Getting ready for a tropical vacation involves a bit of planning, and the proper music to soundtrack the trip can’t be an oversight. A blissful vacation in paradise isn’t quite complete without a travel playlist. Like a passport, you can’t leave home without it.

Don’t get stuck in paradise with a library full of “breakup songs” and music better served to ramp up bingo night. There’s nothing worse than a relaxing day on the beach without good music, well… maybe besides third-degree sunburn. If you’ve been trapped in a soundproof existence, or need some suggestions to breath life into your playlist, we’ve got you covered. Oh, and don’t forget to pack your headphones!

1. “Island In The Sun” — Weezer, 2001
Whenever traveling, especially in the tropics, this island-themed song comes to mind. When you’re on a holiday, it’s essential to hold on to those moments when everything is simply perfect.

“When you’re on a golden sea,
You don’t need no memory,
Just a place to call your own,
As we drift into the zone.”

2. “Cooler Than Me” — Mike Posner, 2010
The prodigy who recorded his first album in his Duke University dorm room reminds all listeners how to unwind and live a laid-back lifestyle — a mindset that Misty May-Treanor says is essential when traveling.

“You got designer shades just to hide your face,
And you wear ’em around like you’re cooler than me”

3. “Steal My Sunshine” — Len, 1999
The title says it all. This Len one hit wonder personifies our emotion when breaking out of the mundane and unwinding on a beach. The upbeat, fun sound makes this the perfect song to listen to at the beach.

“I know it’s done for me,
If you steal my sunshine,
Not some and hard to see,
If you steal my sunshine,
Keeping dumb and built to beat,
If you steal my sunshine.”

4. “Californication” — Red Hot Chili Peppers, 1999
The Red Hot Chili Peppers are not shy when it comes to their love of California. Whether on a spiritual getaway or yearning for inspiration, RHCP and a cold beverage is truly paradise.

“It’s the edge of the world,
And all of western civilization,
The sun may rise in the East,
At least it settles in the final location,
It’s understood that Hollywood,
Sells Californication.”

5. “The Downeaster Alexa” — Billy Joel, 1990
Detailing a fishermen in Oyster Bay, Long Island, near Joel’s home, the song embodies the locations lifestyle. Sag Harbor and East Hampton is a must see for anyone living in the tri-state area.

“We took on diesel back in Montauk yesterday,
And left this morning from the bell in Gardiner’s Bay,
Like all the locals here I’ve had to sell my home,
Too proud to leave I’ve worked my fingers to the bone.”

6. “Summertime” — DJ Jazzy Jeff and the Fresh Prince, 1991
DJ Jazzy Jeff and The Fresh Prince are no strangers when it comes to having fun. The song’s instrumental samples “Summer Madness” by Kool And The Gang is a great song to play at a summer BBQ and at the beach. No need to say more when the first line of the song is, “summer summer summertime, time to sit back and unwind.”

“Adjust the base and let the alpine blast,
Pop in my CD and let me run a rhyme,
And put your car on cruise and lay back cause this is summertime.”

7. “Boys of summer” — Don Henley, 1984
Rayban introduced us to the famous Wayfarer shades and Tom Cruise made them a household name in Risky Business.

“Your brown skin shinin’ in the sun,
You got that hair slicked back and those Wayfarers on,
Baby I can tell you my love for you will still be strong,
After the boys of summer have gone.”

8. “Get Lucky” — Daft Punk featuring Pharrell Williams and Nile Rodgers, 2013
It’s no wonder when three of the most talented musicians under one roof collaborate a song. “Get Lucky” doesn’t possess a drop of negative energy. Vacation is all about waking up ready to go. Whether up all night or watching sun set, the lyrics are all about celebrating life.

“We’re up all night to the sun,
We’re up all night to get some,
We’re up all night for good fun,
We’re up all night to get lucky.”