The Perfect Road Trip Playlist.
Whenever someone mentions a road trip, I always think of that scene in White Chicks where the they’re traveling down the road in their shiny red convertible, windows down, belting out the lyrics to Vanessa Carlton's “A Thousand Miles.” An appreciation for a good throwback and some off-key singing made their trip worthwhile.
Music is what makes a lengthy car ride more bearable, and what would a road trip be without the ultimate playlist? As I planned for my recent road trip down the Pacific Coast Highway, great music was a must. Here are 12 songs that encapsulate all of the momentous - and not so momentous - moments you’ll experience on a road trip like planning your trip, getting lost in a new city, finishing your adventures and coming back home.
1. Blackstreet featuring Mya - "Take Me There"
So, you’ve decided to go on a road trip, and you’re daydreaming while looking up travel pictures on Pinterest. Your itinerary is brimming with sightseeing stops and all of these amazing restaurants you’ve found on Yelp. You’ve already finished packing and you’re counting down the minutes until you jump in the car and leave for your adventure.
2. N*SYNC - "Here We Go"
This bubble gum pop throwback is perfect for when you’re pulling out of the driveway and about to embark on your adventure. Everyone is in high spirits, Snapchat location filters are a must, N*SYNC is blasting - the road trip has begun!
3. Jonas Blue featuring Dakota - "Fast Car"
This modern version of Tracy Chapman’s “Fast Car” gives us all of the feels of wanting to leave our town and explore a new place. You’re itching for new exciting adventures and they're coming up fast.
4. Ariana Grande - "Honeymoon Avenue"
You’ve been milking the honeymoon phase of a road trip for as long possible. You may be going a little stir crazy - just remember that the journey is just as important as the destination.
5. Vanessa Carlton - "A Thousand Miles"
If you went on a road trip, and didn’t belt out “A Thousand Miles” at the top of your lungs, did you really go on a road trip? This song inspires positive vibes, playing an air-piano, and lots of pretending like you’re in a dramatic pop video (which is always a good thing in my book).
6. Clean Bandit - "Rather Be"
Who you choose to go on a road trip with is important since you’ll be with them the entire trip. You’re going to be sharing the same little space a number of hours, and even if they get on your nerves at times, there’s no place you’d rather be than with them.
7. Skrillex & Diplo featuring Justin Bieber - "Where Are You Now?"
Getting lost in a new city adds to a road trip’s adventure. You’re bound to be juggling Google Maps at one point wondering, “How far away from ___ are we? Where are we now?
8. Chainsmokers - "Closer"
If all road trips looked anything like the “Closer” lyric video, we would take way more of them. This song is perfect for when you’re driving along the scenic route, and you want to take a quick stop to appreciate the scenery and good company.
9. One Republic - "Good Life"
There is nothing as captivating as exploring a new city and making friends with new people. Being on the road has a way of bringing out a new side to you that appreciates tackling the unknown and figuring it out as you go along.
10. Drake - "Hold On, We’re Going Home"
You’re feeling bittersweet about returning home after a long week on the road. As much as you’re excited to sleep in the comforts of your own bed, you’ll miss the excitement of traveling through new cities and jamming out to your favorite songs.
11. Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros - "Home"
You just arrived home - overweight luggage and blanket in hand - and you are overwhelmed with happiness to be home with your loved ones.
12. One Republic - "I Lived"
As hard as it is adjusting to the real world of responsibilities and bills, you can proudly say that you had the best adventure of your life on the road trip, and you lived every moment to the fullest.