Summertime is here, and for many of us, summertime means going somewhere. Whether you're heading to an internship or a summer study program, going abroad, going on vacation, or just going home, some sort of traveling is inevitably involved; and while cars, buses and trains are great methods of transportation for destinations close to you, more often than not, you're going to end up on an airplane...especially if you're going across the continent or across the world.
Now, all things considered, flying is actually pretty cool. I mean, you're literally defying the laws of gravity, soaring through the air at speeds that far surpass anything you could get out of your car. But, with today's security lines, airport crowds, lengthy boarding processes, minuscule amounts of legroom, and the occasional seatmate who has no respect for already limited personal space bubbles, it's also not hard to see how flying has become a chore. Books, coloring and movies are a great way to pass the time, but it can be hard to get into your activities when all you can think about is the people on either side of you who are hogging the arm rests or the person in front of you who has decided to recline in their seat. (All. The. Way. Back.)
So, how do you occupy your brain for your time in the air? If you're like me, music is a great way for you to get into the fly-zone and distract yourself from the hurry-up-and-wait mindset that seems to be ever present for airline passengers. Below, I've compiled a list of great jams to add to your summer travel playlist, so you can turn the airplane into an air-party.
1. You Know You Like It -DJ Snake ft. AlunaGeorge
This is the ultimate takeoff song. Sync the beat drop with wheels up, and you're in for an epic experience.
2. Speed of Light - Corbin Bleu
There isn't a good explanation for why this song is perfect flying material. Just listen to it; I promise you'll understand.
3. Wait Up (RAC Remix) - Tokyo Police Club
You know the people on planes who get so into their music that they're toe-tapping, or head-bopping, or lip-syncing? This is one of those songs that will turn you into one of them (and that's totally cool).
4. Forever Now - Ne-Yo
I know, I know. Ne-Yo isn't everyone's cup of tea, but this is an epic landing song. There's just something about it that sucks you in. Trust me on this one.
5. Danger Zone - Kenny Loggins
Where are my Top Gun fans at? You can't go wrong with listening to Danger Zone on a plane. It was written about fighter jets, after all...and it's another great takeoff song.
6. Defying Gravity (Wicked Soundtrack) - Idina Menzel & Kristin Chenoweth
The lyrics (and Idina Menzel's voice) are enough to put the magic back into any phase of flying. No further explanation needed.
7. White Knuckles - OK Go
The title might describe how you might feel about flying, especially if there's turbulence. But, OK Go's unique sound and fun beat will get you feeling just the opposite, and you'll be toe-tapping before you reach cruising altitude.
8. Another White Dash - Butterfly Boucher
"There is something exciting about leaving everything behind." You said it, Butterfly. This, right here, is my travel jam.
9. Good Times - Roll Deep feat. Jodie Connor
Great for takeoff and landing, or even just cruising while you stare out the window and think about the adventures you're heading toward (or returning from). Besides, traveling is supposed to be a good time.
10. On My Way Home - Pentatonix
Whether you're going home, or going to make your destination feel like home, Pentatonix will evoke every possible emotion in you while you're soaring through the air at 30,000 feet, listening to this song.
This list certainly isn't comprehensive of all the great summer and traveling tunes out there, but my hope is that this is a good place to start. Add any of these to your playlist, and get ready to sit back, relax, and enjoy your flight.
Happy travels!
