I would like a holiday in the eastern USA, possibly with a walking or painting group, in the autumn. I can offer simple, reciprocal hospitality in Scotland. Any advice on how a single, over-60s woman could go about doing this?
Sheila Partington

• If you are interested in outdoor activities, there are two US-based organizations, the Sierra Club and the Appalachian Trail Club, who organize weekend and weeklong hiking trips in the US. Another option is an organisation called Elder Hostel. They organize inexpensive trips for older adults. I have not been on one of their trips, but my mother who is in her 50s considered it.

Marcellene Hearn