Whether travelling to an exotic location or taking a road trip, posting your adventures on platforms like Instagram Reels has become an effective means to document and highlight your experiences.

But just posting doesn’t guarantee engagement. One vital element that can boost your travel content is your choice of music. A well-chosen song can define the tone, elicit emotions, and increase the engagement of your videos.

To help you go viral with your travel content, we’ve prepared a list of 10 trending travel songs for Instagram Reels. 

What Exactly Are Travel Reel Songs?

Travel reel songs are trending music used in Instagram Reels to create entertaining and engaging vacation content. Using popular songs that evoke a sense of excitement or wanderlust can help bring your adventure reels to life and make them more appealing to your audience.

However, if you want to get engaging travel songs for Instagram reels, there are three options. They are as follows. 

  • Use music that complements the vibe of your brand.
  • Make use of viral music. 
  • Make use of background music.

How to find the right music to match the vibe of your brand

Finding the right music to match the vibe of your brand is essential for creating reels that resonate with your followers. The songs you select should fit the overall tone and message you want to convey.

Furthermore, the following are methods that will help you find music that matches your brand: 

  • Define the personality and values of your brand: Is your brand modern and edgy or traditional and classic? Do you want to exude vigour, sophistication, or relaxation? Finding music that matches your brand will be easier once you understand its personality and values.
  • Investigate your target audience: Select music from genres and eras your target audience enjoys. For example, classic rock songs may appeal to Baby Boomers, whereas recent pop hits are more likely to appeal to Millennials and Gen Z.
  • Seek inspiration: Look through music blogs and playlists to find new and emerging artists who fit the vibe of your brand. 
  • Test and refine: Once you’ve chosen some potential tracks, run them by your target audience to see how they react.

How to use viral sounds to expand reach and engagement 

Using popular sounds and music on Reels is a simple way to boost views and engagement. People enjoy discovering new songs and sounds, so highlighting what is currently popular or trending is an excellent strategy.

Furthermore, the following are methods for obtaining viral sounds for your Instagram reels: 

  • A trending TikTok sound: Reusing popular TikTok sounds on Reels is a simple way to capitalise on their popularity.
  • A new song snippet: When a famous artist releases a new song, posting a short clip on Reels within a day or two of its release allows you to capitalise on the hype.
  • A sound from a recently released film or TV show: Profit from the popularity of movies, TV shows, characters, or quotes.
  • A sound of a viral meme: Meme sounds and catchphrases are notorious for spreading like wildfire across platforms. Including one in your Reel can increase its visibility and shares.

How to make Instagram reels with background music 

Are you tired of using the same sound as everyone else? Do you want something unique for your brand? Here’s an idea: use background music for reels. 

Here are some ideas to help you go viral: 

  • Voiceovers: Your voice is a potent tool, and including a voiceover in your reel can help bring your travel experiences to life. Your voiceover should be exciting and informative while complementing the visuals in your reel.
  • Use soft and mellow instrumentals: Mellow, soft instrumentals are ideal for travel-themed reels. They create a soothing and relaxing environment that transports viewers to your location. 
  • Make use of nature sounds: The sound of waves crashing against the shore, birds chirping in the morning, or rain falling on leaves can enhance the immersion of your footage. 

Note: Keep your reel short and sweet – aim for 15-30 seconds – and always make sure the music and sounds you use are licensed for commercial use or fall under fair use guidelines. 

Viral Songs For Instagram Stories In 2024

Regarding Instagram travel Stories, if you want songs that capture your journey’s spirit, here are the best travel songs for Instagram stories

Alicia Keys – “Empire State of Mind”

Alicia Keys’ “Empire State of Mind” should be on your Instagram playlist if you live or visit New York City. This timeless anthem is about following your dreams to the Big Apple. 

Childish Gambino’s – “Summertime Magic”.

This upbeat song is ideal for your summer vacation Stories. 

Harry Styles’s – “Watermelon Sugar” 

Use “Watermelon Sugar” as the soundtrack for a fun, lighthearted travel story. 

Top Ten Trending Music for Travel IG Reels

Have you ever scrolled through Instagram Reels and discovered a travel video with the perfect soundtrack that instantly made you want to travel? Well, you’re not alone. The right music can evoke emotion and transport the viewer, so selecting trending songs for travel Reels is vital for going viral.

So, if you need adventure songs, the following are the best music for trip videos: 

#1 – Tropical Getaway Music: 

When planning a tropical getaway, you need the perfect soundtrack! Here are some great songs about vacation that will take your Instagram Reels to the next level.

  • “Margaritaville” by Jimmy Buffett.
  • “Kokomo” by The Beach Boys.
  • “Summer” by Calvin Harris

#2 – “Adventure of a Lifetime” by Coldplay: 

Coldplay’s rousing rock song is ideal for highlighting epic travel adventures and once-in-a-lifetime experiences. 

#3 – “I Gotta Feeling” by The Black Eyed Peas:

This high-energy pop hit is one of the best outdoor songs, ideal for evoking the carefree spirit of vacation and adventure.

#4 – “Best Day of My Life” by American Authors: 

This song is one of the best vacation songs for reels, leaving your audience wishing they were there with you. 

#5 – “Blinding Lights” by The Weeknd:

This song is excellent for travel reels. Blinding Lights has a catchy tune that will help you remember the excitement of your adventures. So, whether you’re visiting a new or old city, this song will keep you entertained.

#6 – “Uptown Funk” by Mark Ronson ft Bruno Mars: 

This modern pop/funk classic exudes self-assurance and charisma. Use it for reels highlighting travel’s most fashionable and exciting aspects, such as vibrant city life.

#7 – “Chemtrails Over The Country Club” by  Lana Del Ray:

Are you planning a vacation with that special someone? This dreamy, melancholy track is ideal for dancing with your lover in a foreign country’s street.

#8 – “Home” by Edward Sharpe and Magnetic Zeros: 

This incredibly inspiring travel song captures the essence of yearning for comfort and familiarity while celebrating the excitement and freedom of exploration.

#9 – “Unstoppable” by Sia: 

Because of its uplifting and empowering lyrics, this song is one of the best hiking songs for Instagram reels. 

#10 – “Paradise” by Coldplay: 

“Paradise” is a song that captures the essence of wanderlust with its dreamy melody and introspective lyrics. It’s ideal for capturing breathtaking landscapes, serene sunsets, and peaceful moments while travelling.

Final Thought

Now that you’ve found the perfect soundtrack for your next adventure remember to share it on Instagram Reels. These trending songs will undoubtedly capture the essence of your trip and engage your followers. 

Your creative reel might go viral and expose your company to new audiences. So, keep creating great content, tag the location you visited, use popular hashtags, engage with your audience, and, most importantly, have fun!