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Writer's pictureToni Reid

What's On My Playlist: The Travel Edition | Travel Preparation

Updated: Jul 16, 2023


Awww music’s such an essential part of our lives. It’s a form of expression and communication by the artist and for the listener. Music is emotional and depending on your emotional state, it can bring you joy or pain. A song’s lyrics can provide solace and sometimes heal you; it brings out memories of pleasure and curiosity. Over the years, I’ve developed an enhanced eclectic mix of songs. As a result, my playlists have become longer and more varied. Travel and music go hand-and-hand. It can stimulate the fun you may have had at a particular destination. When I hear certain songs, I think of Opium Barcelona Restaurant and Club in Barcelona, Spain with views to the Mediterranean sea.


But wait while we all enjoy our electronic devices and the freedom it gives us for in-flight entertainment it is not without some restrictions. For example, we still cannot talk on our phones during take-off and landing. Click here for the Federal Aviation Association video for further details.

There are a lot of emotions to move through when coming or going from a trip. I’m usually happy to be going to a destination or sad because the vacation was too short. Music is the great equalizer, and with the right playlist, it can further positively accentuate those emotions. When I’m traveling on a long flight like three to five hours and especially overnight trips, I always tune-up my music playlist. I have two distinct moods I’m looking for on my playlist during flights. Once the plane levels out after a take-off I’m looking for songs that will calm me down like the following:


  • Sway - Anita Kelsey who is from Mitcham, United Kingdom

  • Fur Elise by Michael Silverman

  • La femme ideale by Ben Mazue who is from Nice, France

  • Please Me by Cardi B & Bruno Mars who is from The Bronx, New York, NY, and Honolulu, HI

Then when the flight is getting ready to land I’m looking to be pumped up, I’m ready to grab my bag(s), exit the airport, and explore my new destination. The following are a few songs from my playlist:


  • Before I Let Go by Maze & Frankie Beverly who is from Philadelphia, PA

  • Marc Anthony - I Need to Know who is from New York, NY

  • La Gozadera (featuring Marc Anthony) by Gente De Zona

  • Nothing Crazy by AceMoMa who is from New York

  • Ain’t Nobody by Rufus & Chaka Khan who is from Illinois

  • Before I Let Go (Homecoming) by Beyonce who is from Houston, TX

  • Hit Em’ Up by 2Pac who is from East Harlem, New York, NY

Finally, on the flight back home, I’m listening to what I call a neutral playlist. It’s a playlist when I’m not searching for a mood but wants to listen to some tunes. I can focus on drafting a blog or writing in my Bullet Journal.


  • Million Reasons / Someone Like You by Lady Gaga & Adele who are from New York, NY, and Tottenham, London

  • Hello by Adele who is from Tottenham, London

  • La Cancion by Bad Bunny x J. Balvin who is from Puerto Rico

  • Still by Tamia who is from Windsor, Canada

  • Caught Up In The Rapture by Anita Baker who is from Toledo, OH


“I’m leaving on a jet plane, Don’t know when I’ll be back again” --John Denver


Happy Travels

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