Why You Should Listen to Music When You Travel

Summer 2023 is experiencing a surge in wanderlust according to travel stats this year.  As covid revenge travel is still at its peak and the world is opening its doors to eager travelers, there's no better time to embrace the transformative power of music and harness its ability to elevate your travel experiences to extraordinary heights. As the soundtrack to your explorations, music has the incredible power to enhance your travels in ways you may have never imagined. From setting the perfect mood to reducing stress and immersing you in the local culture, music is a transformative force that intertwines your senses with every step you take. Lifestyle expert Camille Styles shared her sentiments on travel and music with us, “In our fast-paced, always connected lives, there’s nothing like music to bring us back to the present and help us connect with our senses and emotions. This is especially true when I travel—whether it’s chill, beachy tracks when I’m in Malibu or high-vibe beats to serenade my exploration of a new city, the right music helps me sink into the energy of a place. And of course, when I want to revisit a place in my mind, all I have to do is play a certain song to transport me back.”

Camille isn't the only one who believes music and travel go hand-in-hand. 77% of listeners find that music is a great travel companion (SiriusXM report). So, let's dive into the enchanting realm of music and learn how it can be your ultimate travel ally in more ways than one, guiding you through the wonders of the world with full spectrum feels.

1. Setting the mood

The mood-boosting benefits of music are well established, making it a great modality to set the tone for your trip and help you get in the right frame of mind. For example, if you are going on a romantic getaway with your partner, you might want a playlist of amorous songs that you can listen to together to set the mood you want to be in. If you are going on an adventure trip, you might choose music that is more upbeat and energizing to get you pumped up and ready to go.

2. Passing the time

Travel can often involve long hours of waiting in airports or sitting on trains or buses. Listening to music can help pass the time and make these periods of waiting more enjoyable and even make time seemingly move more quickly. You can create a playlist of your favorite songs or listen to a podcast or audiobook to help you relax and pass the time.

3. Discovering new music

Traveling is a great opportunity to discover new music. You might hear a song playing in a café or on the radio and become curious about the artist or genre. You can also ask locals for recommendations on music that is popular in the area or attend a live music event to discover new artists. Spiritune founder, Jamie Pabst, says “diving into local music is one of my favorite ways to discover new music and truly immerse myself in the culture of my travel destination.”

4. Enhancing your experiences

Music can enhance your experiences while traveling. For example, if you are hiking in the mountains, you might listen to nature sounds or instrumental music to help you connect with your surroundings. If you are exploring a city, you might listen to music that is popular in the local clubs and bars to get a feel for the local culture. Pabst goes on to say, “music has a way of making your experiences feel more alive and enriching, so it’s a great way to infuse your travels with extra meaning.”

5.  Relieving stress and calming nerves

Traveling can sometimes be stressful, whether it's dealing with delays, navigating unfamiliar places, or feeling anxious about new experiences. Music has the power to relax and soothe our minds, providing a sense of comfort and tranquility during those stressful moments. Listening to the right music can help reduce stress levels, promote relaxation, and create a more positive travel experience amidst the chaos of travel. Pabst says, “I particularly love to chill out and get my mind in the right place right before the airplane takes off. Many people get travel anxiety, but regardless of if you’re a nervous traveler or not, listening to the right music can help put you in the right mental state as you embark on your journey or adventure. This is when a science-backed music application like Spiritune can be of great help.”

6. Creating Memories

Finally, music can help lock-in memories of your travels that will last a lifetime. When you hear a certain song, it can take you back to a specific moment in your travels and evoke the emotions and experiences you had during that time. By listening to music during your travels, you can create a soundtrack for your adventures that you can enjoy long after your trip is over.

Music can be a powerful tool in your travels for many reasons. So as you prepare to hit the road or jet off for a grand adventure this summer, don't forget to pack your headphones and some good tunes that’ll help enhance your emotion-inducing travel experiences - like Spiritune!