MacAfee & Edwards, the Mexican insurance specialist,...

MacAfee & Edwards, the Mexican insurance specialist, is passing around a handy new booklet that’s packed with details on travel in Mexico. Contains maps, information on road signs, planes, cars, motor homes, boats, trailers. This plus a fishing guide and procedures to follow in case of an accident. In the back of the booklet you’ll find a list of do’s and don’ts for foreigners visiting in Mexico. For a free copy send a stamped, self-addressed No. 10 envelope to MacAfee & Edwards, 2500 Wilshire Blvd., Suite 1018, Los Angeles 90057.

Camping

Summertime means camping, fishing, barbecues. All the joys of fleeing the city. More than 13,000 campgrounds in the United States are prepared for visitors this season. Some in state and national parks. Others at privately owned sites. To get the lowdown, drop a card to Go Camping America, P.O. Box 6500, Department PR10, Agoura, Calif. 91301. Ask for their complimentary packet of information on camping. Other sources: National Campground Owners Assn., 804 D St. N.E., Washington, D.C. 20002; Recreational Vehicle Industry Assn., P.O. Box 2999, Reston, Va. 22090; Recreation Dealers Assn., 3251 Old Lee Highway, Fairfax, Va. 22030.

Travel Gadgets

If you live in the San Diego area, send for a free 20-page catalogue that’s packed with information on travel gear. Everything from money belts, passport pouches, dual-voltage hair dryers, irons, clothes steamers, maps, books, immersion heaters, picnic supplies, plastic containers, film shields and packs for hikers. Free copies by writing to Le Travel Store, 1050 Garnet Ave., San Diego 92109, or telephone (619) 270-0642.

Steam Rail

If you’re looking for a trip into the past, here’s the ticket: A steam engine will be hauling rail cars through the Northern California redwoods every Thursday and Friday starting this week. Trips will begin at Fort Bragg on the Mendocino Coast, wind up in Willits. Forty miles of wilderness. This is the California Western Railroad Skunk Line (founded in 1885). For reservations call the railroad at (707) 964-6371. Another line (the Redwood Coast Railway Co.) is doing seven-hour runs from Willits to Eureka, following the twisting Eel River for 145 miles. Vintage cars, a diner, parlor lounge. Telephone (415) 398-2994 or call toll-free (800) 482-7100.

Mobil Guide

Mobil has updated its handy “Cities Travel Guide.” Covers more than 4,000 hotels, motels, inns, restaurants (one to five stars) in 53 metropolitan areas. Maps indicate airline terminals, major thoroughfares, tourist attractions, etc. You can save up to 25% on hotel/motel room costs with the guide’s discount certificates. Published by Rand McNally. Sells for $7.95. Available at most bookstores, Mobil service stations.

Big Bear

Screen writer Lynn Montgomery is acting out a new role in Big Bear. Restored a 1920s mansion and turned it into a B&B.; Charges $65/$95 on weekends (10% discounts on weekdays) for shelter, a jug of French wine, breakfast (fresh orange juice, cinnamon apples, baked goods and crab quiche). Serves hors d’oeuvres, beverages in the afternoon by the fireplace. There’s an antique player piano and a room with a Franklin stove that once lent warmth to Clark Gable and Carole Lombard. Contact the Gold Mountain Manor, P.O. Box 2027, Big Bear 92314, or telephone (714) 585-6997.

New England

If your travel plans include New England this summer, the landmark Jackson House in Woodstock, Vt., has been prettied up. The three-story Victorian landmark has been renovated, refurnished with period pieces. A total of 11 guest rooms. Each reflects a different era. Rates $60/$75. A brook flows through the property, mountain views north and south. This is one of my favorite New England villages--one of those old-fashioned Currier & Ives scenes. If you’re headed for Vermont this summer or plan to take in the fall foliage, don’t miss it.

Reader Recommendations

Alaska--Jo Ann Wysocki, Wilmington: Recommends the following B&Bs; in Alaska--Marilyn Wright’s, 1442 Water St., Ketchikan; Bertha Karras’s, 230 Kogwanton St., Sitka; Mulligan House, 526 Seward St., Juneau; Pam Tesche’s, 1032 G St., Anchorage.

Santa Rosa, Calif.--Dennis Hasselquist, Diamond Bar, and Quentin R. Bryan have high praise for the Round Barn Inn, 3555 Round Barn Blvd., Santa Rosa, Calif. 95401.

La Jolla--Mrs. S. Lebowitz, Los Angeles: “A delightful B&B;, 7753 Draper Ave., La Jolla, Calif. 92037.”

La Jolla--Mr. and Mrs. J. Briggs, Glendale: “Enjoyed the Windigo Apartment Hotel, 8205 Camino del Oro, La Jolla 92037.”

Santa Barbara--Ellen Barnes, Sunnymead: “Arrived in Santa Barbara on Saturday and started looking for a hotel. Someone gave us the name of an agency that found us a room on the ocean in five minutes. No charge for the service. Their phone number is (805) 963-9518.”

Oregon--Marjorie Erway, South Pasadena: “A resort in Oregon, right on the banks of McKenzie River and near an excellent golf course. It is Loloma Lodge, 56687 McKenzie Highway, McKenzie Bridge, Ore. 97413. Rates $53/$65 for cottages and $105/$155 for a vacation home.”

Israel--Vicki Reed, Los Angeles: “A small, picturesque farming community right on the Mediterranean Sea. A private summer cottage just right for a family of four to six at $40 per night. Write to Francke, Bet Jannay 40293, Israel.”

Montreal--John McFaul and Jocelyn Perrett, Long Beach: Kudos for Marian Kahn’s Montreal Bed & Breakfast, 5020 St. Kevin, Suite 8, Montreal, Que., Canada H3W 1P4. “A gracious hostess, a caring guide.”

Australia/New Zealand--Sandy Jacobson, Santa Monica: Enjoyed a B&B;: The Farthings, 131 Beach Road, Auckland, New Zealand; in Sydney, Australia, the Manhattan Hotel, Greenknowne Ave., Potts Point, Kings Cross, Sydney, NSW, Australia 2011.