There are two things you need on a North American road trip. A travel itinerary and a hot playlist.
The rest will sort itself out! But if you have a plan for where you’re going, how you’re getting there, and a fun, quintessentially American playlist with you, then your road trip vacation is sure to be one of the best you’ll ever have.
But how exactly do you make the perfect itinerary and what songs need to go into that playlist? Well, first off, the best way to really plan out your trip is by doing it all through a trusted website that can nail down the plan without any confusion – visit routeperfect.com for more information.
As for the playlist, well, that’s all subjective. But there are certain songs that you kind of need to have! We’ve compiled these songs to get you started:
Ride by Lana Del Rey
Starting off with a bit of a modern spin, Lana Del Rey’s “Ride” has become one of the best road trip tracks ever. The song radiates with the dust of the American highways, glittering sunlight and those summer-y, “freedom” vibes.
Sweet Home Alabama by Lynyrd Skynyrd
Do we really need to say anything about this one? If you’re driving in the US, it’s a classic roadtrip track, even if you’re not travelling towards Alabama – although it would be even more appropriate if that was one of the states on your list!
Little Red Corvette by Prince
Driving in a red corvette? This is the song for you. Not driving in a red corvette? This is still the song for you. Prince’s “Little Red Corvette” is one of his masterpieces, and it hits on another level when playing out on a long, deserted highway.
Keep Driving by Harry Styles
Another modern one, Harry Styles’ “Keep Driving” is a slow-cruising builder. It starts small, melancholic, but it grows into something quite beautiful. Also it’s about driving. So it’s perfect.
I’m On My Way by The Proclaimers
We’ve thrown in a bit of a curveball here. The Proclaimers, of course, are a quintessentially Scottish band, but their music has been used in a number of American movies. This one, in particular, is a perfect track for a long journey. You’re on your way and The Proclaimers can lead you all the way there.
Fleetwood Mac by Dreams
Do you even have a road trip playlist if Fleetwood Mac isn’t on it? While any Fleetwood Mac would work for your North American playlist, we’ve gone for something a little more melancholic and nostalgic to break up the more upbeat tracks we’ve already included.
Take Me Home, Country Roads by John Denver
Finishing everything off, this is a must-have on your playlist, towards the end if you want the best effect. John Denver’s voice was simply made for the American highways, and this track epitomises the thoughts you will be having once your journey is coming to an end. It might even bring a little tear to the eye… just make sure to not get too soft and keep those eyes focused on the road!
