Lately, I've been turning off mind-numbing "reality" TV shows and listening to music for at least an hour before going to bed. Not only does it put me in a better mood but I even get up and dance around the living room - it feels like a mini-vacation. Many of my favorite songs have a travel theme or come from a foreign country. The list is very long but here are five of my favorite tunes that conjure up feelings of wanderlust. Please share yours!
"Mexico" by James Taylor
Oh Mexico, it sounds so sweet with the sun sinking low
I simply adore James Taylor and have this ongoing daydream that he will sing at my destination wedding one day. Everything about this song is perfect - James's supple vocals, the lilting beat, and the lyrics. On my first road trip to Tijuana in college, we blasted Mexico in the car. And, when I arrived at the airport a few months ago to fly to Cancun, Mexico was actually playing over the sound system. Someone at JFK has good taste in music!
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The Girl from Ipanema by Antonio Carlos Jobim
Tall and tan and young and lovely, the girl from Ipanema goes walking
And when she passes, each one passes goes -ah
The Girl from Ipanema was my introduction to Bossa Nova and the brilliant work of Jobim. This sultry song is simply timeless and puts the listener in a Brazil state of mind. Wouldn't every girl love to inspire such a masterpiece?
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Love Train by the O'Jays
People all over the world
Join hands
Start a love train, love train
Whenever I am on the crowded NYC subway and look around at the sullen faces, I want to break out into this song. This classic soul jam about people all over the world joining together in peace is a brilliant blend of inspirational lyrics and a danceable beat.
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Wide Open Spaces by the Dixie Chicks
She needs wide open spaces
Room to make the big mistakes
This song became my anthem when I was going through a breakup. Wide Open Spaces perfectly captures that feeling of wanting to explore the world and take a journey of self-discovery.
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Carolina in My Mind by James Taylor
In my mind I'm going to Carolina
Can't you see the sunshine
Can't you just feel the moonshine
I love James Taylor so much, that he starts and ends my list of favorite travel songs. Like all JT songs, this composition really paints a portrait and captures the yearning of missing home or any place that holds special meaning for you. My late Dad was from North Carolina and this song always makes me think of him and the summers I spent down there as a little girl.
Click here to listen to a clip.