There's nothing like packing for a trip with an epic adventure playlist sounding off in the background.
Whether you're headed on a cruise, road trip, or hiking expedition, these 20 songs about adventure will get you pumped in no time.
Add them to your travel playlist and get ready to explore!
1) "Adventure of a Lifetime" by Coldplay
As the title suggests, this song is about taking chances and living life to the fullest. It's a great anthem for anyone who's feeling restless, itching for a new journey, or just looking for great songs about traveling.
2) "Don't Stop Believin'" by Journey
There's a reason karaoke enthusiasts love this go-to classic — it's just so darn uplifting! Whether you're a small-town girl, city boy, or anything in between, sometimes you just want to take the midnight train and go anywhere, amirite?
3) "Fly Away" by Lenny Kravitz
Lenny Kravitz's 1998 jam, "Fly Away," is a perfect fit for this list of travel songs. In it, Kravitz sings about being as free as a bird and going wherever he pleases. The next time you're feeling cooped up, give this tune a listen. It's sure to lift your spirits.
4) "Life Is a Highway" by Tom Cochrane
This rock song about adventure was originally released in 1991 by Tom Cochrane, a Canadian singer-songwriter. It was later covered by Rascal Flatts for the 2006 Disney/Pixar film, "Cars." No matter which version you prefer, both are surefire ways to get you pumped for a road trip.
5) "On the Road Again" by Willie Nelson
Traveling is about going to places you've never been before and seeing things you may never see again. The lyrics to Nelson's country song capture this feeling beautifully. It's sure to get your hands drumming on the steering wheel as you hit the open road.
6) "The Longest Road" by Morgan Page
What makes this electronic dance song about adventure so great? It features singer-songwriter Lissie, whose soaring vocals and carefree lyrics encourage you to "go down the longest road to nowhere." If this doesn't get you boppin' while packing your bags, then we don't know what will!
7) "I'm Gonna Be (500 Miles)" by The Proclaimers
A feel-good song for travel lovers, "I'm Gonna Be" is an ode to going the distance. But you don't have to be in a long-distance relationship to appreciate this catchy tune's sentiment. Cue it up when you're packing your bags or planning your next adventure.
8) "Ready to Go" by Republica
Another '90s tune, this upbeat dance track earns its place on our list of the best travel songs. It's about being young and carefree, with a sense of wanderlust that can't be denied. It'll have you shouting from the rooftops, "Baby, I'm ready to go!"
9) "Orinoco Flow" by Enya
Are you preparing to go on a cruise or some other maritime journey? If so, this New Age song about adventure will encourage you to "sail away" and explore the world. From Peru to Cebu, Enya will get you in the mood.
10) "Where the Streets Have No Name" by U2
U2's 1987 album, "The Joshua Tree," spawned hits like "I Still Haven't Found What I'm Looking For" and "With or Without You." But the lead-off track, "Where the Streets Have No Name," stands out for its anthemic sound and Edge's signature, delay-drenched guitar. It also shows that some streets, like the ones in this location, don't have names at all.
11) "Two Tickets to Paradise" by Eddie Money
Eddie Money's smash '80s hit, "Take Me Home Tonight," may have eclipsed this song about traveling, but "Two Tickets to Paradise" is a close second. This 1978 ditty is about taking a much-needed vacation to get away from the daily grind. The lyrics say it all: "Won't you pack your bags, we'll leave tonight."
12) "Around the World" by Daft Punk
You have to love a song about adventure whose entire lyrics are simply "around the world, around the world" for more than seven minutes. This shiny-helmet-wearing, French house music duo knows how to get people moving, and this song is no exception. Add it to your travel playlist stat.
13) "Sand in My Shoes" by Dido
They say art imitates life, and this adventure song is living proof. British songstress, Dido, penned this tune for her second studio album, "Life for Rent," after a personal event brought her beach vacation to an abrupt end. She literally had sand in her shoes while racing to catch a flight to Los Angeles. The song captures the bittersweet nostalgia of leaving paradise and returning to reality. Still, it's an upbeat tune that will make you look forward to your next exotic getaway.
14) "Roam" by the B-52s
Of course, a list of travel songs wouldn't be complete without a nod to the B-52s and their hit song, "Roam." This party classic is about exploring the world with your besties by your side. So, do as the lyrics say: "Take it hip to hip" and "rock it through the wilderness" with your crew.
15) "Africa" by Toto
This song about adventure is one of the most popular tunes of all time. Released in 1982, "Africa" by Toto was an instant hit and has since been used in countless movies and television shows. It's the perfect song to inspire wanderlust, with its beautiful imagery and catchy chorus. So the next time you're feeling the urge to explore, put on this classic tune and let it take you away.
16) "Drive My Car" by the Beatles
This 1965 track from the Fab Four's album, "Rubber Soul," is a great song about traveling that encourages listeners to never stop dreaming. The lyrics are simple yet poignant: "Baby you can drive my car … and maybe I'll love you." Beep-beep, yeah!
17) "Why Does It Always Rain on Me? by Travis
Fran Healy of the Scottish rock band, Travis, wrote this song while on holiday in Eilat: a dry beach town in the southernmost tip of Israel. According to Healy, he wanted to escape the constant, rainy gloom of Glasgow, only to be greeted by yet more rain during his two-day stint by the sea. Think of it as the go-to consolation song for when your vacation plans don't quite go as expected.
18) "Vacation" by the Go-Go's
There's nothing quite like the excitement of planning a vacation. The Go-Go's capture this feeling perfectly in their 1982 single, "Vacation." Whether you're headed to Cancun or just taking a staycation, this classic song will get your toes tapping and have you daydreaming of sunny shores.
19) "Ruin" by Cat Power
American singer-songwriter, Chan Marshall, also known as Cat Power, delivers a delightful indie song that will transport you to exotic new places. With its infectious rhythm and captivating lyrics, this surprise head-bopper lists Saudia Arabia, Dhaka, Calcutta, Soweto, Mozambique, Istanbul, Rio, Rome, Argentina, Chile, Mexico, Taiwan, Great Britain, Belfast, and the deserts of Spain in rapid-fire succession. We challenge you to sing along without getting lost!
20) "I've Been Everywhere" by Johnny Cash
Another tongue-twisting song about adventure, this classic track sees Johnny Cash weaving his way over 90 destinations around the world, totaling more than 100,000 miles. Whether you've been to all the places he mentions or just one, this song is sure to hit a wanderlust nerve.
21) "Volare" by the Gipsy Kings
Last but not least, we have this uplifting travel song from the Gipsy Kings. Originally written in Italian, "Volare" has been translated into multiple languages and covered by many artists throughout the years. Its lyrics tell of a traveler who takes flight on the wings of love and dreams of distant lands far away.
Adventure Travel With Gravel
Need some gear for your next adventure? Check out Gravel's online shop. You can use our toiletry bags, packable blankets, and other travel goodies to become the most intrepid explorer you can be.
Shop now and get free U.S. shipping on orders over $75.
Are we missing any songs about adventure? Let us know your favorites in the comments below. And for more travel tips, be sure to check out the rest of the blog.
Happy adventuring! 🧳🚗💨🛫🌍✨
