What goes better together than music and travel? A good song takes you to distant places faster than any airplane, train, or the fanciest sports car. And that’s why there is also the perfect soundtrack for every trip. Does the sunshine? Then it’s time for California Soul. Rainy weather? Hello Adele. Optimistic? Get that 24K Magic in the air.
Whether you have a long-haul flight ahead of you, the road is waiting for you, or a train journey, the right music should definitely not be missing. Here are our songs for your next trip:
Songs for travel by plane
“Locked Out of Heaven” – Bruno Mars
I prefer to hear this one at the start. The bass really hits you and the dreamy synthesizer riffs adapt to the movement of the machine. Give it a try, this feels amazing and can even help you distract yourself if you’re nervous about flying.
“Wonderwild” – Hive Riot
As soon as the machine has reached its altitude and you are safely above the clouds, you can lean back and look out the window. Maybe you can catch a glimpse of mountains or cities, and the lightness in the air matches the synth-pop of the electro duo Hive Riot.
“Midnight City” – M83
When you land, you want to feel great before the landing gear hits the ground. You have just spent several hours in heaven. Enjoy this thought for a while as the machine finishes its approach.
Songs for traveling by car
How Big, How Blue, How Beautiful – Florence + The Machine
On this well-made indie album, Florence’s powerful voice is played against crisp rock riffs: A great start to any adventure. From the opening track “Ship to Wreck” to the anxious, complex-laden “Mother” you have a whole series of strong songs that can be shouted along while you drive along the country road.
Currents – Tame Impala
Not everyone likes psychedelic rock, but this album never feels wrong, no matter what journey I envision. The Australian rockers have made a record that will take you from the big city to the coast and anywhere you want to hang out.
Wolfgang Amadeus Phoenix – Phoenix
Maybe it’s just because their song “1901” is the ideal piece for a car advertisement, but there is something about this album that for me perfectly captures the feeling of a big city at night. I recommend it for driving through cities like Paris, Los Angeles, Berlin or Phoenix at night. Finally, the namesake should not be missing.
Songs for traveling by train
Pure Heroine – Lorde
The New Zealand heroine’s first album is made for leisurely rail travel. Eccentric and nostalgic, yet gentle and cheerful enough to look out the window to the melodies and reflect on the meaning of life.
Funeral – Arcade Fire
Maybe it’s the nerd in me who likes indie bands, but that was always one of those albums that you put on, sit back and then just enjoy. Goes well with a trip where you are in no hurry, and by the way, you can also pick up a few bits of French, namely on the tracks “Haiti” and “Une Année Sans Lumière”.
Loner – Sucre
All of Sucre’s songs are ideal for a trip that includes impressive landscapes. This five-song EP sets the stage for magic around every next corner. I particularly recommend them for a drive through the desert or a trip through the Alps.