7 songs that will take you around the world while staying at home

Travel June 16, 2020

We don’t know about you, but during the Covid19 quarantine we found ourselves looking at old travel pictures, reminiscing of a life that now seems so far. This temporary lack of traveling has been tough, especially for travel addicts like us – but we didn’t lose hope, so we’ll tell you our secret to keep a positive mind: music! Listening to music is a great way to unplug, release stress, relax… and travel with your mind. That’s why we’ve prepared a list of songs that will take you to some of our most exciting destinations, so that you can start dreaming about your next language trip… and yes, you can also add a little dancing in your living room if you want!

Fame and Fortune – The Libertines

When it comes to the UK, music is a serious matter. London, among other great British cities, has been home to world-famous bands such as The Rolling Stones, Queen and Blur, and it’s amazing to see how this buzzing city keeps inspiring younger music generations. If you want to feel you’re in a typical London pub, artists like Amy Winehouse or The Libertines are the perfect choice. Close your eyes, and “Fame and Fortune” will take you straight to the streets of Camden Town.

Station Quatre-Septembre – Vanessa Paradis

Oh Paris…! The wonderful boulevards, the beautiful parks, and all those elegant people having lunch on the terraces… but also, the students drinking wine and playing guitar on Canal St. Martin, the underground clubs and the hipster cafés. Paris is all this and much more, and if you want to soak up its special vibes while sitting in your living room, open a bottle of wine and listen to French singer Vanessa Paradis.

Un romantico a Milano – Baustelle

Refresh your Italian skills and get ready for this musical tour of beautiful Milan. This song will take you to the narrow streets of Brera, the bars on the Navigli (be honest, you didn’t know that there are canals in Milan), and the world-famous opera house, La Scala. Open Google Maps to see where these places are, and start dreaming about your next trip to Milan, where you’ll also have the chance to visit other hotspots, such as the majestic cathedral in Piazza Duomo and the amazing shops in Galleria Vittorio Emanuele. Further insider info: this song is about a famous Italian artist from the 60s, Piero Manzoni. Check him out!

Der Letzte Kaiser – Wiener Blond

Their name says it all: this blond, Austrian duo wrote a song about how Vienna is so lovely and unique, only Vienna is (sometimes!) allowed to be grumpy with them. How sweet is that? Is your German knowledge good enough to understand the lyrics? We also recommend watching the video: you’ll suddenly be surrounded by the beautiful streets and buildings of Vienna, full of history and culture!

Imik si mik – Hindi Zahra

Now forget about Europe and immerse yourself in a warmer and more colourful vibe – close your eyes and fly to Morocco with this sweet ballad by French-Moroccan singer Hindi Zahra. She usually sings in English, French and Berber (like in this song) and her voice will make you feel the Moroccan sun on your skin. Turn on the volume… can you feel it yet?

Pienso en tu mirá – ROSALÍA

If you enjoyed the Moroccan sun and you crave for some more, follow us to Spain – ROSALÍA will take care of you. How about you cook some delicious tapas at home and then abandon yourself to the irresistible flamenco vibes of this Barcelona-born, world-famous artist? Whether your dream destination is Madrid, Barcelona, Seville, Salamanca or the beautiful island of Ibiza, this song will help you imagine your next trip and maybe even start planning it!

Big Jet Plane – Angus and Julia Stone

And now let’s get on a big jet plane and fly Down Under! With their folk and indie songs, these musical siblings are a great choice if you’re dreaming of a trip to Australia. Can you picture it? Visit the biggest and most modern cities, go on an exciting road trip through the outback, and surf the best waves on the coast… Close your eyes and feel the wind on your face – soon enough, all this will be possible!

So, is your passport ready? Just like you, we can’t wait for all borders to reopen! In the meantime, you can listen to these songs that will take you around the world while staying at home – we know it’s not the same, but it will help you keep your mood up and stay inspired. Hang in there – soon we’ll be able to travel again, and it will be EPIC!

Tune into the world with ESL

By Erica Dell'Acqua

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