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Solo Traveler

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50 Road Trip Songs: The Ultimate Solo Playlist

March 11, 2020 by Tracey Nesbitt

What would a solo road trip be without a soundtrack? What are the essential road trip songs that would create the perfect playlist?

Ideally, it should be made up of a number of components. They all have to be songs that you can sing along to, with bonus marks for the ones that you can sing at the top of your lungs, the ones to which you know all of the lyrics, and the ones that you enjoy so much you hit “rewind” and play again.

There has to be:

• some country
• a bit of metal
• happy songs
• a song about being alone
• a song about strength
• songs about travel
• a “to hell with you” song
• some “pound the steering wheel to the beat” songs
• and just a lot of songs that you know – or can fake – well enough to sing along.

50 Songs for Solo Travelers

Herewith, in no particular order, my totally subjective solo road trip playlist. Some of these were my choices, others were mentioned so often when I asked readers and friends for suggestions, that they had to have a place on the list.

I'm So Excited The Pointer Sisters I Want to Break Free Queen Summer of 69 Bryan Adams   Wonderwall Oasis   Ahead by a Century The Tragically Hip   Like a Rolling Stone Bob Dylan   On the Road Again Willie Nelson   Life is A Highway Tom Cochrane   I’m Still Standing Elton John   The Long and Winding Road The Beatles   Running on Empty Jackson Browne   America Simon and Garfunkel   Ride Like the Wind Christopher Cross   Proud Heather Small   Radar Love Golden Earring   Hotel California The Eagles   Mustang Sally WIlson Pickett   Ventura Highway America   Drive The Cars   Uptown Funk Bruno Mars   Happy Pharrell Williams   King of the Road Roger Miller   The Gambler Kenny Rogers   More than a Feeling Boston   I Drove All Night Céline Dion   Fast Car Tracy Chapman   Born To Be Wild Steppenwolf   Where The Streets Have No Name U2   Greased Lightnin ‘ John Travolta, Jeff Conaway   Tennessee Whiskey Chris Stapleton   Every Day Is a Winding Road Sheryl Crow   Go Your Own Way Fleetwood Mac   Take It on the Run REO Speedwagon   I'm Gonna Be (500 Miles) The Proclaimers   Running on Empty Jackson Brown   Don't Stop Believing Journey

  Take it Easy The Eagles

Proud Mary Tina Turner   Bohemian Rhapsody Queen   You Oughta Know Alanis Morissette   Jack and Diane John Mellencamp   Africa Toto   Havana Camila Cabello   Sweet Home Alabama Lynyrd Skynyrd   Bring Me Some Water Melissa Etheridge   Good Morning Starshine Serena Ryder     Rolling in the Deep Adele   A Thousand Miles from Nowhere Dwight Yoakam   Take Me Home, Country Roads John Denver   End of the Line Traveling Wilburys

Your Solo Road Trip Playlist

Looking for some itinerary suggestions so you can get behind the wheel and sing your solo road trip songs? We have an entire road trip category ! Here are some of the articles you'll find there:

• A Road Trip Alone: Top 10 Tips to Prepare
• A Road Trip Through Iceland
• Best Solo Road Trips: 10 Routes, All Solo Traveler Tested
• Solo Travel Destination: North Coast 500 Road Trip, Scotland

You can listen to all of these solo road trip songs right now from this playlist that I created for you on Spotify, or you can access it here .

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Publisher Janice: info @ solotravelerworld.com

Editor Tracey: tracey @ solotravelerworld.com

Sales Simon: simon @ solotravelerworld.com

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Noah takes the world

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

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

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

Wait, a good playlist? 

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

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

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

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

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

My mission is to make your solo trip a reality.  

Subscribe to my monthly newsletter— stunning photos and stories to guide your solo trip

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

Table of contents:

How Do I Select Songs for Solo Travel?

Avoid making a trendy or aesthetic playlist, how music kept me sane and safe on a scary solo trip.

• The Best Songs for a Healthy ‘Emo’ Moment

Vibey Moment:

Reflective moment:, the best songs to motivate and boost your energy, listen to my perfect playlist for a solo trip and create your own.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The Best Songs for a Healthy ‘Emo’ Moment

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

I categorized songs here as “vibey moments” or “reflective moments.” The first is more uptempo; the latter is more midtempo and slow jams. 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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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

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

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

• funniest travel quotes
• 47 quotes for solo travelers
• 109 best travel quotes
• funny travel puns

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.

Subscribe on Youtube to stay up to date!

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

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50+ BEST Road Trip Songs for the Ultimate Road Trip Playlist

Heading on a road trip soon and looking for the top road trip songs to add to your road trip playlist?  I’ve got you covered with 50+ of the best road trip songs to listen (and sing along to) on long car drives.

Road Trip Songs For Your Road Trip Playlist

I hope you enjoy this list of great road trip songs. I have included a mix of road trip songs from different genres (including rock, pop and country) and different eras (from classic road trip songs to modern road trip songs). Most of these great songs are about road trips and travel or cars, highways and driving in general.

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

10 Best Road Trip Songs of All Time

I think these are the 10 best road trips songs of all time (in no particular order).

• “Born to Run” by Bruce Springsteen
• “On the Road Again” by Willie Nelson
• “Take Me Home, Country Roads” by John Denver
• “Life Is a Highway” by Tom Cochrane
• “Little Red Corvette” by Prince
• “I’m Gonna Be (500 Miles)” by the Proclaimers
• “Take It Easy” by the Eagles
• “Born to Be Wild” by Steppenwolf
• “Sweet Home Alabama” by Lynyrd Skynyrd (This song is perfect for a classic American road trip in the South.)
• “I Can’t Drive 55” by Sammy Hagar

Best Classic Road Trip Songs

Below are the greatest classic road trip songs that need to be on your music playlist:

• “Long Lonely Highway” by Elvis Presley
• “Highway to Hell” by AC/DC
• “American Pie” by Don McLean
• “Hit the Road Jack” by Ray Charles
• “Route 66” by Chuck Berry
• “No Particular Place to Go” by Chuck Berry
• “Truckin’” by The Grateful Dead
• “Running on Empty” by Jackson Browne
• “Tiny Dancer” by Elton John
• “Mustang Sally” by Wilson Pickett
• “Radar Love” by Golden Earring
• “Hotel California” by Eagles
• “America” by Simon & Garfunkel
• “The Passenger” by Iggy Pop

80s Road Trip Songs

Below are best 80s road trip songs to add to your music playlist:

• “Holiday Road” by Lindsey Buckingham
• “Road to Nowhere” by Talking Heads
• “Danger Zone” by Kenny Loggins (from the movie Top Gun)
• “Don’t Stop Believin'” by Journey
• “Love Shack” by the B52s
• “Here I Go Again” by Whitesnake
• “Born in the U.S.A” by Bruce Springsteen
• “Free Fallin’” by Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers
• “I Drove All Night” by Cyndi Lauper
• “Fast Car” by Tracy Chapman

90s Road Trip Songs

Below are best 90s road trip songs to add to your music playlist:

• “Road Trippin'” by Red Hot Chili Peppers
• “I’ve Been Everywhere” by Johnny Cash
• “The Distance” by Cake
• “Drive” by Incubus
• “The Way” by Fastball
• “Everyday is a Winding Road” by Sheryl Crow

Modern Road Trip Songs

Below are best modern road trip songs to add to your music playlist:

• “Shut Up and Drive” by Rihanna
• “California” by Phantom Planet – this is one of my favorite California road trip songs .)
• “Keep the Car Running” by Arcade Fire
• “A Thousand Miles” by Vanessa Carlton
• “Party in the U.S.A.” by Miley Cyrus
• “California Gurls” by Katy Perry (featuring Snoop Dogg)
• “Maps For The Getaway” by Andrew McMahon
• “Holocene” by Bon Iver
• “I Am The Highway” by Audioslave
• “Wild” by John Legend and Gary Clark Jr.
• “Thousand Miles” by Miley Cyrus (feat. Brandi Carlile)
• “Levitating” by Dua Lipa
• “Home” by Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros – this is the perfect song to listen on the way back home after a long trip

Road Trip Playlist on Spotify

To make it easier for you to listen, I have created a spotify playlist of the best road trip songs of all time:

What are your favorite road trip songs?

Need some road trip inspiration?

• Best Road Trips in the USA
• Best Road Trips In Europe For Your Bucket List
• Best Road Trips in Australia
• Best Road Trip Quotes to Inspire You to Go!

Related Posts

savvyglobetrotter

These are all classics for sure when you’re talking about a road trip. My favorite would be Sammy Hagar “I Can’t Drive 55”. Something about that cool flow that makes it perfect for a summer road trip. But I would not follow the advice because I wish not to get pulled over crossing the country LOL.

Thank you so much for putting out this list of road trips and songs!!

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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

“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

“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

“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

“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

“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

“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

“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

“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

“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.

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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

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

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.

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.

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).

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.

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. 

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.

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.

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.

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.

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’?

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.

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.

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.’

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.

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?

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.

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.

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.

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 .

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.

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.

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.

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’.

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.

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.

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.

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’).

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.

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. 

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.

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.

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.

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?

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. 

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.

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.

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 .

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.…

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.

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.

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. 

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.

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.’

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.

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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10 songs curated for your First SOLO Trip

Yes, it is easy to buckle up yourself after watching hundreds of SOLO YOLO vlogs or spending that office coffee breaks reading the blogs and how life-changing their experience was, gushing over the next long weekend to finally get over with this know-how and really being out by yourself, facing the fantasies you have heard & read and the real paths you have discovered.

They say this kind of crazy, “Solo Travelling”.

As they say, The Beautiful you feel with them, feel the same with you. Well, I just came up with this line in order to sound profound or poetic like a French love.By yours only; From the North :D

Okay!! Moving on!!

Why I am writing about Solo Travel? I am a Solo Traveller, sounds cool na. An interesting genre of Exploring the world, attaining the multi-cultural awakening, Roaming around, Getting’ Lost, wanderlust ohh whatsoever you call it, It is always Travelling the World.

Solo travelling is fun, lovely & empowering. Putting yourself first leaving the world and their boundations aside, a good way to rebel I must say, and always an amazing decision to connect with yourself. Solo travelling sounds a bit scary and jolting, by all these packing essentials, safety precautions, 101s and all the wise words before heading to your first solo journey as a male or female is same. Travel is not gender-biased though, it is curated moments of our lives. But between all these Dos & Don’ts, packing & panicking you forgot to take a breath or two, drink water and turn on good music because it is the ultimate healer. Right?

I have curate 10 best English songs to listen to while travelling solo. No shame or judgement on my sentiments but these 10 songs are my life-saviour. From anxiously waiting on a bus-stop with no plan ahead or glancing outside the train window watching the sunflower field, Music makes you feel more, more than any drug you ever took. It’s a High for everyone to feel freely.Here's the jam:-

1. Lights are On by Tom Rosenthal

A song I recently added and suddenly went up to the 1st position, maybe it is vibin' out so well with my emotional state or the lyrics just resonates perfectly with Tom Rosenthal voice. Gosh!! What an Artist. Listen here:-

https://youtu.be/BtU_W7QHY5Y

2. You Only Need You by Tom Rosenthal

Another brilliant song about You and Your connection with inner-self. You only need You, a perfect combo for those mixed-feeling days.

https://youtu.be/wvE8L5njEok

3. The Woods by Hollow Coves

The latest in my collection filled you with hope & desires & love & lust for life. A perfect combo for those mixed-feeling days.

https://youtu.be/2Q466ZPyNAo

4. Dirty Paws by Of Monsters and Men

Well, I assume all of us had watched The Secret Life of Walter Mitty and if not then one must see this amazing movie. The whole movie soundtrack is worthy of the mention but this one is my personal favourite and I prefer to share it with y'all. Enjoy.

https://youtu.be/OgO2U4quFDk

5. Where I Come From by Passion Pit

Energy booster, Groovy and the get-Go music for my dull mornings, to cheer me up, to listen to while soaking under Vitamin-D ;) Just Perfect!! Not so girly as some of you might be thinking but of course worth a plug-in.

https://youtu.be/YEkfKnAwpJ8

6. Ayahuasca by Vancouver Sleep Clinic

Calming & a piece of soft-toned sweet music to get you back on rails. At the times of butterfly in your stomach just plug-in to this mood-boosting music.

https://youtu.be/db97HUw3ToA

7. Gone, Gone, Gone by Phillip Phillips

This is a song that belongs to every young human who feels lost, a little out of sync at times. Definitely help you to connect with your happy self.

https://youtu.be/oozQ4yV__Vw

8. Home by Phillip Phillips

Again by Phillip Phillips, Home is a song for the lost souls. I love it

https://youtu.be/HoRkntoHkIE

9. Holocenee by Bon Iver

https://youtu.be/TWcyIpul8OE

10. Fix You by Coldplay

The last but not the least. The order-wise playlist doesn't make any song less to one another. The list is random and to sum-it-up what better than The Coldplay. I have many sentiments attached with this song, every beat & each word is soothing. My cure for Anxiety.

https://youtu.be/k4V3Mo61fJM

Well, my sentiments are very strange & picky at times and the list comprises of many genres compiled together for a greater mood. I hope you like them. Do let me know any other good music album I can add here, and if you like these songs hit the Button to see more of my blog content 😊 See ya.

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Further Reads

Playlist – Top 20 Travel Songs for Wanderlusters

If there’s one thing that I cannot live without on my travels, and life for that matter, is music. Throughout the years I went through the pop phase, then rock, metal, alternative, indie… Nowadays, with a bit more “wisdom” on these bones, I like a lit bit of everything. I like good music, basically. No labels, no prejudices. If it’s good, it goes into my playlist. And you know how a good soundtrack can make all the difference in a movie? The same thing happens to me with travels.

A long bus, train or plane trip wouldn’t be the same without the songs that usually make my mind travel when I’m back at home. I usually spend hours on end working on the music selection for my iPhone before leaving for the trip. That’s why I decided to share a playlist of 20 of the best travel songs here on Joland. Below you’ll find a description and video for each one and at the end of the post the complete playlist on Spotify.

1| “The Passenger” – Iggy Pop

A true classic and as such, number 1 in this playlist of travel songs . “ I am a passenger and I ride and I ride … “. There is no way to listen to this song and not feel overwhelmed by a desire to immediately leave with a one-way ticket.

2| “Riders on the Storm” – The Doors

Another timeless classic. What a song. Try listening to it on a train or bus trip while the rain hits your window, and get ready to enter another dimension right away.

3| “Hopeless Wanderer” – Mumford & Sons

This is one of those travel songs that immediately starts me thinking about my next destination. “ Don’t let your heart grow cold ,” they say. I couldn’t agree more.

4| “Ramble on” – Led Zepellin

With lyrics inspired by the book “The Lord of the Rings” by JRR Tolkien, this one is, without a doubt, one of the greatest classics of all time. The ring is replaced on the song by the search for a bigger-than-life love all around the world. It speaks of freedom and the eternal search for happiness. And what can you want more? 😉

5| “Mausam” – Nitin Sawhney

India is a country that has has been forever fascinating me. And Nitin Sawhney’s songs, especially those on the “Beyond Skin” album, take me straight there, whenever I hear them. “Mausam” talks about the changes that take place in our life over time. Of sadness, happiness, and the balance that must exist between one emotion and the other. 

6| “Ticket to Ride” – The Beatles

This song has always been part of my playlists of travel songs.  The obvious interpretation of the lyrics would be related to travel, with the departure of the girl he likes. But in reality, there are several theories behind the lyrics, including one that refers to the days spent by the band members in the Red Light District in Hamburg, Germany. Regardless of what the song really means, we can all agree that it is an excellent one, right?

7| “Roam” – B52’s

The lyrics of this song say it all: “ Fly the skies, see the seas, run around all the continents. Go ahead, roam without a care. ”

8| “Wonderlust King” – Gogol Bordello

Few songs have lyrics as related to travelling the world, new experiences and living life to the fullest as “Wonderlust King” by Gogol Bordello. “ But I’m a wonderlust king. I stay on the run, let me out, let me be gone .“

9| “Fast Car” – Tracy Chapman

The feeling of freedom that you get when you get into your car and hit the road with no destination. Although the song is not directly related to travel, is it or is it not a perfect road trip song?

10| “The Golden Age” – Beck

“ Put your hands on the wheel. Let the golden age begin, let the window down, feel the moonlight on your skin. Let the desert wind cool your aching head. Let the weight of the world drift away instead. ” And what about that guitar riff right at the beginning …? This is it, isn’t it? 

11| “The Sea” – Morcheeba

Travel to a beach destination far away and while looking at the horizon, listen to this song. Then tell me if it doesn’t make sense to include it in a playlist of travel songs . “ I left my soul there, down by the sea. I lost control here, living free. “

12| “I drove all night” – Cindy Lauper

A classic from the 80s, by the great Cindy Lauper. One of the most romantic songs ever, but also one of the most perfect ones for road trips.

13| “Here I go again” – White Snake

This song by White Snake has everyone singing its chorus passionately, don’t even bother denying it! The ultimate lone traveller song.

14| “Hard Sun” – Eddie Vedder

Who hasn’t dreamed of being Cristopher McCandless at least once when while watching the movie “ Into the Wild “? The idea of ​​leaving everything behind and exploring the world with utter freedom is something that inevitably touches us. And whenever I hear this song, from the movie’s soundtrack, there is something inside of me that starts to boil and a smile that is automatically drawn on my face.

15| “I’ve been everywhere” – Johnny Cash

“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. ” The great Mr Johnny Cash, ladies and gentlemen.

16| “Have love, will travel” – The Black Keys

Original music by the 50s/60s punk-rockers, The Sonics, performed by The Black Keys. A classic in the world of travel songs .

17| “Postcards from Italy” – Beirut

A song about longing, about memories of happy times. Listening to it on the road makes me want to appreciate the moment even more to keep the best and most vivid memories.

18| “Road Trippin” – Red Hot Chilli Peppers

Is there a more perfect song than this one to start a road trip? The answer is no. It’s impossible. “ Road trippin ‘with my two favourite allies. Fully loaded we got snacks and supplies. It’s time to leave this town, It’s time to steal away. Let’s go get lost anywhere in the USA.“

19| “Time to move on” – Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers

Are you allergic to routine and stagnation? Join the club and put this song on. Makes sense, doesn’t it? “ What lies ahead, I have no way of knowing. But under my feet, baby, grass is growing. It’s time to move on, it’s time to get going. “

20| “Sweet Disposition” – Temper Trap

Is there a better feeling than the one of total freedom while looking at your life like a blank book waiting for your stories and memories? That’s how I feel on the road. And this song is the perfect soundtrack for those moments.

Playlist Spotify

And here is the full playlist , on Spotify. I will continue to update it with more songs, so if you like, add it to your favourite playlists!

What about you? What songs are part of your travel playlist? Leave your suggestions in the comments box below!

For more useful tips, photos and videos, you can follow me on Instagram and  Facebook.

This post may contain affiliate links.

PLAN YOUR TRIP WITH THE HELP OF THESE LINKS ✪ Accommodation: For accommodation bookings, I always use  Booking   or  Airbnb . ✪ Flights: For the best flight options, I recommend  Jet Radar ✪ Travel Insurance: For safe travels, hire travel insurance with  World Nomads   ✪ Tours and Activities: For tours and activities' bookings in several destinations around the world, I recommend Get Your Guide or Viator ✪ Car Rental: For car rentals, I always use  Discover Cars ✪ Transport : For transport tickets in Asia, I recommend  12go.asia  or  Baolau

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Born and raised in Lisbon, Portugal, but in love with the world. I love sharing my travel stories, photos and videos and inspire those who are just as fascinated with exploring the world as I am.

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67 Songs About Travelling: A Playlist for 2024

Are you looking for some of the best songs about travelling to inspire you or to accompany you on your next trip? Then you have come to the right place!

I’ve collected some of the best travel songs from the 1930s until today in this list. Musical genres range from pop and dance to rock, punk, and many others. So no matter what type of music you like, there should be something in it for you. The songs in the list below either talk about a place or the experience of travelling.

Some of my favourite songs on this list are #1, #17, and #39. Make sure to check them out and feel free to leave a comment if you think a travel song is missing. I’m updating this post frequently.

The Best Travel Songs of All Time

Songs About Travelling From 2000 Until Now

1. eddie vedder – guaranteed (2007).

This is one of my favourite songs of all time! Eddie Vedder wrote it for the film Into the Wild , and the lyrics are so powerful.

“On bended knee is no way to be free Lifting up an empty cup I ask silently That all my destinations will accept the one that’s me So I can breathe”

2. Nelly Furtado – I’m Like a Bird (2000)

“And baby all I need for you to know is I’m like a bird I’ll only fly away I don’t know where my soul is (soul is) I don’t know where my home is”

3. Tom Walker – Fly Away With Me (2019)

“So come on fly away with me To a place where we could be anyone we wanna be And we can bottle up our fears Brew a taste so sweet Knock us off our feet or more”

4. Weezer – Island in the Sun (2001)

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

5. Manu Chao – Me Gustas Tu (2001)

“Me gusta el viento, me gustas tú Me gusta soñar, me gustas tú Me gusta la mar, me gustas tú”

6. Lost Frequencies – Are You With Me (2014)

I wanna dance by water ‘neath the Mexican sky Drink some Margaritas by a string of blue lights Listen to the Mariachi play at midnight Are you with me, are you with me?

7. Luca Aprile – Traveler (2018)

“You’re taking off to Mexico To Paris and I know you long for more I’m waiting for you all night long I wanna see the pictures on your phone”

8. Murray Head – One Night in Bangkok (2001)

“One night in Bangkok and the world’s your oyster The bars are temples but the pearls ain’t free You’ll find a god in every golden cloister And if you’re lucky then the god’s a she I can feel an angel sliding up to me”

9. KONGOS – Traveling On (2012)

“Maybe I’ll go it all alone See the world and make my way back home Or maybe I’ll keep traveling on”

10. Anna Kendrick – Cups (2012)

“I got my ticket for the long way ’round The one with the prettiest of views It’s got mountains, it’s got rivers It’s got sights give you shivers But it sure would be prettier with you”

11. Dirty Heads – Vacation (2017)

“ A-a-aye, I’m on vacation Every single day ’cause I love my occupation A-a-aye, I’m on vacation Every single day, every, every single day “

12. The Kooks – See the World (2006)

“I remember how we used to sing Writing poems in your bed sit Finding time to be the passenger But there you are you never saw me leave”

13. Estelle Swara ft. Kanye West – American Boy (2008)

“Take me on a trip, I’d like to go someday Take me to New York, I’d love to see L.A. I really want to come kick it with you You’ll be my American boy Tell ’em kno wagwan blud “

14. Alex Gaudino ft. Crystal Waters – Destination Calabria (2007)

“ Follow me And let’s go To the place where we belong And leave our troubles at home Come with me We can go To a paradise of love and joy “ A destination unknown

Travel Songs From the 80s and 90s

15. johnny cash – i’ve been everywhere (1996).

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

16. Willie Nelson – On the Road Again (1980)

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

17. Toto – Africa (1982)

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

18. The Proclaimers – I’m Gonna Be (500 Miles) (1988)

“And I would walk 500 miles And I would roll 500 more Just to be the man who rolled a thousand miles To fall down at your door”

19. Desireless – Voyage Voyage (1987)

“ Voyage, voyage Plus loin que la nuit et le jour (voyage, voyage) Voyage (voyage) Dans l’espace inouï de l’amour Voyage, voyage Sur l’eau sacrée d’un fleuve indien, (voyage, voyage) Voyage (voyage) Et jamais ne revient “

20. Paul Simon – Graceland (1986)

“I’m going to Graceland, Graceland Memphis, Tennessee I’m going to Graceland Poor boys and pilgrims with families And we are going to Graceland”

21. Vengaboys – We’re Going to Ibiza (1999)

“Whoah! We’re going to Ibiza Whoah! Back to the island Whoah! We’re gonna have a party Whoah! In the Mediterranean Sea”

22. Sting – Englishman in New York (1987)

“See me walking down Fifth Avenue A walking cane here at my side I take it everywhere I walk I’m an Englishman in New York “

23. Daft Punk – Around the World (1997)

“ Around the world, around the world Around the world, around the world Around the world, around the world Around the world, around the world”

24. Madonna – Holiday (1983)

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

25. Nina Hagen – New York (1983)

“New York City is the hottest place For a honeymoon in a hotel room, uh-huh New York City is a place so nice Everybody says it so they had to name it twice”

26. Tracy Chapman – Fast Car (1988)

“You got a fast car I got a plan to get us outta here I been working at the convenience store Managed to save just a little bit of money Won’t have to drive too far Just ‘cross the border and into the city You and I can both get jobs And finally see what it means to be living”

27. Deftones – Be Quiet and Drive (1997)

“It feels good to know you’re mine Now drive me far away, away, away Far away I don’t care where Just far away I don’t care where Just far away I don’t care where, just far away And I don’t care”

28. Red Hot Chilli Peppers – Road Trippin’ (1999)

“Road trippin’ with my two favorite allies Fully loaded we got snacks and supplies It’s time to leave this town, it’s time to steal away Let’s go get lost anywhere in the USA Let’s go get lost, let’s go get lost”

29. Men at Work – Down Under (1980)

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

30. Crowded House – Weather With You (1991)

“Everywhere you go, always take the weather with you Everywhere you go, always take the weather Everywhere you go, always take the weather with you Everywhere you go, always take the weather, the weather with you”

31. The Beach Boys – Kokomo (1988)

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

32. Will Smith – Miami (1997)

“Party in the city where the heat is on All night, on the beach till the break of dawn “Welcome to Miami” “ Bienvenidos a Miami” Bouncin’ in the club where the heat is on All night, on the beach till the break of dawn I’m goin to Miami “Welcome to Miami”

33. The B-52’s – Roam (1989)

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

34. Status Quo – The Wanderer (1983)

“ Well I’m the type of guy that likes to roam around I’m never in one place I roam from town to town And when I find myself falling for some girl Well I hop right into that car of mine and drive around the world ‘Cause I’m a Wanderer, yeah the Wanderer I roam around and round and round and round and round and round and round “

35. Tom Cochrane – Life is a Highway (1991)

“There’s a world outside every darkened door Where blues won’t haunt you anymore Where the brave are free and lovers soar Come ride with me to the distant shore”

Travel Songs From the 60s and 70s

36. john denver – leaving on a jetplane (1966).

“So kiss me and smile for me Tell me that you’ll wait for me Hold me like you’ll never let me go ‘Cause I’m leavin’ on a jet plane Don’t know when I’ll be back again”

37. Iggy Pop – The Passenger (1977)

“I am a passenger And I ride, and I ride I ride through the city’s backsides I see the stars come out of the sky Yeah, they’re bright in a hollow sky You know it looks so good tonight”

38. Scott McKenzie – San Francisco (1967)

“If you’re going to San Francisco Be sure to wear some flowers in your hair If you’re going to San Francisco You’re gonna meet some gentle people there”

39. Lynyrd Skynyrd – Sweet Home Alabama (1974)

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

40. The Mamas and the Papas – California Dreamin’ (1966)

“ All the leaves are brown (all the leaves are brown) And the sky is gray (and the sky is gray) I’ve been for a walk (I’ve been for a walk) On a winter’s day (on a winter’s day) I’d be safe and warm (I’d be safe and warm) If I was in L.A. (if I was in L.A.)”

41. Bob Dylan – A Hard Rain’s a-gonna Fall (1973)

“ Oh, where have you been, my blue-eyed son? And where have you been, my darling young one? I’ve stumbled on the side of twelve misty mountains, I’ve walked and I crawled on six crooked highways, I’ve stepped in the middle of seven sad forests, I’ve been out in front of a dozen dead oceans, I’ve been ten thousand miles in the mouth of a graveyard, And it’s a hard, it’s a hard, it’s a hard, it’s a hard, It’s a hard rain’s a-gonna fall. “

42. Frank Sinatra – Love’s Been Good to Me (1969)

This song was covered by Johnny Cash in 2006 (which is how I got to know it), and his version is beautiful as well.

“I have been a rover I have walked alone Hiked a hundred highways Never found a home Still in all I’m happy The reason is, you see Once in a while along the way Love’s been good to me”

43. Louis Armstrong – What a Wonderful World (1967)

“I see skies of blue and clouds of white The bright blessed day, the dark sacred nights And I think to myself what a wonderful world.”

44. Ricky Nelson – Travelin’ Man (1961)

“I’m a travelin’ man and I’ve made a lot of stops All over the world And in every part I own the heart Of at least one lovely girl”

45. The Animals – We Gotta Get Out of This Place (1965)

“We gotta get out of this place If it’s the last thing we ever do We gotta get out of this place ‘Cause girl, there’s a better life for me and you “

46. Steppenwolf – Born to Be Wild (1969)

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

47. Rupert Holmes – Escape (The Piña Colada Song) (1979)

“If you like piña coladas And gettin’ caught in the rain If you’re not into yoga If you have half a brain If you like makin’ love at midnight In the dunes on the cape Then I’m the love that you’ve looked for Write to me and escape”

48. Crosly Stills & Nash – Marrakesh Express (1969)

“ Looking at the world through the sunset in your eyes Travelling the train through clear Moroccan skies Ducks, and pigs, and chickens call Animal carpet wall-to-wall American ladies five-foot tall in blue “

49. Audrey Hepburn – Moon River (1962)

This song was written for the movie Breakfast at Tiffany’s , in which Audrey Hepburn sings it. The song won multiple awards and was covered by many other artists.

“Two drifters, off to see the world There’s such a lot of world to see We’re after the same rainbow’s end Waitin’ ’round the bend My huckleberry friend Moon river and me”

50. The Sonics – Have Love, Will Travel (1965)

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

51. Led Zeppelin – Immigrant Song (1970)

“We come from the land of the ice and snow From the midnight sun where the hot springs flow The hammer of the gods Will drive our ships to new lands To fight the horde, sing and cry Valhalla, I am coming”

52. Canned Heat – Going Up the Country (1968)

“I’m going up the country Baby, don’t you wanna go? I’m going up the country Baby, don’t you wanna go? We gonna go somewhere Where I’ve never been before”

53. Elvis Presley – Viva Las Vegas (1964)

“Viva Las Vegas with your neon flashin’ And your one arm bandits crashin’ All those hopes down the drain Viva Las Vegas turnin’ day into nighttime Turnin’ night into daytime If you see it once You’ll never be the same again”

54. Joe Dassin – Aux Champs Elysees (1969)

“Aux Champs-Elysées, aux Champs-Elysées Au soleil, sous la pluie, à midi ou à minuit Il y a tout ce que vous voulez aux Champs-Elysées”

55. Crosby, Stills & Nash – Marrakesh Express (1969)

56. gladys knight & the pips – midnight train to georgia (1973).

“He’s leaving (leaving) On that midnight train to Georgia (leaving on a midnight train) Hmm, yeah Said he’s going back (going back to find) To a simpler place and time (and when he takes that ride) Oh yes, he is (guess who’s gonna sit right by his side)”

57. Eddie Money – Two Tickets to Paradise (1977)

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

58. Chuck Berry – Promised Land (1964)

“ Workin’ on a T-bone steak a la carte, Flying over to the Golden State; When the pilot told us in thirteen minutes We’d be headin’ in the terminal gate. “

59. The Grateful Dead – Truckin’ (1970)

“Dallas, got a soft machine Houston, too close to New Orleans New York got the ways and means But just won’t let you be”

60. Roger Miller – King of the Road (1964)

“Third boxcar, midnight train Destination Bangor, Maine Old, worn out suit and shoes I don’t pay no union dues”

61. Steve Miller Band – Jet Airliner (1977)

“Leavin’ home, out on the road I’ve been down before Ridin’ along in this big ol’ jet plane I’ve been thinkin’ about my home But my love light seems so far away And I feel like it’s all been done Somebody’s tryin’ to make me stay You know I’ve got to be movin’ on”

62. Creedence Clearwater Revival – Travelin’ Band (1970)

“Take me to the hotel baggage gone, oh well Come on, come on won’t you get me to my room I want to move Playin’ in a travelin’ band Yeah Well I’m flyin’ ‘cross the land, tryin’ to get a hand Playin’ in a travelin’ band”

63. Led Zeppelin – Ramble On (1969)

“Ramble on And now’s the time, the time is now To sing my song I’m goin’ ’round the world, I got to find my girl On my way I’ve been this way ten years to the day Ramble on Gotta find the queen of all my dreams”

Older Songs About Travelling

64. edith piaf – sous le ciel de paris (1951).

You can find the translation of this beautiful song here .

“Sous le ciel de Paris Coule un fleuve joyeux Hum, hum Il endort dans la nuit Les clochards et les gueux Sous le ciel de Paris Les oiseaux du Bon Dieu Hum, hum Viennent du monde entier Pour bavarder entre eux”

65. The Wizard of Oz – Somewhere Over the Rainbow (1939)

“Somewhere over the rainbow Bluebirds fly And the dreams that you dream of Dreams really do come true-ooh-ooh Someday I’ll wish upon a star Wake up where the clouds are far behind me Where trouble melts like lemon drops High above the chimney tops that’s where You’ll find me, oh”

66. Frank Sinatra – Come Fly With Me (1959)

“Come fly with me, let’s float down to Peru In llama-land there’s a one-man band And he’ll toot his flute for you Come fly with me, let’s take off in the blue”

67. Hank Williams – Ramblin’ Man (1951)

“Some folks might say That I’m no good That I wouldn’t settle Down if I could But when that open road Starts to callin’ me There’s somethin’ o’er the hill That I gotta see”

Songs about travelling – Final thoughts

I hope that you enjoyed this post featuring the best travel songs from the 1930s until today. This list is a work in progress, and I’m always on the lookout for other beautiful travel music to add to this list.

Can you think of other beautiful songs about travelling that are missing from this list? Let me know in the comments below!

Enjoyed this post? You may also like:

• Poetry About Travel: The 16 Most Inspiring Travel Poems
• Songs About Paris That Will Bring You There Instantly
• Short Travel Captions to Inspire Your Wanderlust
• Movies About Nomads That Will Inspire You

Pin it for later: Did you find this post helpful? Save it on Pinterest and follow me on Instagram and Facebook for more travel tips and inspiration.

Laura Meyers

Laura Meyers is the founder of Laure Wanders. She was born in Belgium and has travelled to over 40 countries, many of them solo. She currently spends most of her time between Belgium and South Asia and loves helping other travellers plan their adventures abroad.

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Home » Blog » Top 10 Solo Travel Songs

Top 10 Solo Travel Songs

Traveling solo  is like a personal movie and  music  is its soundtrack. It’s with you as you navigate  new streets ,  climb mountains , or stare out bus window s , thinking about life.

In this blog, we share a  playlist  for those hitting the road alone. It’s filled with  songs  that capture the spirit of  solo adventures , songs that  inspire  and  comfort .

Imagine “ I Lived ” by  OneRepublic  as your anthem, urging you on.

Whether you’re a seasoned  soloist  or on your first  solo trip , these tunes are your companions, making each moment a bit more special.

Let’s make your travel memories unforgettable with  music  that moves with you.

Table of Contents

1. “Rain On Me” – Lady Gaga and Ariana Grande

“Rain On Me” is a vibrant and anthemic collaboration between pop icons Lady Gaga and Ariana Grande, released in 2020 as part of Gaga’s sixth studio album, “Chromatica.”

This dance-pop track features uplifting lyrics about perseverance and embracing life’s challenges with resilience.

Gaga and Grande’s powerhouse vocals soar over a pulsating disco beat, symbolizing strength and renewal amidst adversity.

The song’s message encourages listeners to let their hardships wash away like rain, promoting an ethos of healing and hope.

Given its infectious rhythm and poignant lyrics, “Rain On Me” quickly resonated with fans, making it a chart-topping hit and an empowering anthem that celebrates the cathartic release of dancing through one’s troubles.

2. “Just Around the Riverbend” – Judy Kuhn (from Pocahontas)

“Just Around the Riverbend” is the quintessential song of hope and adventure from Disney’s animated classic “Pocahontas,” voiced by Judy Kuhn.

This poignant track captures the spirit and curiosity of the film’s titular character as she contemplates the path of her life.

The song’s melody flows like the water it celebrates, with lyrics that reflect Pocahontas’s yearning for discovery and a life beyond the confines of expectation.

Kuhn’s emotional performance, combined with the lush orchestration, instills a sense of wonder and possibility that is both inspiring and haunting.

The song stands out as a pivotal moment in the movie, representing the crossroads of tradition and change, and a celebration of the natural world and the unknown adventures that lie ahead.

3. “Feels Like Home” – Fuse ODG

“Feels Like Home” is a heartwarming track by British-Ghanaian artist Fuse ODG, known for his infectious Afrobeats sound.

The song exudes a sense of warmth and belonging, encapsulating a universally relatable sentiment of finding comfort in one’s roots and the place one calls home.

Fuse ODG’s rhythmic beats and melodic lines blend seamlessly with evocative lyrics that speak to the soul, about returning to where the heart feels at peace and in harmony.

The groove and positive vibe invite listeners to celebrate their own definition of home, whether it’s a place, a community, or a feeling.

With its catchy chorus and vibrant instrumentation, “Feels Like Home” is an uplifting anthem that rejoices in the connection one has with their heritage and personal sanctuary.

4. “Rainbow” – Kesha

“Rainbow” is a soul-stirring song by pop artist Kesha, serving as the title track of her 2017 album.

This song marks a significant turning point in her career, symbolizing her healing and rebirth after a tumultuous period.

The track features a range of genres, from ballads to country to pop, showcasing Kesha’s versatility as an artist.

With raw, intimate lyrics, Kesha conveys a message of hope, resilience, and the courage to overcome personal storms.

The production incorporates rich, organic sounds that complement Kesha’s powerful vocals, creating a sense of grandeur and beauty reminiscent of the spectrum of colors in a rainbow.

Radiating with optimism, “Rainbow” encourages listeners to find light and strength in their darkest moments, assuring that a spectrum of possibilities awaits following life’s challenges.

5. “I’m So Excited” – The Pointer Sisters

“I’m So Excited” is an electrifying classic by The Pointer Sisters, released in 1982. This exhilarating dance track is imbued with an infectious energy that’s practically impossible to resist.

Characterized by its iconic bass line, funky guitar riffs, and the sisters’ harmonious and powerful vocals, the song is a celebration of unabashed joy and anticipation.

The lyrics of “I’m So Excited” tap into the universal feeling of looking forward to something with intense eagerness and pleasure, making it a go-to track for moments that call for an uplift in spirits.

Its relentless tempo and vibrant disco-influenced beats have secured “I’m So Excited” a permanent spot on party playlists, remaining a timeless hit that continues to get people on their feet and radiate happiness across dance floors around the world.

6. “I Want to Break Free” – Queen

“I Want to Break Free” is an enduring hit from the legendary rock band Queen, released in 1984 on their album “The Works.”

Synonymous with liberation and self-expression, this song is distinguished by its driving rock synth riff and heartfelt lyrics, delivered with the incomparable vocal range of Freddie Mercury.

The track became an anthem for freedom, resonating deeply with those yearning for release from the constraints of societal norms, personal struggles, or stifling relationships.

The accompanying music video, with its memorable and tongue-in-cheek drag sequences, further cemented the song’s message of breaking free from convention.

“I Want to Break Free” remains a beloved classic that speaks to the timeless human desire for autonomy and the power of individuality, inspiring countless fans to embrace their true selves and to courageously pursue their own paths.

7. “Summer of 69” – Bryan Adams

“Summer of ’69” is a quintessential rock anthem by Bryan Adams that evokes the nostalgia of youthful summers filled with life-changing memories.

Released on his 1984 album “Reckless,” the song instantly captured the hearts of many with its catchy guitar hooks and passionate vocals.

It narrates a story of first loves, friendships, and the early dreams of a wannabe rock band.

Adams belts out the stirring lyrics with a mixture of wistfulness and fervor, transporting listeners back to the halcyon days of the late 1960s—a time often idealized for its simplicity and the explosive music scene.

The energy of the track is pure and relentless, embodying the spirit of an era and becoming an enduring symbol of the carefree, rock-and-roll lifestyle that so many long for.

8. “Wonderwall” – Oasis

“Wonderwall” by Oasis is one of the most emblematic songs of the Britpop movement, released in 1995 as part of their hit album “(What’s the Story) Morning Glory?”.

This timeless track offers an instantly recognizable and hauntingly beautiful melody, paired with Noel Gallagher’s lyrical ambiguity that leaves the meaning open to listeners’ interpretations.

Liam Gallagher’s raw and sincere vocal delivery conveys a sense of longing and hopefulness that has resonated with fans worldwide.

“Wonderwall” has become a universal anthem for unrequited love and the idea that an extraordinary person or moment can be a source of salvation.

Its acoustic simplicity and compelling chorus have solidified its status as a cultural touchstone, often covered and celebrated as one of the defining songs of a generation.

9. “Icarus” – Bastille

“Icarus” is a compelling track by British indie pop band Bastille, featured on their 2013 debut album “Bad Blood.”

The song interweaves a modern sound with the ancient Greek myth of Icarus, who flew too close to the sun with wax wings that melted, leading to his demise.

Bastille uses this tale as a powerful metaphor for the dangerous allure of ambition and hubris.

Dan Smith’s distinctive voice carries the melody with intensity and depth, capturing the euphoric highs and catastrophic lows of Icarus’s flight.

The song builds with a dynamic arrangement of synths, drums, and layered harmonies to underscore the dramatic theme.

“Icarus” stands out as a vivid storytelling piece, warning of the perils of unchecked aspiration with a catchy, poignant twist that cements it as a fan favorite in Bastille’s discography.

10. “Lights are On” – Tom Rosenthal

“Lights Are On” is an evocative song by British singer-songwriter Tom Rosenthal, known for his unique blend of quirky, heartfelt lyrics and distinctive melodies.

The track delves into the introspective theme of existence, presence, and the human condition.

With its poignant piano accompaniment and Tom’s gentle vocal delivery, the song creates an intimate atmosphere that pulls listeners into a reflective state of mind.

The lyrics carry a profound simplicity, pondering the internal ‘lights’ that signify life within us, even when we are still.

“Lights Are On” resonates with its audience through its understated complexity and universal questions about what it means to truly live.

The song’s tender and thoughtful composition cements it as a stirring piece in Rosenthal’s diverse and poignant musical repertoire.

Venturing out on a solo trip can be a thrilling and life-changing experience. The music that accompanies you on your journey can intensify this exploration even more.

Whether you’re setting out alone or dreaming about future travel, music’s ability to transport you to different landscapes and spark deep emotions is remarkable.

This expertly selected playlist of solo travel songs can be your perfect companion on the road, encouraging the thrill of independence, self-revelation, and freedom that solo trips offer.

From hard-hitting numbers that honor independence to deeply moving tunes resonating with the traveler’s heart, these songs can kickstart your spirit of adventure and make your solo exploration profoundly memorable.

So get your headphones ready, hit play, and let the rhythm be your guide on this unparalleled journey.

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The Best Travel Songs of All Time: 60 Tracks to Keep You Going (Updated 2024)

Music is a huge part of many travel experiences. The right tune can set the tone for an amazing trip, or it can remind you of a past adventure that you hold dear to your heart.

The best travel songs of all time are the ones that make you feel like you’re on your way. They can be about travelling or they can make you feel like you’re in the middle of a journey. These english and bollywood songs evoke emotions and feelings that take you to another realm, altogether.

There are many different types of music out there and it’s important to find what works for your mood and your trip. You might want something upbeat and fun for a vacation with friends or something more mellow for an introspective solo trip.

If you’re like me and have a million songs on your phone that aren’t necessarily travel songs, but are just great to listen to while on the road (or even at home), then this article is for you!

We hope that this article will make your next trip more enjoyable!

Table of Contents

Popular Travel Songs of All Time

Songs are a huge part of planning any kind of travel or trip – a long haul journey, a road trip with friends or family, a solo trip to the opposite side of the world.

Here are some of the most inspirational or motivational travels songs 2023 that give out a soothing vibe when you start your journey.

Note – These are just suggestions that you could add on to your playlist of best travel songs of all time for any kind of trip.

Related – Planning a road trip for beginners

1. Dil Chahta Hai Title Track

Dil Chahta Hai was a movie that came quite unannounced into our lives one night and made us feel something! This one is amongst the most loved songs of all time and should be included in your playlist.

The music, the lyrics, the vocals everything falls together perfectly to make a soulful and fun track for a friends trip across the world. And I mean who hasn’t just let it all go when that “ Ohhhoooo-oo-oo-oo ” vocals come in!

Album – Dil Chahta Hai Artist – Shankar–Ehsaan–Loy

“Kaisa ajab ye safar hai, Socho to har ek hi bekhabar hai Ussko jaana kidhar hai, Jo waqt aaye, jaane, kya dikhaye”

2. Paradise – Coldplay

Coldplay songs screams very melodiously of nostalgia, moments and stuff that makes us want to leave whatever we are doing and just listen! Paradise is one of those songs – that makes you forget everything that’s going wrong in your life. It makes for a kickass and one of the best travel songs of all time.

The song is an inspirational track that says you just need to keep moving forward and you’ll see your paradise just round the corner pretty soon. Just don’t give up!

Album – Mylo Xyloto Artist – Coldplay

“When she was just a girl she expected the world But it flew away from her reach So she ran away in her sleep Dreamed of para-para-paradise”

3. Safarnama

Want the most greatest of emotions on one single song? Want to experience a ride through imagination, love, passion and harmony? Safarnama from Tamasha is here for you!

It is one of the most precious songs that inspire travel and soothes up your very soul as you move forward through the trip as well as on a journey of your own in life.

Album – Tamasha Artist – Lucky Ali

“O jisey dhoonda Zamaane mein, mujh hi mein tha”

4. Wake Me Up

“ Get up. Pack your things “. “ Where are we going? ” “ Somewhere we belong! “

This legendary track from the legendary artist needs to be on your travel songs list of the best travel songs of all time to listen to whatever the journey. Wake me up is a song depicting the sense of moving on through life while not knowing what the next turn of events might bring upon you. It talks about that no matter what people keep telling you, you shall just be happy with your life and tell them to “wake me up when its all over” .

Avicii was a legend and he lives on through his epic music in the hearts and minds of people who love his rhythm.

Album – True Artist – Avicii

“Feeling my way through the darkness Guided by a beating heart I can’t tell where the journey will end But I know where to start”

5. Zindagi Ek Safar Hai Suhana

You don’t know what life would throw at you at the next step, right? So why worry! Play this track as you move along in your journey to the beautiful locations – alone or with people you care for.

Zindagi ek safar is like a dear old friend telling you “ it’s all gonna end well ” and you just know that maybe – it will.

Album – Andaz Artist – Kishore Kumar

“Haste gate jahan se guzar, Duniya ki tu parvah na kar Muskuraate hue din bitana, Yahan kal kya ho kisne jaana”

6. Photograph by Ed Sheeran

Ed Sheeran’s music is an ultimate soulful experience for everyone and the tracks like this one make for an outstanding travel playlist for the beginning of a journey towards wonderful places and experiences.

Photograph is a song about hope and dreams and relationships. It’s about a connection and memories you’ve built with someone you love – it could be any person, a family member, a loved one, even a friend.

Album – X Artist – Ed Sheeran

“We keep this love in a photograph We made these memories for ourselves Where our eyes are never closing Hearts are never broken And time’s forever frozen still”

7. Khaabon Ke Parindey

ZNMD or Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara is a masterpiece of a film – especially for us travel lovers. And the entire album is outstanding, but this song in particular needed to be included in today’s list of the best travel songs of all time .

Khaabon ke Parindey is a song that tells you to live freely in the beautiful world around us. It tells you it’s okay to leave stuff that causes you pain or worry behind and focus on what’s around you – the magic, the beauty, the nature!

Album – ZNMD Artist – Mohit Chauhan, Alyssa Mendonsa

“Hawa Mein Beh Rahi Hai Zindagi Yeh Hum Se Keh Rahi Hai Zindagi Oho, Ab Toh, Jo Bhi Ho So Ho”

8. Closer by Chainsmokers (ft. Hasley)

Closer, when it first came out, took the world by a storm! It was everywhere – discos, radios, music channels on the TV, social media – everywhere!

A fun song to listen to while having a unique travel experience on your way, Closer is a celebration of physical attraction and the passion that one feels when experiencing it. It tells you to celebrate that phase of a relationship. It’s about that rush of memories and emotions you’d normally feel when meeting someone from the past!

Album – Collage Artist – Chainsmokers (ft. Hasley)

“Pull the sheets right off the corner Of that mattress that you stole From your roommate back in Boulder We ain’t ever getting older”

9. Aao Milo Chalein

Jab We Met is another one of the most epic Bollywood movies one can watch and re-watch many times. And the songs have been playing a major role in many playlists listed as the best travel songs of all time .

Aao Milo Chalein is a soothing song that depicts travel in all it’s glory – the colorful vibes of the video, travelling towards Bhatinda, the entire musical structure of the song is glorious and a fun listen.

It tells you that sometimes you just need to have the experience of a journey, even if you have no idea where the destination is. Sometimes, the journey is the destination .

Album – Jab We Met Artist – Shaan

“Yahan wahan dekho kahan Leke jane lagi bhekudi Aao mil jayega Hoga jahan pe raasta Aao Milo chale Jana kahan na ho pata”

10. Night Changes

Night Changes is one of the best songs created by One Direction – no doubt! Also, it is one of the most interesting best travel songs of all time . Although not being a travel song literally, it can be one of those songs that you just want to listen to when you’re on the road or in the skies and feel good.

Night changes is about growing up and what it all means to finally grow up and be outside into the world. As you grow older, things change, your perspectives change and you learn that it’s something different than you thought it would be. And that it is okay.

Album – Four Artist – One Direction

“We’re only gettin’ older, baby And I’ve been thinkin’ about it lately Does it ever drive you crazy Just how fast the night changes?”

A Road-Trip Playlist for Fun Mood

A road trip playlist shall contain couple of most amazing, popular and the best travel songs of all time in whatever language. These songs are not necessarily travel related but has the fun vibe of a road trip for sure!

The following list of beautiful tracks that are a fun listen with bouncy music, are suggestions to add to your playlist.

11. Chaiyya Chaiyya

Chaiyya Chaiyya is an outstanding and fun song to listen to on a road trip. The beats, the legendary music by A.R. Rahman, the extraordinary vocals of Sukhwinder Singh and Sapna Awasthi all combine together magically to form one of the most amazing bollywood travel songs .

Album – Dil Se Artist – Sapna Awasthi & Sukhwinder Singh

“Yaar misaale ous chale paao ke tale firdaus chale kabhi daal daal, kabhi paak paak mai hawa pe dhoondu uske nishaan”

12. Sugar and Brownies by Dharia

Sugar and Brownies is one of those songs where the beats and the unique vocals grab people’s attention and instantly makes them groove. That is what makes it a unique add for the best travel songs of all time ! It used to be a song that “ I’ve heard of but never knew the name for “. Everyone has that kind of song, right? ( or am I insane )

Album – Sugar & Brownies Artist – Dharia & Monoir

“Some of the ocean breeze Somewhere you promised me A love like a fire, no fears, no denial Just something to gladden me”

13. Jungnu by Badshah

Jugnu is a sensational song and when it came out recently it had a massive blow up amongst all kinds of audiences and music lovers! The lyrics are simple and great for a sing-along, the music is the USP and the stunning visuals make for a treat! It is a perfect road trip song to play at high volume with friends or your partner along the road.

Album – Jugnu Artist – Badshah

“Khush Main Itna Kyu Hoon? Tujhko Tavajjo Main Kyu Doon? Jaane Kya Hua Mujhe Tere Pyar Main Chamku Jaise Jugnu”

14. Shape of You

Ed Sheeran makes a comeback for our list of the best travel songs of all time with this outstanding and fun track called Shape of You. The lyrics are great for vibing, the music is great for the journey and the element of fun is outstanding.

Album – Divide Artist – Ed Sheeran

“Girl, you know I want your love Your love was handmade for somebody like me Come on now, follow my lead I may be crazy, don’t mind me”

15. Ghana Kasoota

Raftaar knows how to make a commercial track that will be loved by a grander audience and Ghana Kasoota is the proof of it. This Haryanvi styled track is on the minds and in the cars of so many people since it came out recently. Ghana Kasoota checks over the fun element we are looking for our road trip playlist suggestions for the best travel songs of all time .

Album – Ghana Kasoota Artist – Rashmeet Kaur & Raftaar

“Jab Gaam Ka Chhora Kaad Ke Taur Chhori Chhori Taake Se Mane Ghana Kasoota Lagge Se Mane Ghana Kasuta Lagge Se”

16. Magenta Riddim

EDM tracks have grown quite a lot and reached different corners of the world now. Magenta Riddim has a very different, fun and enjoyable music structure which makes it come into our list of the most fun and best travel songs of all time .

Album – Carte Blanch Artist – DJ Snake

“Pig gam ba li, de la pig gam ba li ba Pig gam ba li, de la pig gam ba li ba Bamb bamb bamb di gi di da dam (woo)”

Illahi from the movie Yeh Jawani Hai Deewani is a track made just for the satisfaction of our travel bugs! A song made for the travel lovers who do not want to spend the rest of their lives on the same place – who want adventures, exploration, mysteries and stuff that makes you feel different! A song for people like me. Like you.

Album – Yeh Jawani hai Deewani Artist – Arijit Singh/Mohit Chauhan ( btw, both these versions are great! )

“Kal pe sawaal hai jeena filhaal hai khanabadoshiyo pe hi jaane kyon Illahi mera ji aaye aaye”

Maroon 5 is one of the most popular and personally one of my top 5 musical bands of all time! This song in particular has the fun element and the happy vibes we are looking for in this part of the list of the best travel songs of all time in English.

Album – V Artist – Maroon 5

“You sugar, yes please Would you come and put it down on me? I’m right here, ’cause I need Little love, a little sympathy”

19. Dil Dooba

Sonu Nigam and his songs were and still are a sensation in itself and this track called Dil Dooba had the entire generation in its grasp with the lyrics, the fun music, and well the voice of Sonu Nigam! One of the best songs to sing along aloud while on a road trip with friends!

Album – Khakee Artist – Sonu Nigam & Shreya Ghoshal

“Tujhe Ek Din Jaaneman Pyaar Ki Ladiyan Pehnaonga Dekhega Sara Jahan Tujhe Le Jaaonga”

20. Turn up the Music

Truth be told everyone likes to bounce it out on a road trip sometimes, right! Turn up the music by Chris Brown is one of the most amazing tracks for an outstanding and fun road trip as you move through a straight highway and enjoy each moment with your buddies or family members.

Album – Berlin Tag & Nacht Artist – Chris Brown

“Turn up the music ’cause the sun just came up Turn up the music if they try to turn us down Turn up the music ’cause I’m tryna hear the speakers blow Turn up the music, fill your cup and drink it down”

Best Songs about Travelling and Journeying through life

Now comes the songs that are dedicated to all things travel – exploring, finding new worlds, road trips, friendships, passion and the journey. These are the tracks made for travel and for the travel lovers across the multiverse!

Here’s the list –

Lucky Ali’s voice is a soulful and fun experience to have whatever the song might be! Hairat is a song depicting travel and is an outstanding add on for the travel playlist of best travel songs of all time and one of the best Bollywood travel songs ever as well . With the upbeat music presentation and the unique voice of Lucky Ali the song is a proper vibe for a journey from anywhere to everywhere!

Album – Anjaana Anjaani Artist – Lucky Ali

“Khoi khoi khwaab mein Chhupi chhupi khwaishein Naram se ret pe geeli geeli barishein Lipta hoon raahon mein Raahon ki baahon mein Hai ab meri jagah..”

22. Hotel California

It’s 2023 and this is still one of the greatest songs ever made! Hotel California has been described by the lead singer as the depiction of what life would be like in Los Angeles . It is one of most amazing travel songs and considered a classic in the category.

Album – Hotel California Artist – Eagles

“On a dark desert highway, cool wind in my hair Warm smell of colitas, rising up through the air Up ahead in the distance, I saw shimmering light My head grew heavy and my sight grew dim I had to stop for the night”

23. Yun Hi Chala Chal

Swades was an epic cinema experience for almost everyone who experienced it when it came out and this song in particular became the travel song for all of us. It needed to be in our list of best travel songs of all time since when it came out that’s what it was in our minds.

Album – Swades Artist – Udit Narayan, Hariharan, Kailash Kher

“Jeevan gaadi hai samay paiya aansoon ki nadiya bhi hai Khushiyon ki bagiya bhi hai rasta sab tera takke bhaiya”

24. Born to be Wild

Hands down my most favorite track when it comes to having a road trip with friends! Born to be wild is a classic track that still makes you feel like travelling does – wild and free . The rock music, the sing along opportunity and the mere vibe of it all makes it one of the coolest travel songs ever!

Album – Steppenwolf Artist – Steppenwolf

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

24. Phir Se Ud Chala

Rockstar was the most amazing work of Imtiaz Ali and the complete package of the film was an unforgettable experience for many. But what made it one of the most amazing movies was it’s album. And this track “Phir Se Ud Chala” is like beyond music, it is like the song that makes you feel young, free, and passionate! It tells you to reach out to your dreams – to at least try before you fail!

Album – Rockstar Artist – Mohit Chauhan

“Mitti jaise sapne ye kitna bhi palko se jhaado Phir aa jaate hain Itne saare sapne kya kahoon Kis tarah se maine tode hain, chhode hain, kyun Mere saath chale, mujhe le ke ude, ye kyun”

25. Carry On My Wayward Son

If you’ve watched Supernatural , you know this song and what it makes you feel! One of the most amazing rock songs ever made by a sensational band called Kansas this song is a masterpiece and needed to be on our list of the best travel songs of all time .

Album – Leftoverture Artist – 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”

Safar track from Jab Harry Met Sejal grew slowly in the minds of the travellers and stayed. The line “safar ka hi tha mai, safar ka raha” best describes a wanderer, a traveller, an explorer who just focuses on his journey – not on the people he left behind, not the destination he wants to visit, but the journey is all he cares about!

Album – Jab Harry Met Sejal Artist – Arijit Singh

“Jabse gaanv se main shehar hua, Itna kadva ho gaya ki zehar hua Main toh rozana, Na chaaha tha yeh ho jaana maine Ye umrr, waqt, raasta.. guzarta raha Safar ka hi tha main safar ka raha”

27. A Thousand Miles

A Vanessa Carlton masterpiece, a thousand miles was stuck in many travelers’ heads since it first came out in 2002. This one is among the best travel songs of all time due to the sound, melody, lyrics and everything in between that it provides the listeners. A beautiful evergreen track.

Album – Legally Blond Artist – 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”

28. Ik Junoon (Paint It Red)

ZNMD has given us ultimate road trip goals and a spectacular album to go with it! Ik Junoon is a legendary track to play while on the road having the time of your lives with your buddies heading to anywhere you want. The songs tells you to forget everything about anything and enjoy the moments right before you!

Album – ZNMD (Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara) Artist – Shankar Mahadevan, Vishal Dadlani, Alyssa Mendonsa, Ehsaan Noorani and Gulraj Singh

“Kahe halke halke yeh rang jhalke jhalke Jo kisse hain kal ke bhula de tu Koi haule haule mere dil se bole Kisi ka toh hone chal jaane de koi jadoo”

29. Paradise City

Paradise City depicts a story about people who leave their homes looking for “ adventures ” and has a pretty vibe to the music which can be a great listen for the “ best travel songs of all time ” playlist.

Album – Appetite of Destruction Artist – Guns N Roses

“Take me down to the paradise city Where the grass is green and the girls are pretty Take me home (oh, won’t you please take me home)”

30. Hum Kis Gali Ja Rahe Hai

Hum kis gali ja rahe hai is a depiction of the thoughts of a wanderer – or a traveler – away from home – away from his comfort zone – but happy! It’s a nostalgic song from the early Atif-era along with Doorie and Tere Bin and now people tend to jam over a lit night fire around the camp beneath the stars with a guitar and friends.

Album – Doorie Artist – Atif Aslam

“Dar Dar Kaha Ghoomta hai Masti Me Kyu Jhoomta hai Deewane Dil ne Jaana Nahi”

What to Listen to When You’re Homesick

While travelling after the fun and games and memories being created, there also comes a time – maybe just for a little while, when you miss home (doesn’t it?) and that’s completely normal. And the following few songs can hold you when feel a little down and sit beside you like a friend .

31. Ease by Troye Sivan

Ease ft. Broods is one of the most heart touching and best travel songs of all time where the Troye tells about his emotions of leaving home to work in a different place and how he misses it. It can easily make you all teary eyed but it knows what you’re feeling deep inside away from home.

Album – Blue Neighbourhood Artist – Troye Sivan ft. Broods

“Take me back to the basics and the simple life Tell me all of the things that make you feel at ease Your touch, my comfort, and my lullaby Holdin’ on tight and sleepin’ at night”

Ghar from Jab Harry Met Sejal is another great track to listen to when feeling a little lonely on your adventures away from home and away from people you care about. “ Ghar ” depicts a tale from the perspective of the person waiting for you at home – the person that is essentially – your home. It’s them telling you that wherever you go and wander around across the world – they’ll always be the one you can come back to .

Album – Jab Harry Met Sejal Artist – Mohit Chauhan, Nikhita Gandhi

“Khali hai jo tere bina Mai wo ghar hu tera.. Ghoome phire, Tu chahe sab sheher Tu hai mera..!”

33. Home by Westlife

Westlife could just be the best nostalgic songs making band – I mean all there songs on the first listen take you into some other space, you know. Home is one of the best travel songs of all time because it understands your homesick emotions and puts down your feelings into words and an epic instrumental formation.

Album – Turnaround Artist – Westlife

“Another summer day Has come and gone away In Paris and Rome But I wanna go home, mmm”

34. Chaandaniya

Chaandaniya is a track for someone you loved whose away from you – it might be a breakup, long distance or just some universal conspiracy that’s keeping you away from them – but this song can hold you two together.

Album – 2 States Artist – Mohan Kanan, Yashita Sharma

“Tujh bin sooraj mein aag nahi re Tujh bin koyal mein raag nahi re Chaandaniyaan to barsen Phir kyun mere haath andhere lagde ne..”

35. Don’t Forget Where You Belong

Whether you liked them or not, you cannot argue that One Direction had some amazing songs and DFWYB is one of them. It is a song about how meeting new people and visiting new places around the world could change you and your perspectives about life. It tells you how important it is to know your roots and not lose what you are.

Album – Midnight Memories Artist – One Direction

“Living out of cases And packing up and taking off Made a lot of changes But not forgetting who I was On the horizon Ooh, well I know, I know, I know, I know The moon will be rising back home”

36. Main Kya Hoon

Love Aaj Kal’s song Main Kya Hoon depicts this strong emotion by the outstanding beats, lyrics, vocals and the visuals about the time when you finally achieved what you dreamt of for years now and are happy and having fun with your life – but there comes a time when you start to miss that homely feeling and the people you had to leave behind to move forward. This song is an epic emotional ride hidden behind an upbeat track.

Album – Love Aaj Kal Artist – KK

“Ab Jaana Maine Jeena Kya Hai Kya Hai Poora Hona Khawaab Ka Ab Dekhoon Na Who Sochoon Na Woh Jo Bhi Yahan Na Ho Khawab Sa”

37. Quite Miss Home

James Arthur, the artist behind this song has depicted a part of his life living away from home while touring for shows and live singing session across the world. He depicts what he considered to be a home and little nuances that made a home. A must include among the best travel songs of all time when you’re missing home.

Album – You Artist – James Arthur

“Yeah, I been gone on business I gotta make some money I really feel the distance And I quite miss home And I miss you telling me To leave my shoes at the door ‘Cause you just swept the floor And the dirt drives you crazy”

38. Main Jahaan Rahoon

Wherever you might be travelling to, with whomsoever you might be with, you will always keep a part of you – your home and your loved ones with you. It could be a person, a place, a childhood memory – but it’s the thing that is a hundred percent yours.

Album – Namastey London Artist – Rahat Fateh Ali Khan

“Kahin to dil mein yaadon ki ek sooli gad jaati hai Kahin har ek tasveer bahut hi dhundhli pad jaati hai Koi nai duniya ke naye rangon mein khush rehta hai Koi sab kuchh paa ke bhi ye man hi man kehta hai”

39. Castle on the Hill

Castle on the hill is a lookback and reminiscing of your childhood memories and the place you grew up in. The song depicts good and bad memories and makes you want to visit your childhood home or your hometown. This is one of the best travel songs of all time because it makes you want to travel to your childhood.

Album -Divide Artist – Ed Sheeran

“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”

40. Nadaan Parindey

This is another one of those tracks which depict the person waiting at home – for you to come back from your adventures. And everyone, whether they accept it or not, deep down – they do want someone like that. Someone to come back home to, right?

Album – Rockstar Artist – Mohit Chauhan, AR Rahman

“Kaate chahe jitna paro se hawao’n ko Khud se naa bach paayega tu Tod aasmaano ko Phook de jahaano ko Khud ko chhupa naa payega tu”

Best Travel Songs for Instagram Reels, Stories and Videos

Reels are inevitably the new gen – Tiktok and it’s all for the good. Social media is focusing much more on the shorter videos than anything else as far as the reach is concerned. And in today’s world we would be tagged a noob if we’re not getting our reels game strong.

Here are the best travel songs for Instagram Reels , Stories and Videos for your fame game into the social media world –

41. Adventure of a Lifetime

Coldplay is known worldwide and that’s because they seem to have cracked some code of never making a bad song! Adventure of a Lifetime is one of the best travel songs of all time and pretty darn famous as it is used vividly in Instagram reels and Youtube shorts as well as far as travel category clips are concerned.

Album – A Head full of Dreams Artist – Coldplay

“Said I can’t go on, not in this way I’m a dream that died by light of day Gonna hold up half the sky and say Only I own me”

42. Ek Tu Hi Yaar Mera

Not necessarily one among the best travel songs of all time , this track about friends and friendship is used mostly in travel videos showcasing a trip with friends . It’s a fun melodic track and can be a great reels track to be used as your entire group does whatever friends do.

Album – Pati Patni Aur Woh Artist – Arijit Singh, Neha Kakkar

“Dhadkan Ye Kehti Hai Dil Tere Bin Dhadke Na Ek Tu Hi Yaar Mera Mujhko Kya Duniya Se Lena”

43. The Last Goodbye

One of the best travel songs of all time when it comes to making a unique photographic video showcasing your latest clicks on the journey, The Last Goodbye is a unique way to show the best moments of the adventure.

Album – The Last Goodbye Artist – Odesza (ft. Bettye LaVette)

“Let me down easy For your love for me is gone Let me down easy Since you feel to stay is wrong”

44. Zindagi Aa Raha Hoon Mai

Zindagi Aa Raha Hoon Mai has everything you’d wish for – amazing vocals of Atif Aslam, great beats and a grand music altogether. It is one of the best bollywood travel songs in hindi to use as a background sound for your next travel reel.

Album – Zindagi Aa Raha Hoon Mai Artist – Atif Aslam

“Main sarphira musaafir Hawaaon pe chalun Yaaron ka main yaar hoon Haan hans ke sab se milun”

45. Harleys in Hawaii

An amazing track for getting into the sensation of the best travel reels and getting your travel content out on instagram, etc. Katy Perry and her music is loved by many across the world and this one just takes you through the sensation of travelling to a tropical island and spend a few days roaming around there solo or with your soulmate. Also, who doesn’t love Hawaii , right!?

Album – Harleys in Hawaii Artist – Katy Perry

“Boy, tell me, can you take my breath away? Cruisin’ down a heart-shaped highway Got you swervin’ lane-to-lane, don’t hit the brakes ‘Cause I’m feelin’ so safe”

46. Tere Mere from Chef

Tere Mere Darmiyaan is a sort of underrated song in my opinion as it deserves a place to be in the topmost travel reels of great mountains with a slow-mo video of the mist as you move through the snaky roads towards the wonderlands.

Album – Chef Artist – Armaan Malik

“Le ja mujhe saath tere Mujhko na rehna saath mere”

47. Still Don’t Know My Name

You might have heard this one recently while scrolling up your Instagram’s reels section. This song is so popular that more than thousands of travel reels have been made onto this one. But that does not mean that it’s outdated – but actually it’s very much a trending and best travel song of all time to use in short travel videos.

Album – Euphoria Artist – Labirinth

“Still don’t know my name You still don’t know my name And I would die or stay For you right now But you still don’t know my name”

48. Patakha Guddi

Patakha Guddi from the movie Highway is one of the best travel songs of all time in Hindi. This song describes a free spirited nature of the person who loves to travel and wander across the world away from home. This is one of the best travel songs for Instagram reels.

Album – Highway Artist – Nooran Sisters

“Maula tera maali O hariyali jungle waali Tu de har gaali pe taali Uski kadam-kadam rakhwali Ainve lok-laaj ki soch-soch ke Kyun hai aafat taali”

49. Fly Away With Me

Everyone has someone or needs someone sometimes that you would like to take with you away into the skies or someone you could just run away with. Fly Away With Me speaks for you as the song to that someone and tells them that they are your person to fly away with.

Album – What A Time To Be Alive Artist – Tom Walker

“So come on fly away with me To a place where we could be anyone we wanna be And we can bottle up our fears Brew a taste so sweet Knock us off our feet or more Burn our troubles Inhale them all Paint our future on a fractured wall”

50. Kitni Haseen Zindagi

Recently trending and climbing up that reeling ladder is this song by the legendary Lucky Ali called ‘Kitni Haseen Zindagi’. Reelers have been using it as the unique background score for their travel reels showcasing the streets or the road in a one shot video of your trip.

Album – Kitni Haseen Zindagi Artist – Lucky Ali

“Kitni haseen zindagi hai yeh Hoton pe jaise kahani hai Sadaa yahan kiska thikana hai Un ki rawani mein jaana hai”

Updated 2024 – 10 Latest Travel Songs For Your Next Road Trip

Here is 10 latest addition to this loved blog post from about 2 years back! See if you can find your new favorite road trip song in the list –

51. God Damn – Ek Tha Raja

With the most stunning beats, fancy vibes and upbeat Punjabi music and lyrics, God Damn is my current favorite song and can definitely be a fantastic addition to your travel playlist in 2024!

With Badshah’s funky style and Karan Aujla’s splendid Punjabi mixed together, this song is doing numbers on all platforms and has just released a couple of days ago.

Album – Ek Tha Raja

Artist – Badshah X Karan Aujla

“ Super skinny jeans, over sized hoodie Paa ke puwada koi chhaddu aaj kudi Vekhdi ae dhup te vekdhi na time Hauli-hauli nache, God damn “

52. Houdini

Dua Lipa has been on a blast since a few years and Houdini is one of the most outstanding songs she has put out recently which can easily make its way in your travel playlist of 2024.

Album – Houdini

Artist – Dua Lipa

“Time is passin’ like a solar eclipse See you watchin’ and you blow me a kiss It’s your moment, baby, don’t let it slip Come in closer, are you readin’ my lips?”

53. With You

With You by AP Dhillon has been a vibe ever since its release a couple of months ago. It has been everywhere from socials to radio and whatnot.

And well, it has all the elements one needs for a summery travel song to tune into for a fun journey with friends on a beautiful road.

Album – With You

Artist – AP Dhillon

“ Teriyan adavaan Teriyan adavaan munda maar suteya Tu kahda dil luteya, tu mainu chhadeya na kakh da Tu mainu chhadeya na kakh da “

54. Hero – Alan Walker

Alan Walker has always been one of the most outstanding music artists out there and Hero has instantly been added to my own travel playlist. With Alan’s dynamic music and Sasha’s fairytale like vocals, this song has become a masterpiece and people just love how Alan Walker is still giving out blockbuster music even after decades!

Album – Hero

Artist – Alan Walker X Sasha Alex

“Will you light me up Jump start my heart I need someone Before the sun goes down Who’s gonna save me now Some kind of hero”

55. Hua Main

Just from the first listen, this song has made its place in our hearts and minds! Actually, the entire album of the movie ANIMAL can be on this list. But this song gives you the most outstanding, fun and excitement-filled vibes especially when you are driving and singing out loud with friends or family!

Album – Animal

Artist – Raghav Chaitanya

“Dekha nahi, toone abhi jaadu hua kya… Dono jahaan, jahaan, jahaan gaye theher….”

56. Miles Above

To be honest, everyone loves Dharia and her music. And mostly, all her songs have been going throughout the world making spaces in people’s hearts. Miles Above has interesting vocals, vibes and has potential to sing-along which is all much needed in a travel playlist song, right?

Album – Miles Above

Artist – Dharia

“All the smiles and looks we can’t undo Make me think you want me too All the stories in your mind From your lips straight to my heart”

57. Chaleya

Everybody loved and enjoyed SRK’s comeback movies in the past year and while many songs did great, Chaleya managed to make its own space in fan’s heart, mind and mouth. With simple lyrics, fun beats and melodious voice of Arijit Singh, this song definitely needs to be on your travel playlist 2024 .

Album – Jawan

Artist – Arijit Singh & Shilpa Rao

“Ishq mein dil bana hai ishq mein dil fanaa hai, wo-oh Bana de ya mita de maine tujhko chuna hai, oh-oh”

58. One of The Girls

Ah, everything about this track gives out goosebumps – the addicting music, incredibly blending vocals and the lyrics. The Weeknd never disappoints and this song is another proof of that statement.

Album – One of The Girls

Artist – The Weeknd, JENNIE, Lily-Rose Depp

“Lock me up and throw away the key He knows how to get the best out of me I’m no force for the world to see Trade my whole life just to be.”

59. Arjan Vailly

A song full of energy, rage and a fantastic vibe – Arjan Vailly, ever since it came out has been heard in many cars throughout streets in different parts of India! It is that kind of a song. And maybe once you hear it, if not already, it will make the same impact to you as well!

Artist – Bhupinder Babbal

“Arjan Vailly Ne Ho Pair Jodke Gandasi Maari Arjan Vailly Ne Ho Pair Jodke Gandasi Maari”

60. I Don’t Wanna Live Forever

I know, i know, this isn’t a particularly new or latest song in the market. But just listen to it! It needs to be on the list, ain’t it? Zayn with Taylor Swift – I mean what else would one want! Absolutely brilliant lyrics, music and a dynamic duo!

Album – Fifty Shades Darker

Artist – Zayn, Taylor Swift

“I don’t wanna live forever ‘Cause I know I’ll be living in vain. And I don’t wanna fit, wherever I just wanna keep calling your name.”

We hope you enjoyed our list of the best travel songs of all time. If you have any suggestions for future lists, please feel free to post them in the comments section below. Also, if you enjoyed this article and would like to see more like it, please follow us on Facebook or Instagram. We’re always looking for new ways to engage with our readers so stay tuned!

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Being a music lover i know that having a good playlist can pump up your mood while travelling and give you nostalgia after the trip is over. Thank you for this ❤❤

Heyy!! Glad you liked it ❤️

[…] BTW, Check out the TravelSole Travel Playlist with the best travel songs of all time! […]

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The best solo travel destinations, according to a long-time solo traveller

Travelling alone can be one of life's most rewarding experiences, says Tracey Davies, editor of 101 Singles Holidays

Solo travel is having a real renaissance right now. According to American Express’ latest Global Travel Trends report , 69 per cent of travellers are planning to go it alone this year, with women in the post-45 age bracket leading the charge. There are many reasons women choose to travel on their own: separation from a partner, a sabbatical from work, seeking empowerment and freedom, or simply wanting to do things their own way for a change.

So, if you’re looking for a yoga retreat in Spain , want to explore the Golden Triangle in India , or even snuffle for truffles in the forests of Slovenia , there are a million and one solo holiday ideas to garner inspiration from. Here are some of my favourites…

History in Edinburgh , thronging nightlife in Glasgow, heather-strewn glens in the Highlands – Scotland is a brilliant place to explore, period. Solo adventures to be had in Scotland could include a walking holiday in Glencoe, monster-spotting in Loch Ness or island hopping around the Hebrides .

See the best of the Highlands on a four-day Good Housekeeping tour this July, which includes a ride on the world-famous Jacobite steam train from Fort William to Mallaig. The train passes the stunning slopes of Ben Nevis, numerous dazzling lochs and the 21-arch Glenfinnan Viaduct (pictured), made famous by the Harry Potter film franchise.

Other highlights of this tour include a ride on the Falkirk Wheel boat lift and a cruise along the Firth of Clyde on the PS Waverley, the world's last ocean paddle steamer.

Spain hits the top spot as one of the easiest places to travel solo. It has Mediterranean beach resorts, buzzing cities abundant with cool bars and restaurants (like Granada, pictured), and small towns and picturesque villages that are perfect for pottering.

Add in a straightforward and reliable transport network, a plethora of solo accommodation options and friendly residents, it's easy to see why Spain is a great choice for a solo sojourn.

The Healthy Holiday Company offers numerous wellness trips throughout Spain. One of the best for solo travellers is Shanti Som, a small, boutique retreat in Andalusia. With just 15 rooms it offers an intimate experience plus has a yoga pavilion and gorgeous little spa that offers different treatments and therapies. FIND OUT MORE

Italy is incredibly welcoming to the solo traveller. Have you read the book or seen the movie Eat, Pray, Love ? Our hero Elizabeth Gilbert fell in love with the country’s great food, romantic language and utterly charming locals. Italy's also an easy country to get around in, thanks to its excellent transport network.

One of my favourite cities in Italy is Bologna (pictured). Known as La Grassa ('the fat one'), the northern city is a mecca for gastronomes . As well as feasting on hearty pasta dishes and locally-made wine, Good Housekeeping's six-day foodies tour (which begins and ends in Bologna) visits producers of Parma ham, balsamic vinegar and Parmesan, and includes an Italian cooking class in the neighbouring city of Modena.

FIND OUT MORE

Considered one of the safest countries in the world, Norway is the perfect destination for solo travellers, especially those looking to embrace friluftsliv , the Norwegian concept of enjoying the great outdoors.

Like other Nordic countries, Norway is incredibly well organised, efficient and easy to traverse. It also has a fantastic, solo-friendly dining scene with a focus on home-grown, seasonal produce.

Norway is one of the best places on earth to witness the Northern Lights , so join Good Housekeeping on this fantastic 12-day Norway cruise with no single supplement.

Departing November 2024 , you'll sail on a Hurtigruten ship, stopping off at the UNESCO-listed port of Bergen, the Lofoten Islands and Tromsø. As you cross the Arctic Circle, the chances of spotting the aurora borealis are almost guaranteed.

Famously welcoming, Slovenia is the perfect destination when travelling alone.

Bordering Hungary, Italy, Austria and Croatia , this small but mighty country is relatively straightforward to explore, thanks to its efficient transport system. The fact that there's also plenty to see and do – and that most people speak English – means it should be on any solo adventurer’s must-visit list.

This six-day guided Slovenia adventure , departing in October 2024, is a great introduction to Central and Southeastern Europe. The trip begins and ends in Ljubljana, Slovenia's cobblestoned capital, and includes tours of Triglav National Park, Lake Bled (pictured) and the UNESCO-listed Skocjan caves.

You’ll also enjoy wine tasting in the Vipava Valley and an afternoon learning about the art of truffle hunting.

For the original Shirley Valentine experience, look no further than Greece and its beautiful islands. Greece is ideal for solo travellers, whether you want to hoover up the ancient history in Athens or hop around the islands, relaxing on beaches and dining Shirley-style in traditional tavernas.

With an abundance of sprawling beach resorts, white-washed fishing harbours and rugged mountain villages to pick from on the islands, the hardest part is choosing which one to visit.

If you're looking to explore your creative side, check out learning holidays company Skyros . Staying in a rustic eco-lodge, this week-long holiday on Skyros (pictured), in the southern Sporades, includes creative writing sessions, stand-up comedy workshops and relaxing yoga classes.

As our closest continental neighbours, France is a good place to start when venturing abroad solo. It's easy to get around, dining alone is welcomed and the French are very accustomed to tourists.

Follow in the footsteps of Claude Monet on this four-day Good Housekeeping holiday taking in Paris and Giverny. Great for single travellers with a passion for art, the base for the trip (departing in July 2024) is the four-star Château de Montvillargenne in the heart of the Chantilly forest.

Excursions include a visit to Château de Chantilly and the market town of Senlis plus a guided tour of Monet's gardens in Giverny (pictured) led by gardening expert and writer Paula McWaters.

Considered to be one of the most captivating landscapes on the planet, Iceland is a must for any adventurer, including those going it alone.

With incredibly welcoming locals, Iceland is known as the Land of Fire and Ice, and offers visitors the chance to bathe in hot springs, climb sheer glaciers or come face-to-face with feisty volcanoes. To see this vast landscape in style, it's well worth joining a group tour (ideal for solo travellers) or hiring a car.

Soak in the famous Blue Lagoon (pictured), see the Skógafoss waterfall and hike up the Sólheimajökull glacier on an exhilarating five-day tour of Iceland. Hosted by Regent Holidays , this is a great option for solo travellers aiming to tick off a range of Iceland activities.

India was one of the first countries I ever travelled around alone (talk about throwing myself in at the deep end!) and while it was challenging in parts, it was also rewarding and transformative.

Whether you're looking to hike the Himalayas, 'find yourself' through yoga and meditation on a retreat or marvel at the Taj Mahal, India's unique culture and vibrancy is bucket list-worthy.

One of the easiest ways to explore India on your own is on an escorted tour. Solos Holidays itineraries are made specifically for the single traveller, and their Splendour's of Rajasthan tour explores the Golden Triangle of Jodhpur, Jaipur and Agra. Highlights include seeing the Taj Mahal at sunrise (pictured) and visiting the Amber Fort in the Aravalli Hills.

Gorgeous white beaches, rugged national parks and perhaps the prettiest medieval walled city in the world (hello, Dubrovnik ), Croatia is one of my favourite places in Europe to explore by myself.

Croatia is an easy country to get around, whether you want to go island hopping by ferry, catch a coach along the Adriatic Coast or hire a car to explore the country’s rugged interior.

If you want to see Croatia with a some like-minded folk, consider booking an escorted tour with Just You , a solo holidays specialist. Their Croatia and the Markarska Riviera trip focuses on the Dalmatian Coast and is bookended by stays in Zadar and Dubrovnik. It also includes a brilliant boat trip to Hvar and Brac (pictured), and a visit to Krka National Park.

More travel ideas:

- The best cruises for 2024

- Venice's hidden gems

- The 2025 holidays worth booking in advance

- The best mother-daughter holiday ideas

- Amazing holidays with celebrity guests

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