Let’s be honost, traveling is a pretty awesome experience. If you have the opportunity to abandon life’s routines and take on adventures far from home, you probably should do it.

So many countries actually encourage young people to go traveling abroad before settling down into a job and a family life. The United States has never embraced this, which isn’t surprising for a country that doesn’t value vacation or family proximity like other countries (see everywhere else).

Sometimes you just have to take a leap. Quit your job, say goodbye to your friends, spend most of your money and go have the time of your life. Experience new things and meet new people.

Listen to these 11 tracks from the last year for further inspiration.

John Talabot – “Journeys” feat. Ekhi

If you are doing it right, travelling is a collection of journeys, or one long journey. “Journeys” is one of the standout tracks from John Talabot’s 2012 record fin, and “running away with me” is the repetitious hook that will ingrain in your brain until you book your one-way flight.

Wild Nothing – “Paradise”

The best part about going on an international journey is discovering an ideal place that is hard to leave. It’s often good policy to keep moving if you don’t like a shitty destination, but settle in if you find your version of paradise.

Hot Chip – “Look at Where We Are”

That moment when you look around, make eye contact with your travelling partner, and acknowledge the overwhelming beauty around you – this moment is irreplaceable. And this usually only can happen if you challenge yourself to get somewhere.

Van She – “Idea of Happiness”

To those stricken with wonderlust, the idea of happiness is not knowing where you will go, where you will stay, or who you will meet.

Delicate Steve – “Positive Force”

Travel has it’s ups and downs, especially if you are going for an extended adventure. Shit happens, like missing your bus and sleeping at the station all night or you might get swindled or robbed. It’s OK. Be the positive force of your travel group.

JJ – “Beautiful Life”

You have no responsibilities except where you are going, what you are doing, and what you are consuming. It’s a dog’s life. It’s a beautiful life.

Vacationer – “Good As New”

Sometimes the best reason to go on a jaunt or extended travel is to get rejuvenated, to reboot your mentality or shake things up. This cut from Vacationer will make you feel as good as new, even if you’re stuck in a cubicle.

Liars – “No.1 Against the Rush”

Methodically moving with no set schedule can be key to freeing yourself. Don’t rush it. Take time to look around and absorb your surroundings.

Conner Youngblood – “Australia”

While this track from Australian singer/songwriter Conner Youngblood may be specific to a certain place, it’s sure to help you break out of your bubble.

Kavinsky – “ProtoVision”

Need a more upbeat kickstart to leave it all behind? Get your kinetic energy flowing in the form of crunchy beats. If life is static, break out of your mold and change something.

Bright Moments – “Tourists”

There are travelers and there are tourists, and the difference is that tourists don’t adapt. So many aspects to travelling absolutely suck, but focus on the good things when you get low and want to head home. You’ll wish you kept moving once you give in to being homesick.