22 Best Songs for Your Travel Video: Epic Tracks & Upbeat Vibes

Updated at: 05/12/2024

Choosing the perfect soundtrack for a travel video is crucial; it sets the mood, evokes emotion, and transports the viewer right alongside you on your journey. This isn't just about picking any upbeat tune; it's about curating a collection that captures the spirit of adventure, the beauty of new places, and the unforgettable moments along the way. We've compiled a list of songs that do just that—tracks with a universal appeal, spanning different genres and eras, yet all possessing that magical ability to perfectly complement the visual storytelling of travel. Whether it's the soaring melodies that mirror the vastness of a landscape or the driving rhythms that capture the energy of a bustling city, these songs offer a diverse palette of sounds to enhance your video's narrative. This collection celebrates the power of music to create a truly immersive and unforgettable viewing experience.

This carefully curated selection transcends simple background music; it's about enhancing the emotional impact of your travel memories. From anthems of freedom and self-discovery to reflective tunes capturing the quiet beauty of a moment, this list promises something for every style and every journey. We believe in the enduring power of great music to connect us all, and this list is our way of sharing some of our favourite, timelessly resonant songs – perfect for taking viewers on a vicarious adventure. So, whether you're reminiscing about past trips or planning your next grand escape, this list is your passport to a richer, more evocative travel video experience.

22 Best Songs for Your Travel Video: Epic Tracks & Upbeat Vibes
Song	Artist	Album	Listens
1. Counting Stars	OneRepublic	Native	4B+
2. Wake Me Up	Avicii	True	2B+
3. Firework	Katy Perry	Teenage Dream: The Complete Confection	1B+
4. Somewhere Only We Know	Keane	Hopes And Fears (Deluxe Edition)	670M+
5. Take Me Home, Country Roads	John Denver	Poems, Prayers and Promises	517M+
6. Chasing Cars	Snow Patrol	Eyes Open	364M+
7. Ho Hey	The Lumineers	The Lumineers	343M+

1. Counting Stars (Native - 2024)

OneRepublic's "Counting Stars" is a folk-pop track with a driving disco beat, creating an upbeat and adventurous mood ideal for travel videos. Its medium tempo and energetic feel make it perfect for fast-paced montages showcasing diverse locations or dynamic city exploration sequences. The song's anthemic quality and inspirational lyrics evoke a sense of wonder and freedom, complementing stunning scenic shots or exhilarating activities. While not royalty-free, its widespread popularity and availability make licensing relatively straightforward for video creators seeking a timeless and universally appealing soundtrack.

2. Wake Me Up (True)

Does a song exist that perfectly captures the feeling of carefree adventure? Avicii's "Wake Me Up" comes remarkably close. This upbeat and energetic folktronica track, featuring Aloe Blacc's soulful vocals, evokes a feeling of freedom and optimism, ideal for fast-paced travel montages showcasing vibrant cityscapes or exhilarating outdoor activities. Its medium tempo and consistently high energy create a dynamic soundtrack perfect for showcasing the excitement of exploration. While not royalty-free, the potential impact on your travel video makes it a worthwhile licensing consideration. "Wake Me Up" will make your viewers feel like they are right there, experiencing the journey with you.

If you're looking to add some more energy to your dance bar playlist, check out The 28 best dance bar music playlist songs for 28 of the best party anthems that are sure to get everyone moving. From classic bangers to modern club hits, there's something for everyone on this list.

3. Firework (2010)

Katy Perry's "Firework" a dance-pop anthem from her 2010 album Teenage Dream, is an uplifting and empowering track perfect for travel videos. Its fast tempo and energetic beat create a vibrant atmosphere ideal for fast-paced montages showcasing exciting adventures or city explorations. The inspirational lyrics, encouraging self-belief and inner strength, resonate deeply with viewers, adding an emotional layer to visually stunning footage. This song’s optimistic mood makes it suitable for highlighting moments of personal triumph and discovery during a journey. While not royalty-free, its widespread availability and enduring popularity make it a strong contender, provided proper licensing is obtained. The high energy and driving rhythm of "Firework" ensure it remains engaging throughout a video, making it a powerful choice for creating a memorable travel experience.

If you're looking for more unforgettable party anthems, check out our 25 Unforgettable Hits: The Best Songs of 2000 to 2010 for a comprehensive list of the best songs from the early 2000s to the late 2010s.

4. Somewhere Only We Know (Keane)

Experience the wistful beauty of Keane's "Somewhere Only We Know" a poignant piano-driven ballad from their debut album. This alternative rock track evokes a calm and reflective mood, perfect for a travel video showcasing slow-motion scenic shots, intimate moments, or reflective sequences of a journey. Its mellow tempo and gentle energy create a sense of nostalgia and longing, ideal for highlighting breathtaking landscapes or emotionally resonant travel experiences. The song's licensing requires purchase, so be sure to obtain the necessary permissions before use. Its evocative lyrics and melody invite viewers to share in the emotional journey depicted on screen, making it a superb choice for a travel video aiming for a heartfelt and introspective atmosphere.

5. Take Me Home, Country Roads (John Denver - 1971)

John Denver's "Take Me Home, Country Roads" is a classic country ballad evoking feelings of nostalgia and longing for home. Its mellow tempo and gentle melody create a calm and reflective mood, perfect for showcasing scenic travel footage, particularly slow-motion shots of picturesque landscapes or heartwarming family moments on a road trip. The song's timeless appeal and universal theme of homecoming make it suitable for videos highlighting the emotional connection to places and memories. While not inherently upbeat, its sentimental nature lends itself well to a narrative travel video, focusing on personal journeys and emotional reflections. Note that licensing may be required for commercial use; check with relevant copyright holders.

If you're yearning for the rustic charm of a country bar, complete your travel video with the perfect soundtrack. Check out our curated [List of 20 country bar music playlist songs] for a playlist of 20 toe-tapping country classics that will evoke the lively atmosphere of a lively honky-tonk.