Recently updated on October 6th, 2022 at 05:07 pm
It’s a common truth that some of life’s great inspiration is found in the music we love to listen to. And when these songs capture the spirit of a destination, they’re sure to inspire us to travel, too. Find inspiration for your next trip to the United States with these seven classic songs that inspired us to travel in America.
NEW ORLEANS
Do You Know What It Means to Miss New Orleans – Louis Armstrong
New Orleans is a city that reveals its deep-rooted history through its cuisine, live music and dynamic celebrations. This remarkably laid-back city, which is also known as The Big Easy, reflects its origins through sumptuous dishes like gumbo, while its great passion for music is evident on every corner. Then there’s the abundance of festivals and parades, with Mardi Gras among the celebrations. For a city that’s known as the birthplace of jazz, it’s only natural we’d find inspiration in ‘Do You Known What It Means to Miss New Orleans’ by jazz great Louis Armstrong.
Travel to New Orleans on Tastes and Sounds of the South, Tastes and Sounds of the South with Mardi Gras and Tastes and Sounds of the South with Mississippi Cruise.
NEW YORK CITY
New York, New York – Frank Sinatra
With its infectious energy, it’s no mystery why so many people fall for New York. This is a city that’s considered one of the world’s great culinary capitals for its street food, fine dining and artisanal food scene, and one that’s celebrated as a major cultural hub too, where each individual neighbourhood shows off its distinct attributes. Named ‘The City that Never Sleeps’, New York is famous for its round-the-clock activity, and it’s even a phrase used by the iconic singer Frank Sinatra in his resoundingly popular song, ‘New York, New York’.
Travel to New York on the Great East Coast Cities, East Coast USA and Canada and Trans-American Grand Adventure.
MEMPHIS
Walking in Memphis – Marc Cohn
Situated on the Mississippi River in southwest Tennessee, Memphis rarely fails to charm people with its music and soul food. Delve into the city’s musical heritage by soaking up the sounds of Memphis blues and by paying a visit to Graceland, the home of Elvis Presley. It was American singer-songwriter Marc Cohn who came up with the all-time favourite ‘Walking in Memphis’ though, describing his visit to the city as “one of those trips where you’re different when you leave”.
Travel to Memphis on Tastes and Sounds of the South, Tastes and Sounds of the South with Mississippi River Cruise and Tastes and Sounds of the South with Mardi Gras.
CALIFORNIA
California Dreamin’ – Mamas & Papas
Whether it’s the laid-back lifestyle, friendly people, or diversity of both landscape and city that most appeals, it’s hard not to be seduced by California. From the vibrant city of San Francisco to the rolling vineyards of Napa Valley, and from the natural beauty of Yosemite National Park to the famously scenic Californian coast there’s an abundance of sites to see across the state. The feel-good song, ‘California Dreamin’ was first recorded by Barry McGuire, but it was The Mamas & the Papas who were behind the 1965 version that made it on to Rolling Stone’s list of The 500 Greatest Songs of All Time.
Travel to California on California Dreamin’, Northern California, The Californian, The Californian with Rose Parade, San Francisco and Wine Country Delights, Western Discover with Disneyland Resort, Adventures in the Wild Northwest, Trans-American Grand Adventure, Route 66, Route 66 with Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta and Western Discover.
GEORGIA
Midnight Train to Georgia – Gladys Knight & The Pips
With its mountainous north, open farmland and coastal marshland that’s close to beaches and islands, Georgia encompasses a diverse spectrum of landscapes. And the same can be said for its urban areas, with vast metropolises contrasting with the more traditional small towns. After exploring the state’s oldest city, Savannah, head to the island of Hilton Head and Charleston Tea Plantation. Find inspiration for your trip in the Grammy award-winning song ‘Midnight Train to Georgia’ by Gladys Knight and The Pips.
Travel to Georgia on the Tales of the Old South trip with Trafalgar.
LAS VEGAS
Viva Las Vegas – Elvis Presley
Las Vegas has an irrepressible energy that continues to draw people in. Famed for its 24-hour casinos, lavish shows and the bright lights of the Strip, people visit to embrace the city’s fun-loving spirit and let loose in the enormous casinos. As Elvis Presley succinctly sums up in the opening lyrics of ‘Viva Las Vegas’, “Bright light city gonna set my soul, gonna set my soul on fire”.
Travel to Las Vegas on the Western Discover, Western Discover with Disneyland Resort, Route 66, Route 66 with Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta, Scenic Parks Explorer, Best of the Canyonlands, The Trailblazer, Western Frontiers, Trans-American Grand Adventure and Pioneer Adventures of the Old West.
ROUTE 66
Route 66 – Natalie Cole
As America’s most iconic highway, Route 66 makes a trip to the United States all about the journey. Stretching all the way from Chicago to Los Angeles, the route encompasses some of America’s major sites, from Oklahoma City and Albuquerque to the spectacle of Grand Canyon National Park. The song, ‘Route 66’, has been performed by many artists including Nat King Cole, but we’ve chosen the version by his daughter, the singer-songwriter Natalie Cole.
Travel along Route 66 on the Route 66, Route 66 with Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta, The Trailblazer, Best of the Canyonlands, Pioneer Adventures of the Old West and Scenic Parks Explorer.
Image credits: Cover photo of the Californian coast © iStock / Ron Thomas. New Orleans © iStock / Arpad Benedek. New York © iStock / Mihai Andritoiu. Memphis © Flickr / Mobilus In Mobili. California © iStock / Ron and Patty Thomas Photography. Savannah in Georgia © iStock / Sean Pavone. Las Vegas © iStock / kanonsky. Route 66 © iStock / trek and shoot.