Have you ever heard a song, which sparked a memory so clear it was as if you were traveling back in time to relive that moment? The music makes a connection and opens a door into a past experience that burns permanent in our minds. Every time you hear that song it has the same effect. I love this about music. That’s why I create a custom playlist for our family vacations. Those songs become the soundtrack to our trips and in turn become a lasting memory that we’ll never forget.
Every time I hear a Chicago song my mind travels back to 2004 driving all night on the way to vacation with my wife, singing at the top of our lungs in order to keep ourselves awake. We would laugh so hard singing the corny lyrics, but the music soon took on a new meaning. The lyrics that seemed so ridiculous now had deeper meaning to us because of our shared experience.
As we drive to our family vacation destination, we take in the changing landscape and watch the clouds move across the horizon, and we listen to our playlist. As we enjoy our time together as a family, it becomes a soundtrack for that specific piece of time in our lives. After we return home, if we happen to hear one of those songs, we’re reminded of the memories made together.
Here are 5 tips to creating a memorable road-trip playlist
Something old
There’s something to be said for classics. No matter how many times you hear them, they seem to strengthen their connection with your experiences with each listen. For example if you heard “Born on the Bayou” at different points in your life while camping, like with your parents, then as a teenager, then as an adult, that song has cemented itself in your camping playlist. You couldn’t remove it if you tried. You’re picking music to build a memory so you want something that’s going to last. If a song has made it this far, you’re sure to hear it again. Whether “old” for you means Motown, 50s, classic rock from the 60s or 70s, or punk from the 80s, make sure you have some classics in the mix.
Something new
With so many musical platforms available right now, it’s easy to find new music. Step out of your comfort zone and listen to something different. But don’t let your pride get in the way. I have a bad habit of trying to find music that hasn’t made it big yet. I feel like I am some type of musical gold miner and I want to stake claim to it first. So I either never listen to what’s popular or kick an artist to the curb because they have all of a sudden made it to the big time.
With an elitist attitude like that, I started missing out on some great music. Not to mention, a lot of musical association with some great memories. It is the commonly shared appreciation of music that gives it value. Any concert memory is proof of that. Warning: New music may just be catchy, but not actually good. You could end up hating life by the end of your trip with a song that never ends.
Something bold
I guess by bold I mean an anthem. They are the songs that really stick out and give a good trip a great theme. Classics like “We Are The Champions” by Queen, or a newer song like “We Are Young” by Fun are good examples of anthems. These songs are like vacation trip rallies for a good time to be had. They raise excitement levels and get the conversations flowing about activities, adventures that you are planning, and other things you are looking forward to.
Something blue
Just like life, music needs ups and downs; you need some blues in there. By blues I don’t necessarily mean delta blues, unless that’s where you’re heading for your trip. I mean songs with more of a mellow flow that still create and cultivate the mood of the trip. If you’re on a trip with younger children, it may be a good idea to put a few mellow songs back to back to transition your little butt-bobbers into head-nodders, or head-bangers into noodle-neckers, or whatever phrase you choose.
Something for you
At this point you might be thinking I’m taking this vacation playlist thing a little too seriously, and yeah you’re right. I get into playlists a little too much, and that’s why it’s important to let your family pick some of their favorite songs. What’s the point of listening to music if you don’t know the words. Pick some of your family’s favorite songs and take turns singing into your invisible mics. Crank up the air band volume and have a blast.
Here’s the playlist I created on Spotify for our next camping road-trip.
