Finding Ways to Everywhere by Travel Book

Here are three more books for those into B&Bs.; “The Complete Guide to B&B--Inns; and Guesthouses” by Pamela Lanier (John Muir: $11.95) covers more than 2,400 inns and access to 10,000 private homes in the United States and Canada. For Canada, there’s “The Ontario B&B; Book” by Patricia Wilson (William Street: $4.95). And for the poppy state, try the “California B&B; Book” by Kathy Strong (Eastwoods: $8.95). All three offer some excellent choices.

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“Hidden San Francisco and Northern California” by Ray Riegert covers the gamut. Redwoods, crashing waves, gold and wine country, lakes, deltas, all within an area roughly from Monterey to the Oregon border, Sacramento and the High Sierra. As a refresher or for anyone considering a vacation, it’s a good buy (Ulysses Press: $10.95).

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In detailed text, mostly splashed with vivid color photos, Vickie Leon captures the dramatic and sometimes awesome beauty of California’s central coast in “Scenic Highway One--Monterey to Morro Bay” ($7.95) and in “The Monterey Peninsula” ($5.95). Leon’s more extensive effort is “California’s Wineries--San Luis Obispo, Santa Barbara and Ventura” ($13.95). It’s a 128-page compendium in full color, describing 56 wineries adjacent to U.S. 101, where one can taste a touch-of-the-grape unique to the region. As a gift or for personal use, a buff will want all three guides. There are lots of nice places to stay and eat but, refreshingly, Blake Publishing left that to the reader’s sense of challenge.

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“The Shell Book of Undiscovered Britain and Ireland” by Anthony Burton truly concentrates on getting off the beaten track. Without specific how and where-to directions, it shows the reader in text and photos the opportunities to discover the past that survives today. It moves from exciting coastal scenes into the country and towns away from the busy cities. It’s a delightful and informative narrative (Salem House: $22.50 cloth).

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Want to squeeze a few bucks? Try the information in “Budget Vacationers Guidebook--Western U.S.” by Michael J. Studebaker. It lists a lot of places to hang your hat, sleep and eat for cheap, and it outlines nearby attractions, campgrounds, lodgings and most important, the tab for each. (Publishers Group West: $8.95 or direct for $1.75 additional for handling from Glastonbury Press, 12816 E. Rose Drive, Whittier, Calif. 90601).

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The Collier’s World Traveler Series for “Italy” or “Great Britain and Ireland” ($6.95 each) offer good behind-the-scenes information and maps. There are enough where-to-stay, eat, etc., suggestions to get you off on the right foot.

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For street maps or information about Macon, Ga., French Polynesia or wherever, “10,000 Map and Travel Publications Reference Catalog” lists most of the top map and travel guide publishers and the price of each item. With this catalogue, you can ask for a specific choice without having to scratch around. Send $12.95 plus $3.50 handling (add 6 1/2% tax if California resident) to Travel Centers of the World, P.O. Box 1788-A10, Hollywood, Calif. 90078. If you’re not satisfied, return it within 90 days and they promise a full refund.

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Christina Dodwell has explored many areas of the world. Her latest book describes another in “A Traveler in China.” She shares her experiences of following the ancient Silk Route that included living among Mongol herdsmen and eating with nomads in Kashi (Kashgar). It’s an exciting revelation of adventure where luxuries are nonexistent. The color photos are limited but just enough to set the scenes (Beaufort Books: $15.95).

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A traveler can communicate much better with any one of these excellent guides and avoid a lot of hand gestures and shrugs. Better yet, you can look ‘em in the eye with a set from each publisher to fill in where the other might overlook a word or phrase. Either “The American Express Dictionary and Phrase Book” for “English-Italian,” “English-German” ($5.95 each) and “English-French” ($6.95), or Berlitz “For Travelers” guides, “German,” “Spanish” and “Italian” ($4.95 each), can show you how to ask or tell it more professionally.

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It is said that there are 35 million disabled people in the United States who share mobility problems. “Travel for the Disabled” by Helen Hecker RN is a handbook of travel resources and 500 worldwide access guides that can overcome travel frustrations for almost any impairment. The guide also offers many worthwhile hints and detailed suggestions (Twin Peaks: $9.95).

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Shifra Stein’s “Day Trips From Phoenix, Tucson and Flagstaff and Getaways Less Than 2 Hours Away” presents a diversity of explorations including Indian ruins, ghost towns, lost mines and artist colonies. Also included are historic inns, restaurants, museums and much more (East Woods: $8.95).

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“Lodgings for Less” is available in three volumes for the “West,” “South” and “Midwest.” Each one lists a wide variety of places for two to stay for less than $39. The accommodations are star-keyed for quality and amenities such as pool, cafe, cable television, etc., plus any additional charge for children. If you don’t mind staying off the beaten track and can use the savings to eat a little higher off the hog, these guides are for you (Rand McNally: $4.95 each).

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Earl Steinbicker’s Day Trip Guides “From London” or “In France” outline a bag full of one-day adventures by rail, bus or auto. The maps are above-average, the text and photos informative. Travel directions, sights to see and where to eat are in enough detail to get around on your own (Hastings House: $9.95 each).

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Both Egon Ronay’s “Guinness 1986 Pub, Food and Accommodation” ($6.95) or “The 1986 Family Welcome Guide to the Best Restaurants, Hotels, Etc., for Parents and Children” (Sphere Books--London: $4.95) by Jill Foster and Malcolm Hamer are worthwhile. Buying the pair could assure a better opportunity for selectivity.

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Had difficulty obtaining a copy of “Gourmet Food & Wine Festivals of North America” (reviewed May 4). Send $4.95 (plus $1 handling) to Printwheel Press, 2674 E. Main St., Suite C-124, Ventura, Calif. 93003.