Best Travel Songs For Your Instagram Stories

Nov 18, 2025 by Alex Braham 45 views

Creating engaging Instagram travel stories involves more than just stunning visuals; the right soundtrack can truly elevate your content. Music sets the mood, evokes emotions, and connects with your audience on a deeper level. Selecting the perfect song can transform a simple video clip into a captivating narrative that leaves a lasting impression. So, if you're looking to enhance your travel stories, here's a curated list of the best songs that will resonate with your followers and perfectly complement your adventures.

Upbeat & Energetic Anthems

For those high-energy travel moments, an upbeat anthem is the way to go. Upbeat and energetic anthems capture the essence of adventure, excitement, and discovery, making them ideal for showcasing thrilling experiences and breathtaking landscapes. These songs often feature catchy melodies, driving rhythms, and uplifting lyrics that inspire a sense of wanderlust and freedom. When choosing an upbeat track, consider the tempo and instrumentation to ensure it aligns with the pace and vibe of your visuals. For example, a fast-paced electronic track might be perfect for showcasing a montage of city nightlife, while an acoustic-driven anthem could be ideal for a scenic road trip through the countryside.

Some popular choices in this category include:

"Walking on Sunshine" by Katrina & The Waves: This timeless classic exudes pure joy and optimism, making it perfect for showcasing sunny destinations and carefree moments.
"Good Life" by OneRepublic: With its infectious melody and uplifting lyrics, this song captures the feeling of living life to the fullest and embracing new experiences.
"On Top of the World" by Imagine Dragons: This anthemic track inspires a sense of accomplishment and triumph, making it ideal for showcasing challenging hikes, summit views, or any moment where you feel like you've conquered the world.
"High Hopes" by Panic! at the Disco: A song about aiming high and achieving your dreams, this track is great for capturing the spirit of adventure and pushing your boundaries.
"Lovely Day" by Bill Withers: Start your travel story with the right foot using this song, its smooth and soulful vibe sets a positive tone, making it perfect for showcasing beautiful scenery and serene moments.

These songs not only add energy to your travel stories but also create a memorable experience for your viewers, encouraging them to engage with your content and share their own travel aspirations.

Chill & Atmospheric Tracks

When your travel story calls for a more relaxed and introspective vibe, chill and atmospheric tracks are the perfect choice. These songs create a sense of tranquility, wonder, and serenity, making them ideal for showcasing scenic landscapes, peaceful moments, and cultural experiences. Chill tracks often feature ambient textures, mellow melodies, and soothing rhythms that transport listeners to another world. When selecting a chill track, consider the overall mood and atmosphere you want to create in your story. For example, an ambient electronic track might be perfect for showcasing a sunset over the ocean, while a folk-inspired acoustic track could be ideal for a quiet stroll through a charming village.

Here are some excellent options to consider:

"Rivers and Roads" by The Head and the Heart: Evokes a sense of nostalgia and reflection, perfect for farewells or journeys ending.
"Holocene" by Bon Iver: This song creates a dreamy and introspective atmosphere, ideal for showcasing natural landscapes and moments of quiet contemplation.
"Nuvole Bianche" by Ludovico Einaudi: A piano piece that provides a serene and emotional backdrop, perfect for scenic vistas and heartfelt moments.
"The Sound of Silence" by Simon & Garfunkel: A song that adds depth and introspection, ideal for thoughtful travel moments and cultural experiences.
"Watermark" by Enya: Transport your audience to a realm of tranquility and wonder, creating an immersive experience with this ethereal track.

Incorporating these tracks can transform your travel stories into immersive experiences that resonate with your audience, leaving them feeling relaxed, inspired, and connected to your journey.

Indie & Alternative Gems

For travelers with a unique sense of style and adventure, indie and alternative gems offer a refreshing alternative to mainstream hits. These songs often feature quirky melodies, unconventional instrumentation, and thought-provoking lyrics that reflect a spirit of independence and authenticity. Indie and alternative tracks are perfect for showcasing off-the-beaten-path destinations, hidden gems, and unexpected encounters. When selecting an indie or alternative track, consider the overall tone and message you want to convey in your story. For example, a lo-fi indie track might be perfect for showcasing a vintage market in a trendy neighborhood, while an upbeat alternative track could be ideal for a spontaneous road trip with friends.

Some fantastic choices include:

"Young Folks" by Peter Bjorn and John: A catchy and upbeat tune that captures the spirit of youthful adventure and camaraderie.
"Little Talks" by Of Monsters and Men: This song creates a sense of excitement and anticipation, making it perfect for showcasing new destinations and cultural experiences.
"Tongue Tied" by Grouplove: An energetic and infectious track that inspires a sense of freedom and spontaneity, ideal for showcasing fun-filled adventures with friends.
"Coming of Age" by Foster the People: Reflects personal growth and exploration, adding depth to travel experiences.
"Shelter Song" by Temples: For adding a psychedelic and groovy vibe to your travel stories.

By incorporating these indie and alternative gems into your travel stories, you can showcase your unique personality and connect with like-minded travelers who appreciate authenticity and originality.

Pop Sensations

No travel playlist is complete without a few pop sensations to get your viewers moving and grooving. These songs are catchy, upbeat, and universally appealing, making them perfect for showcasing fun-filled moments, lively destinations, and unforgettable experiences. Pop tracks often feature infectious melodies, danceable rhythms, and relatable lyrics that resonate with a wide audience. When selecting a pop track, consider the overall mood and energy you want to create in your story. For example, a high-energy dance-pop track might be perfect for showcasing a vibrant nightlife scene, while a feel-good pop anthem could be ideal for a beach vacation with friends.

Here are some popular options to consider:

"Don't Stop Me Now" by Queen: An explosive and exhilarating anthem that captures the feeling of pure joy and excitement, perfect for showcasing thrilling adventures and unforgettable moments.
"Walking on a Dream" by Empire of the Sun: This song creates a dreamy and surreal atmosphere, making it ideal for showcasing exotic destinations and otherworldly landscapes.
"September" by Earth, Wind & Fire: An irresistible groove that will get your viewers dancing, perfect for showcasing lively celebrations and cultural events.
"Shut Up and Dance" by Walk the Moon: This song is all about letting loose and having fun, making it perfect for showcasing spontaneous adventures and carefree moments.
"Riptide" by Vance Joy: A song that provides a cheerful and carefree soundtrack to your travel stories.

Incorporating these pop sensations into your travel stories can create a sense of fun, excitement, and shared joy, making your content more engaging and memorable for your viewers.

Timeless Classics

For a touch of nostalgia and timeless appeal, consider incorporating some timeless classics into your travel stories. These songs have stood the test of time and continue to resonate with audiences of all ages, making them perfect for showcasing iconic landmarks, historical sites, and cultural traditions. Timeless classics often evoke a sense of familiarity, comfort, and nostalgia that can enhance the emotional impact of your travel stories. When selecting a classic track, consider the overall theme and message you want to convey in your story. For example, a soulful R&B classic might be perfect for showcasing the vibrant music scene of a historic city, while a folk-inspired ballad could be ideal for a scenic road trip through the countryside.

Here are some evergreen options to consider:

"What a Wonderful World" by Louis Armstrong: This song's message of optimism and appreciation resonates universally, perfect for showcasing beautiful scenery and heartwarming encounters.
"Here Comes the Sun" by The Beatles: This song's uplifting message and catchy melody make it perfect for showcasing sunny destinations and positive travel experiences.
"Hallelujah" by Leonard Cohen: Adds depth and emotion to reflective travel moments.
"Landslide" by Fleetwood Mac: This song's introspective lyrics and gentle melody make it perfect for showcasing personal journeys and moments of self-discovery.
"A Sky Full of Stars" by Coldplay: Create a sense of wonder and excitement, perfect for showcasing stunning nightscapes and unforgettable moments.

Incorporating these timeless classics into your travel stories can create a sense of connection, nostalgia, and shared experience, making your content more relatable and memorable for your viewers.

Tips for Choosing the Right Song

Selecting the perfect song for your Instagram travel story involves more than just picking a catchy tune. It requires careful consideration of various factors to ensure that the music complements your visuals and enhances the overall impact of your content. Here are some essential tips to help you choose the right song for your travel stories:

Match the Mood: The music should reflect the overall mood and atmosphere of your travel story. Upbeat and energetic songs are perfect for showcasing thrilling adventures, while chill and atmospheric tracks are ideal for serene moments and scenic landscapes.
Consider the Pace: The tempo of the song should align with the pace of your visuals. Fast-paced songs are suitable for action-packed montages, while slower songs are better for showcasing slow-motion shots and contemplative moments.
Think About Your Audience: Choose music that resonates with your target audience. Consider their age, interests, and cultural background when selecting songs for your travel stories.
Use Licensed Music: Always use licensed music to avoid copyright infringement. There are several platforms that offer royalty-free music for social media, such as Epidemic Sound, Artlist, and Soundstripe.
Get Creative with Transitions: Use music to create seamless transitions between different scenes in your travel story. Experiment with fades, cuts, and other editing techniques to create a visually and aurally appealing experience.
Pay Attention to Sound Quality: Ensure that the music you use is of high quality and free from distortion or noise. Poor sound quality can detract from the overall impact of your travel story.

By following these tips, you can choose the perfect songs to enhance your Instagram travel stories and create a captivating experience for your viewers.

Final Thoughts

Incorporating the right music into your Instagram travel stories can transform your content from ordinary to extraordinary. By carefully selecting songs that match the mood, pace, and theme of your visuals, you can create a captivating experience that resonates with your audience and leaves a lasting impression. Whether you prefer upbeat anthems, chill tracks, indie gems, pop sensations, or timeless classics, there's a perfect song out there to enhance your travel stories and share your adventures with the world. So go ahead, explore these musical options, and let the rhythm guide your storytelling!