50 Travel-Related Songs to Add to Your Playlist

And I Think to Myself, What a Wonderful World

1/51
Music-just like travel-unites us. No matter what genre you listen to, there are plenty of songs about the world around us, resonating with us in different ways. And just like Louis Armstrong said, "what a wonderful world" it is we live in. Here's a list of some of the best songs to add to your travel playlist.

New York, New York - Frank Sinatra

2/51
A classic song that has been remastered and covered by multiple artists over the years, highlighting all the wonder of The City That Never Sleeps.

Around the World - Multiple Artists

3/51
A song title that has been used by multiple artists-including Red Hot Chili Peppers, Kings of Leon, Daft Punk and more-getting the chance to travel around the world is something most people dream of. The Red Hot Chili Peppers may have said it best though: "Life is beautiful around the world."

Budapest - George Ezra

4/51
If you flew with Delta in 2015, you heard this song. This musical ode shows just how little material possessions mean compared to the one you love.

I've Been Everywhere - Johnny Cash

5/51
A laundry list of places sang by none other than the Man in Black. Could you imagine actually traveling "every road in this here land?" For some, it's the ultimate goal.

Welcome to Miami - Will Smith

6/51
A song that is almost impossible not to sing along to, Will Smith emphasizes the party scene and melding of cultures in Miami.

Kokomo - The Beach Boys

7/51
It may only be a fictitious island, but Kokomo invokes a tropical paradise that most dream of escaping to.

Two Tickets to Paradise - Eddie Money

8/51
A romantic, spur-of-the-moment getaway-ahh. If your loved one bought two tickets to paradise, would you pack your bags and leave tonight? Especially now, many people are wishing they could-wherever your version of paradise may be.

America - Simon & Garfunkel

9/51
A classic that touches on different areas of the United States and the "American dream."

Midnight Train to Georgia - Gladys Knight & The Pips

10/51
The journey between two different worlds-L.A. and Georgia-sung by the soulful Gladys Knight. A favorite among many from the Peach State-myself included.

Barcelona - Ed Sheeran

11/51
With an upbeat sound, it's easy to daydream about dancing in the streets of Barcelona while listening to this tune.

(Get Your Kicks on) Route 66 - Nat King Cole Trio

12/51
The dream of traveling down the iconic Route 66 is almost as synonymous with American culture as apple pie-especially when the song first debuted in 1957.

Down Under - Men at Work

13/51
Looking back on your travels, have you met some interesting characters? Although I'm still curious to know what "men chunder" means.

New York State of Mind - Billy Joel

14/51
A city as world-renowned as New York, it's no wonder that multiple songs have been written about it. But Billy Joel singing 'New York State of Mind' at Madison Square Garden will forever be a favorite of mine. And with more than 100 shows played at the arena, I'm not alone.

Come Away - Norah Jones

15/51
Sometimes just wishing we could run away with our loved one is all we really want. And whether you end up traveling by bus, to a mountaintop or staying under a tin roof, the dream of just leaving it all behind is a common theme among many travelers.

Ramblin' Man - The Allman Brothers

16/51
Road tripping around the Southeast in song form, 'Ramblin' Man' expresses the need to travel on a regular basis.

Carolina On My Mind - James Taylor

17/51
One of James Taylor's most popular songs, it's easy to picture sunny Carolina-either North or South, depending on where you've been-in your mind while listening to this song.

Amarillo by Morning - George Strait

18/51
Singing about the life of a rodeo contestant, 'Amarillo by Morning' is easy to relate to for anyone who spends their life on the road.

Roam - B-52's

19/51
Where is it you wish you could roam to right now? Thinking about travel without wings and without wheels, of course, makes us long for our favorite hiking trail.

Escape (The Pina Colada Song) - Rupert Holmes

20/51
Pina Coladas are synonymous with being in a tropical paradise, and while you may be feeling trapped at your current locale, dreaming of Pina Coladas can offer the perfect escape.

Born to Be Wild - Steppenwolf

21/51
We're all out here looking for adventure, and this song is able to put into words what many of us love.

Come Fly with Me - Frank Sinatra

22/51
It's amazing that the first flight took place only 117 years ago. Looking at the quick evolution of air travel over the past one hundred years, sometimes it's easy to take for granted the convenience of traveling by plane.

Africa - Toto

23/51
There aren't too many popular American songs about Africa, and really, it's a shame. Africa has so much to offer with different geographic regions, varying cultures and so much to be explored.

No Sleep till Brooklyn - The Beastie Boys

24/51
An all-time favorite road trip song, 'No Sleep till Brooklyn' is sure to get your blood pumping-especially when the drive is starting to lull you into drowsiness.

Heads Carolina, Tails California - Jo Dee Messina

25/51
Have you ever wanted to flip a coin to decide where your next adventure will be? Regardless of whether you love the east coast or west coast, it's easy to relate to this song.

International Love - Pitbull ft. Chris Brown

26/51
One of the greatest things about travel is you get to experience new cities-some of which you may not know how to pronounce their names-or visit places you didn't know existed.

Margaritaville - Jimmy Buffet

27/51
Before the Margaritaville restaurants and communities started popping up everywhere, Margaritaville was a tune that everyone hummed along to, and Parrot Heads belted out loud. A song about paradise, relaxing and chilling out with a delicious frozen concoction.

Walking in Memphis - Marc Cohn

28/51
Even if you haven't been to Memphis, it's almost like you have while listening to this song.

Empire State of Mind - Jay-Z

29/51
Another well-loved song about The Big Apple-and it even gives a shout out to Frank Sinatra.

Leaving on a Jet Plane - John Denver

30/51
All your bags are packed, and you're ready to go-where are you off to once travel starts back up again? Will you be going by plane, train or car?

Waka Waka (This Time for Africa) - Shakira

31/51
A theme song for the 2010 World Cup, this song shows the power of unity.

Anywhere - Passenger

32/51
No matter what your favorite mode of travel is, this song sings about it-even if it's by submarine.

Sweet Home Alabama - Lynyrd Skynyrd

33/51
If you're from the South, chances are you've heard this song belted out. You may have even been the one singing it at the top of your lungs during karaoke night.

On the Road Again - Willie Nelson

34/51
If you love to travel, your mind might constantly be thinking about where your next adventure will be because, like Willie, you can't wait to get on the road again.

Istanbul (Not Constantinople) - They Might Be Giants

35/51
Part history lesson, part light comedy, They Might Be Giants sings about the famed city.

California Dreamin' - Mamas & Papas

36/51
Have you ever daydreamed about being in another place? Especially when you're stuck in a dreary wintry locale, it's easy to daydream about warm and sunny California.

Rocket Man - Elton John

37/51
For when you really want to get away. Unfortunately, the cost of a mission with NASA will run you about $35,000. Instead, take a trip to one of these destinations.

Paris, Tokyo - Lupe Fiasco

38/51
How many places do you wish you could hop around to? Is it on your bucket list to go to sleep in Paris? Or wake up in Tokyo?

Toes - Zac Brown Band

39/51
It's easy to picture yourself on the beach somewhere while listening to this song-of course with your toes in the sand and a cold drink in your hand.

Party in the USA. - Miley Cyrus

40/51
It's easy to relate to people over music. Whether you actually fit into the stereotypes of the city you're currently in or feeling kind of homesick, songs just have a way of easing our mood.

Somewhere Over the Rainbow - Israel Kamakawiwo'ole

41/51
Originally written for 'The Wizard of Oz,' this song is about a journey towards hope and happiness. Israel's version of the song with the ukulele brings a nice tropical feel that has become famous around the world.

Paris - The Chainsmokers

42/51
Paris is full of beautiful buildings with dreamy terraces where you can take in the city. And whether you're hiding out from your parents or just enjoying the city, Paris is a must-visit.

Galway Girl - Ed Sheeran

43/51
Have you ever been to an Irish pub? Most often you'll find a lively atmosphere filled with singing, dancing and making sure everyone is having great craic.

Havana - Camila Cabello

44/51
Is your heart in Havana? It's easy to become entranced by this city. And although there have been even more travel restrictions for visiting Cuba, Americans are still able to travel here for the time being.

Fast Car - Tracey Chapman

45/51
Sometimes all you need is a fast car to get out of your current situation and find somewhere new. If you could start all over, where would it be?

Fly Away - Lenny Kravitz

46/51
With current travel restrictions in place because of the coronavirus pandemic, the ability to fly is being even more wished for by travelers. Hopefully soon we will begin to see some normalcy in our routines again.

Life is a Highway - Tom Cochrane

47/51
Whether you think of the classic version of this song or Rascal Flatt's version made for Pixar's 'Cars,' this is the ultimate road trip song.

Chicago - Frank Sinatra

48/51
Although Frank Sinatra is actually from Hoboken, New Jersey, he sings 'Chicago' and makes you feel like you're there.

Luckenbach, Texas - Waylon Jennings

49/51
Sometimes what we really need to just to slow down to enjoy life. Are you rushing through your life, or are you taking time to enjoy the things that are important to you?

Ticket to Ride - The Beatles

50/51
The Beatles' songs are recognized and played all over the world-even 45 years after the band broke up. If you had a ticket to go anywhere in the world, where would it be?

Despacito - Luis Fonsi

51/51
A song that took the world by storm, 'Despacito' deserves its own spot on our list. Although not about travel, it does show how connected we really are.

Next Slide > >

< < Prev Slide

Lauren Bowman

Lauren Bowman

Lauren Bowman is a travel enthusiast. She loves experiencing new cultures, trying new foods, learning about the world around her, and believe it or not, she loves hanging out in airports. Follow her on Instagram/Twitter @lbowmantravels or contact her at [email protected]

Get To Know Us Better

Agent At Home

Helping leisure selling travel agents successfully manage their at-home business.

Subscribe For Free

Agent Specialization: Group Travel

Laurence Pinckney

Laurence Pinckney

CEO of Zenbiz Travel, LLC

About Me
Agent At Home

Helping leisure selling travel agents successfully manage their at-home business.

Subscribe For Free

Agent Specialization: Group Travel

Laurence Pinckney

Laurence Pinckney

CEO of Zenbiz Travel, LLC

About Me