Classic Western songs you’ll want to listen to on a trip: Travel songs from around the world
Music is essential for long journeys.
Listening to nostalgic Japanese songs and soaking in memories is great, but every now and then, why not head toward your destination with a swelling sense of excitement for unknown places while listening to Western music?
For those of you who feel that way, we’ve selected classic Western tracks perfect for travel.
We’ve picked not only timeless staples but also the latest hits—and even songs themed around travel—curating numbers that fit your trip from a variety of angles.
Be sure to find the tracks that suit you!
- Departure songs in Western music: world-famous classics and popular tracks.
- Stylish Western music: Chic hidden gems that only the in-the-know recognize make an appearance!
- [Captivating] A Collection of Western Songs with Cool Intros [2026]
- Famous Western songs everyone knows: a roundup of classic tunes you’ve heard somewhere before
- Fun Western pop songs—tunes that make you feel happy just by listening
- Beautiful, lovely Western music. A roundup of recommended classic songs.
- [2026 Edition] Upbeat Western Music! Latest Hits and Popular Songs
- [2026] Western music you've heard at least once — from trending new tracks to timeless classics
- Classic Western songs to listen to at night
- Recommended Western music for men in their 50s: world classics and popular songs
- Western songs that men like: world classics and popular tracks.
- Foreign folk music. Classic folk masterpieces and recommended popular songs.
- Western songs you’ll want to listen to leisurely on your days off. World classics and popular hits.
Classic Western songs to listen to while traveling: World travel songs (21–30)
Smoke on the WaterDeep Purple
A signature work by Deep Purple, whose riff is incredibly famous.
It’s a track from the album Machine Head, released as a single in 1973 and a huge hit.
The song recounts their trip to Montreux for recording, and the lyrics read almost like a documentary of the events.
On the Road AgainWillie Nelson
Country singers from the United States are hardly popular in Japan, but among those who are still relatively well-known is Willie Nelson.
This is the theme song from the film “Honeysuckle Rose,” in which he starred.
It was also nominated for the Academy Award for Best Original Song.
Classic Western songs to listen to while traveling: World travel songs (31–40)
The PassengerIggy Pop
A track from the album Lust for Life, produced by David Bowie.
It wasn’t exactly a hit, but it’s a staple that always comes up when talking about travel songs.
It may be one of the most popular of Iggy Pop’s songs.
The WeightThe Band
Like “Born To Be Wild,” this is one of The Band’s signature songs used in the film Easy Rider.
It originally appeared on their debut album, Music from Big Pink.
It also made a strong impression in The Last Waltz, the film about their final concert, which includes a studio performance.
Leaving on a Jet PlanePeter, Paul & Mary
Peter, Paul and Mary also enjoyed high popularity in Japan during the folk boom, but ironically, this song—which reached No.
1 on the Billboard charts—is not very well known.
Written by John Denver, its title is ironically fitting when you consider that he later died in a plane crash.
Fast CarTracy Chapman
Tracy Chapman is a very rare presence as a Black female folk singer.
This is a single cut from her debut album, which reached No.
6 on the Billboard charts.
The album itself was a major hit.
It’s been covered more times than one can count.
Mambo TaxiSly & Robbie
A vibrant track by Jamaican music heavyweights Sly & Robbie that weaves elements of Latin jazz and film music.
By layering their distinctive reggae sound over a passionate mambo rhythm, it brilliantly captures both the sunny cheer of the tropics and a sophisticated sensuality.
Featured on their 1997 album “Mambo Taxi,” the track includes top-tier musicians such as saxophonist Dean Fraser and trombonist Nambo Robinson.
It’s perfect for anyone looking to rediscover the allure of Latin music or interested in the fusion of reggae and jazz.