Best Songs for a Vacation Video Background Music (in 2024)

Written by Jeff Campbell in Musical Trends Last Updated February 18, 2024

You’ve got the perfect vacation video, but something is missing. A soundtrack that fits the mood perfectly. You need music for your travel videos! But what music should you choose? What are the best songs for a vacation video?

One of the best songs to add to your travel videos is Bob Dylan’s “Gotta Travel On”. Just hearing the song instantly takes you to a peaceful place where nothing else matters but that beautiful moment. It’s even a perfect track to listen to while road trippin’ towards your much-awaited family vacation.

But there are various other songs that could be perfect for your epic vacation videos!

Whether you’re spending some good time in New York or basking under the sun in Greece, there sure is a song perfect for your travel clips. All you have to do is look!

If you want to begin searching for the right music to express all the good times you had, you’ve come to the right place!

Where can I find good background music for vacation videos?

You can find good background music for your vacation videos in many places. Indeed, the best way to hype up your clips is through great music.

Listening to a playlist of travel songs that you like is one way to find what you’re looking for. You can also look at the travel playlists of other people who have created videos with similar content as yours or check out some of those popular sites where people share their favorite songs with others.

In this day and age, social media has tons of ideas you can check out. Try to get a feel of what you want your video’s feel to be and look for similar ones on the internet.

Another option is to listen to the playlists that artists have made themselves—some artists will even share their own personal favorites!

You’ll want to be sure that whatever song you use is either available on streaming services or in online stores where downloads are allowed (such as iTunes). This way, people will be able to hear it even if they don’t have access to YouTube videos or Google Play Music.

You could set up an account on either platform so that all the music files are stored there and then download them onto offline devices such as cell phones or tablets later down the road when needed during production processes.

Which genres make the best background music for vacation videos?

Music for vacation videos or vacation slideshows can be categorized into a few different genres.

The most common is ambient and minimalist music, which involves the use of instruments like chimes and bells to create sounds that are soothing without being overpowering.

It all depends on whether you want the music to be as captivating as the video or just something chill in the background.

Ethnic or tribal music is another good choice for themed songs, as it often has a relaxing vibe to it while still having enough energy to keep viewers engaged.

Classical music is another option that usually works well in background music situations: many classic composers are well-known for their ability to conjure up feelings of romance and adventure with their compositions, making them perfect for travel videos.

Alternative rock or classic rock can also be used as background songs if you want something more upbeat than classical but not quite as intense as electronic beats or hip-hop songs (although those work well, too!).

Underground hip-hop beats could also work if you have an urban setting in mind—they’re less likely to clash with certain areas of your video editing project’s theme than other genres because they’re generally considered more “universal.”

If you want something mellow but still energetic enough to hold viewers’ attention throughout your entire video editing project, acoustic guitar pieces and love songs by artists like Jimi Hendrix may be just what you need!

What are the best songs for travel videos?

When it comes to selecting music for your travel video, you’re going to want to consider a few different things.

The first thing you should think about is the type of vacation that you are going on and the destination where you’re going to be.

For example, if you are going on a relaxing beach getaway with your best friend, then mellow acoustic songs with soft vocals would be perfect. On the other hand, if you are going on an adventure vacation full of outdoor activities like hiking or kayaking, then upbeat rock music would make a good choice for background music to create your best music video yet!

The second thing that’s important is the season when your trip will take place.

For instance, wintertime will require festive Christmas songs since it’s such a jolly time of the year full of holiday cheer! Summer vacations bring about big summer hits, so some popular pop songs would work well with this type of setting.

And finally: personal preference!

Everyone has their own preferences when it comes to what kind of music they like listening to, which makes choosing something specific really difficult sometimes. Luckily, there’s one good song out there for everyone (maybe even two!).

To help you narrow down your options, let me share 30 of the best songs for travel videos:

  • “Open Road” by Bryan Adams
  • “I Walk The Line” by Johnny Cash
  • “Moon Dawg” by The Beach Boys
  • “Take Me Home, Country Roads” by John Denver
  • “Sweet Home Alabama” by Lynyrd Skynyrd
  • “Under The Bridge” by Red Hot Chili Peppers
  • “On The Road Again” by Willie Nelson
  • “San Francisco” Scott McKenzie
  • “Travelin’ Man” by Ricky Nelson
  • “Ramblin’ Man” by The Allman Brothers Band
  • “Around The World” by Daft Punk
  • “Have Love, Will Travel” by Richard Berry
  • “Fast Car” by Tracy Chapman
  • “Leaving On A Jet Plane” by John Denver
  • “Montego Bay” by Bobby Bloom
  • “City Of New Orleans” by Willie Nelson
  • “Highest Mountains” by Zibbidi Zaaba
  • “Own Way” by Fleetwood Mac
  • “Galway Girl” by Ed Sheeran
  • “Hills of West Virginia” by Phil Ochs
  • “Free Man” by South Shore Commission
  • “Graceland” by Paul Simon
  • “Come Fly With Me” by Frank Sinatra
  • “Carolina In My Mind” by James Taylor
  • “Fly Away” by Lenny Kravitz
  • “Gotta Travel On” by Bob Dylan
  • “The Passenger” by Iggy Pop
  • “Ziggy Stardust” by David Bowie
  • “No particular Place To Go” by Chuck Berry
  • “Soak Up The Sun” by Sheryl Crow
  • “Pink Cadillac” by Bruce Springsteen
  • “Road To Nowhere” by Talking Heads
  • “Long Road To Ruin” by Foo Fighters
  • “Have You Ever Seen The Rain?” by Creedence Clearwater Revival
  • “Uptown Girl” by Billy Joel
  • “Midnight Train To Georgia” by Gladys Knight and The Pips
  • “Havana” by Camila Cabello
  • “Vacation” by The Go Go’s

Is it legal to use songs in a travel video for my own?

No matter how much you like a song and how much you envision it to be such a great fit for your travel videos, you may not always have the luxury (legally) to use it. But there are some options you can look into.

Having said that, it also depends on what you plan to do with the video. I have several of my family’s vacation videos on a hard drive hooked up to my TV, and they’re just for watching at home. So my travel videos have songs like The Go Go’s “Vacation” on them.

But if you’re posting them on social media, especially if you are using an entire song, you’ll want to be careful.

Snapchat, of course, gives you lots of song options to add to videos, as do other platforms. But you’re just adding tiny snippets, not whole songs. It’s when you’re using an entire song, especially if there is no narration or other noises in the background. But even then, as you see on YouTube where most songs you know are literally uploaded in full by hundreds of users, it’s probably not really a big deal.

Most bands and record labels have grown accustomed to streaming music and the financial realities of that. They aren’t likely to ever target a home user unless it’s obvious they are trying to distribute and profit from an artist’s work.

But if you want to make sure you’re in compliance, here are the steps:

The first step to using music in your travel video is determining the type of license that applies to the song. There are three main types: public domain, royalty-free and creative commons.

Public domain music is freely available for use by anyone without restrictions on how it can be used or distributed. With this type of song, there are no fees associated with its use, and you can use as much or as little of a recording as you’d like without any hassle or legal worries.

Royalty-free songs have similar terms, but they usually require payment once per project instead of per listener (which could get expensive).

It may require some money from your end, but the fact that it only needs a one-time payment is already a great deal if you really enjoy the music. But there are other free options out there, so these should be the last songs on your list.

Creative commons songs are released under specific licenses with different rules about how they can be shared and used commercially.

The underlying principle is still one where people don’t have to pay royalties when using these materials; however, creators retain certain rights over how their work is presented outside of those limits set forth by each license type.

How can I post a video on social media with music without violating copyright laws?

As I have expounded above, the key to sparing yourself from any potential legal issues is to understand the different licenses that may apply to different music. But in most cases, most artists, platforms, and record labels aren’t going to care unless it seems obvious you are trying to make money off the music.

A good rule of thumb is to avoid any music that you do not have an explicit license to use. If you are not sure of the legality of a particular piece of music, it’s best to err on the side of caution and avoid using it.

Besides, there are literally millions of songs out there to choose from. It is always best to opt for one which allows you to post your video with no worries.

To ensure that you do the right thing in choosing the perfect background music for your travel video, there are some things you can do.

For starters, don’t use an entire song from start to finish. That could be seen as “distributing” the song, as it would be possible for someone to download and extract the audio file. Just use a series of small snippets.

You can also blend the song with the actual audio from your video.

Next, you can use public domain songs if you don’t want to spend any dollars. A lot of the most popular songs have expired copyrights, which means they are now in the public domain and can be used freely by anyone who wishes to use them!

You can also opt for music under a creative commons license for free song options.

Another option is to purchase licenses from online websites where there may be prerecorded instrumental tracks available for purchase so long as they don’t contain any copyrighted vocals or lyrics written by another party.

This option is usually pretty pricey since most musicians want their work compensated fairly for its usage rather than giving it away for free, but this could be worth considering if your budget allows it!

What are the all-time best travel songs?

And when compiling your videos from those trips, never underestimate the power of a great song to set the tone for your whole trip.

For instance, the song “Walking on Sunshine” by Katrina and the Waves is an all-time great travel song. 

Not only is it upbeat, but it also features lyrics such as “I’m walking on sunshine” and “shining through darkness” that are perfect for setting a positive mood, making them the favorite lyrics of a lot of people.

Another great choice would be Taylor Swift’s “You Belong With Me.” 

This fun hit song will get you pumped up for your trip, especially if you’re traveling solo or with someone special who reminds you how much they belong with you. It makes anyone feel like they’re in their comfort zone and that they’re in the right place at the right time!

If you’re looking for a song that will make you feel like an international jet setter, even if it’s just your first time, try The Go-Go’s “Vacation.” 

This classic 80s tune is the perfect choice for anyone who wants to get up and dance while they wait in line at airport security, which makes it one of my favorite things to listen to.

If you’re looking for a song to help you feel like you’ve got the whole world in your hands, try “I Want You Back” by The Jackson 5. 

This classic song will have you singing along (and dancing in your seat) for a long time!

But if you’re feeling nostalgic and want to reminisce about simpler times, try listening to Don McLean’s “American Pie.” 

This iconic song will have you feeling like you’re on an adventure even before you officially start your much-awaited trip. It feels like it takes you to a specific place in the United States, wherever in the world you may be.

And if you’re looking for a song that will help you get in the mood for your trip, try listening to “Lose My Breath” by Beyoncé. 

This upbeat tune is perfect for anyone who wants to feel like they’re running through an airport full of people who are all trying to get somewhere just as fast as they are!

This experience is especially true when you’re traveling with your kids. We all know that can be chaotic (but undoubtedly rewarding!).

You might be thinking that the stress of taking your children far away from home is not worth it, but with the right guide and tips, it should not be as stressful as you think!

And the music for an international destination like London really gets interesting.

In a recent article I authored, I created a detailed guide on how I got to travel with my kids to London with ease, so you won’t have to! I even cover the amazing Harry Potter Studio Tour!

Just click that link to read it on my site.

What are the best travels songs for Instagram stories?

I’m sure you’re familiar with the saying, “go big or go home.”

It’s a mantra that’s been passed down from generation to generation and has become as popular today as it was when the phrase was first coined.

If you’re like a lot of people, then you probably want to make your Instagram stories stand out among all the other ‘grammers out there. You don’t want your viewers’ eyes glazing over while they see yet another series of seemingly random videos of Paris or Rome.

Instead, I recommend using music that will help capture their attention from start to finish! Here are five songs for a vacation video background music that will make sure each Instagram story has its own unique personality:

First up is we have “California” by Phantom Planet. 

This upbeat song is a perfect vacation video background music because it’s catchy and easy to sing along with, which will help keep your viewers’ attention. It also has an indie rock sound that will come across as fresh and new to anyone who watches your story.

Next is the “Fireflies” by Owl City.

If you’re looking for a song that’s both romantic and nostalgic, then this one might be right up your alley!

It features soft piano melodies accompanied by light percussion instruments that create a dreamy vibe that’ll make any viewer want to kick back on their couch with a glass of wine in hand while watching your stories.

Queen’s “Don’t Stop Me Now” is also an awesome choice. If you’re looking for a song that has a fast-paced tempo with an upbeat melody, then this one’s for you!

It’s perfect for a vacation video background music because it’ll help keep your viewers interested in what comes next.

We also have “Sugar” by Maroon 5.

This song is great for a vacation video background music because it’s catchy and upbeat, but it also has a soulful vibe that makes it feel like the perfect soundtrack for a sunset walk on the beach or around town.

U2’s “You’re the Best Thing About Me” is a song that has a super positive, feel-good vibe that’ll make any viewer smile!

It’s also got an uplifting tempo that makes it perfect for a vacation video background music because it’ll help keep your viewers engaged and interested in what comes next.

Then there’s “Firework” by Katy Perry. 

If you’re looking for a song that has an upbeat melody but with strong percussion instruments, then this one might just fit the bill! It’s got a pop sound that will come across as fresh and new to anyone who watches your stories.

How many playlists do you need? I guess that depends on how many vacations you take a year.

And if you’re wondering how many vacations an average family takes, you can also learn more about that in another one of my recent articles. I get into all the statistics, including not only how many but also the average costs.

Just click that link to read it on my site.

How do I download songs to put in a travel video?

The easiest way to add music to your video is by finding the song you want on YouTube and using a website like YouTubeToMP3 to download it (not a paid endorsement).

Every once in a while, I find a video with privacy settings that won’t allow downloading. But luckily, almost any song you can think of probably has dozens, if not hundreds, of videos of it on YouTube, so just look for another one. Unfortunately, streaming platforms like Spotify don’t have a way to download songs.

Save it as an MP3 file, and then it will be easy to upload into your video editing software.

Go ahead and drag the song into the timeline of your project. Once placed, it will automatically sync with your video footage. There are lots of different types of music that can be added to a travel video—from original compositions to covers by popular artists.

If you’re looking for inspiration for what to download outside of what I’ve shared here, check out various playlists of travel-related songs on Spotify, YouTube, or any music apps and websites out there.

Traveling is an experience made incredibly better when spent listening to good music.

There is nothing like the perfect song to reflect the good life you’ve experienced, jumping from one place to another with your friends and family.

And by the way, did you know that families that travel together actually reap multiple benefits from doing so?

If you want to learn more about them, check out this recent article I wrote! Believe it or not, there are a number of studies that show a whole host of benefits for parents and kids alike when you do vacations together.

Just click that link to read it on my site.

Are instrumental songs better for vacation videos?

When you’re planning a vacation video, it can be hard to find the right song. There are so many choices!

And even when you think you’ve found the perfect song, after a few seconds of watching your video, it might feel like something’s missing. Your best bet is instrumental music because it doesn’t distract from your content—you can use it in any type of vacation video and get great results.

Instrumental songs also don’t take away from a story that’s being told by voiceover or other audio elements like sound effects or narration (if those things are important).

So if you’re looking for something lighthearted and fun while still giving people their money’s worth? Look no further than good ol’ instrumental tracks!

You can easily find them by searching on YouTube or Spotify and filtering your results by “instrumental” or “no vocals.”

If you’re looking to add a little spice to your vacation video, try adding some old-school jazz music from generations past. The mellow sound is perfect for showing off the exotic beauty of your destination while still giving the focus on your travel clips.

If you’re looking for something more upbeat, try adding some instrumental music from the genre of pop. The catchy tunes are perfect for showing off the fun side of your destination!

Being from Texas, if you haven’t picked a destination yet for your next road trip, I want to suggest Texas. 

I shared some fun vacation ideas you can do in Texas in this recent article. I cover some of my all-time favorite destinations, including one that only locals know about.

Just click that link to read it on my site.

Where can I find free background music for travel videos?

When it comes to finding free background music for your travel videos, there are plenty of options.

You just have to be careful about copyright violations and make sure that you’re not breaking any laws by using the music in your video.

Music can still be used without paying royalties if you follow a few simple rules. 

The most important thing is to only use royalty-free music that’s been specifically created for use in videos or other multimedia projects like YouTube videos (which is why we recommend the websites below).

To ensure that you don’t get sued by a copyright holder:

  • Only download from legitimate websites and apps that legally host royalty-free tracks (like YouTube)
  • Make sure there aren’t any restrictions on what kind of project this track can be used with (YouTube has specific rules about how long each video needs to be before videos can qualify).
  • Always give credit to the artist and website in your video description.
  • Always use a video editing software like Adobe Premiere Pro or Final Cut Pro to edit your video.

If you want to use music in your travel videos, we also recommend using the websites below: (not paid endorsements)

Try exploring the websites listed to see which of them fits your content the best!

What is the very best song for a travel video?

Ultimately, the best song for a travel video is the one you like. It’s your content, so it should reflect your interests.

But here are a few suggestions from different genres.

Class Rock and Pop:

  • “Clear Blue Skies” – Crosby, Stills, Nash, and Young
  • “Rockin’ Down the Highway” – The Doobie Brothers
  • “Truckin” – The Grateful Dead
  • “On the Road Again” – Canned Heat

Country:

  • “King of the Road” – Roger Miller
  • “Six Days on the Road” – Dave Dudley
  • “These Roads Don’t Move” – Ben Gibbard & Jay Farrar

Modern Rock and Pop:

  • “Wherever I May Roam” – Metallica
  • “Road Trippin’” – Red Hot Chili Peppers
  • “Ride” – Twenty One Pilots

This may seem like an obvious statement, but it’s really important to remember that your decision will be influenced by your personal preferences and tastes.

If you find something that fits perfectly with what you want to say in your video, then it will make all the difference.

It also depends on the type of travel video you have. Is it a relaxing trip to the beach? Is it a fun-filled day full of adventures under the sun? Or is it one where you get to attend a grand parade?

All of these things are worth considering.

If you are looking for background music that can help set the mood or tell a story without distracting from what is happening on screen, then there are lots of options available online.

There are also some great websites where people have shared their favorite travel songs for this purpose—so if you have time to seek them out, then go ahead!

When deciding on background music for your vacation videos (or any other type of video), try not to get too hung up on worrying about whether someone else would agree with every choice made. Instead, focus on creating something which feels right for YOU as an individual content creator!

Conclusion

So there you have it!

This is our list of the best songs for vacation video background music. We hope this helps you pick out some good tunes for your next trip.

After writing this article, I have realized that there are many ways to use music in your vacation video. So, you don’t have to stick with just one of these options!

Instead, try adding a few different types of songs or even background music tracks into your footage, so they all fit together well.

The key is finding the right combination that works for you and your audience.

We hope you found the information shared in this blog useful when planning your holiday video. If you have any questions about how to create a video for your holiday, feel free to ask us in the comments section below!

Image by Pexels from Pixabay

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