This week’s blog post is a compilation of some of the best travel songs that capture the spirit of travel that make great travelling “companions” for you to listen to whilst on the road, move, in the sea or air. They are are about travel in general, specific places to travel to, reasons why we travel, how we travel and songs that capture the joy of travelling. Some are happy, upbeat songs, others might be more sorrowful and emotional and some are ones you might not have heard before or seen on other lists of travel songs before. It was a long and hard decision to whittle a long list down to just ten, but the diverse outcome of different genres and artists (pop, rock, soul, funk, country, etc.) is perfect:
11) Midnight Train To Georgia by Gladys Knight & The Pips
A relaxing and beautiful song about following your heart and your lover sung by soulful crooner Gladys Knight and her backing singers The Pips.
10) Holiday by Madonna
Perfect, fun and camp song to get you excited for a holiday and take a break that also really throws you back to the feel-good vibes of the 80s.
9) Sweet Home Alabama by Lynyrd Skynyrd
There’s no place like home for some and this classic country-folk song really emphasises that laid-back, carefree lifestyle one can live.
8) Proud Mary by Tina Turner
Travelling by water is one of the world’s oldest modes of transport and still popular, whether it be “rolling on the river”, sailing the seas or cruising across oceans. Either way, this track really gets you pumped and excited.
7) Freeway Of Love by Aretha Franklin
A lesser known but still great Aretha Franklin track, you can listen to this song and imagine you and your partner are zooming down motorways at top speed, enjoying a fun road trip together.
6) Route 66 by The Rolling Stones
Written about the famous Route 66 and the freedom of travelling by car and by road, this bluesy rock and roll classic (originally by Nat King Cole) has been covered by many artists and bands, with The Rolling Stones probably being the most prolific and their version being the most popular, while the likes of Chuck Berry and Depeche Mode have also recorded it.
5) A Thousand Miles by Vanessa Carlton
Long-distance relationships are hard to maintain but this lovely piano-driven and orchestral song is all about pining after a loved one who you’ve been separated and how far you’re willing to travel just to be them and definitely a good listen if you’re taking the road, even if you’re not travelling to see someone.
4) Travelling Without Moving by Jamiroquai
The irony of this funky song is that you can’t listen to it without moving. It’s catchy and danceable and certainly makes a good upbeat change for a track to listen to when travelling.
3) Cruz by Christina Aguilera
If you’re feeling down and just want to get away from something and be by yourself or you’re moving away, this beautiful song can capture and fit that mood perfectly. It’s great to listen to as you’re travelling along trying to clear your head of all thoughts and lighten your mood.
2) Fly Away With Me by Aerosmith
Compared to our world-famous number one song, this rock ballad is a far lesser-known Aerosmith track. Written about wanting to escape from everything with a loved one, this is perfect to describe a romantic getaway. Or a forbidden love that means you have to elope…
1) Rockin’ All Over The World by Status Quo
A recognisable song that everybody should know, this fun rock and roll track is really something to get up and dance about. It is also very fitting for those who like to travel the world and have fun and be adventurous when they do so. Definitely a very fitting number one song!