Ask Joan: yoga for singles and New York must-dos for a family

I want to go away for about three weeks from December 27th, travelling on my own. I'm a yoga enthusiast and would like to go somewhere warm and tropical – by the beach. I was thinking about Costa Rica or Sri Lanka, but other suggestions would be welcome. I'm looking for a yoga retreat, with other activities as I'll be going on my own. I have a budget of €3,000. – MD, Cork.

The first place that comes to mind is The Body Holiday in Saint Lucia which would be perfect but pricey. The Caribbean is very expensive at that time of year and availability is limited and expensive. Friendshipholidays. com has special offers for solos at some times of the year and it is worth checking with them. They are based in Northern Ireland.

Heading east, there is a more availability and choice with responsibletravel.com. They have a big variety of yoga holidays, combining all type of activities and experiences. For example you could stay on a permaculture farm in Thailand, enjoy yoga every day and learn about Dharma. Or in Kerala combine daily yoga with teaching local disadvantaged children.

In Indonesia, you could do yoga every day along with volunteering to care for orangutangs and other rescued wildlife. A trip to the Red Sea would include a mix of yoga and diving and an opportunity to meet local Bedouins. The prices vary depending on which you choose, but some are keenly priced.

You will also find a selection of yoga and wellness holidays on golearnto.com. Thailand is popular with single travellers and holidays can be combined with cooking or Pilates.

If your budget or time is a little flexible then have a look at what is on offer at ulpotha.com in Sri Lanka, a special yoga and Ayurvedic retreat.

We have three daughters aged 21, 19 and 17 and we are going to New York from September 16th to 22nd. We are staying in Tribeca and are seeking advice on "must dos". Also, given the ages of the girls, discount shopping and a Broadway show will be high on their agenda. When and where is the best time to book tickets? And I have been advised to go out of town for best shopping. Is this correct? – DB, Co Down.

As there are five of you, a Broadway show is going to be expensive, prices run from about $95– $250, and that's just the ordinary seats. The newer the show, the more expensive the seats. Musicals are particularly good and the girls would love the singing and dancing in shows like Chicago, Wicked and Spiderman Turn Off The Dark.

You can buy tickets before you travel from ticketnetonline.com. Or take a chance and queue on the day at the TKTS office at Time Square for discounted tickets.

See the city by land, sea and height, that is take a bus tour, or a water tour around Manhattan Island with circlelinedowntown.com. See the city from either the Empire State Building or Top of the Rock. Walk the Highline between 30th and Gansevoort Street, highline.org.

For museums, the girls might enjoy the Museum of Modern Art and the Natural History Museum is terrific. Shopping outside the city will take a full day of your trip. Premium Outlets Woodbury Common has all the brands the girls will love. You can catch a bus from the Port Authority at 42nd Street and Eighth Avenue. West Broadway is also a good place to shop. Maybe do a movie and television tour: See dosomethingdifferent.com. Send your travel queries to jscales@irishtimes.com