Travelling can be exhausting, especially if you’re on the road a lot. Flying, driving, taking the train or the bus means plenty of down time. Regardless of your mode of travel, one of the best ways to prepare for travel is through music. Music can set the mood of the trip and keep you from losing your mind. Prepare for your trip with the right music and here is our pick of the best travel tunes!
“Sweet Home Alabama,” Lynyrd Skynyrd
American band Lynard Skynard popularized the Southern hard rock sounds of the ’70’s and their music is still played by bar bands everywhere. All it takes is a few chords and the crowd goes wild. Add this song and some other Lynard Skynard favorites like “Free Bird” to your play list and suddenly that long drive ahead won’t seem so long after all. Three of the original members of the band perished in a plane crash in 1977 but their music lives on.
“Istanbul (Not Constantinople),” They Might be Giants
They Might be Giants, an American alternative band formed in 1982, has a quirky, catchy sound that is hard to resist. Their style is an experiment in unconventional instruments and sound. Currently they produce mostly children’s songs and theme music for both television and film. With two Grammys and a certified platinum album, Flood, They Might be Giants has carved a permanent place in the alternative music genre. After you listen to Istanbul, keep the mood going with “The Mesopotamians.”
“Travelling Without Moving,” Jamiroquai
Add some funk to your travel plans with Jamiroquai and their song, “Travelling Without Moving.” This British band is a mix of jazz funk and acid jazz that is refreshing and original, but with a sound that will make you think of the disco days that emerged in the mid ’70’s. The band has won a Grammy and four MTV Video Music Awards for their song “Virtual Insanity” in 1997. Get into a funky groove no matter where you are or how you’re traveling.
“Wild Rover,” The Dubliners
The Dubliners, formed in 1962, were originally known as The Ronnie Drew Ballad Group. The band has produced a mix of upbeat folk songs, beautiful Irish ballads, and instrumentals for more than fifty years. Original lead singers of the band, Luke Kelly and Ronnie Drew, have passed on, but the band has continued its successful run with its current members. “Wild Rover” is a catchy tune that will have you wishing you could lift a glass of beer while singing along. To keep the beer-drinking spirit going, be sure to add “Seven Drunken Nights” to your song list.
“Time to Say Goodbye,” Andrea Bocelli
If opera is more your speed, “Time to Say Goodbye” is one of the most beautiful Italian songs ever sung. It also has the distinction of being one of the best-selling singles of all time. Bocelli later recorded the song with Sarah Brightman to great acclaim. Bocelli is a tenor from Italy and has been blind since the age of 12 after a football accident. He has been hugely successful in other genres like rock and pop. His soothing voice is perfect for getting in the travel mood. Add Bocelli’s version of “Ave Maria” to your play list and you’ll be ready for the trip ahead.
Music has a way of changing one’s outlook, so if you’re thinking the trip is going to be miserable or boring, pump up the music and get yourself in the travelling mood. Be sure to take the music with you too and you may discover that the getting there part of your trip is the best part.