The holiday countdown is on and we have handpicked the perfect tunes to get you into that incredible holiday mood. Whether you’re driving to the airport, lounging by the pool or sipping cocktails in the sun, our playlist is your go-to for a holiday soundtrack full of good vibes.
Press play and let the holiday begin!
The Best Songs For Your Holiday Playlist
From a British classic to feel-good numbers, read on to discover which tunes immediately put us in a holiday frame of mind.
Waves, Mr Probz (Robin Schulz Remix Edition)
Want to head to Ibiza or Miami right now? This song will take you there! The irresistible dance beat brings to mind palms and pool parties in the world’s hottest cities. We can just imagine ourselves on the beach, this playing in the background, as we watch the sun go down surrounded by friends, family, and fellow travellers.
Summer, Calvin Harris
It has the word ‘summer’ as the entire title – what more of a reason do you need to add this to your holiday soundtrack?! We may not be able to attend big-name festivals like Glastonbury this year, but we can still get our fix by putting on our best festival attire and dancing around the garden with this as part of our very own at-home DJ set.
One Love, Bob Marley & The Wailers
We had to add this chilled out song by one of reggae’s most well-known and well-loved artists. With the inclusion of steel pan and drums, there is a distinct happy-go-lucky feel that characterises the Caribbean lifestyle. Plus, the “one love, one heart” message seems particularly relevant right now.
Havana, Camila Cabello
This song takes us away to sultry Havana nights, paying tribute to the captivating and intoxicating spirit of the Cuban capital. Just the name of the city alone conjures up memories of watching locals dance salsa in the street, the smell of Cuban cigars all around, and the taste of an expertly made mojito on our lips.
Señorita, Shawn Mendes & Camila Cabello
We had a (minor) debate in the office about whether to include ‘Havana’ or ‘Señorita’ and decided… we can do both! This Grammy-nominated duet brings to mind hot summer evenings filled with romance, dancing on the sand beneath the moonlight and tequila sunrises. Like Cabello’s previous hit ‘Havana’, there’s a distinct Latin-tinge which we love.
Good Vibrations, The Beach Boys
From the opening notes, this song puts us in a good mood. Starting slow but ramping up when it gets to the chorus, we can’t help but start wiggling our shoulders and nodding our head to the beat – and we bet you won’t be able to resist either. After all, even just thinking about our next getaway is enough to give us good vibrations.
Summertime, DJ Jazzy Jeff & The Fresh Prince
A smooth, chilled-out groove, this is the song we want to play in the background throughout the summer months as we “sit back and unwind”. We can just picture ourselves listening to this as we laze in the sunshine, drinking Pimms and having picnics long into the evening – even if that picnic happens to be in the garden.
Holiday, Madonna
Do we really have to explain this one? Given that this song is titled ‘Holiday’, how could we not include this ode to getting away by the Material Girl herself? An 80’s dance classic – and Madonna’s first hit, going all the way to #2 in the UK charts – we couldn’t agree more that “we need a holiday” and that “it would be so nice!” We’re sure you feel the same…
Despacito, Luis Fonsi ft. Daddy Yankee
The rhythm – not to mention the fact that it’s sung entirely in Spanish – gives us serious Latin American vibes when listening to this 2019 hit. Turn it up and you’ll be transported to hot evenings in Mexico (or the Dominican Republic, or Puerto Rico, whatever takes your fancy) drinking and dancing the night away.
Boys of Summer, Don Henley
As Henley sings about “you got the top pulled down, radio on baby” it’s easy to start reminiscing about the epic road trips we’ve had and thinking about ones we are going to have in the future! Listening to this, we can’t wait to hit the road again, roll down the windows and start singing as loudly as we can.
Kokomo, The Beach Boys
Yes, The Beach Boys have made it onto our list twice! But admit it: tropical drinks, sitting in the sand and steel drum bands sound pretty great, don’t they? This catchy tune sums up everything we love about a beach holiday: sand, sun, sea and cocktails! And let’s be honest, who wouldn’t prefer to be social distancing or self-isolating in Jamaica, the Bahamas or Martinique right now?
Come Fly With Me, Frank Sinatra
Released in the late 1950s and written specifically for Sinatra, this is a catchy, toe-tapping swing number that reminds us of the ‘Golden Age’ of travel. It fills us with just the right amount of nostalgia and has us wanting to join Frank in seeing the world – let’s face it, we could use “some exotic booze” right now!
Summer Holiday, Cliff Richard
There’s a distinct feel-good, wholesome vibe to this tune, and it takes us back to childhood summer holidays, packed into the back of the car with all the bags, driving to the coast. We bet you can’t get through the entire song without smiling and at least humming!
Que Sera, Sera (Whatever Will Be, Will Be), Doris Day
We hope we’ve put you in the holiday mood with our playlist and if we haven’t quite achieved that, we’ll leave you with this popular 1950’s number from Doris Day which has been the Best at Travel anthem these past few weeks!
Ready to revel in those beachy vibes and pretend you're somewhere sunny? Listen to the full holiday soundtrack here.