The right road trip playlist can brighten your mood and set the stage for a memorable adventure. Unfortunately, the wrong playlist can also make your epic road trip a disaster. When traveling with a car full of friends with different music tastes, playing songs everyone can enjoy is challenging. Fortunately, there are several strategies you can use to create the perfect playlist that everyone will love.
Break Up the Rhythm and Switch Things Up
Many people tend to play the same familiar tracks they always listen to when traveling. Unfortunately, this can lead to boredom and frustration. Switch your music up from time to time to keep things interesting. Consider starting your trip with classic soft rock or country music and then moving into more energetic club anthems and dance tracks as you approach the middle of your journey. Feel free to explore music outside of your typical genres, too. You may discover your new favorite artist by keeping an open mind.
Pick a Theme for Each Leg of the Trip
Will your road trip take you on the way to a mountain resort, or are you cruising down a coastal highway to a beach house? Wherever your travels take you, picking a theme for each leg of your trip is a great way to create the perfect ambiance. You can also keep your playlist regional and focus on playing music by artists from the area you are traveling through, or you can choose a specific music genre that fits the area you’re in.
Take Requests From Everyone
Not everyone’s musical tastes are the same, and nowhere is this more apparent than when on a road trip with others. Make sure to include song requests from everyone in the car so no one feels left out. This way, everyone gets to hear something they want to listen to. Taking turns is especially important when traveling with children so parents don’t have to endure listening to pop music for the entire trip, and the kids can enjoy a few of their favorite songs, too.
Turn the Music Off and Enjoy the Scenery
While upbeat, fast-paced music is fun to listen to on a trip, there are times when you may want to mellow out a bit. Silence can be golden, especially during a long drive. Every once in a while, turn down the radio and watch the scenery as it passes you by. If you don’t enjoy driving in silence, bring along a few mellower CDs for those times when you need a break from high-energy material but still want something in the background.
Remember, while planning your music in advance is a good idea, you should also leave room for spontaneity. Consider creating several different playlists, so you have options and can choose a playlist based on your mood. Also, try not to fixate so much on getting to your destination. Sometimes, enjoying great music and quality time with your fellow travel companions can be the best part of your trip.
