Load up your iPod with these 10 songs; a custom-made playlist I put together for adventurous travellers like you.
In This Travel/Music Article You Will Discover:
- Classic Songs for Travellers
- Songs to Inspire
- Songs For Introspective Types
- And More…
Whether for inspiration or introspection, music and travel go hand-in-hand. Here are my picks for the 10 Best Songs for Travellers:
Hard Sun – Eddie Vedder
Best For: Heading into the wilderness alone.
Part of the soundtrack to the film Into the Wild, this song by living-legend Eddie Vedder seems to encapsulate all the wonder and power of nature.
Good Life — One Republic
Best For: In-flight vacation anticipation.
This feel-good tune from pop superstars One Republic is the new traveller’s anthem — fun, light and self-satisfied.
Born to be Wild — Steppenwolf
Best For: Hitting the open road on two wheels.
This tune reeks of being an overplayed, outdated classic rock staple — until you scream the lyrics inside your helmet while riding a motorcycle way too fast. Then you’ll understand.
Weighty Ghost — Wintersleep
Best For: Hippie backpackers the world ’round.
This lesser-known, jangling, funky song conjures up images of restless travellers and restless lives.
Roam — The B52′s
Best For: Road-tripping with friends.
“Roam if you want to/Roam around the world.” ‘Nuff said — but to me, it’s the fun, spirit-lifting melody of this song that really makes it a travel favourite.
Redemption Song — Bob Marley
Best For: Late night campfires on any beach, anywhere.
Maybe it’s simply the international, borderless spirit of Bob Marley that makes this one a traveller’s favourite, ‘cause lord knows the song ain’t about vacationing.
Heading for Nowhere — Jets Overhead
Best For: Staring out a bus window into a strange land.
A relentless beat and point-perfect lyrics make this track perfect for anyone who is as the song title says. Oh, and I know the drummer. NBD.
Wagon Wheel — Old Crow Medicine Show
Best For: Hitchhiking with no set destination.
Modern bluegrass sound with an inescapable hook helps this song from OCMS inspire the vagabond in all of us.
Wish You Were Here — Pink Floyd
Best For: When you’re feeling homesick.
Be careful how homesick you are before playing this mood-depresser — you may just sit down and cry right there.
Paper Planes — M.I.A
Best For: A “particular” type of travel…
Fans of the song will know what I mean. Regardless, M.I.A’s violent, rebel-rousing tale of international drug runners is perfect even for the wanna-be outlaw.
What is your favourite travel song?
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{ 5 comments… read them below or add one }
Somehow I’m guessing that the ironic Leavin on Jet Plane by John Denver probably won’t make this list!
This list is amazing! Another great song you could add to the list if “Half Mast” by Empire of the Sun. I love listening to this song not only when I’m traveling, it’s an all-moment song lol if there’s a thing. More power to you!
Good post man! I would have to say House of Pain – Jump Around. Doesn’t matter where or when you play it, everyone knows it and it just gets everyones energy up.
For sure… I almost placed that one on the list. There’s also this great Vancouver-based band called “Warless” that has some really good tunes as well…
Another good one is “Ramblin’ Man” by Lemon Jelly. Perfect for looking out the window of a bus.