By Josh Kingsley DJ Business Owner, Performer, and Social Media Junkie
Quick Picks – Best Travel Reel Songs
Need the perfect travel song for your Reel right now? Here are the top 5 picks for 2025:
- Best Overall (Free): “Sharing My Story” by The Clickbait Crew (Catchy & Emotional)
- Best Upbeat Vibe: “Wave” by Lyxe (Soothing & Catchy)
- Best for Road Trips: “On My Way” by Carswell & Hope (Feel-good & Upbeat)
- Best for Edgy Adventures: “Unto Myself” by Serene Fiend (Industrial Metal)
- Best for Golden Hour: “Golden Hour” by Vance Joy (Timeless & Laid-back)
According to one highly scientific study (conducted somewhere on the internet), over 726.8 million people use Instagram Reels. That is roughly the same number of people currently filming their lunch from three different angles. Experts say the right song can boost engagement, which is social media language for “make total strangers briefly tolerate your vacation footage.”
A perfect soundtrack doesn’t just enhance your travel video, it transforms it into something magical. Suddenly, you’re not just wandering through an airport; you’re starring in a dramatic film called Person Who Forgot Their Charger Again. That’s why we carefully track popular songs for Instagram Reels with the same dedication other people reserve for actual jobs.
My Top 5 Travel Songs for Reels
1. “Sharing My Story” by The Clickbait Crew
Why it works: This is my top pick. After endless hours trying to find music that speaks to my travel adventures, I landed on “Sharing My Story.” The heartfelt lyrics and vibe create an immediate emotional connection.
Mood: Reflective, Hopeful, Catchy
Best For: Recaps of a trip, solo travel. Start at 0:40 for the catchy chorus.
Download “Sharing My Story” For Free
As a special thank you, I’m offering ‘Sharing My Story,’ for free download. It’s perfect for capturing the magic of any moment.
2. “Wave” by Lyxe
Why it works: (Pronounced ‘Likes’) “Wave” is vibrant and instantly catches your attention. Its soothing vibes and catchy beat make it the perfect soundtrack for an exciting escapade.
Mood: Vibrant, Soothing, Infectious
Best For: Beach days, boat trips, or any “on the water” content.
Example of “Wave” in a Travel Reel:
My wife and I are traveling with the family in this video. Click to see how we used the song:
| Listen to “Wave” | |
|---|---|
| Spotify | Listen on Spotify |
| YouTube Music | Listen on YouTube Music |
| Apple Music | Listen on Apple Music |
3. “On My Way” by Carswell & Hope
Why it works: A feel-good song with an upbeat melody. Its catchy chorus and soulful vocals perfectly encapsulate the wanderlust spirit.
Mood: Optimistic, Free, Joyful
Best For: The start of a new trip, driving sequences, or a montage of happy moments.
| Listen to “On My Way” | |
|---|---|
| Spotify | Listen on Spotify |
| YouTube Music | Listen on YouTube Music |
| Apple Music | Listen on Apple Music |
4. “Enjoy The Show” by The Sluts
Why it works: A laid-back yet energetic song that can match any travel reel. Its catchy tune and powerful vocals add life to your content. These types of songs are different from standard best songs for Instagram Stories, as they build energy for video.
Mood: Energetic, Confident, Fun
Best For: City exploration, market walkthroughs, or any content with a bit of swagger.
| Listen to “Enjoy The Show” | |
|---|---|
| Spotify | Listen on Spotify |
| YouTube | Watch on YouTube |
| Apple Music | Listen on Apple Music |
5. “Unto Myself” by Serene Fiend
Why it works: An industrial heavy metal track that gives an edgy twist to your travel videos. Perfect for breaking the “chill travel” mold.
Mood: Intense, Powerful, Edgy
Best For: Extreme sports, fast-paced city nights, or showcasing your adventurous side.
| Listen to “Unto Myself” | |
|---|---|
| Spotify | Listen on Spotify |
| Apple Music | Listen on Apple Music |
| Bandcamp | Listen on Bandcamp |
More Upbeat Travel Songs for Reels
6. “New Destinations” by The Chainsmokers
Why it works: A vibrant and energetic song. The title itself screams travel!
Mood: Exciting, Vibrant, Adventurous
Best For: Revealing a new city, hopping on a plane, or a quick-cut montage of different locations.
More Upbeat & Fun Tracks
- “Dance” by Lizzo: An infectious rhythm that’s sure to get viewers tapping the play button.
- “World Trip” by Dua Lipa: A catchy tune with vibrant energy, perfect for showcasing your world trip.
- “Past Lives” by Imagine Dragons: An upbeat track with a catchy chorus, great for exciting escapades.
Chill & Aesthetic Songs (Golden Hour & Scenery)
For capturing serene sunsets, beautiful landscapes, and reflective moments.
7. “Golden Hour” by Vance Joy
Why it works: A timeless classic with a laid-back vibe. It’s the quintessential song for sunset shots, and a perfect fit for our sunset songs for Instagram Stories list.
Mood: Warm, Nostalgic, Serene
Best For: Road trips, golden hour montages, and serene sunsets.
8. “Perfect Match” by Ed Sheeran
Why it works: A soothing song with soulful vocals, the ideal backdrop for love stories on the road.
Mood: Romantic, Soothing, Heartfelt
Best For: Couples travel, honeymoon reels, or any romantic scenery.
More Chill & Dreamy Tracks
- “Life’s a Trip” by The Weeknd: An energetic song with a moody, catchy beat, perfect for capturing the essence of a night journey.
- “Sense of Life” by Billie Eilish: A song with a soothing vibe, perfect for introspective travel videos.
- “Just a Child” by Harry Styles: This song’s dreamy and soothing melody is perfect for showcasing scenic landscapes.
Bonus, Songs for Airport Instagram Story
Waiting at the gate? Build the hype with the perfect soundtrack. Tracks like “On My Way” by Carswell & Hope or “New Destinations” by The Chainsmokers are perfect for that “taking off” feeling. This is also a great time to pair your “window seat” shot with one of these sunset songs for Instagram stories.
Bonus, Música Para Reels de Viagem (Family Trips)
Tapping into international vibes? For a family trip to Brazil or Portugal, using authentic music adds flair. Música para reels de viagem em família (music for family travel reels) makes your content stand out. Try finding popular Brazilian artists like Anitta or a classic Bossa Nova track like “The Girl from Ipanema” for that authentic, happy feel. If you’re traveling with kids, you might also want to check out our best songs for kids and families guide.
Best Travel Songs for Instagram Stories and Reels
When selecting the perfect track, consider the mood, the narrative, and how a song’s lyrics, beat, and rhythm complement the visual. Opt for upbeat songs with catchy choruses to add a dynamic layer to your storytelling.
When you add music and the right song, you can transform your story. Maybe you’re documenting daily life or sharing a love story, you know that the soundtrack plays a very important role. Good songs have the power to elevate your Instagram stories, making them experiences to remember.
FAQ: Travel Reel Songs
- What are the best songs for Instagram travel reels in 2025?
- A: The best songs match your video’s mood. Trending tracks like “Sharing My Story” (catchy, free) and “Wave” by Lyxe (upbeat) are popular, as are classics like “Golden Hour” by Vance Joy for scenic shots.
- What song should I use for an airport reel?
- A: For an airport or “taking off” reel, use an upbeat, anticipatory song. We recommend “On My Way” by Carswell & Hope or “New Destinations” by The Chainsmokers to build excitement.
- What are the best songs for long drive reels?
- A: Long drive or road trip reels work great with upbeat, feel-good anthems. Try “Golden Hour” by Vance Joy for a chill vibe, or “Enjoy The Show” by The Sluts for something more energetic and fun.
- What are good vacation songs for Instagram stories?
- A: Good vacation songs capture a “getaway” feeling. For relaxation, try “Golden Hour.” For high-energy fun, try “Wave” or “24k Magic.” For romantic trips, “Perfect Match” is a great choice.
- How do I find trending songs for travel reels?
- A: When creating a Reel, tap the ‘Audio’ icon and see what’s listed under ‘For You’ or ‘Trending’. You can also see what songs other travel creators are using and save the audio for your own videos.
Check Back for Updates
We’re committed to keeping our list of the best songs fresh. Check back often for updates. If you’re looking for songs for travel reels or the perfect tracks for your travel reels, we’re always adding new recommendations. Got a favorite upbeat track? Share your suggestions!
The right song can make your travel reels more engaging. So go ahead, press the play button, and let these songs take you on a journey.
