Caroline Brewton; Summertime vacationing

Growing up, summer meant vacation. Well, summer’s here again, and although I have the kind of big-girl job where I don’t have a two-month break to travel like I did in school, I’m consumed with wanderlust. I’m dying to hit the road for the beach.

On the way, I like to play music. Songs about travel put me in the mood for a long trip, so in honor of vacation season, I’ve put together a list of my favorite travel songs to help you get inspired, too.

Without further ado, I present Caroline’s Top Twelve Songs About Travel:

12. Whitesnake, “Here I Go Again”

Travel can be a great healer. But sometimes, travel is lonely. Whitesnake captures that perfectly in this modern classic. If you’ve ever run from any hurt by hitting the road, this song is for you.

11. Carla Bruni, “You Belong to Me”

Do you have a traveler in your life? Sometimes it can be hard sitting at home while someone you love is off seeing new things sans you. Bruni captures the plaintiveness of waiting at home in “You Belong to Me,” reminding us that while there are sights to see, there might just be someone back home thinking about you while you do.

10. Styx, “Come Sail Away”

You ARE the captain of you own adventures. Sing on, Styx.

9. Lulu and the Lampshades, “You’re Gonna Miss Me (Cups)”

Made famous by Anna Kendrick in Pitch Perfect, this longer (and in my opinion, better) version is still a cover. The song is old! And yet, it speaks to something in all of us that want love, but need it on our terms. Come with me, it says, because I have to go.

8. Toby Keith, “Good to Go to Mexico”

We all know that winter weariness. Migrate to warmer climes, Keith suggests. The snappy tempo and mariachi notes make this a delightful song to cheer you on your way. You’ll want to get up and dance all the way to your destination!

7. Sarah Darling, “Little Umbrellas”

The perfect revenge is a trip to Cabo.

6. John Denver, “Leaving on a Jet Plane”

Leaving can be hard. John Denver understands. The foil to Bruni’s waiting, “Leaving on a Jet Plane” captures the feeling of kissing loved ones goodbye as you embark on a new journey: a little heartsore.

5. The Beach Boys, “Kokomo”

This classic take on paradise-travel from the Beach Boys is perfect to hear en route to a tropical island destination.

4. Mark Knopfler, “Do America.”

The Bahamas are nice, but there are some pretty great things to see in America, too. Knopfler celebrates domestic travel in the peppy “Do America.” It’ll inspire you to see the states!

3. Willie Nelson, “On the Road Again”

What I really love about Nelson is the plaintive quality of his voice. Willie does sad — well. But no one can accuse this song of sadness. It’s a love song about his lifestyle, and Nelson’s upbeat, happy tone reveals his pleasure in the road. It’s perfect as a picker-upper.

2. The Allman Brothers, “Ramblin’ Man”

The Allman brothers don’t feel remorse straying from the homestead; instead, they embrace life on the road as their destiny in this celebration of “ramblin.”

1. Norah Jones, “The Long Way Home”

I know the Tom Waits version of this song is a classic — but I can’t square with Waits’ gravelly voice. This song is so much better in Jones’ smooth, jazzy one. Sometimes, it’s about the journey, but sometimes, it’s the destination... And like all great songs about travel, it’s a love song.

What do you listen to when you travel? Tell me on Twitter: @Caroline_Brew.