Although it is unfair to assume from an English citizens’ point of view, that sunrises and sunsets in my home country are not beautiful, it is impossible not to admire the sheer perfection of witnessing such an event in a foreign land. Nevertheless, I often notice the spectacular skies around England, the sight of a contrail soaring high above onwards to a distant land or the evening sun glinting off buildings. These thoughts alone see me reminisce on past travels and wonder what the future holds in store. Such visions immediately evoke thoughts of trance, the chances being that trance has already accompanied me into these dreams. The end of a day, or a new beginning, whichever way you see sunsets they are certainly natures’ way of expressing awe and wonder, and trance fits this perfectly. Lie there with some uplifting melodic trance and picture the most amazing sunset you have ever seen, remember that time, that place, the company you were with and savour the moment. It is therefore not erroneous that one of the greatest sunsets can be seen on the Balearic Island of Ibiza. Senses heightened by the blissful sounds that engulf the island from sunrise to sunset, the entire sequence from day to night are accompanied by emotion, both aurally and visually. I am also a firm believer in the splendour of sunrises. Most of us have not risen from our languor and we witness far fewer sunrises than sunsets. For those that are lucky enough this is far and away the most peaceful, breathtaking time. The streets are often empty and the world sleeps, yet for those who are there witness the dawn of a new day, a new journey to new horizons.

I have spent considerable prose describing how trance can take you away to another place, whilst keeping you firmly within your home environment. I have also mentioned how trance is the perfect companion for those trips to near, and afar. I would like to share with you the tracks that touch me wherever I may be, and those that I would not leave the rugged shores of this island without. I am sure it wouldn’t take a genius to work out what my desert island possession would be!

Schiller & Heppner - Dream of You [Chillout Mix]

Chilling vocals and a great melody, is most effective in its chillout form. Last time I heard this was on an ICE train heading across Germany, I can still picture the world rushing past outside my window, yet my world seemed so calm and content for those eleven minutes.

Solarstone - Seven Cities [Ambient Dub]

One of the most loved trance records ever produced is the ideal companion for travelling. In its ambient form it is even more beautiful and you will be lost in that breakdown. A true classic, that is essential on any long journey.

Sonorous - Last Sunday [Positive Ways Mix]

Haunting vocals and a great melody gently drift you off to a distant place. Not the most groundbreaking of vocal trance tunes but definitely one that Id have with me wherever I travel. Ever thought of just running away forever with someone you love? Sonorous provide an escape that lasts minutes rather than a lifetime, it need not be your last flight.

Above & Beyond featuring Hannah Thomas – Home

Throughout this article I have talked about travel and the way in which through trance I seek to escape the monotony of everyday life. I have written about how I yearn to travel, and how music provides the soundtrack to one of the greatest treasures we are blessed with – our dreams and imagination. I have also mentioned how there are so many amazing sights still to be seen and so many places still to be experienced, despite how much you may have travelled already. Yet, in a strange way, no matter how much we despair at our own monotony, no matter how far away we reach, for a week or for a lifetime, it is always comforting to know we have a place called home. And for that reason, I never leave for my travels without ‘Home’ with me.

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.