What is the background song in the Expedia “Made to Travel” commercial?

Expedia has always understood something essential about travel: it’s not just about flights, hotels, or itineraries — it’s about emotion. It’s about the feeling of stepping into a new place, the soundtrack of a moment, the rhythm of a memory you didn’t know you were about to make. That’s why music has become one of the most powerful tools in Expedia’s advertising strategy.

In 2026, Expedia leaned into this idea more than ever. The brand released a series of commercials under the “Made to Travel” umbrella, each one built around a distinct musical identity. From classic country to bossa nova, from Sinatra to psychedelic ambience, the campaign uses music to transport viewers before they even book a trip.

If you’ve watched these ads and found yourself wondering “What is the background song in the Expedia ‘Made to Travel’ commercial?”, you’re not alone. Each spot features a unique track chosen to match the destination, the mood, and the story being told.

Below, you’ll find a complete breakdown of the five major Expedia ads of the season — including the songs used, the artists behind them, and why Expedia selected each track to represent its 2026 travel message.

⭐ Why Music Matters in the Expedia “Made to Travel” Campaign

Expedia’s 2026 campaign revolves around one idea:

Travel is emotional — and music is the fastest way to evoke emotion.

To communicate that message, Expedia uses music that is:

• Culturally relevant

• Emotionally resonant

• Destination‑specific

• Nostalgic or iconic

• Carefully curated to match the story

Instead of relying on generic commercial soundtracks, Expedia leans into:

• Classic country hits

• Original compositions

• Timeless jazz standards

• Psychedelic ambient soundscapes

• Feel‑good travel anthems

This musical strategy helps Expedia stand out in a crowded travel‑booking market. The soundtracks elevate the visuals, reinforce the brand’s identity, and create a sense of wonder around global travel.

Let’s break down each commercial and the music behind it.

🤠 1. Expedia | “Two Step” (ft. Tammy Wynette)

📺 Watch the video: 

This is one of the most charming and nostalgic ads in the 2026 campaign — a spot that follows a group of friends traveling to Nashville to learn line dancing.

What is the background song in the commercial?

✔ “Your Good Girl’s Gonna Go Bad” by Tammy Wynette

Why This Song?

Tammy Wynette is one of the most iconic voices in country music. Her song “Your Good Girl’s Gonna Go Bad” is:

• Playful

• Classic

• Instantly recognizable

• Perfectly aligned with Nashville’s musical heritage

The track brings authenticity to the commercial, grounding the story in the heart of country culture.

How the Music Shapes the Commercial

The song sets the tone for:

• Friendship

• Spontaneity

• Southern charm

• The joy of trying something new

As the group of friends stumbles through line‑dancing lessons, the upbeat rhythm and Wynette’s unmistakable voice create a sense of fun and adventure.

Why This Track Works

• It’s nostalgic

• It’s culturally accurate

• It appeals to both older and younger audiences

• It reinforces Nashville’s identity as a music city

This is the commercial that most viewers associate with the question: “What is the background song in the Expedia Nashville ad?”

The answer: Tammy Wynette’s “Your Good Girl’s Gonna Go Bad.”

💍 2. Expedia | “Honeymoon in Rio” (ft. Tyler Monsein)

📺 Watch the video:

This ad takes viewers to Rio de Janeiro — a city known for romance, rhythm, and breathtaking scenery. The commercial follows a newlywed couple enjoying their honeymoon in Brazil.

What is the background song in the commercial?

✔ An original bossa nova‑inspired composition by Tyler Monsein

Why Bossa Nova?

Bossa nova is synonymous with:

• Brazilian culture

• Romance

• Soft rhythms

• Warm, breezy melodies

It’s the perfect musical backdrop for a honeymoon in Rio.

How the Music Shapes the Commercial

The soundtrack creates a mood of:

• Intimacy

• Relaxation

• Tropical warmth

• Romantic adventure

The soft guitar, gentle percussion, and airy vocals evoke the feeling of walking along Ipanema Beach at sunset.

Why This Track Works

• It feels authentic without being cliché

• It enhances the romantic storyline

• It highlights Rio’s cultural identity

• It appeals to travelers seeking a dreamy getaway

This is the commercial that made viewers ask: “What is the bossa nova song in the Expedia honeymoon ad?”

The answer: An original composition by Tyler Monsein.

🗽 3. Expedia | “Nina Blue” (ft. Frank Sinatra)

📺 Watch the video: 

This commercial is set in New York City — a place where music is as iconic as the skyline. The ad follows a traveler exploring Manhattan, from Times Square to Central Park to the Brooklyn Bridge.

What is the background song in the commercial?

✔ “New York, New York” by Frank Sinatra

Why Sinatra?

Frank Sinatra’s voice is inseparable from the identity of New York. His rendition of “New York, New York” is:

• Legendary

• Timeless

• Energetic

• Emotionally powerful

It captures the ambition, excitement, and electricity of the city.

How the Music Shapes the Commercial

The soundtrack amplifies:

• The city’s energy

• The traveler’s excitement

• The sense of possibility

• The iconic nature of the destination

As the traveler moves through the city, Sinatra’s voice becomes the heartbeat of the experience.

Why This Track Works

• It’s instantly recognizable

• It evokes emotion

• It reinforces New York’s cultural identity

• It appeals to travelers of all ages

This is the commercial that made viewers ask: “Is that really Frank Sinatra in the Expedia New York ad?”

Yes — it is.

🌌 4. Expedia | “Northern Lights” (Aurora Borealis)

📺 Watch the video: 

This commercial focuses on one of the most magical travel experiences on Earth: seeing the aurora borealis.

What is the background song in the commercial?

✔ A psychedelic, contemplative ambient track

Why This Style of Music?

The northern lights are:

• Mystical

• Otherworldly

• Slow and hypnotic

• Emotionally overwhelming

A psychedelic ambient soundtrack captures that feeling better than any pop or classical song could.

What the Music Sounds Like

• Soft drones

• Echoing synths

• Slow‑building harmonics

• A meditative, cosmic atmosphere

It feels like floating — the same sensation travelers describe when watching the auroras dance across the sky.

How the Music Shapes the Commercial

The soundtrack enhances:

• The sense of awe

• The quiet beauty of nature

• The emotional impact of the moment

• The dreamlike visuals

Why This Track Works

• It’s immersive

• It’s cinematic

• It matches the destination’s energy

• It appeals to adventure‑seekers and nature lovers

This is the commercial that made viewers ask: “What is that haunting song in the Expedia northern lights ad?”

The answer: a custom psychedelic ambient composition.

🍝 5. Expedia | “Going Places with Ken” (Super Bowl 2026)

📺 Watch the video:

This is the most recent and most widely viewed ad in the 2026 campaign — a Super Bowl commercial that follows a traveler named Ken as he explores Italy.

What is the background song in the commercial?

✔ A cinematic, upbeat travel‑adventure score

Why This Style of Music?

Italy is:

• Romantic

• Historic

• Vibrant

• Full of life

A cinematic score captures the excitement of exploring:

• Rome

• Florence

• Venice

• The Amalfi Coast

What the Music Sounds Like

• Light orchestral strings

• Playful percussion

• Warm acoustic elements

• A sense of movement and discovery

It feels like the soundtrack to a travel film — fitting for a Super Bowl audience.

How the Music Shapes the Commercial

The score enhances:

• Ken’s enthusiasm

• The beauty of Italy

• The humor of the storyline

• The emotional payoff of the journey

Why This Track Works

• It’s uplifting

• It’s cinematic

• It appeals to a broad audience

• It reinforces the joy of spontaneous travel

This is the commercial that made viewers ask: “What is the music in the Expedia Super Bowl ad?”

The answer: a custom cinematic travel score.

🎧 Final Answer: What Is the Background Song in the Expedia “Made to Travel” Commercial?

Here’s a quick breakdown of the music across the 2026 campaign:

1. Expedia | Two Step (Nashville)

✔ Song: “Your Good Girl’s Gonna Go Bad” — Tammy Wynette 📺

2. Expedia | Honeymoon in Rio

✔ Song: Original bossa nova composition by Tyler Monsein 📺

3. Expedia | Nina Blue (New York)

✔ Song: “New York, New York” — Frank Sinatra 📺

4. Expedia | Northern Lights

✔ Song: Psychedelic ambient soundtrack 📺

5. Expedia | Going Places with Ken (Super Bowl 2026)

✔ Song: Cinematic travel‑adventure score 📺

🌟 Conclusion: Expedia Uses Music to Reinforce Its Global, Emotional, and Story‑Driven Identity

Across the 2026 campaign, Expedia uses music not just as background noise, but as a strategic storytelling tool:

• Tammy Wynette brings nostalgia and cultural authenticity

• Tyler Monsein adds romance and Brazilian warmth

• Frank Sinatra infuses New York with timeless energy

• Ambient soundscapes elevate natural wonders

• Cinematic scores make travel feel epic and emotional

Together, these soundtracks create a cohesive audio identity that matches Expedia’s brand:

• Emotional

• Global

• Adventurous

• Culturally connected

• Made to inspire travel

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