The ultimate summer road trip playlist

Should anybody be traveling on what remains of the original Route 66 — which started in Chicago and ended in Santa Monica, California — then this is a must. There have been plenty of versions of the song written by Bobby Troup and originally done by Nat King Cole and his King Cole Trio in the 1940s. However, Berry's guitar-filled version tends to be the most recognized and ideal on the ears while on the road.

This Beach Boys classic has nothing to do with traveling, but the mood of the song lends itself to the driving vibe. We're generally happy when hitting the road for a long trip, particularly in summer and especially at the start of the journey. The purr of the car engine, as long as it's been tuned up, and the grooving of the tires on the paved highway go well with this hit.

Again, it's a song that has nothing to do with hitting the road for a vacation with the family — unless that vacation includes trying to flee from the cops following a drug raid. Still, the song has a cruisin', bluesy vibe and does speak of life on the road — and what can go wrong if partaking in some illegal activity involving banned substances. So maybe it's a fitting track for the return home from a forgettable trek. It's perhaps the Dead's most popular song with the iconic line "what a long, strange trip it's been."

This is a must if ever traveling through Winslow, Arizona, and it's one of the Eagles' finest and a fun singalong tune while in the car. For some reason, it would seem to make sense listening to while cruising in a pick-up truck through a desert highway or a rugged, back road heading into a small town — then stopping for some supper or a beer. 

Indirectly influenced by the road sign for a small Texas town "down around San Antone," the song is a perfect driving tune, especially while on an open highway at a good speed. A true rock track, this Doobie's classic was a top-20 hit for the band and one of the great traveling songs, with the windows down, still today.

Along the same lines as "China Grove," this Allman Brothers gem has a great road vibe, maybe not for a long trip, but a day excursion, on some country roads, in a pickup. It should be a staple when driving through the South, one arm on the wheel and paying homage to the great Gregg Allman and Dickey Betts while the sun's about to set.

We can picture The Boss and his lady peeling down a side street, then opening it up once on the turnpike. The song that paved the way for Springsteen's rock stardom, "Born to Run" is innocence and rebellion rolled into one. The perfect song to play when heading out on that summer trip, on the interstate, the windows down and fun awaiting. 

A great car singalong for the boys and girls, this is arguably the most memorable song from the "Grease" soundtrack and one that's truly spanned generations — a song about innocent, or not, summer love. It still might be an anthem on the subject, that's relatable to having a summer fling at the beach, from a musical that still has legs. 

Songs about touring and life on the road are staples of any music genre. Nelson, however, might have put it better and more memorable than anybody else. It's a tune that really should be played at some point on a road trip, perhaps if going city to city over an extended period of time. Doing so can be cumbersome at times, but put on this Nelson gem and enjoy the ride. 

Back when Mellencamp was known as John Cougar, this classic was a hit from the moment it was released in the summer of 1982. Reportedly based on the 1962 film "Sweet Bird of Youth," starring Paul Newman, it's a song about youthful love involving two American kids. It's one of the great hits of summer. So hop in the car, clap along and stop at the nearest Tastee Freez for a chili dog. 

The hit song from arguably the greatest family road trip movie, Buckingham's "Holiday Road" is as synonymous with the Griswold family from the "Vacation" films as much as Cousin Eddie and Wally World. Can't help but think on those disastrous family vacations, dad is humming this to himself behind the wheel while counting the miles until he gets to the driveway. 

It's schlocky and cheesy, but it's one of those songs that just seems to work in the car. A head-bopper and toe-tapper, one we can listen to see while reading or staring out the window and not have to mind that it's on. Also, a great tune to listen to when stopping for gas or a bathroom break, because one can break into a dance to stretch those legs.

While today's youth probably knows this Whitesnake hit from a GEICO commercial, it was a staple of the late '80s, mostly, because of its steamy video featuring frontman David Coverdale's eventual wife, then ex, Tawny Kitaen, working the hoods of cars. But whether riding down a highway or taking to the road on a chopper, the second version of this tune should be played loud — and often.

This stellar late '80s pop hit is catchy enough to actually not be annoying. It's a quality car sound, great for group jams and banging on the dashboard or backs of seats. It's also a song that's perfect to play while on the way to a summer party, cookout or beach bash. There's plenty of reason to feel good when blaring this tune, preferably loud.

A fun travel song, Tribe's debut single is pushing the 30-year mark. But it's still as relevant as ever. It's a road trip-themed cut, and one has to wonder how many fans have tried to reenact the song's plot. It would be even better in a '74 Dodge Dart. For those who are not that ambitious, just crank it up at any point during your summer journey. 

Tupac's comeback single and his most popular, we don't need to be in a post-apocalyptic Oakland to celebrate the song. It's a quality hip-hop party song that should be played on the way to a bash, preferably one that is outside, on a summer night. Crank it up, because getting there should be half the fun. At least in theory.

It's one of the quintessential road songs, really any time of year. But we're talking summer, warm weather, sun. That makes it even better. Penned by Australian county singer Geoff Mack in the late 1950s, there have been countless versions done, worldwide, that are indigenous to the country of the performer, usually. Cash's take, from his 1996 offering "Unchained," is as American as it gets. It's also fun to see how many places we've been that Cash mentions.

Fans of Fox's early 2000s teen drama "The O.C." probably remember this as the show's opening song. It was co-written by actor Jason Schwartzman, the band's drummer until 2003. It's an ideal summer, sun-shining, waves-crashing kind of tune that exudes the West Coast lifestyle and an obviously perfect track when driving on U.S. 101 when in California or making the state your destination. 

A classic pop song celebrating the art of the summer hookup, with the potential for more, JT is convincing in his sincerity for love, even in the drop top. It's another song fit for cruisin' the streets of your hometown, perhaps looking for that special someone. It could also qualify when taking your summer fling on that long drive or weekend getaway.  

Can't imagine how many young girls have group-sung this Miley ditty while driving around on a summer night, especially on that cross-country trek. We see this also as a huge favorite of the kids in the back of minivans while mom and dad try to drown out the vocal party in the back. Come on, guys. It's OK to admit that this song is stuck in your head. 

Perry has a few songs conducive to the sounds of summer, but when traveling on or around the Fourth of July, give this one a listen. Now, it's not about America's independence but rather a metaphor for individualism and self-confidence. It's a perfect song of the road, at least for that moment, when we feel invincible, especially while behind the wheel.

Having Pharrell and the legendary Rodgers in on the fun gave this song serious credibility and made the Daft Punk guys huge. A disco, pop number that's tough to get out of the head, it's a true no-brainer when it comes to summer road trips. It's upbeat and fun, and the chorus is easy to sing along with. Isn't that what we're looking for in a traveling summer playlist?

Truth be told, the song doesn't really sell summer, but like any good rap, it flows with plenty of feel. Now, Donald Glover is at a carnival in the video, which is all about summer, so that qualifies. But it's also a good driving song, especially when pulling into your destination. Perhaps Gambino's best song, it's worth adding to your playlist for the ride.

Latin pop at its best, Cardi B and friends give us a fun cut that provides a great opportunity for a group number in the car on a summer trip. There's a lot going on in this tune, so if the car is packed, it should work well. Arguably 2018's song of the summer, but it's OK to keep it on the 2019 playlist and beyond. We won't tell.

We'll see how much staying power one of 2019's most popular and overplayed hits has over the summer. The social media sensation has become a favorite of all ages, really. And it's being pumped on phones in cars nationwide, so why not on a long trip? It's one cut that the entire family can actually move and rhyme to.