As soon as you mention Miami to most people of a certain age then Jan Hammer’s signature tune bounds into their mind accompanied by images of alligators, airboats and glamorous bikini-clad women. Of course, this sort of 80’s nostalgia still has its place in contemporary Miami, although most visitors are more inclined towards art-deco architecture and Latin American cuisine as opposed to Crocket & Tubbs.

With a tropical climate, well known for its monsoons, Miami boasts some particularly warm winters which make it a big draw for older folk however, if you check out the top 10 things to do in Miami list below, you’ll find there are plenty of things to do even if you’re not a fan of side-shield sunglasses and light linen slacks.

10. Little Havana
As you might expect from the name, this neighbourhood is home to many Cuban nationals and as such you’ll find a wide range of museums and memorials celebrating everything from the Bay of Pigs to hand-rolled cigars. The Calle Ocho area, aka 8th Street, is well-known for its massive street party that takes place every March and promises everything from street food to Latin American superstars which all go to make it the biggest festival of its kind in the whole of America. Top tip: check out the Versailles restaurant if you’re looking for great food amongst a little slice of Cuban history.

9. Classic dining
If you’re really going to get into the spirit of things whilst visiting Miami then dining out in one of the city’s classic restaurants is totally the way to go. Local favourites, such as: Tobacco Road, Joe’s Stone Crabs and Shorty’s Bar-b-q all offer an authentic south Florida experience as well as some genuinely delicious grub. Whatever food you’re looking for Miami’s got the lot and from classic American burgers and steak grills to authentic Cuban and Latin American fare, one thing’s for sure, you’re not going to go hungry.

8. Design District
Located just to the south of Little Haiti and Buena Vista districts, this area of midtown Miami features warehouses and industrial buildings that have been converted into galleries, restaurants, boutiques, antique houses and cafes which makes it a haven for anyone interested in art and design. With over 130 art exhibitions on display this is a great area if you fancy a good old browse and on the second Saturday of the month there’s an open-house event in the evening which features live music and artisan refreshments.

7. Miami Dolphins
Back in the day Dan Marino was pretty much a global household name and the 1985 Super Bowl game against the San Francisco 49ers was billed as the battle of the quarterbacks with his counterpart Joe Montana just stealing the glory as well as the crown of MVP. If you want to find out more about the Dolphins or even see a live game then Sun Life Stadium, in Miami Gardens, is the place to be.

6. Miami Art Museum
If you’re looking for a little bit of contemporary culture then check out the Miami Art Museum which is located in the downtown district and is regarded as a great proponent of fine and modern art. Permanent collections include pieces by: Joseph Cornell, Frank Stella and Kiki Smith with everything from performance art to commissioned works making up what promises to be an intellectually stimulating and creative experience never to be forgotten. Word to the wise: The MAM is closed on Mondays and admission is free every second Saturday.

5. Virginia Key
Situated in Biscayne Bay, and only connected to the mainland via the Rickenbacker Causeway, Virginia Key is a barrier island that’s home to Florida’s largest mangrove wetland area as well as several historic landmarks, including: a bathhouse, concession stand and a carousel house. Aside from the beach and the bay area, that’s popular with windsurfers and sail boaters, Virginia Key is a great option for mountain bikers and you’ll find plenty of single tracks and split trails to keep you happy and healthy in the Florida sunshine.

4. Sea Aquarium
Virginia Key is also home to Miami Seaquarium that contains almost 40 acres of space and is the oldest of its kind within the whole of America. This is an excellent option no matter what the weather and a fascinating collection of sharks, sea lions, dolphins, turtles, birds and reptiles make up what promises to be a great day out. One of the park’s oldest and most popular residents is Lolita the orca and from live shows to just enjoying her old age, this killer whale has got class written all over her.

3. Clubbing
As the lights begin to twinkle and the sun begins to set, the young and the beautiful of Miami emerge from their sun loungers and apartment blocks to make the most of the city’s awesome nightlife. Clubbing in Miami is much more than an evening out, it’s a way of life, and if you really want to party then head to Miami Beach where you’ll find: Mansion, Mokai Lounge, LIV and Set all ready and waiting to make your acquaintance.

2. Art Deco
The architecture of Miami has long been associated with art-deco and you’ll find plenty of examples, especially around the Miami Beach district, which have been placed on the country’s register for historic places. Many of the hotels and apartment blocks, that date back to the 20’s and the 40’s, have been restored to their former glory and if you’re hoping to learn a little more about the style and the connection to Miami then check out the art deco museum on Ocean Drive.

1. South Beach
SoBe lies to the east of the city centre in between the Biscayne Bay and the Atlantic which makes it an incredibly popular neighbourhood with locals and tourists alike. The area is also well-known for its evening entertainment and you’ll discover plenty of restaurants, clubs and beach bars that really come alive as the sun sets. With several cultural alternatives to sunbathing, including: galleries, memorials and even an erotic art museum, South Beach is pretty much the first port of call after a day spent city sightseeing.

Chris Owen is a freelance writer and the author of the children’s book Hairy Mole the Pirate. He’s also the father of two small urchins and currently lives by the sea in Hove, East Sussex. His favourite travel destinations include: California, Hong Kong and Cornwall although: India, Tibet and Nepal are all firmly on the radar.

“Yo brudda, wan’ a coconut? It’s better than water,” said a dreadlocked man in a thick Rastafarian accent. He was standing at the bottom of the stairs of my beachfront cabana in Caye Caulker, a tiny tropical island in Belize with one foot planted in Central America and the other dipped in the Caribbean Sea. “Not this time” I said as I stared beyond him at the curvature of the earth that crowned the glistening ocean. Residing on the coast removes trivial everyday grievances like bad weather, noisy neighbours and thinking where’s the closest place to go for a swim. There are no problems in paradise, or so I thought.

Aside from a shrinking array of problems, living on the beach also leaves your to-do list each day refreshingly simple. This afternoon’s agenda was to go snorkeling and watch the sunset. As I walked towards the translucent ocean in search of tropical fish, I noticed a sign that punctuates most of Caye Caulker’s roads. In place of the speed limit sign you find all over the western world, these words were written on a hand-carved rectangular slab of wood. ‘No Shirt. No Shoes. No Problem.’ At first glance, this appears to be a harmless slogan scribbled in good spirits. However, I think most rational people would class sore soles and the risk of sunburn as a pretty sizeable problem. What an irresponsible motto.

I found the snorkeling spot and decided to order a mango and pineapple smoothie from a small, sweet Grandma before I entered the water. After fifteen long minutes it finally arrived and I’m pretty sure she’d forgotten to put pineapple in it. I know the chilled Caribbean village vibe is one of Caye Caulker’s attractions, but a quarter of an hour wait for the incorrect juice? Come on. It looks like someone will be receiving a sternly worded write-up on Trip Advisor. I walked towards the water with my snorkeling gear ready to explore when the coconut salesman pounced again.

“Why you not buy coconut from me?” he questioned.

“Sorry, I felt like a smoothie. Next time.”

“Hmm.”

“Are you angry?” I asked.

“I’m not angry, I’m disappointed,” he said, like a parent guilt-tripping their child after he’s nicked a Twix from Budgens.

I waded into the sea and floated around the underwater world. I flippered through the gentle waves as fish simultaneously noticed and ignored me, gliding past and carrying on with their business. I felt like a gatecrasher at a party who nobody wants to talk to, sitting quietly in the corner waiting for a conversation. Then, I spotted the chance of a chat. A king angelfish was lurking below, robed in sparkling purple with a diamond white sash and friendly yellow tail. I dived deeper to investigate and, up close, its beauty literally took my breath away. When I remembered to breathe, I sucked in through my now submerged snorkel and got an unwelcome mouthful of saltwater. Will this country ever stop terrorising me?

I noticed the sky looked a little darker and decided to head back in time for sunset until I was forced to cower for cover by an unwanted surprise. In a matter of minutes, the pristine blue sky was hijacked by a swirling mass of ominous deep grey clouds. They rolled in from nowhere and caught the sun unaware, like a sneaky pirate ship, unleashed a relentless twenty-minute rainstorm then vanished without a trace of the crime, like Dexter. What is this? Rain on a tropical island? Seriously, this place is a craphole.

I sheltered underneath a palm tree until the storm subsided and emerged as the sun was beginning to set. I panicked slightly at the thought of failing fifty per cent of my day’s duties. I started running down the pavement to the amusement of the street vendors then galloped along the beach until I arrived at my front porch. I sat down as the sun was retreating for the night, leaving an otherworldly pink and yellow footprint as its calling card.

“Yo brudda, wan’ a coconut? It’s better than drinking the sea,” said the persistent coconut salesman. Now, that was true. If this is paradise’s version of a noisy neighbour, it’s not too bad. I relented, purchased one and sat coconut in hand, with no shoes, no shirt and no problems. What a motto.

Chris Watts is an English Language graduate from Newcastle University. He’s a writer, director and semi-decent drummer living between London and Barcelona. To pay the bills he sometimes moonlights as a cocktail barman, but he doesn’t usually tell people that. He tweets too.

On the eve of the greatest horticultural show on earth, Chelsea Flower Show, I’m reminded of a great story that happened to me in Grenada.

This Caribbean island brings colour and tropical flowers from the island to display at Chelsea each year and if you’ve ever been into the marquee which hosts their stand you’ll understand what I mean by a riot of colour. There are the bright clashing oranges, reds and yellows which if you painted them would seem odd, but existing on one flower always seem surreal. The vibrancy of the stand is complemented by the Grenadian people who come along to Chelsea, who brilliantly reflect the nature of the island and its culture.

I was holidaying in Grenada and we had gone into the central part of the island where the greenery and tropical forests bring a change of temperature and vegetation. We had just been on a rapid run on inner tubes which was quite tame because of the season – not enough rain. As we waited at the end of the run, deep in forest, a tiny man ambled out of the undergrowth with arms full of bright red flowers. It was weird without being threatening because he was holding all the flowers. He came over to chat, all smiles and white teeth and explained that these flowers were regularly grown for Chelsea Flower Show and it was his job to ensure each year the flowers would be in mint condition by show time. It was fascinating speaking to him and whilst I’m well aware that Chelsea requires the very best of the best from around the world it does put into perspective how much work these Caribbean islands must put into their stands.

On a similar subject, the pheasants around where we live are numerous and I often find myself taking for granted their inherent beauty. It’s not so long ago that I was hiking through Costa Rican rainforests looking for the Quetzel, an equally stunning bird, with a hint of peacock but airborne. I’m sure long haul visitors to the UK must wonder why we celebrate the pheasant by putting it in a casserole.

Explore Grenada’s ‘Tropical Paradise’ from 2012′s show.

Billy Hawkins has travelled and continues to travel, far and wide, surfing in the froth of good company and shared experiences. She writes extensively within the travel social media world and in an alternative universe writes for an upmarket greenhouse company.

The Windy City in the American Mid-west has long been a massive draw for anyone interested in visiting the Great Lakes, which lie along the border with Canada. Aside from the vast stretches of freshwater, that comprise: Erie, Superior and Michigan, Chicago also offers visitors an eclectic and entertaining location from where to relax, party and discover the city’s infamous past.

‘Can’t miss’ highlights include: taking in a ball game, visiting the zoo and discovering a live music scene that manages to switch effortlessly from classical to hip-hop in the twinkling of an eye.

With an incredible array of boutique shops and fine-dining restaurants, featured along the Magnificent Mile and State Street, it’s easy to see how Chicago has been built to impress and with a whole host of museums and galleries offering more high-brow alternatives, this is where people come to see and be seen.

If you’ve got plans to find out what all the fuss is about then below are 10 awesome options for things to do in Chicago and from cubs to stuffed crusts, get ready for an experience that will quite literally blow your socks off.

10. Take in ball game
Trips to Chicago are totally unfulfilled without a visit to the world-famous Wrigley Field baseball stadium, the home of the Chicago Cubs. With an enviable history that stretches back to the 1870’s it’s quite evident that baseball means much more to the locals than simply a mere game and a tour of the stadium will no doubt enforce this point of view. So, get yourself a couple of tickets to a game, head to West Addison Street and grab yourself a foot-long because right here is where you get to learn about a part of American culture that’s as essential as mom’s apple pie.

9. Delve a little deeper
Stuffed crusts and deep-pan are both words associated with one of Chicago’s most delicious exports and if you really want to get under the cheesy skin of what makes the Windy City tick then chomping into a pizza has to be top of your list of things to do. The home of the world’s very first deep-dish pizza is reputed to be Pizzeria Uno which is still operating today under the new name of Uno Chicago Grill. All things considered, enjoying a deep-pan pizza anywhere in Chicago is worthwhile however, check out the Loop community south of Lincoln Park for some of the best pizzerias.

8. Go Bears!
In the 80’s the likes of William ‘The Fridge’ Perry were pretty much world-famous and American Football was known the world over for its half-time razzmatazz and larger than life characters. The Chicago Bears last won the Super Bowl in 1985 but this hasn’t stopped the allure of the game with rivals such as the Green Bay Packers and the Detroit Lions making up the numbers on many memorable occasions. If you’re in town then catching a game is simply going to be a unique experience that you’ll never forget. Just remember to wrap up warm because Soldier Field (the oldest field in continuous operation) can get pretty chilly during the winter season.

7. Lincoln Park Zoo
This 35-acre-strong animal park can be found, unsurprisingly, inland of the seven mile stretch of waterfront that make up the city’s world-famous Lincoln Park. With well over 1000 animals, Lincoln Park Zoo is the biggest and the oldest in Chicago and you can expect to find everything from antelopes to zebras on a fantastic zoological journey. The highlights include: big cats, penguins, gorillas, reptiles and polar bears, with native Mid-west species housed within the Pritzker Family Children’s Zoo.

6. The Magnificent Mile
With some of the country’s tallest buildings (the Hancock Centre and the Trump Hotel & Tower) it’s easy to understand how the Mag Mile got its name. This is where the rich and the famous come to shop, lunch and generally wonder amongst myriad designer names and fine-dining bolt-holes. Five-star hotels, gigantic malls and imposing architecture is the order of the day and if you’ve got the time, the money and the inclination then right here is where your dreams become reality.

5. Millennium Park
Located in the downtown Loop district, close to the shores of Lake Michigan, this urban patch of greenery was actually opened in 2004, just 4 years behind schedule. Don’t let such tardiness put you off visiting though as there’s loads to see and do amongst almost 25 acres of parkland, including: pavilions, ice rinks, outdoor theatres and fountains. There’s no better way to relax and unwind after a good day’s sightseeing and if you get to catch a live performance at the Jay Pritzker Pavilion then you’re in for a real treat and, quite possibly, the best picnic spot – ever!

4. Lake Michigan
As the only one of the Great Lakes to be situated solely in US borders, Lake Michigan is unique and, with a length pushing further than 300 miles, it’s also huge. If you have the time to explore further afield from the sights of Chicago then the Great Lakes are a splendid choice and Michigan alone has plenty of beaches and scenic strolling ground from where to rest and relax within walking distance of the city. With such a vast coastline, it’s easy to see why Michigan is often referred to as America’s third coast and, as you’d expect, local beaches, such as: North Avenue and Montrose Avenue, can get pretty crowded during the summer months.

3. Navy Pier
Stretching over 1000 metres into the gentle ripples of Lake Michigan, Navy Pier has long been Chicago’s undisputed attraction for tourists and locals alike. Ferris wheels, firework displays and even its own street car, all add up to a whole heap of riverside fun and with an Imax cinema and a stained-glass-window museum, thrown in for good measure, there’s literally something for everyone to enjoy. With rides, including: musical carousels, thrilling swingers and the Light Tower, the Navy Pier is a great option for visitors with families and you’ll also find loads of cruise ships and water taxis offering sightseeing tours and evening entertainment away from the board-walk.

2. Take in a live gig
As mentioned, Chicago’s got it going on when it comes to live sounds and from classical operettas in the park to dark and dingy jazz joints, there’s always something happening no matter what the time of day. Well known as being the birthplace of House music, you’ll still find plenty of clubs and venues offering exactly what Frankie Knuckles was pioneering back in the day and if you’re looking to hit the floor after dark then there’s no more authentic setting than Chicago. With hip-hop, soul, rap and, of course, jazz and the blues, all represented across the city, catching a live performance is a great way to end a day and, perhaps, start a morning.

1. The Chicago Art Institute
Located in Grant Park and housing more than 260,000 different pieces of artwork, no trip to Chicago is complete without a visit to this remarkable gallery. The collection spans some 5000 years of work and includes classics, like: Edward Hopper’s Nighthawks and Van Gogh’s, post-impressionist masterpiece, Bedroom in Arles. From African American to Ancient Greek, American Gothic to Water Lilies, the Chicago Art Institute presents much more than a day’s worth of enjoyment for anyone who’s ever held a paintbrush.

Chris Owen is a freelance writer and the author of the children’s book Hairy Mole the Pirate. He’s also the father of two small urchins and currently lives by the sea in Hove, East Sussex. His favourite travel destinations include: California, Hong Kong and Cornwall although: India, Tibet and Nepal are all firmly on the radar.

Available from 11am Thursday 16th May to 9pm 13th May 2013, holidays to Movenpick IBN Battuta Gate, Dubai are discounted for this Travel Trumps promotion brought to you by Tropical Sky.

We are exclusively offering savings of £200 per person (20% off) on five night stays at Movenpick IBN Battuta Gate, Dubai for departures 18th May to to 7th July 2013 staying in a Superior Room.

For just £849 per person, a five night stay at Movenpick IBN Battuta Gate, Dubai for departures 18th May to 7th July 2013 includes: Superior Room accommodation on all-inclusive basis, return flights from London Heathrow with Royal Brunei and FREE unlimited access to Oceana Beach Club. Up to two children may stay FREE on all-inclusive.

Trump your stay at Movenpick IBN Battuta Gate, Dubai: Fly with British Airways from £80 per person return.

How to book: To book this Travel Trump deal for Movenpick IBN Battuta Gate, Dubai, please contact us info@tropicalsky.co.uk or call us on 0843 636 7099 quoting ‘TRAVEL TRUMPS’.

All our Travel Trump offers are available only to followers of Tropical Sky’s social network. We guarantee you will not find these holidays at the same price anywhere else!

Terms/Conditions: Restrictions may apply. Prices are per person, based on two adults sharing a Superior Room. The offer is not open to single travellers at this price. The price includes flights, one piece of hold luggage per person, accommodation on all-inclusive basis for 5 nights, free unlimited access to Oceana Beach Club, taxes and fuel surcharges. Price excludes return resort transfers. Offers apply to new and direct bookings only and may not be offered in retrospect. Only one offer applies per booking. Travel insurance is not included. Full payment is required 10 weeks before travelling. Tropical Sky is ATOL bonded for financial protection – 9759. A 2.25% credit card charge will apply, but there is no charge for debit card payment. Calls are subject to charges.