Inspiring music: 10 albums that will inspire you to travel
Credit- Ben Groundwater From SMH
Music can inspire you to get out there and travel.
Music is one of those transportive mediums: with the right album playing, you’re instantly on a beach in Rio, or in a car in Nevada, or at a bar in Sicily. Even if you’ve never actually been to those places. That’s the great thing about it.
Some musicians’ albums are inevitably more evocative than others. If you’re lacking travel inspiration, give one of these a spin. You’ll be booking flights in hours.
This is a little obvious, but still, I challenge you to listen and not be instantly transported to a sweaty club in Havana, rum cocktail in your hand and Latino rhythms in your heart. Well, at the least you’ll dream of attaining those things. There’s something about Cuban music that makes you think you can dance when you clearly can’t, makes you think you can speak Spanish when you clearly can’t, and makes you think you can pull off wearing a fedora – when you clearly can’t.
Inspirational Songs for Traveling: Music to Fuel Wanderlust
Music can be a powerful force, especially when it comes to fueling your desire to travel. Certain songs and albums evoke feelings of adventure, freedom, and exploration, making them the perfect soundtrack for planning your next journey or hitting the open road. Here’s a look at some of the most inspiring songs for travelers and a list of 10 albumsthat will inspire you to embark on your next adventure.
Why Music Inspires Travel
Music has the ability to connect us with memories, emotions, and dreams, and for many, it can act as a catalyst for adventure. Whether it’s the upbeat rhythm of a song that motivates you to pack your bags or lyrics that speak about the beauty of the world, music often serves as an inspirational tool for travelers.
20 Songs That Spark Wanderlust
- “Life is a Highway” – Tom Cochrane: A classic road trip anthem, this song encapsulates the joy and freedom of the open road, reminding travelers to embrace every twist and turn on their journey.
- “Born to Run” – Bruce Springsteen: This powerful anthem about chasing dreams and breaking free from constraints is perfect for fueling your sense of adventure.
- “Send Me on My Way” – Rusted Root: With its upbeat, rhythmic melody, this song has become synonymous with a carefree spirit of exploration.
- “On the Road Again” – Willie Nelson: One of the quintessential travel songs, this track speaks directly to the heart of wanderers who feel most alive while journeying to new destinations.
- “I’m Gonna Be (500 Miles)” – The Proclaimers: This upbeat and energetic song reflects the dedication and excitement of traveling long distances, making it an excellent anthem for adventures far from home.
- “Africa” – Toto: This iconic song evokes the beauty and mystery of far-off lands and inspires listeners to explore diverse cultures and landscapes.
- “Take Me Home, Country Roads” – John Denver: A nostalgic, heartfelt song that conjures images of rural landscapes and the idea of returning to a place of peace and beauty.
- “Good Life” – OneRepublic: This uplifting track encourages travelers to appreciate the good things in life and soak in the beauty of the world around them.
- “Ramblin’ Man” – The Allman Brothers Band: A tribute to the wandering lifestyle, this classic rock song is perfect for those who love to explore and never stay in one place for too long.
- “Viva La Vida” – Coldplay: This anthem for self-reflection and transformation makes listeners think about life from a broader perspective, making it a great companion for travel.
- “Graceland” – Paul Simon: Blending Western music with African rhythms, this album opens up a world of global sounds that transport you to distant lands.
- “Travelling Without Moving” – Jamiroquai: With its funky beats and eclectic sound, this album taps into the exhilaration of travel and the freedom of exploration.
- “The Joshua Tree” – U2: Featuring expansive soundscapes and powerful lyrics, this album evokes a sense of wide-open spaces, making it ideal for long road trips.
- “In the Aeroplane Over the Sea” – Neutral Milk Hotel: This indie rock album’s dreamy and nostalgic vibes are perfect for daydreaming about travel adventures and new discoveries.
- “The Suburbs” – Arcade Fire: The album’s themes of escape and discovery are deeply inspiring for those longing to break free from routine and explore new places.
- “Fearless” – Taylor Swift: This album is packed with themes of adventure, love, and youthful wanderlust, making it a great companion for travel.
- “Viva la Vida or Death and All His Friends” – Coldplay: This emotionally charged album is great for introspective moments on the road, especially when you’re seeking inspiration for new journeys.
- “Born to Run” – Bruce Springsteen: With its rebellious spirit and anthems of freedom, this album inspires listeners to break away from the ordinary and chase new horizons.
- “Buena Vista Social Club” – Buena Vista Social Club: This Cuban album brings the vibrancy and soul of Havana right into your ears, inspiring you to travel and experience the music and culture of Latin America.
- “Mondo” – Electric Guest: With its catchy melodies and eclectic rhythms, this album feels like a soundtrack to a summer of travel and exploration.
Each of these albums has a distinct sound or theme that taps into the emotions of travel, adventure, and freedom. They speak to the spirit of exploration, whether it’s through the music’s rhythmic pull, the lyrics’ emphasis on wanderlust, or the cultural immersion that the songs offer. Listening to them while traveling—or even while dreaming of future adventures—can intensify the joy of exploration and connect you to the experience on a deeper level.
Conclusion
Music and travel share a unique bond. Songs and albums can transport you to another place, much like an actual journey does. Whether you’re preparing for a road trip, planning a vacation, or just daydreaming about future adventures, these songs and albums can serve as the perfect inspiration for your next travel escapade.
Which albums inspire you to travel? Or remind you of a great trip away?