On every list I make, for every vacation I take, there’s the essential iPod and charger as an item somewhere near the top of the electronics category. Many times, scribbled next to it, there will be a few song titles. They’re tunes I want to upload from my CDs or buy. I’ll want them for that particular jaunt. There’s a moment I’m imagining like my stroll across the Golden Gate bridge or doing yoga on the beach in the Dominican Republic. I can hardly imagine what I would do now if I didn’t have my personal listening device providing a soundtrack to enhance my travels. Don’t get me wrong, my ears aren’t filled with music for my entire vacation, but there are times when I want the experience to feel like a movie. When I was in France, I found the best view of the Eiffel Tower and spread out my blanket. I broke out the baguette and the bottle of wine tucked in my backpack and then I pressed 'play'. At this carefully choreographed point in time I was listening to Carla Bruni singing “L’Amour”. Now, every time I hear the song, I’m transported right back to that perfect day in Paris.

Those kinds of memories take a fair bit of planning and travel should also be about letting go. For me, there’s no better way to relax and unwind than getting behind the wheel for a long, scenic drive. The destination is unimportant, it could be cruising across Florida towards downtown Miami or just a short trip to Middle Cove beach. I want to sing, tap, and snap and for that, you need a playlist with songs that make you move and groove. Sometimes it’s the lyrics that give you a sense of freedom and sometimes it’s just the crescendo of the chorus that makes you feel a little more alive. You belt out the words you know and hum the ones you don’t. You bop your head and drum your fingers on the wheel. The road trip rhapsody begins.

Here are some of my favourite tunes for a jammin' journey on the pavement. I’m always looking for new playlists, though. Please tweet me your picks for a concert in the car @tnrover or send me an email at tnroverjane@gmail.com

Fly - The Tragically Hip

Road to Joy - Bright Eyes

Go Your Own Way - Fleetwood Mac

Come Fly With Me - Frank Sinatra

Having Wings - Ben Harper

I’m Gonna Be - Proclaimers

Nowhere With You - Joel Plaskett

Born to Run - Bruce Springsteen

Welcome - Hey Rosetta

I Feel It All - Feist

Beautiful Day - U2

142 Thru - Thomas Trio and the Red Albino