September 27 is World Tourism Day, and whether you’re embarking on a trip or planning something in the future, we’ve got just the playlist you need to keep you inspired and motivated. These 12 songs are a mix of classics and more contemporary fare, but there’s something here for almost every trip and every taste. Take a listen, and bon voyage!
Celebrate World Tourism Day With This Travel Playlist
[RELATED: It’s the Autumnal Equinox: Here Are 8 Songs to Put You In Mind of Crisp Leaves and Cool Air]
“Come Fly With Me” — Frank Sinatra
This is a classic in the realm of travel songs. “Weather-wise it’s such a lovely day” is an iconic line, and sung in Frank Sinatra’s smooth, recognizable voice it sparks an urge to travel almost immediately. It brings us back to the days of Pan-Am, the movie Catch Me If You Can, and the before-times when smoking on a plane was not only allowed but encouraged. It’s possible that listening to this song at the start of a trip may actually alleviate some of the current trials and tribulations plaguing travelers nowadays. However, don’t quote us on that one.
“I’ve Been Everywhere” — Johnny Cash
Another classic, “I’ve Been Everywhere” is great for World Tourism Day, because, as Johnny Cash says, “I’ve traveled every road in this here land.” This song highlights the speaker’s travels all over the country, bringing to mind dusty dirt roads, deserts, mountains, and, literally, everywhere. This song is unique because Cash lists all the places he’s been in every verse, cataloging his travels through North America. It’s a fun, rollicking tune that puts listeners in mind of long road trips as opposed to plane travel.
“Road to Nowhere” — Talking Heads
When you don’t know where you want to go but you know you want to go somewhere, Talking Heads’ “Road to Nowhere” has your back. “I’m feeling okay this morning / And you know / We’re on the road to paradise / Here we go” sparks a feeling of getting out on the road, heading in a random direction, and seeing what you find. It’s whimsical and inspiring both lyrically and melodically, the percussive beat almost mimicking a chugging train, further adding to the sense of adventure.
“Around the World” — Daft Punk
This is a simple one, and self-explanatory. “Around the World” is made up of one phrase—simply, around the world repeated over and over again. However, it’s a Daft Punk classic that inspires the need to travel abroad the more they say around the world, almost like a siren song calling to hopeful travelers.
“Movin’ Right Along” (from The Muppet Movie) — Kermit the Frog and Fozzie Bear
“Movin’ Right Along” is quite possibly the best road trip song ever written. It’s full of twists, turns, and hilarious lines, such as “Hey L.A. where’ve you gone? / Send someone to fetch us we’re in Saskatchewan.” It’s also a great friendship song, as in the movie it cements Kermit and Fozzie’s BFF status.
“No Sleep Til Brooklyn” — Beastie Boys
“No Sleep Til Brooklyn” creates an anticipatory atmosphere, where even if you’re not heading to Brooklyn, you’re still wondering when you’re going to get there. Essentially, it’s the musical equivalent of asking “are we there yet?” over and over until you fall asleep in the backseat of the car and everyone breathes a sigh of relief.
“Istanbul (Not Constantinople)” — They Might Be Giants
For World Tourism Day, you may want to visit Constantinople. However, They Might Be Giants are here to remind you that “if you’ve got a date in Constantinople / She’ll be waiting in Istanbul.” They asked an important question here—”Why did Constantinople get the works?” Love or hate this song, there’s no denying it’s endlessly catchy, and gives us a geography lesson at the same time.
“Island in the Sun” — Weezer
“Island in the Sun” has often been turned into a meme for its opening “hip-hip” lines, but that doesn’t negate the fact that it’s great at inspiring wanderlust. Especially for a sunny, beachy locale. Take the lines “When you’re on a golden sea / You don’t need no memory / Just a place to call your own / As we drift into the zone,” for instance. If that doesn’t make you want to take a cruise or go to Florida, what will?
“This Time Tomorrow” — The Kinks
“This Time Tomorrow” is for all those travel hopefuls who are into spontaneous trips. Where will you be this time tomorrow? Who knows, but it could be anywhere. Beginning with the sound of a plane taking off, this song features a jolly banjo riff and urgent percussion that mirrors the restless urge to travel. “I don’t know where I’m going / I don’t want to see / I feel the world below me / Looking up” is the epitome of taking a spontaneous trip and figuring it out as you go.
“Around the World” — Red Hot Chili Peppers
The Red Hot Chili Peppers never fail to create a unique sonic experience, but “Around the World” has vibes similar to “I’ve Been Everywhere,” if you can believe it. “Around the World” is a shreddy, plucky song that lists places around the world, such as “Born in the North and sworn to entertain ya / ‘Cause I’m down for the state of Pennsylvania,” and “You and me girl sitting in the Swiss Mountains,” and even “Freer than a bird ’cause we’re rocking Ohio.” In true Chili Peppers fashion, it features improvisation, scatting, nonsense, and groovy bass lines.
“Roam” — The B-52’s
The B-52’s are one of the most unique bands possibly ever, and they never disappoint. “Roam” is a great song for traveling with a partner, as it’s mostly about traveling “around the world” with nothing but love. “Roam if you want to / Without wings, without wheels … Without anything but the love we feel” paints the picture of being able to travel the world just by being in love. “Around the world, the trip begins with a kiss,” and sometimes that’s all you need.
“At the Airport Terminal” — Bill Wurtz
This is a complex little song that hides behind a facade of simplicity. Bill Wurtz is known for his off-the-wall lyrics and subjects, and “At the Airport Terminal” is no exception. “And the sky’s so high and the ground’s so low / And I feel like I’m dying but I’m just being born.” Many fans on the YouTube video commented their love for the song, but also their inherent confusion at what it’s about.
“Can’t tell if this song is a deep metaphor for passing into the afterlife and struggling to say goodbye, or just a song Bill wrote to pass time waiting for his flight,” one person wrote.
Another commented on the nature of the song in general, writing, “this sounds like a kindergarten song for people who aren’t in kindergarten and I’m feeling unusual about it.”
Whatever this song is truly about, it does capture the unusual and liminal feelings of being in an airport terminal waiting for your flight.
Featured Image by William Gottlieb/Redferns
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