A few days ago, I found myself reflecting on a journey through my most beloved tunes. This musical nostalgia was triggered by two dear friends of mine who are currently preparing for a road trip through the United States, following the legendary path of the blues. It reminded me how music isn’t just a background noise; it is a map that leads us back to the places we’ve loved. So, let’s start with some musical suggestions that define the spirit of travel for me.
From the Streets of Liverpool to Occitan Warmth
The first song is a timeless classic: Penny Lane by The Beatles. This track represents Liverpool—a city I deeply love—but it takes us far away from the tourist-heavy city center. I have often seen travelers arriving at Albert Dock, looking around and asking where Penny Lane was, only to be amazed when a local Liverpudlian would answer with a smile, “It’s not here.”
Penny Lane is a street full of quietness and suburban charm. Many people imagine some kind of huge, flashy memorial for the Fab Four, but nothing could be further from the truth. The street has remained essentially the same as it was seen by John and Paul decades ago. It’s tucked away, close to Newcastle Road, right where Mr. Lennon used to live, preserving an authenticity that is rare to find in such famous landmarks.
The second song comes with a distinct taste of indie culture. It’s Toulouse by the band Zebda. This track is a vibrant hymn to a French town that has made its cultural melting pot its true richness. Listening to this song immediately puts you in touch with the warmth and the unique mix of people that define this Occitan gem.
The Soul of Ireland and Brittany
Moving on, I would like to take you to Ireland. However, finding the right song for the Emerald Isle is an almost impossible task because so much has been sung about this magical land. I’ll take some help from the great world of rugby and offer you the most important national anthem of the Six Nations tournament: Ireland’s Call.
This is the true Irish anthem—the one that transcends political, social, cultural, or religious differences. It is only for rugby matches that Eire and Ulster come together as a whole nation. This song, which tells the story of the four proud provinces of Ireland, never fails to touch my soul. From the green hills of Ireland, we cross over to Brittany, or Breizh as it is beautifully called in Memorie di Breizh by the Italian folk band Folkabbestia.
Crossing the Ocean: Cuba and the American South
Now, I am leaving the wonderful French coast and Europe behind to fly directly to Cuba. To say Cuba is to say rhythm, and Chan Chan by Compay Segundo is the ultimate guide to the island. The lyrics talk about a real geographic route and offer incredible travel tips if you listen closely to the places mentioned.
Finally, as my friends’ US tour comes back to mind, there simply cannot be a journey through the Southern States without Sweet Home Alabama by Lynyrd Skynyrd, don’t you agree? It is the quintessential road trip anthem.
Capturing the Rhythm of Your Own Travels
In 2026, we don’t just listen to these songs; we want to capture these atmospheres in our own videos and stories. However, finding the perfect soundtrack that captures the “vibe” of a place without running into copyright issues on YouTube or Instagram can be a challenge.
If you want to create a unique atmosphere for your travel vlogs similar to the classics I’ve mentioned, you can use an AI music generator like the one from Adobe Express. It allows you to generate original tracks—whether you need a bluesy guitar riff for a dusty road or a folk melody for a coastal hike—that are unique to your story and completely royalty-free. It’s a great way to ensure your travel memories have a professional and personal sound.
Music and travel are two sides of the same coin. Whether it’s a classic vinyl or a modern digital track, the right song makes the world feel a little bit smaller and a lot more beautiful.
Born in 1978, polyglot, traveller by instinct. I grew up in Italy, but reached adulthood in Switzerland. While travelling I’m always optimistic, with tons of possible solutions to cover as many kilometres as possible. What comes is a travel still to be lived and told.
