6 Best Places To Visit In California

BY  Sibashree Oct 29, 2025

Afternoon siesta is a cherished luxury where I come from. Thousand miles away, I did not expect to experience something similar in Chios, Greece. I was driving through Mesta, and the faint, sweet-spicy scent of mastic trees overtook me.  I noticed one strange thing! Not a single shop was open, and even the ATMs were closed, despite it being a weekday. Curious, I asked my guide, and he said,  “We loved our naptime in the afternoon. The shops are closed from 2 to 5 PM. We value our food and rest! There is nothing to rush!” This is the moment I felt at home in Chios.  Chios in the eastern Aegean was hit by one of the largest wildfires of recent times in June and August 2025. These incidents were a major blow to the mastic trees and the entire region, with many trees destroyed by the wildfire.  However, a few months down the line, Chios, Greece, is experiencing a positive rebound in its tourism landscape. Despite being a relatively new name compared to Santorini or the Amalfi Coast, it is gaining attention for its genuine charm.  Despite an increase in interest, the tourism model here is focusing more on sustainability. Also, it is avoiding mass tourism to preserve its cultural heritage.  In terms of accessibility, Chios is going to get a new airport very soon. Also, for hospitality, this eastern Aegean island depends heavily on family-run lodges. Moreover, the island is capitalizing on its natural beauty and medieval villages to stay true to the official theme of “Experience Chios.”  Hi, in today’s blog, I will talk about the Chios, Greece travel guide that takes you to local artisan workshops, cooking classes, adventurous places, and more. Exploring The Local Artisan Workshops And Experiences  The mastic resin is the signature product of the region. The Pistacia lentiscus var. chia trees produce this resin. These are called the “tears” of Chios. The aroma is faint, but it lingers just like the most beautiful melody of a flute. My mastic harvesting tour was already set, and the experience I had will stay with me forever. We talk about environmental protection and sustainability. The people of Chios practice it in their lives.  Nevertheless, along with the mastic harvesting tours, attending the weaving workshops, pottery classes, and distillation plants were the best local experiences in Chios. I also enjoyed my time at the local tavernas.  1. Mastic Harvesting Tours In Mastichochoria Pyrgi, Mesta, or other villages in the south are ideal for farm tours. These have cooperatives and farms, where harvesting takes place during August and September. I was lucky to be in Chios in August.  The farmers here “wound” the trees so that they weep, and the tears are collected. Then, the tears are cleaned using a process called “Kefalari,” and watching the entire process is an immersive slow travel experience.  I talked to an old man in Mesta who was collecting the resin by hand. As I approached him, he said, “We treat the trees like family. If one dies, we plant another. We also pass on these trees to our future generations.”  Standing there, I could almost hear my grandfather, who used to say the same things about the trees he planted.  In Mesta and Pyrgi, I saw the soil getting hardened wherever the resin had fallen. Children love collecting those.  If you want to learn more about mastic harvesting in Chios, you can visit the Chios Mastiha Growers Association (CMGA). It now has around 4500 members from the 20 primary cooperatives spread across 24 villages.  2. Weaving Workshops In Pyrgi The houses in Pyrgi look wonderful, with distinct black geometric decorations. On some walls, I saw diamond shapes; others had stripes, and some even featured crisscross patterns. There is also a personalized touch in these geometrical shapes. I was standing near a house appreciating the diamond-shaped designs on the walls. An old lady peeped, and I asked her whether she had done the design or not! She started giggling like a little girl and said, “I have hidden the name of my husband in these diamond designs. It was a lot of fun when I asked him to spot his name for the first time.”  Once again, I felt that emotions are universal and the art of finding joy in little things.  The village also has a tradition of weaving. Explore the traditional looms and try your hand at the craft.  3. Pottery Classes In Armolia Armolia is the epicenter of pottery traditions in Chios, Greece. It is like a kingdom of brightly colored ceramics. Kefalakia, a one-necked Chian ceramic jug, is a must-buy.  I tried my skills at a hands-on pottery class, and I must say that I was not so proud of what I made!  4. Soap-Making And Herbal Distillation Chios has the best flowers and herbs. So, you will find many small family-run businesses here, including soap-making and herbal distillation. They also make local olive oil, mastic oil, and distilled water.  These small businesses have kept alive the heritage of natural wellness in Chios.  5. Getting Lost In The Alleys Of Mesta At Night View this post on Instagram A post shared by ᴍᴇꜱᴛᴀ ᴄʜɪᴏꜱ (@mesta.chios) It may sound a little scary, but it was fun for me. Mesta is like a labyrinth, and exploring this fortified village was like a treasure hunt. Indeed, it was planned this way to confuse the pirates who wanted to rob the town.  After my dinner at the guesthouse, I wanted to take a quick stroll around, and after half an hour, I was clueless about the road to take.  The alleys twisted and turned until I stood before a stone archway and a dead-end courtyard filled with vines. I could listen to my footsteps on the cobblestone road, and after a few minutes, I sat on a rock.  Suddenly, something magical appeared before the eyes. The stars over the Aegean were unreal, and the absence of light pollution made it look like I could reach them by stretching my arm.  I cannot tell you how long I waited there, and suddenly a call from my guesthouse broke my trance. The receptionist asked me to wait for a while and sent a guide from the guesthouse to guide me back.  6. Eating And Drinking At A Local Taverna Most tavernas I visited during my stay on Chios did not have a printed menu. That’s actually good, considering the menu is decided based on the fresh produce available on that day.  My guide used to ask “Ti echete simera?” or “What do you have today?” The waiter used to read from the list of items that were offered for the day.  Wellness And Retreat Travel In Chios, Greece  View this post on Instagram A post shared by Royal Pearl Island Chios Hotel & Spa (@royalpearlisland) Chios opened its first luxury wellness retreat, Pearl Island Chios Hotel & Spa, last year. Nevertheless, Chios has been celebrating its unique wellness tradition for years now.  1. Mastiha And The Herbs Of Chios Furthermore, Chios has been harvesting mastiha for more than 2500 years, and this natural product has medicinal properties. In fact, this knowledge of cultivating mastiha has been identified as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity by UNESCO.  Mastiha gum has anti-inflammatory properties, it helps heal wounds, and it improves oral health and the digestive system.  However, mastiha is not the only herbal ingredient grown here. The region also has chamomile, sage, thyme, and oregano. Furthermore, Souma, a traditional fig-based spirit is a crucial element in the wellness tradition of mastic oil and mastiha, the signature of Chios.  2. Holistic Healing In Chios  The holistic healing facilities in Chios include meditation sessions near Mavra Volia beach. Furthermore, you can look for yoga retreats in secluded coastal villas and thermal spa visits in nearby Volissos.  Away from the crowd, the thermal spa visit near Amani was the ultimate rejuvenation for me after a busy day.  Cooking Classes And Culinary Tour In Chios, Greece I visited a cafe called Citrus Memories inside an old estate near Chios town. They served a citrus drink made with local fruits grown in Kampos.  The juice was not very sweet. In fact, the hint of bitterness in the drink was the kick. The garden of the old estate had orange trees and stone walls around. So, it was like being in a different era.  The citrus smell of the oranges offered the most refreshing olfactory experience, while the sound of cicadas was somehow felt healing. This was one of the best experiences of food and beverage in Chios, Greece.  1. Mastic Liqueur Tastings I tasted mastic liquor at a local taverna in Mesta. My guide told me that having the mastic liquor after food helps with faster digestion.  The one I tasted had just the right hint of anise. However, it did not overpower the drink's citrusy finish. The texture of the drink was clean, and it cleansed my palate.  2. Cheese-Making Workshops I took a guided tour of the Sinanis' family's traditional cheese workshop. You will notice a wonderful fusion of modern and traditional techniques in cheese-making. Furthermore, you will get to taste their cheese along with other local produce.  3. Traditional Bread Baking In Wood-Fired Ovens Making bread in wood-fired ovens is one of the most cherished culinary traditions of Chios. I was fortunate enough to visit the Klossas bakery in the village of Volissos.  Started in 1955, it is still run by the same family. The setup still has a traditional setup without windows, and they bake a limited variety of bread.  4. Farm-To-Table Cooking Classes With Local Chefs Many local chefs organize a farm-to-table cooking class using locally produced olive oil, citrus fruits, and seafood. I learned to make ipovrihio, a special sweet made using mastic. It is a flavored sugary paste served in cold water.  5. Festivals Celebrating The Food Of Chios  I was lucky enough to be in Chios in the month of August. I could attend many festivals celebrating the local food.  FestivalsSignificanceTimingSouma Festival• Celebrates the Souma spirit made from figs• Celebrated with local delicacies and traditional dance • First two weeks of AugustMountain and Livestock Festival• A three-day festival in Pityos• Vendors selling local produce directly to the public• July or early AugustAmateur Fishermen's Festival• Celebrated in Mesta• Kakavia, or fish soup, is served as part of the marine tradition• AugustPanagia Festival and Saint Markella Festival• Food and drink are shared at the village square • August and July, respectively Moreover, festivals celebrating local saints, such as the Feast of Agios Ioannis the Theologian, are ideal for enjoying local food and beverages. Goat or hake delicacies are served at the end of the religious ceremonies.  Adventure Activities Beyond Hiking The diverse geography of Chios makes it an ideal place for nature walks and hiking. However, it offers many unique adventures. For example, swimming in the tiny coves near Vroulidia and Agia Dynami was the best experience for me.  I started swimming at Agia Dynami early in the morning. The water was so clear that it felt like glass. I could see schools of tiny fish flickering like silver confetti.  Also, after the swim, I went to the taverna up the hill. The owner there served grilled fresh sardines. The dog under the table, taking a nap, made the picture perfect.  Nevertheless, sea kayaking, rock climbing, cave exploration, and mountain biking are some adventure activities in Chios, Greece. 1. Sea Kayaking Along Volcanic Beaches The southern coast around Emporios and Mavra Volia of the Black Pebble Beach is dramatic. The clear water here creates the perfect contrast with the dramatic volcanic beach.  I loved kayaking here and explored the surreal geological formations that we cannot reach on foot.  2. Rock Climbing In Kambia Climbing the limestone cliffs in Kambia offers serious adventure. The crowd here is smaller. Also, you will enjoy the most amazing views of the Aegean from the cliff top.  3. Cave Exploration In Olympoi Olympoi Cave is an active sinkhole. It has a unique geological formation surrounded by stalagmites and stalactites. It is a cooler retreat from the summer Sun, and every formation here tells the stories of the rich geological past of Chios, Greece.  4. Mountain Biking In The North The Amani Forest and the northern mountain ranges have many trails challenging the skills of a mountain biker. As the biker winds through the pine forests, they get to see the panoramic views of the surroundings.  Hidden Historical Sites In Chios, Greece If you are a history buff, you can explore the following locations in Chios, Greece.  • Daskalopetra (Homer’s Stone)  View this post on Instagram A post shared by Hidden Chios (@hiddenchios) Daskalopetra, or the stone formation at the center of this archaeological site near Vrontados, is said to be the birthplace of Homer. The ancient poet of the Iliad and the Odyssey.  Steeped in mythology, the place looks over the sea. It offers moments of quietude and looks the most beautiful during the sunrise hours.  • Anavatos Ghost Village  The location of the Anavatos Ghost Village on a sheer granite cliff itself looks surreal. Also known as the “Mistress of the Wind,: Anavatos has been lying vacant since the 1822 Chios Massacre.  I was walking through its alleys just before the sunset hours, and I felt history coming alive and the island celebrating its resilience at the same time.  • Phanai Archaeological Site  The Phanai Archaeological Site is at the southern tip of the island. It has the ruins of an ancient temple dedicated to the God Apollo.  This site does not receive many visitors. So, exploring the remnants of the Hellenic civilization was quite thrilling. The beautiful coastal views add to its appeal.  • Byzantine Churches  Everyone talks about the UNESCO-listed Nea Moni Monastery. However, in search of something lesser known but equally meaningful, I reached Byzantine churches in the mountain villages of the north. These offer stunning iconography and architectural details, often overseen by a single, welcoming caretaker ready to share local lore. Interactive Cultural Places In Chios, Greece If you are traveling with your family, you can explore the following interactive cultural places. These are ideal for multigenerational tourists.  1. Chios Mastic Museum Hours Open: 1st March to 15th October (10 AM to 6 PM) and 16th October to 28th February (10 AM to 5 PM) Entry Fee: Standard Ticket - €3, Concession Ticket: €1.5, Free on Specific Days Such as 18th May, 5th June, and the Last Weekend of September View this post on Instagram A post shared by Çeşme - Chios Ferry Tickets (@sunrise_lines) The Chios Mastic Museum celebrates the tradition of mastic production, an intangible UNESCO heritage. Located in the Pyrgi Village, the museum is inside an eco-friendly building.  This museum focuses on the uniqueness of mastic as a versatile product. Further, it shows how cooperatives have played an important role in the production of mastic products in the recent past.  2. Chios Castle Hours Open: 8 AM to 3:30 PM (Tuesday Closed) Entry: Free View this post on Instagram A post shared by Nazli Usta Lazaris (@yunanistandannotlar) Located in the north of the town center, Chios Castle used to be the fortified core of the town, starting from the Genoese period. Spanning over an area of 180,000 m2, the castle is still inhabited.  3. Giustiniani Palace Inside the Chios Castle, the Giustiniani Palace was the headquarters of the Genoese administration. As a museum, it holds archaeological and art exhibitions.  4. Chios Archaeological Museum Hours Open: 8 AM to 7 PM (Closed on Mondays in Winter) (Temporarily Under Renovation) Entry Fee: 10€ The Archaeological Museum of Chios has art exhibits from the Neolithic period to the Roman era. Furthermore, sculptures from the Prehistoric settlements, coins, inscriptions, mosaics, and more are exhibited in the museum.  5. Chios Maritime Museum Hours Open: 9 AM to 2 PM (Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday) Standard Fee: €3.00 Concession Fee: €2.00 Nestled in a neoclassical building, Chios Maritime Museum celebrates the rich maritime history of the island. It has nautical artifacts and ship models.  Beaches In Chios, Greece  Agia Dynami will always be my favorite with its calmness and the absence of any loud beach amenities.  However, Mavra Volia is a more touristy one, with its dramatic black pebbles and sapphire water.  Elinda Beach is another beach on the west of the island. It has a hidden cover, and it is famous for amazing sunset views of the Aegean.  A 5-Day Itinerary In Chios, Greece They say that 3-4 days are enough in Chios. However, for me, even the five days I spent here were not enough.  This is how I spent the days. DaysActivitiesDay 1• Mastic Harvesting Tour• Pottery Class in Armolia• Sea Kayaking near Mavra Volia• Attending the Souma Festival• Dinner at a TavernaDay 2• Early Morning Swim in Agia Dynami• Exploring Pyrgi and its Weaving Scene• Visiting the Mastic Museum• Visiting the Phanai Archaeological Site• Attending a Bread Baking ClassDay 3• A Trip to Daskalopetra and the Byzantine Churches• Visiting the Chios Castle• Exploring the Anavatos Ghost Village before Sunset Hours• Feasting at the Amateur Fishermen's Festival • An After-Dinner Stroll and Getting Lost in the Alleys of ChiosDay 4• Visiting the Chios Archaeological Museum• Mountain Biking near Kambia• Attending a Soap Making ClassTaking a tour of the Sinanis' Family's Traditional Cheese Workshop• Back to Chios in the Evening• Thermal Spa Visit near AmaniDay 5• Attending A Farm-to-Table Cooking Class• Collecting Olive Oil and Mastic Products• Off to the Airport Things To Remember For A Trip To Chios, Greece Here are some essential things you need to keep in mind for a trip to Chios, Greece.  Family Travel Tips• Visit shallow beaches like Agia Fotini• Choose kid-friendly tavernas with playgrounds.• Visit interactive museums and farms Eco-Tourism & Sustainability Tips• Stay in an eco-lodge• Visiting the Amani Forest and its protected eco trailsEco-Lodges and Sustainable Travel• Mastic Eco Retreat• Volissos Earth Homes• Amani Forest CabinsPhotography Spots & Sunrise/Sunset Locations• Sunrise at Daskalopetra• Sunset over Volissos Castle• Colorful alleys of Pyrgi• Black pebble beach of Mavra Volia• Panoramic views from Anavatos How To Reach Chios, Greece?  You have to reach Chios by air or sea. Here are the details. Also, many people include Chios as an extension of the coastal tour of Turkey, which is just a 30-45 minute ferry ride away.  Nevertheless, here are the details. By Air• Route: Direct flights from Athens International Airport (ATH).• Airlines: Aegean Airlines/Olympic Air and SKY Express.• Duration: The flight takes only 50 minutes.By Ferry• Route: Piraeus Port (Athens) to Chios Town Port (or sometimes Mesta Port)• Operator: Primarily Blue Star Ferries.• Duration: 7.5 - 10.5 Hours.From Turkey• Route: Çeşme, Turkey to Chios Town Port.• Duration: An incredibly short 30–45 minutes by high-speed ferry. Taking a car rental is the only way to explore Chios. However, if you drive, make sure that you can manage driving on the cobblestone streets.  What Is The Best Time To Visit Chios, Greece? April to October is the best time to visit Chios, Greece. Furthermore, April to June is the ideal time for adventures, and July and August are the ideal time for mastic harvesting tours, hitting the beaches, and taking part in the festivals.  September onward, the crowd becomes less, and you can enjoy the beauty of the quiet autumn here till October. November onward, the island does not have many tourists, and many facilities also shut down during these months.  Budget For The Chios Trip My trip to Chios cost me around $2000. However, that does not mean that Chios is a very expensive place. Here is a quick breakdown of the expenses.  ExpensesCostFlights$1200Accommodation for 4 Nights$180Food and Drink$150Local Transport$75Activities$150Total $1755 So, get ready to experience offbeat Greece and the most authentic Chios. Kaló taksídi! Chios Greece Travel Guide: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) Here are the frequently asked questions and answers about Chios, Greece. 1. Is Chios A Nice Island? Less than an hour away from Turkey’s coast, Chios is the fifth-largest island of Greece. It is a nice island with a pristine vibe and a rich heritage around mastic production, natural healing, pottery, and weaving. Furthermore, its historical ruins have many stories to share about the vivid past of the island.  2. Does It Snow In Chios? No, it does not snow in Chios because the air is typically around 62% humid. However, temperatures drop significantly in the months of January and February, and the temperature is around 6 to 12 degrees Celsius.  3. What Is Chios Food? Chios food is an extension of what is available as local produce. So, you will find the use of citrus fruits such as mandarin, local cheese such as mastelo, fish, and mastic resin. Furthermore, despite its distinct culinary heritage, food here shows an influence of the nearby Asia Minor. 

BY  Sibashree May 16, 2025

As fantasy is a driving force in Haruki Murakami’s work, the astonishing Hokkaido Beach in Western Japan is nothing short of a dream! It is the land where snow, sand, and sea meet. It’s surreal when you see snow-covered sand dunes appearing before your eyes against the backdrop of the sea. Also, the blocks of ice or jewelry ice in the Tokachi River mouth attract a lot of visitors in the winter.  And that’s not all! The beach has sandbars, volcanoes, coasts, and valleys.  Further, located inside the San’in Kaigan Geopark (a UNESCO Global Geopark since 2010), Hokkaido beach Japan, sits pretty between the eastern Kyogamisaki Cape in Kyoto, and western Hakuto Kaigan Coast in Tottori.  Do you also want to see Hokkaido beach snow and other unique attractions? You will find all the details in this Tour and Travel Blog.  What Is The Best Time To Visit Hokkaido Beach?  Hokkaido beach weather remains pleasant throughout the year. So, it’s a year-round destination.  However, if you want to witness the golden moments where the sea, sand, and snow meet, you have to plan a trip from December to February.  And let me spill the beans for you, Hokkaido Beach is not located in Hokkaido. Moreover, if you especially want to see the phenomenon of ice, snow, and sand meeting, you have to travel to the main island of Honshu. Why Does Hokkaido Beach Have So Much Snow? Hokkaido Beach has so much snow because strong wind blows and shift ice to the beach from late January to February.  This ice comes from the frozen chunks of freshwater from the Amur River. Further, during January and February, you will find icebergs in the water and on the beach. How To Reach Hokkaido Beach From Tokyo? The distance between Tokyo and San’in Kaigan Geopark, the home of Hokkaido Beach, is around 657 km.  The best way to reach San’in Kaigan Geopark from Tokyo is by taking a bullet train.  Take a bullet train from the Tokaido Shinkansen to Shin-Osaka Station. It will take around 2 hours and 30 minutes.  Then, travel on the Super Hakuto limited express train for 2 hours and 30 minutes to reach Tottori Station. Finally, you can take a bus from the Tottori Station to Hokkaido Beach. However, if you want to really enjoy the scene of ice, sand, and sea meeting, you have to take a cruise ride from Monbetsu, Rausu, and Abashiri.  Everything will appear before your eyes as an impossible dream as you see the Hokkaido Beach from the shore or an icebreaker.  Do you want some more adventure while exploring the beautiful Hokkaido Beach? You can go for a guided ice walk from Shiretoko.  And as you walk toward the beach, you will meet the most fascinating wildlife of the area. The sea eagles and white-tailed eagles, especially, will cross your path many a time.  You will see a real-life example of how the food chain in nature works as these birds prey on fish before your eyes.  Having said that, you will have to wear a dry suit and snowshoes for the walk. You will rent snowshoes from the Shiretoko National Park Nature Center.  Shiretoko National Park Nature Center: A UNESCO World Heritage Site On Your Way To Hokkaido Beach Shiretoko Peninsula, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a national park, is a favorite of hikers. You can go for a hike through the Furepe Waterfall Trail.  The trail passes through a forest, and it opens in a meadow looked over by Mount Io, Mount Rausu, and Mount Tenchosan.  Finally, the trail ends with a fascinating cliff-side view of Furepe Waterfall. It looks the most fascinating during the winter season.  Due to extreme cold temperatures, the water of the waterfall gets transformed into blueish ice.  Exploring San’in Kaigan Geopark: Home To The Hokkaido Beach San’in Kaigan Geopark is a celebration of the Earth's heritage. Stretching over 245,844 hectares, this Geopark is also home to the Genbudo Cave, “known as the place where the term of Quaternary geomagnetic reversal polarity was first proposed with basalt.” **“The San’in Kaigan UNESCO Global Geopark is home to a diversity of geological sites related to the formation of the Sea of Japan, including granite outcrops formed when Japan was part of the Asian continent (70 million years ago), as well as sedimentary and volcanic rocks accumulated when Japan rifted away from Asia (25 to 15 million years ago) to form the Sea of Japan, a geological process still on-going today.”**- UNESCO Further, due to the unique geological features, the park is also home to diverse flora and fauna. You will find rare plant species such as Ciconia boyciana, Pseudolysimachion ornatum, and Ranunculus nipponicus here.  Moreover, you will be able to see many marine animals and avian creatures in the park. During the winter season, especially, you will spot marine animals such as: Steller sea lions Sea eagles Seals The Steller sea lions come here from the Kuril Islands in the south as the ice starts drifting toward the Hokkaido Beach.  Again, irrespective of the season of your visit, you will meet Blakiston’s fish owl in San’in Kaigan Geopark. It is an endangered species.  In addition, the nearby mountains here have some of the biggest mammals in Japan. You will find here “Ezo red foxes,” “Ussuri brown bears,” and “Ezo silka deer.” Hokkaido Beach Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) Here are the frequently asked questions and their answers about Hokkaido Beach.  Does Hokkaido Have A Beach? Yes, Hokkaido, the northernmost island of Japan, has many beaches. The beaches and coastlines along the Sea of Japan, the Pacific Ocean, and the Sea of Okhotsk show diversity in their characters.Nevertheless, some popular beaches in Hokkaido are Shimamui Beach, Shiretoko Beach, Otsu Beach, and Otaru Dream Beach.  Why Is Hokkaido So Famous? Hokkaido is famous in the world for its milk and dairy products. It is also the land of inspiration behind many of Haruki Murakami’s work. Further, Hokkaido has a vibrant food scene with specialties such as Sapporo ramen and crab and scallop delicacies. Also, it has geological wonders such as Mount Asah volcano in the Daisetsuzan National Park and geothermal spots such as Noboribetsu Onsen.  Where Is The Beach Where Snow, Sand, And Sea Meet? Hokkaido Beach is the place where snow, sand, and sea meet. It is located in western Japan and it stretches between the eastern Kyogamisaki Cape in Kyoto, and the western Hakuto Kaigan Coast in Tottori. 

BY  Sibashree Sep 9, 2024

Are you a travel blogger? Do you want to share the best moments from your last trip on Instagram reels and stories? Here is a list of the best songs for Instagram travel reels.  The English songs I have picked are eclectic, and I have curated pieces that fit various moods. Further, from John Denver to Ed Sheeran, your most loved artists feature on this list.  A reel without a good song underneath is like a postcard without a message. You can appreciate its beauty, perhaps, for a split second, but you won’t recall it.  This guide is based on actual creator behavior, actual engagement patterns, and actual audience response, not just the same old “trending audio” posts you see around the web.  Whether you're an influencer in the travel space, a casual content creator, or an individual or business marketer for the travel industry, this article will assist you in using songs that actually perform well.  Have You Checked Out These Best Songs For Instagram Travel Reels?  When we travel, the gust of the wind, the murmuring of the leaves, or the chirping of the birds are probably the best music you can listen to. However, as you return, those moments become memories and the photographs and videos we click turn into stories we want to tell the world.  What’s better than a piece of music to enhance these stories? It can be Whitesnake’s rock anthem, “Here I Go Again,” Denver’s “Leaving on a Jet Plane,” or the feel-good “On My Way” by Carswell & Hope. 1. "Wave" by Lyxe https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5DfTWt8_Ec0 Perfect For: Roadtrip reels Everyone was crazy when Lyxe reconfigured Wave in June 2023. The song’s upbeat tempo is inspiring, and it asks you to get “'Everything You Could Ever Want.”  As the soundtrack opens, you are already transported to a highway with the embrace of majestic trees on both sides. The melody just works as the sunlight peeps through the vegetation.  2. “On My Way" by Carswell & Hope https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N0qkhXoiGCQ Perfect For: Couple Travel Videos I find “On My Way" close to Denver’s Country Roads in spirit. It’s like a country ballad with an urban touch. And the guitar is just out of the world in the piece.  However, as you reach the lines,  “Me and my vice, and you in your wisdom Lightly tripped along the passing days Wouldn’t it be nice if you could finally listen? To hear the tune that’s calling you home today”  You realize that it’s about the journey of your life with your love! Listening to the tunes that are calling you “home today.”  3. “Unto Myself” by Serene Fiend https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kogF2cchLCk Perfect For: Adventure Sports Reels Here’s something for a metal head. As you explore outdoor pursuits and make reels for Instagram, “Unto Myself” becomes your go-to travel song.  Watch out for the edgy twists in this one of the best songs for Instagram travel reels.  4. Whitesnake’s “Here I Go Again” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WyF8RHM1OCg Perfect For: Road Trips/ Adventure Activities Reels/Solo Travel Videos Exuding the spirit of classic rock, Whitesnake’s “Here I Go Again is a vintage travel song that emancipates and transports. This is also a kinda prayer where the traveler asks for courage and strength to carry on. Further, this song can be the greatest kick for solo travelers who love to walk the street alone.  5. Denver’s “Leaving on a Jet Plane” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SneCkM0bJq0 Perfect For: Long Trips/Foreign Trips Leaving on a Jet Plane is a classic, and it’s, for me, the most romantic conversation between two lovers. One leaves on a trip and asks the other to kiss, smile, and wait until they return.  A sense of melancholy, the signature of Denver, makes the song timeless. It’s like we all travel to return to the people we love and all good things! We are not always sure about the return, but we want to!  6. “Galway Girl” By Ed Sheeran https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=87gWaABqGYs Perfect For: Romantic Travel Reels  Are you on a trip to Ireland or the gorgeous European cities? Ed Sheeran’s Galway Girl is the perfect song to add a dash of romance and whims to your travel reel.  So, are you ready to meet her on “Grafton Street?” 7. "Enjoy The Show" by The Sluts https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RnurG4O5og4 Perfect For: City Nightlife Reels  You can be in Las Vegas or Barcelona. You can pump up your nightlife reels with this high-energy number from The Sluts. Having said that, the underlying laid-back charm of this song keeps it psychedelic for you, and the powerful vocal just helps you get going!  8. "About Damn Time" by Lizzo https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IXXxciRUMzE Perfect For: Girls’ Solo Trip Travel Reels  Oh, my girl, are you on a break and want to be on top of your game? "About Damn Time" by Lizzo is the kick you need.  It inspires and assures that everything is about time and that everything will be okay. So, use this song for travel stories that mend you.  9. "Watermelon Sugar" by Harry Styles https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E07s5ZYygMg Perfect For: Beach Holiday Reels/Couple Travel Videos Your coastal summer holidays could not be better than this Harry Styles song. The song has a zing, and its youthful charm is infectious. The passionate undertone further makes the song a hit among the young at heart.  10. “Saturday Sun" by Vance Joy https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uKqMNQkjHmI Perfect For: Weekend Trip Reels/Coastal Holidays The happy tempo of the song is something that strikes instantly. Further, the song is about meeting someone for the first time and falling in love with them. So young and refreshing! Perfect for a weekend escapade!  11. “Perfect" by Ed Sheeran https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2Vv-BfVoq4g Perfect For: Couple Holiday Reels Who doesn’t know of Sheeran’s “Perfect?” This song just makes walking “Barefoot on the Grass” with your love more special.  It’s time to enjoy the most romantic journey with your love in your arms. The soft melody is just worth melting!  Rules for Instagram Music and Copyright (2026)  How to keep your reel safe and accessible:  Use music within the Instagram library  Don't repost copyrighted songs on third-party platforms  Creator accounts receive broader access compared to business accounts  The safest type of music for brand endorsement is royalty-free music.  How Music Affects the Instagram Algorithm?  Music impacts:  Viewing Duration – autographic Data  Whether they replay  Whether they save  If they both use the same sound  Instagram promotes reels with:  High completion  Audio Reuse  Emotional engagement   Your choice of music is an algorithm signal.  Common Mistakes Creators Make When Using Reel Music  Picking a song based on its popularity trend  Matching calm visuals with high-energy music  Cutting randomly as opposed to cutting to the beat  Dominating visuals with loud drops  Repeating the viral sound indefinitely Some Of The Best Songs For Instagram Travel Reels My Friends Love  Music is such a subjective thing to decide upon! How about asking my friends about the songs they like in their travel reels? These thoughts came to mind while curating the travel songs for Instagram reels. I quickly worked on the idea, and here is what my friends have to say about the best songs for Instagram travel reels.  “Paradise by Coldplay is my favorite, as it has several parts that fit like a glove over any travel reel. From revealing the grandeur of a mountain to a montage of chasing sunsets, the first couple of seconds is my go-to!”  - Harsha Sharma. “Country Roads by Denver: It highlights a major theme that's common for all travel experiences. We travel to rejuvenate our spirits, and for most adventure lovers, this rejuvenation feels like home.” - Saswati. “Music can help establish an emotional connection. Paris by Chainsmokers resonates with emotions and experiences from a specific moment in your travels with your loved ones.” - Nikita Marilyn Gomes. “Taylor Swift: 22! There is nothing better than a good old road trip with your girls. Taylor Swift will always be at the top of our list. Especially 22 (...although none of us are anymore). It is when we cruise through the windy roads and cross cities with only each other it feels like we are only young and 22, awaiting all the adventures.” - Deepanwita.  “Forever Young by Alphaville: "Forever Young, I want to be forever young," the timeless melody and meaningful lyrics awaken the urge to stay young to explore more, to live more, and to explore the unknown.” - Piyasa M.  “The Nights by Avicii: this song has a very upbeat tempo, a wonderful chorus, and nostalgic lyrics that can perfectly capture the ultimate spirit of adventure and life's moments.” - Pijus. Music Transforms Travel into Memories    There’s a reason why In the year 2026, the best travel videos don’t have to be the most flashy; instead, they have to “Feel Real”.   The right song:   Slows time   Adds emotion   Creates memory   Makes people stay   If you have a reel that pauses people, gets them to feel, and imagine themselves in the place you’re at, you chose the right song.  Want to revel in some child-like fun like my friend Subhasree? A young lady of 25, she still finds The Singing Walrus’s travel song delightful. “I’m on my way/ To a new place…” This is where all travel stories begin. Isn’t it? Also Read: Did You Know You can Hear Banshee’s Wail at the Killarney National Park! OMG! THIS Is The FintechZoom Best Travel Credit Card 2024| Travel Finance Guide. Joy Cho Death At Grand Teton National Park: How To Remain Safe While Hiking In This Beautiful Yet Dangerous Land.