoying a beer in Mexico! It is a country song by Kenny Chesney that was released in 2007. In fact, this song was the first written by Kenny Chesney himself that reached number one on the U.S. Billboard Hot Country songs Chart.
The easy-listening nature of this song can’t help but make you want to visit Mexico and enjoy a beer while sitting at the beach. Similar to quotes about beaches, this song tells us about how being at the beach often makes you ponder life. It’s those moments of relaxation and stillness that make us think of our past and present life decisions. Listening to it will definitely make you want to book that plane ticket to Mexico!
Wide Open Spaces by The Chicks
Submitted by Sophie from Just Heading Out
Wide Open Spaces by The Chicks (formerly the Dixie Chicks) is the title track of their fourth album, released in 1998. The song became a hit and spent four weeks at number 1 on the US country charts.
The song covers the theme of leaving home and exploring the world. The chorus goes “She needs wide open spaces, room to make her big mistakes”. In the song, a girl says goodbye to her parents as she sets out on her own for the first time. Although no specific places are named in the lyrics, the music video was filmed in the Rocky Mountains.
California Waiting by Kings of Leon
Submitted by Rai from A Rai Of Light
California Waiting is the fourth single taken from the Youth and Young Manhood album by the Kings of Leon. Released in 2004, it describes the negative aspects of fame, fortune, and flying around the world. These knock-on effects are amplified when in a relationship. The reference to California is the very real likelihood of the end of a relationship resulting from accomplishments in the industry. The track is a replacement version of the song that appears on their debut, the EP Holy Roller Novocaine. It was recorded in a rush to finish the record. However, the band members were not satisfied with the outcome and recorded this version instead. The song has the ability to take you on a journey, not only through its lyrics, but also through its underlying theme of escapism.
London Calling by The Clash
Submitted by Clotilde from A Princess Travelling with Twins
London Calling by The Clash, 1979 is an apocalyptic song about the impending doom of our planet with ecological and nuclear disaster just around the corner, but that’s only if you actually listen to all of the lyrics! To the casual listener the stirring opening line of “London calling to the faraway towns” is an invitation, almost a demand, to leave their faraway town to visit and explore this amazing city.
Thankfully, the picture of horror depicted has not come to pass, although we still have a journey ahead to live in harmony with our planet, but London has certainly got swing and it’s not drowning yet! If London is calling to you too then make sure you plan a good itinerary to efficiently take you around the great many sights and attractions of London but leave you with enough energy to enjoy it.
Voyage, Voyage by Desireless
Submitted by Elisa from France Bucket List
Voyage, Voyage, a song by the singer Desireless, is one of my favorite tunes for a road trip in France. This French song was released in 1987, and it expresses the singer’s wish to travel far away, to exotic places far from her reality.
Sang entirely in French, there was a general surprise when it became a huge international success, even in non-francophone countries like the UK or Germany.
Even if the lyrics mention different places like the Amazon, Mount Fujiyama, India, Spain, or the Equator, this song is more about general travel (the idea of traveling to faraway places) than about a specific country.
I especially like this song in the summertime, when I drive south to the French coast or other places different from my reality in Paris.
Andalucia by John Cale
Submitted by Alison from Alison in Andalucia
‘Andalucia’ featured on John Cale’s 1973 album ‘Paris 1919’, his third solo album.
The melody is far removed from the passion and vibrancy of the traditional flamenco sounds that are synonymous with Andalucia. With this tune, though, Cale has written a beautiful, almost fragile, song evocative of the mournful tracks he created with Lou Reed during his time in The Velvet Underground.
From the opening line ‘Andalucia when can I see you’ Cale’s vocals are delicate and you can feel the emotion in his delivery of the lyrics, with his voice quivering as he sings about his yearning for Andalucia.
Although the lyrics are somewhat vague and open to interpretation (is Cale singing about Andalucia itself, or about someone (a lover perhaps) from Spain?) there’s no denying the heartfelt emotions he displays as he sings his love letter to Andalucia.
‘Andalucia Castles and Christians, Andalucia come to stay’.
Surfin’ USA by The Beach Boys
Submitted by Ale from Sea Salt and Fog
Perhaps no other song perfectly encapsulates the all-American summer vibe like Surfin’ USA by The Beach Boys. Released in 1968, Surfin USA gives you a list of beautiful surfing locations to inspire your summer travels. From sunny San Diego beaches in Southern California, all the way to Santa Cruz in the north, The Beach Boys take you on a “surfari” of famous surf locales. Plus, as with most surf rock songs, the catchy beat will have you singing along in no time. If you’re longing for beach time during the hot summer months, this is the perfect song to transport you to the beautiful California coast.
Roam by the B-52’s
Submitted by Alanna Koritzke from Periodic Adventures
If you’re looking for the perfect travel song, then look no further. Roam is a gem by The B-52’s that came out in 1989. It praises traveling and encourages listeners to roam the world. Although it doesn’t name any specific destination, lyrics like “kick through continents” and “roam around the world” are sure to inspire your next travels. Plus, Kate Pierson and Cindy Wilson sing about the wilderness, dusty trails, airstrips, sunsets, and more! It’s a great road trip song or perfect for sparking your wanderlust anytime!
Somewhere Over The Rainbow by Israel Kamakawiwo’ole
Submitted by Alexandra from Perfect Day To Play
“Somewhere Over the Rainbow ” by Israel Kamakawiwoʻole (1993) is one of those unique songs that instantly sets you into a “vacation mode” and teleports your thoughts to the Hawaii paradise! You can smell the sweet aroma of tropical flowers and hear the bluebirds fly past you on your way to the beach. Feel hot sand between your toes, while the ocean is gently brushing your feet. You marvel at countless rainbows crisscrossing the sky while the soft cool mist from a nearby waterfall is caressing your skin.
It is easy to imagine yourself at the top of Haleakala Volcano at sunset watching demi-God Maui rolling the Sun across the horizon and drowning it in the ocean. An hour later find yourself amidst the mind blowing night sky sparkling with distant stars. And so you can’t help but tune in with IZ’s ukulele and sing along “…someday I’ll wish upon a star to wake up where the clouds are far behind me…”
Shotgun by George Ezra
Submitted by Dymphe from Dym Abroad
One of the most travel inspiring songs is “Shotgun” by George Ezra. This is a song that was released in the year 2018, and it became a very popular song worldwide. This song is all about travel. It is about discovering new places, which inspires you to do the same. It is about architecture that is different and about a difference in atmosphere of the place he visits.
Moreover, the artist wrote the song when he was in Barcelona, but it features the country of Australia. This is not very obvious, but in the song, you can hear about the colours yellow and green, and he sings about the country being south of the equator and about the activity of deep-sea diving.
Africa by Toto
Submitted by Sharon from Tasmania Explorer
Released in 1982, Africa is a song I have been listening to all of my life. It made it to number one in the US and Canadian charts and the top 10 in many others. The song is meant to be about a love of Africa and the lyrics mention such places as Mount Kilimanjaro and the Serengeti. It’s easy to imagine travelling round the plains of Africa while listening to it.
When I finally made it to Africa in 2017, we did play this song as we drove around and it captured the landscape well. It’s a super catchy song and one definitely worth adding to your travel inspiration playlist
Montana by Owl City
Submitted by Jen Ambrose and Ryan Victor from Montana Discovered
If you’re someone who’s ever dreamed of life under the big sky, Owl City’s song “Montana” will speak to your heart. The band’s one-man wonder Adam Young wrote the song in 2018 as a tribute both to the state and to his uncle who left the city to live there. The song is mainly about the area around Glacier National Park, the most famous part of the state and the home of its iconic jagged mountains.
Some of the lyrics are incredibly literal, telling the story of working in a restaurant, selling souvenirs, buying land, and building a cabin. But anyone who loves the outdoors will relate to lines like “Get lost in Montana / Where the mountains call you home.”
Kokomo by The Beach Boys
Submitted by Ruby from Voyage Florida
Kokomo by the Beach Boys was released in 1988 and was originally made for a film called “Cocktail”. While Kokomo is a made-up destination, it has inferred a lot of Caribbean destinations in the song.
The destinations in the chorus are Aruba, Jamaica, Bermuda, Bahamas, Key Largo, Montego (which presumably refers to Montego Bay, also in Jamaica). One verse mentions the Florida Keys, where there’s plenty of islands to visit like Key Largo, Islamorada, Key West, and Marathon. This part of the verse talks about having a drink, which is a quintessential thing to do on vacation in the islands!
Listen carefully and you will also hear references to Martinique, Montserrat, and Port Au Prince (Haiti). While Haiti is not really considered a Caribbean tropical island destination, it still counts as something, right?
It is a fun and quirky song that one can use as a Caribbean bucket list. It is fun to just sing the song in your head and try to tick off destinations you’ve visited (or may visit in the future).
Runaway by Janet Jackson
Submitted by Sundeep and Bedabrata from Delhi Fun Dos
Talk about the early years of MTV in India and the audience here was swept away by fancy music video culture. Singers and video producers got even more creative and the videos became a visual treat. If there was a song that inspired travel those days, it had to be Runaway by Janet Jackson.
Runway was released in the year 1995 and had a certain edginess about it that was hard to miss. Janet Jackson jumping from one famous monument or city to another – the pyramids to Eiffel Tower, it was travel goals written all over the music video. The nath (nose ring with chain) and tagdi (the ornamental waist belt) made a beautiful India connection. Runaway was a complete package in fashion, entertainment, worldview and inspiration and is like a travel mantra even today.
Road Trippin’ by Red Hot Chili Peppers
Submitted by Nicole at Affordable Family Travel
Road Trippin’ by Red Hot Chilli Peppers was released in 1999. The song is about driving the Pacific Coast Highway in sunny California. It references “west of the one” several times which is a reference to California State Route 1 also known as the Pacific Highway, which is the famous scenic route along the California coast. Road trippin’ also mentions, Big Sur which is a scenic town on Highway However, the song captures essence of a road trip with lyrics like “Fully loaded we got snacks and supplies”. This song is great for when you are cruising down a highway with the sun shining “just a mirror for the sun”.
Down in The Valley by The Head and The Heart
Submitted by Rachita from Meander Wander
Down in the Valley by the folk band, The Head and the Heart, was released in 2010 and is one of my favorite travel songs. Although the song is more about the existential crisis, personally, what I love about this song is how it talks about all the places that are there to visit in this world. When you hear this song and listen to the lyrics lamenting about so many places to discover, it transports you straight into these beautiful valleys that the songwriter is talking about. This is one song that talks about how these amazing places are where you would find most travellers exploring or staying at.
I’m Gonna Be (500 Miles) by The Proclaimers
Submitted by Ania from The Travelling Twins
The Proclaimers is a band of twin brothers from Scotland singing about everyday life experiences.
The album, Hollywood Soundtracks, is an excellent soundtrack to any road trip. Released in 1987 and consisting of 12 tracks offers an interesting mix between alternative rock songs like “I Would Walk 500 Miles” with the Celtic sound on other tracks such as “My Love will not Let you Down.” I first heard “500 miles on the road trip to Scottish Highlands and couldn’t get the song out of my mind. Later I rediscovered it while watching “How I Met Your Mother”, where Ted and Marshal had the song on their mixtape for the road trip.
If you’re feeling stuck and need a change of scenery, switch on “I Would Walk 500 Miles” and hit the road.
Margaritaville by Jimmy Buffett
Submitted by Lynn from Be Your Own Travel Guide
Say the word vacation, and visions of sandy beaches, palm trees, and crystal-clear water often come to mind. There is no better song to transport you visually on vacation than Jimmy Buffett’s Margaritaville. Listening to this breezy tune instantly puts you at ease and dreaming of better, lazy days spent in paradise.
Often considered to be the father of ‘island escapism’, Jimmy Buffett has many hits songs that center around his beach-bum image. His band, the Coral Reefers, spend their days in the tropics, drawing inspiration for their next song.
Margaritaville so embodied the relaxing ideal of vacation that it led to the creation of the Margaritaville brand – a collection of hotels, restaurants, and stores that promote relaxation at every turn. With locations all across North America and as far as Sydney, Australia, you do not need to travel far for a good time.
What an incredible list of songs about travel! I hope this post has inspired your wanderlust, it certainly made us want to hop on a plane and we have created a whole new travel songs playlist from these recommendations!
For more wanderlust inspiration check out these posts:
Let us know your favourite travel inspiring songs or if you added any of these to your own travel playlist!
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