Escape Reality: 12 Best Songs About Vacation That Will Take You Away

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Written By John Red

Founder of Handsounds, avid music lover of all genres and tastes. 

For most people, vacation is an exciting time. After months of arduous work, it’s time to decompress, unwind, and refresh. For many people, listening to music while on vacation is a must. There are some songs that, whether it’s for a road trip, beach vacation or camping trip, just seem to encapsulate the essence of vacation perfectly. We shall examine the top songs about vacation in this article.

Songs about vacations have been around for a long time and are still well-liked now. These songs often have a lively, uplifting tempo and lyrics that perfectly capture the thrill of travelling. They frequently talk about how wonderful it is to get away from the daily grind and appreciate life’s little joys.

One of the reasons vacation songs are so well-liked is that they arouse universal memories and emotions. Going on vacation is something that everyone can connect to, regardless of age, wealth, or circumstance. Songs about vacations have therefore been ingrained in culture.

Escape Reality: 12 Songs About Vacation That Will Take You Away

This article will look at some of the greatest songs ever with a vacation theme. We’ll cover a wide range of genres and styles, from vintage rock to contemporary pop. We will also talk about the background of these songs and the reasons why they have become so well-known.

This post is for you if you’re thinking about your next vacation or just want to listen to some upbeat music to make your day better. Prepare to press play to start a musical trip that honours the pleasures of a holiday.

12 Best Songs About Vacation – Here are our recommendations!

12: Island In The Sun – Harry Belafonte

“Island In The Sun” was written by Harry Belafonte for the same-named film in which he appeared. In the movie, he sings the song while talking about his wish to reside permanently on the imaginary Caribbean island of “Santa Marta”.

11: No Shoes, No Shirt, No Problems – Kenny Chesney

Kenny Chesney sings in this country hit about yearning to escape the oppressive bustle of daily existence. He wants to exchange his life of hard work for bottomless drinks and bare feet on a Mexican sandy beach.

10: On The Road Again – Willie Nelson

The timeless song “On The Road Again” is ideal for every road trip. While travelling with the film’s director, Willie Nelson wrote this song for the movie Honeysuckle Rose. He compares himself and his musical buddies to a “band of gipsies” and sings in the song about his passion of exploring new areas.

9: Life Is A Highway – Tom Cochrane

The timeless song “Life Is A Highway” by Tom Cochrane, which is a celebration of living life to the fullest, is another ideal song for road trips. After visiting Africa, he was upset after seeing firsthand the struggles the locals faced. He finished producing the upbeat song he needed to get him out of that depressing situation using the rough draught of one he had lying around and the emotion he felt following his journey. It conveys a powerful message about enduring adversity and living life to the fullest.

8: Margaritaville – Jimmy Buffet

Most people have at some point in their lives sung along to the vacation song “Margaritaville”. Jimmy Buffet got the idea for the song after drinking his first margarita in a Texas restaurant and finishing a tour with The Coral Reefer Band. The song was written in Key West after he left. This emphasises a carefree way of life where you may drown your sorrows with margaritas and soothing music.

7: Holiday Road – Lindsey Buckingham

The upbeat and entertaining song “Holiday Road” by Lindsey Buckingham brilliantly conveys the thrill of a road trip. The song, which was released in 1983, became well-known as the soundtrack for the film “National Lampoon’s Vacation”. “Holiday Road” is a timeless summer hymn that is ideal for driving down the highway with the windows down because of its driving tempo, catchy chorus and unforgettable guitar riffs. Anyone preparing for a summer road trip should give this song a try because of Buckingham’s powerful voice and upbeat performance.

6: Vacation – The Go-Go’s

After visiting her homeland, Kathy Valentine penned “Vacation” on a flight back to Los Angeles. While there, she developed feelings for a boy and later left him. Valentine created a version of “Vacation” for her previous group, The Textones, before she became the bassist and co-songwriter for The Go-Go’s. The song was modified by the group once they joined The Go-Go’s, making it into the well-known, timeless travel song it is today.

5: Kokomo – The Beach Boys

The Beach Boys’ song “Kokomo” will make you want to visit the Florida Keys even though there isn’t a real “Kokomo” there. The gang makes a list of locations they would take their beloved before deciding on Kokomo. Here, while enjoying the luxury of a sandy beach and a tropical drink in your hand, is where you’ll fall in love.

4: It’s Five O’Clock Somewhere – Alan Jackson And Jimmy Buffett

Our good friend Jimmy Buffet performs with Alan Jackson on the quitting time song “It’s Five O’Clock Somewhere”. The couple sings of growing tired of being overworked and pushed to their breaking point, so they immediately begin their ‘Jamaican holiday’ with a long drink to ease their troubles.

3: Soak Up The Sun – Sheryl Crow

“Soak Up The Sun”, one of the most iconic feel-good tunes, was written with the intention of lifting Sheryl Crow’s spirits after surgery. She wrote the song while travelling to Oregon, and it quickly became a huge hit. The song appeals to the desire to escape the gloomy winter months and move to a location where the sun shines brightly and immediately enhances one’s mental health.

2: Holiday – Madonna

Life can sometimes be the worst kind of a drag on you. Because of this, individuals occasionally need a cause to celebrate, regardless of what they’re celebrating. In the popular song “Holiday”, we learn that everyone would enjoy taking a day off from their daily routines. But some of us need more than a single day. Thank heavens for holidays, regardless of when in the year they occur.

1: California Dreamin’ – The Mamas And The Papas

The Mamas and The Papas‘ “California Dreamin'” is a timeless classic that has come to symbolise the California way of life. Listeners are transported to a land of longing for sunny skies, palm trees, and limitless possibilities by the song’s eerie music and poetic lyrics. The song’s appeal has survived since its 1965 release because listeners of all ages have connected with its message of hope and escape. The Mamas and The Papas’ harmonies and the iconic opening guitar riff of “California Dreamin'” elevate it to the status of a classic 60s musical masterpiece.

12 Best Songs About Vacation – Closing remarks and thoughts

The best songs about vacation, in conclusion, perfectly express what it means to unwind and take some much-needed time off from a routine. Vacation songs have a timeless appeal that defies time and location, from the lyrics that capture the freedom of the open road to the lively tunes that make you want to dance.

These tunes can bring back some of your favourite memories of prior journeys or serve as inspiration for your next travels. They serve as a helpful reminder of the significance of escaping the pressures of daily life in order to enjoy the spontaneity and delight of a well-earned vacation.

The songs themselves may be of many styles and genres, but they all have a similar message: a celebration of life, love, and the straightforward pleasures of a change of scenery. There is a vacation song out there for everyone, whether you like old rock, country, or contemporary pop.

Therefore, the next time you pack your bags and prepare to travel, don’t forget to make the ideal vacation playlist. And let the music be your guide while you make lifelong memories, whether you’re lounging in the sun on a beach or discovering a new city.

Closing Remarks:

The best vacation tunes ultimately serve as a gentle reminder to cherish each moment because life is so finite. So pump up the volume, start singing along, and let the music take you to a state of complete relaxation and joy.

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