Top 20 Songs That Will Make You Want to Travel

The Lumineers


For this folk-inspired tune, The Lumineers tap into a feeling that we all have at one point or another. The lyrics tell a compelling story about wanting to escape a town. “Sleep on the Floor” lets us all live out the fantasy of leaving one place, only to hopefully find something better in another. Wesley Schultz sings over a charming track that’s packed to the brim with emotional details. Whether it’s about a physical place or a new mental state, we all wish for this kind of positive change in our lives. The hopeful single reminds us to be spontaneous, inspiring us to push forward and find that satisfying destination.

Vanessa Carlton


How far would you travel for someone you care about? Vanessa Carlton delves into those emotions in a pop ballad filled with heartfelt words. “A Thousand Miles” is a shameless tribute to the passion that makes us do drastic things. This includes heading to the ends of the earth for romance, backed by an orchestral arrangement that could sweep you off your feet. Carlton’s piano arrangement hypnotizes listeners while the singer’s lyrics make us believe in love again. While it’s been a pop culture staple for over twenty years, it still makes a strong statement about following your heart.

Peter Gabriel


In this early solo effort, Peter Gabriel reminds everyone that he’s much more than the former Genesis frontman. Gabriel’s mystical song describes a transformative trip to the title location. His smooth voice brings to life the details of the experience, creating great descriptions of the scenery and the event. Listening to this song, you might be jealous of the singer’s physical and spiritual journey. With an upbeat sound, this pop number makes you want to find your own happy place. It doesn’t have to be a hilltop in England either. At the end of the day, this classic never fails to send you to a faraway place.

Styx

Using all of their best tricks, Styx imbues one of their finest tracks with an elaborate setup. Dennis DeYoung slowly builds the scene with bold images and allusions to sailing. The singer and piano take you on a magical and musical adventure, finally kicking things into high gear with a rocking transition. The entire band then joins in for the energetic chorus of “Come Sail Away.” There’s also hints at an extraordinary trip that takes you across the ocean and even into space. No matter what far away place that this song is exploring, it’s made even better by the elaborate production.

Madonna


The kind of vacation that Madonna sings about might just be one of the greatest ever. Her fun and pop-tastic energy inspires listeners to finally take that trip they’ve always wanted. “Holiday”’s bubbly production is so catchy that it might just hypnotize you and before you know it, you’ll be on that dream vacation - in your mind at least. You’ll be magically transported to your ideal destination by the time this reaches the chorus. Even if you don’t have any time off, this song serves as the perfect substitute for all your traveling fantasies.

Indigo Girls


Not every journey has to be over a long distance. Sometimes they play out in the mind, with the traveler taking great strides to find themselves. This is partly what “Closer to Fine” is all about. The Indigo Girls craft a song that digs into the mysteries of life, with the promise of self-discovery around every corner. They take you to the mountains and back again in a hopeful tune. Younger listeners might recognize this song from “Barbie,” while longtime fans have appreciated this message for many years. Maybe another listen of this indie classic will prompt you to do your own soul searching.

Talking Heads


The innovative Talking Heads charted an experimental course through the 1970s and 1980s. Their third album “Fear of Music” includes one of their most travel friendly songs. “Cities” is arguably one of the funkiest travelogs ever, sending listeners on a worldwide tour of desirable destinations. David Byrne’s eccentric delivery only adds to the overall experience. There’s a city for everyone it seems, with each one having unique features and fun tidbits to learn about. The band’s bouncy energy only makes this sonic trip that much more enticing. If you only know them from their bigger hits, you should definitely investigate this track for more fascinating and educational insights.

Christopher Cross


For his most recognizable hit, Christopher Cross uses sailing as a metaphor. It was inspired by going boating with a friend to escape the troubles of his life. You don’t need to love the open ocean to find something stirring about this musical tale. The yacht rock staple speaks to the wonders of a good distraction, sending your mind to a far off place. It also has an almost therapeutic quality with its soothing guitar and piano parts. Cross’ lyrics seek to find inner peace, giving us another reason to love hobbies that encourage us to explore the unknown.

James Taylor


Some people have a vacation spot that they go to in their dreams. You don’t necessarily have to know much about this destination either, only that you hope to get there soon. For James Taylor, he imagines the beauty of one country in particular. “Mexico” represents an exotic place that the artist hopes to travel to some day. Taylor’s easygoing delivery takes you to a better place in and of itself. The happy beat carries you away, with the man’s soothing voice transporting listeners to a better state of mind. It’s another excuse to take a load off and consider some time for relaxation.

Billy Joel


Featured on his album “The Stranger,” Billy Joel crafts another incredible story through song. The piano man spins a yarn about someone trying to find themselves. Mentioning the Austrian city, Joel uses it to talk about concepts like aging. Sometimes you need to slow down and enjoy the moment without moving so fast. “Vienna” gives listeners a gentle reminder that their dreams don’t have to come true right away. Partially inspired by his past and his own family, the singer weaves together complicated memories into a beautiful message. The European city comes alive in a metaphorical sense, teaching a lesson about the maturity and perspective that comes with age.

Jackson Browne

Using beautiful descriptions, Jackson Browne puts us all in a nomadic state of mind. His song “Running on Empty” mixes up a cocktail of nostalgia infused with the feeling of not being tied down. The road imagery helps to tell a tale of searching and not worrying about the past or how much gas is in the tank. Browne’s storytelling feels like the perfect companion for a long drive. No matter how much you listen to it, the single only enhances everything from a casual ride to a life-changing trip. The artist’s writing keeps you engaged, inspiring everyone from the average listener to “Forrest Gump” to go the extra mile.

Lindsey Buckingham

Most people probably remember this song from the original “National Lampoon’s Vacation.” Despite its 1980s pop vibes, “Holiday Road” still feels like one of the ultimate travel songs of any decade. While the video might have more sinister undertones, the song itself is undeniably catchy with an awesome hook at its core. You might even find yourself singing along with the chorus if you can reach the high notes. And if you have fond memories of the “Vacation” series, you’ll also associate this single with plenty of comedic adventures. Buckingham sure knows how to make a vacation sound appealing.

Steppenwolf

With its “heavy metal thunder,” this song is the ideal choice to accompany road escapades in films like “Easy Rider.” It’s also one of the hardest rock releases about hitting the open highway. Some might even call it groundbreaking, combining a free-spirited point-of-view with the universal need for adventure. Steppenwolf provides an electric sound that hypes you up to explore the world in a loud vehicle. Whether or not you own a cool ride, this track arguably wants you to set out on your next trip in style. There’s also a message about the freedom of the road that appeals to generations of travelers.

John Denver

Who doesn’t love this iconic John Denver track? You don’t have to be from West Virginia to appreciate the places this song takes you. Denver and his co-writers created an ode to the country roads of America. The routes in question could be from anywhere, connecting listeners from all 50 states and beyond to the places they call home. It also features descriptions that might entice you to get off the highway and explore another path. The singer’s calming voice lulls audiences into a loving tribute to all the places we call home.

Lou Reed

From his time in the Velvet Underground to his solo work, Lou Reed never held back as an artist. His single “Walk on the Wild Side” is an unlikely snapshot of alternative America. With references to real people, the iconic hit tells the story of outcasts heading for life in the city. The singer is blunt about these people’s adventures, with both authentic and sometimes graphic depictions about their lives. Through it all, he encourages free spirits and marginalized people to embrace their wild side. His words provide a poetic look at the early 1970s, inspiring people ever since to look beyond their ordinary lives.

Tom Cochrane

In the early 1990s, Tom Cochrane released a hit that still resonates to this day. “Life Is a Highway” features a message about breaking free from the confines of your routine and living in the moment. Cochrane’s chorus makes you want to celebrate what you have and not take anything for granted. The highway of our lives represents all of the hopes, dreams, and possibilities that await us. With a spirited vocal, the singer talks about taking on the road while we’re still able. Many people might remember the Rascal Flatts cover, further illustrating the song’s enduring quality with newer fans.

Hank Snow

Originally written by Australian Geoff Mack, “I’ve Been Everywhere” eventually made its way around the world. Hank Snow famously recorded an American version in 1962. You might have heard this song from any number of artists, with everyone from country to metal bands paying tribute to the classic concept. With so many people covering this track, it’s only fair to say that it’s become a cultural touchstone. The many name-checked cities represent the ultimate traveler’s bucket list. It’s also impressive to hear the vocalist rattle off places with such efficiency. You don’t have to be American to find this version appealing, but there’s also many variations to satisfy your wanderlust.

Simon & Garfunkel

With a career full of legendary tracks, “America” puts Paul Simon’s songwriting talents on full display. This single nails down the feeling of being on a transformative road trip with your partner. Not only does Simon have an eye for details, he puts the listener right in the middle of the action. You feel like you’re joining him on a bus trip to see the bright spots of the country. There’s also plenty of small moments between characters, bringing a literary quality to the writing. Savoring every rich detail, this might be one of the most poetic odes to the nation.

The B-52s

Always ready to have a good time, The B-52s push boundaries and defy expectations in their eclectic career. Their song “Roam” sounds like one of the ultimate tributes to travel, while also being a testament to their musical abilities. The single celebrates a love for seeking new experiences and searching every corner of the earth. With the wonderful voices of Kate Pierson and Cindy Wilson, the group sings angelic notes that expand your mind. The late 1980s hit makes you feel happier more than anything. When the firecracker track ends, you might even want to get your passport stamped.

Willie Nelson

From the “Honeysuckle Rose” soundtrack, this song has been a classic since the 1980s. It speaks to the power of Willie Nelson’s writing that this feels both vintage and refreshing. The timeless tune embraces the future and the possibilities of a road trip. With an easygoing vibe, “On the Road Again” features a likable sound that even non-country fans can love. You can’t help but love the fun-loving and positive lyrics from Nelson. The skilled songwriter makes you want to sing along before taking on the open road yourself. His storytelling abilities here contribute to his beloved status in music.




Did we forget another track that makes you want to hit the road? Let us know in the comments below.