International Travel ’87 is our theme today,...

International Travel ’87 is our theme today, with features ranging from shopping and air fares to advice on staying healthy while on the road. Don James lists the best of the travel guidebooks and Jeff Frees describes the pleasure of train travel in Europe. On other pages Ladislaw Reday lets us in on plans for a “mini-expo” in Japan, Bill Hughes counsels the mature traveler and we join Robin Charteris on a motor-home adventure, London to Russia. These and other articles are featured in Travel ’87.

Foreign Currency

Two companies specialize in the sale of foreign currency in Los Angeles:

--Deak International, 677 S. Figueroa St., Los Angeles 90017. Telephone (213) 624-4221. The toll-free numbers are (800) 252-9324 (in California) or (800) 421-8391 outside the state.

--American Foreign Exchange, Suite 120, World Trade Center, 350 S. Figueroa St., Los Angeles 90071. Telephone (213) 626-0255. To call toll-free inside California dial (800) 521-1854. Outside the state the number is (800) 421-9866.

Some banks sell foreign bills, but the availability is usually limited. You’re better off dealing with Deak or American Foreign Exchange. Suggestion: Buy small amounts of foreign currency at home. Only enough for tips, cabs for your arrival overseas where, generally, exchange rates are better.

Visas

To obtain visas locally, contact:

--Visas International, 3169 Barbara Court, Los Angeles 90068. Telephone (213) 850-1192. (Instructions will be mailed to you.)

--Intercontinental Visa Service, Suite 185, World Trade Center, 350 S. Figueroa St., Los Angeles 90071. (Intercontinental also deals in travel accessories: guides, maps, language books.)

--World Wide Visa Service, 1712 N. Pacific Ave. (Box 4319), Glendale, Calif. 91202. Telephone (213) 245-0934. Weekdays, or on Saturday by appointment.

Passports

As summer nears, the crowds grow bigger at the U.S. Passport Agency, 11000 Wilshire Blvd., Los Angeles 90024. To avoid long lines, Director Sakae Hawley advises travelers to apply early. Hours: 8 a.m.-4 p.m. Monday through Friday. Fees are $42 ($35 for renewals), $25 for applicants 18 and under. Adult passports are good for 10 years, others for five years. County courts and post offices also assist applicants. Take a birth certificate or other evidence of citizenship plus a couple of photos (two inches square) and identification (driver’s license or a Social Security card). For recorded instructions call (213) 209-7070. For a “live” line, phone (213) 209-7075. Renewals can be arranged by mail. Avoid noon crowds. They’re horrendous!

International Driver’s License

Some countries permit you to operate a car using your own driver’s license. Others request an international driver’s license. No problem. Apply to any office of the Automobile Club of Southern California. Licenses are issued to both members and non-members. You’ll need a couple of photos (phone ahead for details). It’s a good plan to get the license even if the country you intend to visit doesn’t require one. Then if you change your mind and motor off to another country you’ll be legal. The license also serves as a handy identification document.

Travel Gadgets

--In San Diego you’ll find dozens of travel items at Le Travel Store, 295 Horton Plaza. Telephone (619) 544-0005.

--Wahlstrom Travel Aids (a mail-order house) has published a new booklet. Details on voltage converters/adapter plugs, immersion heaters, hair dryers, safety straps for your luggage, garment bags, travel irons and other useful gadgets. For a free copy, send a stamped, self-addressed envelope to Wahlstrom Travel Aids, 21225 Nashville St., Chatsworth 91311.

--If you’re planning a trip to Britain, guides, maps are available from British Gifts, P.O. Box 36558, Los Angeles 90026. This is another mail-order house. For a brochure write to British Gifts or the British Travel Authority, 350 S. Figueroa St., Suite 450, Los Angeles, 90071. Telephone (213) 628-3525.

Jamaica

One of the bargain fares to the Caribbean is a $399 round-trip flight by Air Jamaica to Montego Bay. (Offered in conjunction with a hotel package.) This fare increases to $459 beginning May 1 when the regular fare ($489) jumps to $599. Air Jamaica flies nonstop to Jamaica on Friday night. Sunday and Saturday flights are planned. For details call Air Jamaica toll-free (800) 523-5585.

Castles in Spain

You can stay in a castle in Spain. For a listing, contact the Spanish National Tourist Office, 8383 Wilshire Blvd., Suite 960, Beverly Hills 90211. Telephone (213) 658-7188.

Other castles in Britain, Germany, France, Ireland. See your travel agent for details, or for reservations at castles in Britain, Ireland and France contact In The English Manor, P.O. Box 447, Orinda, Calif. 94563 or telephone (415) 254-6341. (Note: This same company arranges apartment rentals in London.)

(Last month we mentioned a 17th-Century yeoman’s cottage near Cambridge, England, that we were told rented for $150 a week. Turns out it’s 150 pounds plus the utilities (April-September) or 125 pounds (October-March.) Three bedrooms, a dining room with an inglenook fireplace, living room, kitchen, garage. Fully furnished. Write to Mary Mahew-Blair, Rose Cottage, 17 West End, Bluntisham, Cambs., England PE17 3LE.)

Berlin

Germany’s biggest event this year is the 750th anniversary of Berlin. Celebrations both by East and West Berlin. More than 24,000 hotel rooms available, but make reservations now. See your travel agent or contact the German National Tourist office for a selection of hotels: 444 S. Flower St., Suite 2230, Los Angeles 90071. Telephone (213) 688-7332.

Readers will recall the super little hotel I discovered in the suburbs last fall, Schlosshotel Gehrhus. This is an old palace in Berlin’s Green Forest. Built in the ‘20s. Hand-painted ceilings. Old World atmosphere. The address: Bahstrasse 4-10, West Berlin. This is about 10 minutes by cab from the heart of the city. Peaceful. Lots of trees, gardens. A good choice if you want to escape the frenzy of the Kurfurstendam.

The Baja Beat

A new 83-page road log for motorists traveling through Baja lists mileage readings, Tijuana to Cabo San Lucas. Names hotels/motels. Information on trailer parks, camping facilities. Other sections deal with Spanish phrases, a conversion table, hunting/fishing permits, tourist cards, road assistance, ferries, car permits, fuel, tips on driving, maps. Available for $4 from Instant Mexico Auto Insurance, 223 Via de San Ysidro, San Ysidro, Calif. 92073.

Around the World in 80 Days

To observe her “80th year,” Helen Smiley and husband, Glenn, of Glendale cast off tomorrow on an 80-day trip around the world (Japan, China, Hong Kong, Thailand, India, the U.S.S.R., Western Europe, Britain.) The Smileys are old hands at scouting the world. Did the Greek Islands last October. Recommend “luxury” apartments that overlook the beach on Crete, $25 a day. Address: Solaris Village, 7 Dimokratias Ave., Iraklion, Crete, Greece. Say the Smileys: “The best ever!”

Bon Voyage

Well Wishers International, the company that’s in business to bring joy to travelers, is still going strong. Deliveries to ships in the United States, Canada, Europe, Mexico, South Pacific, the Orient. Flowers, chocolates, wines, champagnes, fruit baskets. (In some cases, Well Wishers serves hotels.) The company has been providing cheer for travelers for 17 years. Write to Well Wishers International, P.O. Box 22, Covina, Calif. 91723 or telephone (818) 967-5166. The toll-free numbers are (800) 221-8940 (California) or (800) 423-6525 outside the state.