Gearing up for your next trip? don’t leave home without these songs on your ipod…

1) John Butler Trio – “ocean”

In his early days, John Butler busked his way around Australia playing music to anyone who would listen. No words in this song, just one man who sounds like three. Forever will be a top 10 song for me.

Listen: while contemplating life on a long bus ride

2) Dispatch – “carry you”

This world music trio has been around for quite a while and for good reason… They make good music. They are also extremely philanthropic, most notably in support of Zimbabwe.

“Green River flows
Like grass melting
later it will run black
Down it’s track
Into an Ocean”

Listen: When the travelers blues are creeping in

3) Tallest Man on Earth – “king of spain”

Kristian Matsson is average height (in case you were wondering) and has been boldly compared to Bob Dylan. His unique sound takes you on a journey. This song makes  reference to Running of the Bulls in Pamplona, flamenco dancers, and siestas.

Listen: When you’re looking for some inspiration

4) LCD Soundsystem – “dance yrself clean”

Fun upbeat song which has some serious replay value. LCD Soundsystem was led by musical genius James Murphy but the band has since broken up. Just wait patiently for the beat to kick in at the 3:09 mark, it’s worth it.

Listen:  Before a big night out

5) Bob Marley – “One Love”

No traveling music list would be complete without this legend. Everywhere you go people listen to Bob Marley. Hard to pick just one song…

“one love, one heart. Let’s get together and feel alright”

Listen: anywhere with a beach

6) Rolling Stones – “you can’t always get what you want”

Who knew the lyrics were so applicable to travel…

“You can’t always get what you want
And if you try sometime you find
You get what you need”

Listen: First thing you do when you wake up in a new city

7) John Denver – “country roads, take me home”

Written in the early 1970’s, John Denver left footprints in the sands of time with this song. Well known around the world and always reminds me of home.

“Country Roads, take me home
To the place I belong”

Listen: When you’re feeling homesick

8) Bassnectar – “dubuasca”

Lorin Ashton is Bassnectar. His creativity is limitless, you have to see it to believe it. This is one of the more melodic songs he has and gives off an eastern tribal vibe. This song is also great for a yoga playlist.

Listen: When you in the mood to get weird

9) Bob Dylan – “blowin in the wind”

Listening to Dylan while on the road just feels right.

“How many roads must a man walk down,
Before you can call him a man?
How many seas must a white dove sail,
Before she sleeps in the sand?”

Listen: when you’re contemplating buying that one-way ticket into the unknown

10) Atmosphere – “always coming back home to you + say shh”

Comprised of rapper Slug (Sean Daley) and DJ/Producer Ant (Anthony David).  This indie rap powerhouse hails from my hometown of Minneapolis, Minnesota. If you’re a fan of music, you can appreciate Atmosphere.

“No matter where I am, no matter what I do,
I’m always coming back home to you.”

Listen: To put a little bounce in your step while strolling through the airport

Disclaimer: Sorry, Wonderwall by Oasis, you didn’t make it this year

Honorable mention:

Deadmau5 – “strobe”

Still hungry for music? Check out a few more new artists I love for yoga classes!

What is your favorite travel song?