If you want to experience the "real" Orlando away from the theme parks, here are some great ideas for parks, museums, gardens and even a brewery that are all free to enjoy.

Speedway and NASCAR fans will be "revving up" for the start of the new racing season, heralded by the Daytona 500 in late February which is known as the Superbowl of Stock Car Racing.

Cocoa Beach is just 60 miles east of Orlando and is popular with surfers, sunbathers and those wanting to escape busy city life and chill-out. From eco boat safaris to sport fishing, Cocoa Beach has plenty of things to do.

The very name Palm Beach conjures up the image of exclusive boutiques, high-end restaurants and millionaire mansions, but you don’t have to be uber-rich to enjoy this lovely Florida resort.

Cape San Blas is a beautiful 17-mile long peninsula on the Florida Panhandle and close to Panama City. The peninsula separates St Joseph Bay to the north from the Gulf of Mexico to the south. This hidden gem has gorgeous white sandy beaches, a state park known for its natural beauty, plenty of thing

The small town of Mount Dora in Central Florida has a population of around 9,400 residents. It is a delightful place to spend the day, with its quaint shops, cafes, lake views, museums and many festivals.