20 Best Songs About Traveling

Richard Ellison

Traveling is one of the most enriching and life-changing experiences that a person can have. It gives us new perspectives on ourselves, on humanity, and on our world. And, as we all know from experience, it changes you in ways that can be difficult to articulate or even recognize at first.

There are many songs about travel – some celebratory and others more somber – but they all express different facets of what it means to journey far and wide. Here are twenty songs that explore the different facets of traveling: its triumphs and failures; its trials and triumphs; everything in between.


Travelin’ Man – Ricky Nelson

Released in 1961, Travelin’ Man was one of Ricky Nelson’s biggest hits. The song is an ode to the freedom and adventure of traveling, and its lyrics perfectly capture the excitement and romance of exploring new places. As Nelson sings:

This song is the perfect anthem for anyone who loves to travel, and it will surely get your feet tapping and your heart racing as you dream about your next adventure.

“On My Way” – The Melodic

The Melodic - "On My Way"

On My Way is a song about the journey of life. It talks about the struggles and hardships that one encounters on the way, but also celebrates the moments of happiness and joy. The song is a reminder that no matter what life throws our way, we can always find our way back home if we keep moving forward. Its lyrics are about a person who is taking a journey, and everything he sees on his way fills him with the urge to keep moving forward. He knows that all of it will be worth it when he finally gets home, or wherever his destination may lead.

Traveling Alone – Passenger

Passenger | Travelling Alone (Live - Ziggo Dome, Amsterdam)

Most of us have been there: standing at the airport check-in counter, about to board a plane by ourselves for the first time. It can be a daunting experience, but also a liberating one. And no one captures that feeling quite like Passenger with his song “Traveling Alone.” The lyrics are simple but poignant, painting a picture of someone who is both excited and anxious about embarking on a new journey.

The Funeral – Band of Horses

Band of Horses - The Funeral [OFFICIAL VIDEO]

The Funeral by Band of Horses is a song about the death of a loved one. The lyrics explore the idea of how life goes on after someone dies, and how those left behind have to find a way to move on. The song is both sad and beautiful, and it perfectly captures the grief and sadness that come with losing someone close to you. Its lyrics are about traveling, and it mentions the ocean and an old house that used to stand, but is now just a memory.

Renegades – X Ambassadors

X Ambassadors - Renegades (Lyric Video)

Renegades is a song about defying expectations and going against the grain. It’s a song about following your own path in life, even if that means standing alone. The lyrics talk about how it’s worth it to be a renegade, even if it means standing up against the world. This song is perfect for anyone who feels like they don’t quite fit in, or anyone who’s been told they can’t do something.

Blue Skies – Noah And The Whale

Noah And The Whale - Blue Skies

Blue Skies is a song by English indie folk band Noah and the Whale. It was released as the fourth single from their second album, The First Days of Spring. The song was written by lead vocalist and guitarist Charlie Fink about his then-girlfriend, who had recently moved to New York City.

The song is a upbeat ode to the optimism of new beginnings and fresh starts. Fink has said that the song is about “the idea of being in a new place and everything being possible.” The music video for Blue Skies was shot on location in New York City and features scenes of Fink and his girlfriend walking around the city and spending time together.

Adventure Of A Lifetime – Coldplay

Coldplay - Adventure Of A Lifetime (Official Video)

Adventure Of A Lifetime by Coldplay is a song about a journey that the singer has embarked on. The song celebrates the excitement and adventure of taking risks in life and experiencing new things. It’s a beautiful song that encourages listeners to seize the day and live life to the fullest. Its lyrics are about people who stop living their lives as soon as they reach a certain age.

This song has been nominated for the Grammy Award for Song of the Year and Best Pop Solo Performance at the 58th Annual Grammy Awards Show. In this article, we will be exploring 20 songs about traveling that have won your hearts. So let’s get started!

Californication – Red Hot Chili Peppers

Red Hot Chili Peppers - Californication (Official Music Video) [HD UPGRADE]

Californication by Red Hot Chili Peppers is a song about the allure of the California lifestyle. The song is full of references to the sun, the ocean, and Hollywood. It’s a song about someone who is seduced by the glamour and excitement of California and ends up falling in love with it. Its lyrics are about how one can lose themselves in a city like Golden State’s Los Angeles.

Dirty Paws – Of Monsters and Men

Of Monsters And Men - Dirty Paws (Official Lyric Video)

Dirty Paws is a song about a couple who are on the brink of breaking up. The woman is desperate to save the relationship, but the man is ready to give up. The song explores the idea of traveling as a means of escape–both from the pain of a broken relationship and from the mundanity of everyday life. Its lyrics are about the need to get out of a situation that is forcing one into a cage, and the lyrics are filled with imagery of being free from the ties of life.

These Days – Foo Fighters

Foo Fighters - These Days (Official Music Video)

The Foo Fighters song “These Days” perfectly encapsulates the feeling of being on the road. It celebrates the freedom and adventure that comes with traveling, while also acknowledging the loneliness and uncertainty that can sometimes accompany it. With its heavy guitars and powerful lyrics, “These Days” is a perfect song for those who are hitting the open road. Some people may be turned off by the upbeat, rowdy nature of this song. 

Heroes – David Bowie

David Bowie - Heroes (Official Video)

Heroes is a song by David Bowie, released in 1977. The song was written by Bowie and Brian Eno, and produced by Bowie and Tony Visconti. A “platinum-selling” hit, the song was one of the most popular tracks of the 1970s for Bowie. In 2003, the song was ranked number 282 on Rolling Stone magazine’s list of The 500 Greatest Songs of All Time. Many songs about traveling have an underlying theme of heroism, which is no coincidence; travel itself is heroic. On the road or in any other part of the world, everyone’s a hero.

Old Pine – Ben Howard

Ben Howard - Old Pine

Ben Howard’s song “Old Pine” is a haunting ballad about a traveler who is far from home. The lyrics capture the loneliness and isolation of being away from loved ones, and the beauty of encountering new places and faces. It’s a perfect song for those who are longing to wander the world. Some people are just meant to be old pines, growing in someone else’s forest.

I Wasn’t Born To Follow – The Byrds

The Byrds - Wasn't Born To Follow (Audio)

The Byrds were one of the most influential folk rock bands of the 1960s, and their song “I Wasn’t Born to Follow” explores the challenges and rewards of taking on a life of travel. The song is about a man who is tired of living a life that is dictated by others, and he decides to take to the open road in order to find his own way. The song celebrates the freedom and adventure that comes with traveling, and it is a perfect anthem for anyone who is looking to break out of their comfort zone and explore the world.

Not Today – Imagine Dragons

Imagine Dragons - Not Today (Audio)

Not Today” is a song by Imagine Dragons about continuing to fight even when the odds seem insurmountable. It’s a song about perseverance in the face of difficulty, and it’s perfect for when you’re feeling down and need a little boost to keep going. The lyrics are inspiring, and the melody is upbeat and catchy. Some people might even say it’s a motivational song.

Hopeless Wanderer – Mumford & Sons

Mumford & Sons - Hopeless Wanderer (Official Music Video)

Mumford & Sons are one of the most renowned folk-rock bands in the world. Their song “Hopeless Wanderer” perfectly encapsulates the feeling of wanderlust that so many of us experience. The lyrics are about a man who is tired of his mundane life and longs to explore the world. The song is a great reminder that there is so much to see and do in this world, and that we should never take our lives for granted.

Travelling – Paper Lions

Travelling - Paper Lions

If you’re looking for a song to inspire your next adventure, look no further than “Travelling” by Paper Lions. This upbeat tune is all about embracing the unknown and embracing new experiences. As the lyrics say, “I’m not scared of dying, I’m scared of not living.” So hit the road (or the skies or the seas) and see what the world has to offer!

Some people get so bogged down in their everyday lives that they forget to stop, take a breath, and enjoy what’s right in front of them. Sadly, this is often why people don’t get out much – because they’re afraid. “Travelling” will put those fears to rest.

Home Is Where The Heart is – Ramon Mirabet

Ramon Mirabet - Home is where the heart is (Videoclip Oficial)

Ramon Mirabet’s song “Home is Where the Heart Is” beautifully captures the longing for a home we all feel at some point in our lives. The song speaks to the idea that no matter where we are in the world, our home is always with us in our hearts. It’s a reminder that no matter how far we roam, we’ll always be able to find our way back home. Its lyrics are about moving away and coming back, but always returning to one’s roots.

Dream Land (Road Trip)Kyle Houck

Dream Land (Road Trip)

Kyle Houck’s “Dream Land (Road Trip)” is a nostalgic ode to the freedom and excitement of travel. The song celebrates the open road, the journey itself, and the possibilities that await around every bend. Houck’s lyrics are full of imagery and metaphor, painting a picture of restless adventure and wanderlust. Whether you’re hitting the open road for the first time or you’ve been traveling for years, “Dream Land (Road Trip)” is a song that will stir your soul and make you long for new horizons.

Our adventure – The Long Valley

Our Adventure is a song about traveling and exploration. It’s a song about leaving home and discovering new places, meeting new people, and experiencing new cultures. It’s a song about the thrill of the journey and the joy of discovery. The Long Valley has crafted a beautiful, heart-felt anthem for wanderlusts everywhere, and I can’t recommend it enough. Many songs have been written about travel, but few have distilled it down as well as The Long Valley.

Wanderlust – The Weeknd

The Weeknd’s “Wanderlust” is all about the thrill of the unknown. The song explores the excitement and anticipation of setting out on a journey to a new destination, not knowing what to expect. It’s a perfect song for those who love to explore new places and cultures. Its lyrics are about literally feeling like you’re in heaven, and the musicality is upbeat and completely enchanting.  Some people have even argued that it’s about a love affair since the lyrics are now famous for containing the words “ocean blue.”