Before I digress entirely, we must return to the original topic. Music and travelling. As I have previously mentioned they are linked so closely. For we use music as an outlet of our emotions and thoughts, with trance quite possibly more than any other genre. Those who have a passion for travel also tend to have a desire to open their mind, to further their horizons. Having spent a month travelling by train around Europe, music was by far the greatest influence on my experience. There were moments of pure and unadulterated beauty, where only the most sublime of uplifting euphoric sounds would have sufficed. Rocking gently as our night train traversed the Adriatic coast, the first crepuscular rays broke across the horizon. The black had turned to deep blue, and now orange was appearing for the first time. The peaks of distant mountains lay, a darkened rugged façade against the warm crimson glow of a new day. Our destination was nearing, yet for that moment I could have travelled forever.

Associating music to scenes we enjoyed or wish to experience again is just one way in which music and travel combine. It could be a track that raised the roof at a party or on particularly wild night out that give you those goose-bumps. Alternatively it could be a moment shared with a special person accompanied by that special track which leaves every hair on your body standing on end. I could think of endless moments where I have been smiling in the company of valued people in my life whilst blissful music provides the soundtrack.

Luminary – Amsterdam

Remixed several times by some of the scenes biggest names, whatever guise you have the pleasure of listening to, you will not be disappointed. Vocals that will whisk you away to anywhere you choose to imagine, and at the same time will accompany any journey, day or night. Maybe your travels have made you think of someone you love, or rekindled a love for a person, place or time. Have you said goodbye to someone recently? Either way, watch those miles of headlights and if you haven’t already, take a trip to New York, London or Amsterdam ;-)

Marco Petralia - Once In A Lifetime [Original Mix]

I first heard this on Above and Beyond’s ‘Trance Around The World’ radio show and knew it would soon become a favourite of mine. The breakdown features a plucked guitar style melody and vocals that speak very wise. Listening to ‘Once In A Lifetime’ you immediately want to get away, evade the life you have. Superb lyrics which are made for those who are ‘in search of something different’. An inspirational song.

Miro - By Your Side [Ronski Speed Remix]

A deep trance tune that continuously builds the emotion - a true ‘journey’ in itself. I have reached for this track many times whilst travelling, and have found myself drifting miles away, absorbing everything I see yet peacefully content with the situation. (even whilst stranded in airports!) It is even more powerful if you have met someone special whilst travelling or have left a loved one behind.

Oceanlab - Satellite [Above & Beyond Remix]

One of Above and Beyond’s greatest hits and arguably one of the biggest tracks ever to grace ‘clubland’. A must wherever I go, it reminds me of great times and of just how good trance can be. Anthemic isn’t the word! But be sure to stick this on the iPod before you leave home, and let Justine Suissa’s voice follow you everywhere you go.

Robert Nickson - Spiral

There are endless lists of instrumental trance tunes that I could have selected that achieve euphoria. Without the aid of vocals to turn a mediocre track into an uplifting gem, instrumental trance tunes concentrate on chords, notes and keys. Blissful pads grace the track, whilst strings warm every part of your body, before sending goose bumps throughout your entirety. It is here that you find the most powerful trance tracks. And with Spiral, Robert Nickson delivers. I have played this track non-stop for years and it is yet to tire. Every time I do, I am taken away from the trials and tribulations of life, and I remember the amazing experiences whilst travelling, and the epic journeys in between.

Make sure you check out those tracks mentioned above. There was a very long list of tunes that I selected a few from, so classics such as 4Strings – Take Me Away and newer records such as Envotion’s ‘Familiar Places’ are always with me but due to space they were not included. Feel free to contact me here if you can think of any others that you never leave home without.