Summer in England is not always as sunny as one might hope, which is probably why everyone here seems obsessed with sunlight! These are some films to inspire summer trips:

1. Easy Rider

Easy Rider is a classic road trip across America: motorcycles, loud music and so much attitude! This film shaped a whole genre, and the acting is great – Peter Fonda, Dennis Hopper and Jack Nicholson are all amazing as ever. One to make you reminisce of long road trips!

2. Grease

Grease is the perfect film to watch during the summer: The over-saturated look, the over the top fashion, and of course, the amazing music all make this as fun as it gets. And don’t forget to sing along to Summer Nights!

3. Vicky Cristina Barcelona

Vicky Cristina Barcelona is another great Woody Allen film about a city. Vicky and Cristina are American friends who decide to spend a summer break in Spain. Unlike other Woody Allen films, this is not as neurotic as you might expect. To watch sipping white wine!

I’m not a fan of musicals, but some films have really great soundtracks. Here are some movies with great music to take with you when you’re travelling:

1. Billy Elliot

I’ve seen Billy Elliot three times in the cinema, countless times on tv, and I’ve been to the musical twice – it really is the best. This is a very British film, telling the compelling story of a boy growing up in northern England in the 80s, amid miners’ strikes and all that.

Most people think Billy Elliot is a film about ballet – it is not. It’s about perseverance and pursuing your goals no matter what, about going after your passion. And yes, there’s lots of dancing too!

The soundtrack includes The Clash, The Jam, T-Rex and it’s just great. Hear it loud!

2. Buena Vista Social Club

Cuba has been on my wishlist for a long time (maybe next year!). The vintage cars, the lively atmosphere, the history… it really seems like a very unique place.

Buena Vista Social Club really captures this spirit. This documentary follows Cuban musicians recording an album, so of course it’s full of good Cuban music. And it was directed by Wim Wenders, who is always great in making places come to life in his films.

Besides the movie, some of the musicians also went on to release solo albums (Ibrahim Ferrer being the most famous of them). And you can also watch them live on tour!

3. Chicago

I’m not a big fan of traditional musicals, but Chicago is a very good film. It is set in the 1920s, and shows Chicago as a city full of intrigue, but it also includes great music and impressive dancing.

A film that calls for a big bowl of popcorn!

In my dreams I always picture myself packing my things and leaving it all behind, travelling the world on a one-way ticket. In reality most of my trips are tightly scheduled around my office hours, but one can dream!

Here are some of my favourite films to encourage you to pack your bags and go:

1. The Motorcycle Diaries

The Motorcycle Diaries tells the story of a young Che Guevara. It being a biopic, of course it focuses on some of the key events which turned out to be relevant in his future life.

But mostly, this is a film about a great road trip across the amazing landscapes of South America. To inspire those planning the trip of a lifetime!

2. Lost in translation

It’s quite hard to describe the feeling of being out of place when you travel, but Lost in Translation captures it perfectly and beautifully.

It really makes you feel like an outsider in Tokyo (and it is likely to put you off karaoke), but being directed by Sofia Coppola, it’s also a lot of fun and it has a great soundtrack. For those who want to see new places!

3. Into the Wild

Inspired by a true story first told in a book by Jon Krakauer, Into the Wild follows the adventures of Christopher McCandless around America.

It is a hippie road trip across the country, great to watch on a lazy weekend. Perfect for real explorers!