Kazimierz is the old Jewish quarter of Krakow. With its labyrinthine streets and serene synagogues, the area evokes a blend of melancholy and hope - an inspiring literary place. Hidden behind the crumbling facades of pre-war architecture are some of the city's most exquisite bars and restaurants. Of particular note, is the Alef, a kosher restaurant that was regularly frequented by Steven Speilberg during the making of Schindler's List. A traditional band plays Klezmer music whilst Borscht is served piping hot. The decor captures a place and time history has almost forgotten. A place to escape and to reflect, Kazimierz is a truly inspirational place.

Alef Restaurant, Szeroka 17, Kazimierz
Kraków, Poland
www.alef.pl/
+48 12 424 31 31
Google map: bit.ly/fBi08K

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No one should visit Essex without doing this walk. Forget the old stereotype of white stilettos and boy racers - the real Essex is tucked away in the north corner of the county - in Counstable Country. Take the train from London to Manningtree station and follow the public footpath signposted for Flatford Mill. Continue across the open fields for Dedham where you'll find the Sun Inn, a quintessential coaching inn that serves quality locally produced ales and ciders that change regularly and food which quite frankly is delicious. If it wasn't for the fact you could pay by credit card, you might even think it was still 1830 and Counstable himself may pop in for a quick pint.

The Sun Inn, High Street, Dedham, Essex, CO7 6DF
+44(0)1206 323351
www.thesuninndedham.com
Google map: bit.ly/i7CCqN

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Forget huge, characterless multiplex cinema chains, there's an independent picture house in the heart of Essex, screening everything from black and white classics, world and arthouse to the latest must-see foreign language film. The Cramphorn has recently celebrated 10 years of screening films at the venue, marking the occasion with it's very own film festival, The Little Big Screen Festival, with the programme of films voted for by the local community.

Check out the website, www.chelmsford.gov.uk.theatres,
Box Office: 01245 606505
The cinema is a 5 minute walk from Chelmsford's railway station.

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Combine a love of motorbikes with a taste for adventure, independent travel and awe-inspiring (and sometimes fear inducing) scenery and you have the most memorable trip of a lifetime - a motorcycle trip on the Sea To Sky Highway. The highway winds itself out of Vancouver, past Howe Sound, through Squamish and high up into the mountains around Whistler. From here, there's no going back, the roads in some places precarious, hug the mountain sides and take you past beautiful, crystal clear lakes and through dense alpine forest eventually arriving in sleepy Lillouet. From here the highway snakes back down, hugging the shores of the Fraser River, passing Hell's Gate, Hope (famous as the film location of Rambo: First Blood) and finally back to downtown Vancouver.

All this should be experienced on a Harley Davidson Electroglide. We rented ours from Cycle BC Rentals in Vancouver. Details of which can be found at www.cyclebc.ca, t: 1-866-380-2453.

We didn't book our accommodation in advance, but stumbled across the wonderfully welcoming and reasonably priced Reynolds Hotel (Reynolds Hotel, 1237 Main Street, Lillooet, www.reynoldshotel.com)

Flights were booked through Canadian Affair and in June cost about £350 each (www.canadianaffair.com)

A range of Harley Davidsons can be rented from Cycle BC Rentals, Vancouver (www.cyclebc.ca, T: 1-866-380-2453)

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