While they say that travel is more about the journey than the destination, sometimes our journeys are hours of sitting on planes or trains, trying to amuse ourselves with books, movies and music. If you’re anything like me, then listening to music while travelling is a great way to pass the time, relax and daydream about the adventures you’re going to have. It also can be a really good way to stave off motion sickness. Listening to certain songs at certain destinations (or on certain trips) can mean that even years later whenever you hear that song you will be transported back to that wonderful holiday you took, or magical place you discovered. To this day I can’t hear Avicii’s ‘Wake Me Up’ without thinking I’m back on my bus tour through Europe and about to stop at a service station (they used it as our ‘wake-up we’re about to stop’ song)!
I thought I would share my favourite travel playlist, the music I most like to listen to before, during and after travelling!
My Travel Music Playlist
Before You Go/At The Beginning
Fly Away – Lenny Kravitz
Listen to it: While planning your travels, or at the beginning of your adventure!
Let Go – Frou Frou
Listen to it: When you’re thinking of going travelling, as you leave, whenever you need a reminder to ‘let go’ and ‘jump in’ whether it’s life or travel related!
Don’t Stop Believing – Journey
Listen to it: As you set out on your journey of course!
During Your Travels
Beautiful Day – U2
Listen to it: When the weather is perfect!
Paradise – Coldplay
Listen to it: in paradise, of course! Where exactly that might be is up to you.
Pure Shores – All Saints
Listen to it: When you’re lying on a pristine beach or setting off on a tropical island adventure.
Chase the Sun – Planet Funk
Listen to it: When you’re visiting somewhere sunny or on a road trip to the coast!
From Paris to Berlin – Infernal
Listen to it: While you’re getting ready to hit the clubs in Europe!
I’m Gonna Be (500 Miles) – The Proclaimers
Listen to it: When you’re in the middle of a summer romance, or just having a few drinks with your new friends in the hostel!
Travelling Woman – Bat for Lashes
Listen to it: When you’re really tired and/or hungover and just need to chill out.
Mode of Transport Specific Songs
Life is a Highway – Tom Cochrane
Listen to it: On a rocking road trip!
Road Trippin’ – Red Hot Chili Peppers
Listen to it: On a road trip with your besties.
Big Jet Plane – Angus and Julia Stone
Listen to it: While flying somewhere.
Orinoco Flow (Sail Away) – Enya
Listen to it: While you sail away on a yacht.
Destination Specific Songs
Africa – Toto
Listen to it: As you head off on an African Safari!
New York – The Boxer Rebellion
Listen to it: When you want to get in the New York spirit but want something a bit softer than Jay-Z and Alicia Keys.
Istanbul (Not Constantinople) – They Might Be Giants
Listen to it: When travelling to Istanbul, or when you just want a little giggle (the music video is rather amusing too)!
Sweet Home Alabama – Lynyrd Skynyrd (or Jewel in this version)
Listen to it: On a road trip to the Southern states of America, or on your way home after your travels.
Great Southern Land – Icehouse
Listen to it: When you’re going backpacking around Australia, or heading home (if you’re an Aussie like me)!
After Your Travels/Coming Home
Coming Home, Pt II – Skylar Grey
Listen to it: After a really long trip, when you’re looking forward to being home.
I Still Call Australia Home – Peter Allen
Listen to it: If you’re an Aussie on your way back home!
I hope you’ve liked seeing my picks for a travel music playlist, and maybe gotten some inspiration for your own travel music! Are there any songs I’ve missed that you think should definitely be on my travel music playlist? Let me know!
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