20 songs about traveling

In 1991, Tom Cochrane released his hit single “Life is a Highway.” It was in 2005 when Rascal Flatts released their cover of the song for the Pixar-animated film Cars. “Life is a Highway” reinforces that life is a journey for people to ride along the way. The roads can get a bit rough, but people continue to journey on. 

Rock band Red Hot Chili Peppers take listeners on an acoustic journey on “Road Trippin.’” They detail everything from packing up the car with their gear and snacks to driving without a real destination.

In 2002, pop singer Vanessa Carlton came onto the scene with her hit single “A Thousand Miles.” The song is about the journey to see or be with a loved one. On the hook, she says, “If I could fall into the sky / Do you think time would pass us by / Cause you know I’d walk a thousand miles if I can just see you tonight.” 

In 2012, country duo Florida Georgia Line released their debut album, Here’s to the Good Times, led by the single “Cruise.” On the track, the duo tells the story about being enamored with a potential lover, so much so that they want to cruise down a highway with her. The song became a top-five hit on the Billboard Hot 100. 

The Go-Go’s 1982 single “Vacation” tells the story of returning home from a getaway and missing the person one met. So now, they desire to take another vacation back to see their potential lover. 

On Lupe Fiasco’s 2008 “Paris, Tokyo,” the rapper details the life of touring the world and missing his lover. He also highlights how he would keep pictures of his lover in his passport and dream about her on many nights. On the hook, he says, “Let’s go to sleep in Paris / Wake up in Tokyo / Have a dream in New Orleans / Fall in Chicago.” 

In 2013, country singer Sam Hunt released an acoustic mixtape, Between the Pines. One of the project’s standout singles is “Vacation.” On the track, Hunt details the relaxing feeling of being on vacation. He highlights different travel activities, such as swimming, parasailing, and eating fine cuisine. 

Willie Nelson is a country legend, and while his discography is quite vast, one of his most recognizable tracks is “On the Road Again.” The track details how much he loves the tour life with his band and traveling to different cities. “On the Road Again” won a Grammy Award for Best Country Song. 

Steppenwolf’s 1967 hit “Born To Be Wild” is the unofficial theme song for people who love riding motorcycles. The first verse says it all: “Get your motor runnin’ / Head out on the highway / Looking for adventure / In whatever comes our way.” "Born To Be Wild" reached No. 2 on the Billboard Hot 100. 

“I’ve Been Everywhere” was first written in 1959 and emphasized Australian places in the songs, but it was later adapted to use North and South American places. When Johnny Cash covered the song, he mentioned his whereabouts in cities such as Chicago, Toronto, and Boston. 

In 1995, Janet Jackson released her wanderlust jam “Runaway.” It’s the type of song for listeners who want to travel the world with the one they love. While Jackson mentions she’s been all over, from Africa to Mexico to Australia, she realizes she wants to see the world with her lover.

In 1989, new wave band The B-52s released its fifth studio album, Cosmic Thing. The fourth single, "Roam," was produced by Nile Rodgers and highlighted life as a journey, even when it's all said and done.

John Denver first released “Leaving on a Jet Plane” in 1966, but then Peter, Paul & Mary released their cover a couple of years later. The song tells the story of a person taking some time away and leaving the person he loves. He doesn’t know when he’ll return but hopes his lover will wait for him.

On “California Dreamin',” The Mamas & The Papas are tired of cold and dreary weather and are ready to travel to sunny California. The track became a top-five hit on the Billboard Hot 100. 

John Denver's 1971 hit "Take Me Home, Country Roads" gives a sweet feeling of driving down the open road back to a place that he loves. On the track, Denver mentions driving through states like West Virginia and passing the Shenandoah River. 

In 1946, Nat King Cole released the original version of "Route 66," and in 1991, his daughter Natalie Cole released her version. While Route 66 was once a popular highway for people to travel through the states, the song details a road trip along the West Coast. 

Since Ed Sheeran and Stormzy both hail from the U.K., it's only fitting that the two linked up on "Take Me Back to London." While they trade verses about their lifestyles, they also reflect on traveling back to their hometown. 

In 1975, James Taylor released his sixth album Gorilla. It garnered several singles, including the top-five Billboard hit "Mexico." On the track, Taylor describes his feelings about taking a trip to Mexico to help him relax and ease his mind.

On A Tribe Called Quest's debut single, "I Left My Wallet in El Segundo," Q-Tip tells the story of roaming the streets while his parents are away. He and his friends go to a restaurant, and he's enamored by the waitress — so much so that he leaves a tip but forgets his wallet. 

In 2002, country star Kenny Chesney released his sixth album, No Shoes, No Shirt, No Problems. The final single of the same name details how folks can feel overworked and need a vacation.