Top travel ‘tunes: a travel-themed playlist from the Gadling team for your next road trip

Planning a road trip? The 21st century version of mixed tape, the playlist, is a must-pack for anyone in the car for longer than a few hours.

Whether you’re venturing out for a long weekend at the beach, planning a Labor Day getaway, or simply wanting to set the mood for an upcoming vacation, try downloading any of these favorite “travel-themed” songs:

On The Road Again, Willie Nelson

Break My Stride, Matthew Wilder
“It’s a favorite for all of my life events,” says Gadling writer Mike Barish.

[Flickr via BeverlyislikeLife is a Highway, Tom Cochrane




Leaving on a Jet Plane, John Denver

California Dreaming, The Mamas & The Papas
Writer and social media whiz Annemarie Dooling loves this one.

The Wanderer, Dion

Soul Meets Body, Death Cab for Cutie
Writer Pam Mandel loves this song, particularly the line “In my mind there’s a Grayhound station / I send my thoughts to far off destinations…”
The Passenger, Iggy Pop

Born to Be Wild, Steppenwolf
Writer Sean McLaughlan loves this song, “mainly because it brings back memories of that scene in Easy Rider, the ultimate road trip movie.”
Road Trippin’, Red Hot Chili Peppers

Hotel California, The Eagles

Ramblin’ Man, The Allman Brothers

Route 66, Depeche Mode

No Particular Place To Go, Chuck Berry

And … to remind you to slow down…
Highway Patrol, Junior Brown

*Want more favorites? Gadling has a 45-song playlist on Spotify. Here’s the link!