For R. B. of Canoga Park who...

For R. B. of Canoga Park who asked about a store that “specializes in maps and travel books”: In Hollywood, Larry Doffing offers hundreds of choices in both maps and books. Included are fall guides to New England with directions to B&Bs;, country inns. In the map department, Doffing features one map in particular on the French countryside and its wine region that’s so large-scale “you can almost see the vintners happily stomping the grapes.”

Doffing got into the map/guide book business several years ago after driving from his Hollywood home to Pomona to obtain a guide to Morocco. It sparked an idea. Others, Doffing figured, must face the same vexing problem when dealing with ordinary bookstores. So he got into the business. This was just over a year ago. Now he boasts that he operates the only bookstore in the United States that imports maps from nearly 1,000 cities, regions and countries around the world. Besides maps, guides and travel books, Doffing stocks money belts, voltage converters, language tapes. A full range of travel accessories.

Maps To Anywhere Travel Book Store, 1514 N. Hillhurst Ave. (second floor), Hollywood, Calif. 90027. Telephone (213) 660-2101.

Europe by Train

Here’s an idea for vacationers planning to do Europe in a group next year. Book yourself an original railway car through Wagon-lits Switzerland. These are vintage cars of the ‘20s and ‘30s that served Train Bleu, the Cote d’Azur Pullman-Express, Sud, Orient Express and others.

Wagon-lits will hook up your car to a scheduled train. Or in the case of five or more cars, the company will put together a special train and assist the traveler in creating his or her own itinerary.

Wagon-lits packages other group tours. One features the Glacier Express (travels across 291 bridges, through 91 tunnels). Accommodations in Zurich, St. Moritz, Geneva. Other tours take in Vaduz, Appenzell, St. Gallen, Zurich, Lucerne, Interlaken, Berne, St. Moritz and Zermatt.

Wagon-lits does the entire package, guides included. In the United States contact Wagon-lits Travel, 928 Broadway, New York 10010, or telephone toll-free (800) 247-5434.

LAX Parking

Auto Air Porter has trimmed its parking rate from $9 to $6 a day for LAX passengers using a customer discount card. Or for only $51 they’ll store your car for up to 30 days. This is an indoor parking facility (2222 E. Imperial Highway, El Segundo). Curb-to-curb valet service. Both to and from the airport. AAP operates 365 days a year. The service was created particularly for women wishing to avoid being dropped at one of LAX’s shuttle lots in the wee hours of the morning (“an experience that could strike fear into even the bravest of men, let alone women traveling by themselves,” says AAP). For a few extra bucks, Air Porter will wash and gas your car while you’re gone. For details concerning AAP’s customer discount card, call toll-free (800) 752-3339.

One of Season’s Best Bets

France has put together a new program aimed at attracting American tourists, and it’s a steal considering the prices being charged in Europe these days. Between now and next June you can move in with a French family for only $295 a week. The price includes lodging, all meals and French lessons.

Host homes are in Cannes and surrounding villages along the French Riviera. The program is open to anyone 16 years or older. This is a monthly plan. Lessons are given between 9 a.m. and noon. Excursions offered in the afternoon. Space is limited, reservations a must--particularly during the International Film Festival next May in Cannes. Reservations through International Friendship Service, 22994 El Toro Road, El Toro, Calif. 92630, or telephone (714) 458-8868.

A Slow Boat Down Under

Anyone who’s ever been stuck in rush-hour traffic on a Los Angeles freeway has dreamed of escaping the whole insane scene. Here’s an opportunity: Columbus Line (West German registry) is doing 45-day freighter trips out of Long Beach to Australia/New Zealand. Calls at Sydney, Melbourne, Auckland, Wellington. Delivers passengers back home to Tacoma, Wash. Some itineraries include Honolulu.

These ships carry eight passengers in first-class cabins. Features include lounge/dining rooms, swimming pools, Jacuzzis. Rates: $4,700 per person (or about $200 a day for the journey, with meals, etc.). Age limit: 79. Contact Freighter World Cruises, 180 S. Lake Ave., Suite 335, Pasadena 91101, phone (818) 449-3106.

Australia Giveaway

Australia is preparing for its 200th birthday in ’88. The entire country will be celebrating. To spread the word, the Tourist Commission has publicized a 128-page “Aussie Holiday Guide.” Discusses everything from koalas to Papunya art and the Expo ’88 fair that runs from April 30 till the end of October in Brisbane.

A highlight of the bicentennial takes place on Jan. 26 when a parade of International Tall Ships and other vessels from England arrive in Sydney Harbor to re-enact the first voyage from the mother country. This guidebook is worth the phone call. Contains background on Australia’s states, territories, major cities. Names hotels, airlines, bus companies, trains. Other details on fly/drive vacations, home stays, farm vacations, camping. Free copies by calling (800) 445-4500.

Reader Recommendations

Canada--Kay DeWeese, Carlsbad: “Discovered a perfect bed and breakfast close to the University of British Columbia. A sailing and windsurfing beach nearby. Convenient to bus line. Write to Margaret Hamilton, 4210 Nautilus Close, Vancouver V6 R44, B.C., Canada. Rate $45 U.S. a night.”

Italy--Edward H. Benstock, Northridge: “In Italy we stayed at a seaside resort about an hour’s drive from Venice (east toward Trieste). It is Pension Al Ponte, 34073 Grado, Italy. Faces a lovely canal. Paid $40 U.S. a night for two persons including breakfast).”

Italy--Gene and Terry Zeoli, Palos Verdes Estates: Enjoyed Hotel Bellevue, Gardone Riviera, Lago di Garda. “Nicely landscaped grounds, spacious rooms, views of the lake. Operated by the Pizzi family. Paid 56,000 lire for a double (about $42.50 U.S.).”

Switzerland--S. Hopkins, Los Angeles: Praise for Hotel Bahnhof, 6074 Giswil OW, Switzerland. “Our cost for three including breakfast was 115 Swiss francs (about $76 U.S.). Private balconies overlooking a stream and the surrounding mountains. A smashing view of the snowcapped Wetterhorn. An excellent stop for those planning to visit the Jungfrau. A train stops every hour across the street.”

Switzerland--George and Martha Hodos, Sherman Oaks: “A well-kept secret among the Swiss and British is the lovely Hotel Engimatthof at Engimattstrasse 14, 800 Zurich, Switzerland. Paid 150 Swiss francs for a double room (about $100 U.S.). Included is a buffet breakfast that is out of this world.”

France--Mr. and Mrs. Ben Berkley, Fullerton: “A charming and elegant dining experience at Le Clos du Roy, 28 Rue de Mont-Thabor, Paris. A la carte dinners start at $30 U.S.”

Turkey--Jo Bailey, Escondido: “A most extraordinary experience with a most charismatic gentleman on a folk culture tour in Turkey. We’re going again next year. Costs about $2,000 per person double occupancy from New York for three weeks including air fare, tour bus, hotels, most meals. For information contact BoraOzkok, 13941 Northfield, Oak Park, Mich. 48237.”

California--R. L. Hunt, San Marino: Enjoyed Holbrooke Hotel, 212 W. Main St., Grass Valley, Calif. 95945. “Established in 1851. A California historic landmark. No creature comfort is overlooked. We had the President Grant Suite with a bedroom, fireplace, sitting room, spacious bathroom and a large balcony complete with table and chairs. Accommodations run from $50 to $105. The dining room more than lived up to its reputation.”

California--Deborah Page, Claremont: “A terrific bed and breakfast, the Keating House Inn, 2331 2nd Ave., San Diego 92101.Prices range from $53 to $65. A few minutes from Balboa Park.”

California--T. Michael Ryan: Enjoyed Gold Mountain Manor Bed & Breakfast Inn, P.O. Box 2027 (1117 Annetta St.), Big Bear City, Calif. 92314. “Weekend prices: $70/$135 (lower on weekdays). The warm hospitality and outstanding meals and service are unparalleled in my experience.”

Hawaii--Bill Shelor, Santa Barbara: “My unsolicited and unconditional recommendation of the Hana Plantation House in Hana, Maui. A new custom-built, one-bedroom house on one acre near Hamoa Beach. The house contains all the amenities. There is also a koi pond with a waterfall. Rates are $110 plus tax a night for one or two people. For reservations, contact Hana Kai Holidays, Box 536, Hana, Maui, Hawaii 96713.”

Hawaii--Robert L. Mathers, Carson: “A B&B; on the Kona Coast. Rate: $189 a week. Write to Ernie Forde, P.O. Box 3100 WVS, Kamuela, Hawaii.”

New York--D. B. Ramage, Oceanside: “A B&B; on Route NY26 (handy for people traveling from south to Thousand Islands and Canada or vice versa). Super English breakfast. Rates: $24/$26. Write to the McLaughlins, Route 1, Box 14, Lowville, N.Y. 13367.”

Ireland--Joanne O’Byrne, Long Beach: Recommends three B&Bs; (about 10 per person; $14.50 U.S.)--Limetree Lodge, Killarney Road, Newcastle West, County Limerick; Ballyryan House, Monard, County Tipperary (18th-Century working farm just off the Waterford-Limerick Road); Leagard House, Miltown Malbay, County Clare.

Wales--Lorel Butler, Whittier: “A wonderful B&B; in north Wales, the Old Ship, 28 High St., Lancaster Square, Conwy, Wales. Friendly proprietors. Charge 10.50 (about $17 U.S.) per person a night for twin (without bath). A double with bath costs 13.50. Outstanding English breakfast.”

Wales/England--John G. Bell, Carpinteria: Recommends the following B&Bs;: Ty’n Rhos Farm, c/o Linda and Nigel Kettle, Llanddeinolen, Caernarvon, Gwynedd, North Wales (rate: 20 (about $33) per person); in the Yorkshire Dale country, enjoyed Thornton Dale for 15 per person (address, Easthill, Thornton Dale, Nr. Pickering, North Yorkshire); in the Cotswolds, Cusack’s Glebe for 15 per person (address: Saintbury, Nr. Rodway, VR12 7PX England).

England--Norman T. Notley, Pasadena: “A 16th-Century restored house by the M5 motorway in the west country, 4 miles from Bristol or 14 miles from Bath. Easy access to Cornwall and Stratford. Address: Station Road, Portbury nr Bristol. Rate was 15 single, 20 double.”

England--Denise B. Nielsen, Thousand Oaks: “Had a medical emergency, received excellent treatment at Medical Express, a Medent Emergency Clinic at Chapel Place, London W1. They are just off Oxford Street between Bond Street and Oxford Circus tube stops. Their phone number is 01-499-1991.”

England--Jim and Suzanne Toman, Brea: “Outstanding B&B; in a 17th-Century stone farmhouse in the Cotswolds. Leasow House, Laverton Meadows, Broadway, Worcestershire WR12 7NA. Rates: 18/27.”

England--Francis L. Harding, Sepulveda: Praises B&Bs; at 93 Cowley Hill, Borehamwood, Hertfordshire, and the Palmerleigh Guesthouse at 76 Cambrian View, Whipcord Lane CH1 4DF (both 9 a night).

England--F. Rasmussen, Glendale: In the Lake District enjoyed the Cavendish Arms Hotel, Cartmel, Cumbria. “About 800 years old. Superb food. Everything homemade. About $35 U.S. bed and breakfast.”

England--Jonathan D. Lawrence: “My family of two adults and two children stayed at a converted barn near Salisbury in Wiltshire run by Cled and Gillie Davies. The cost was 10 for each adult and 5 for each child, including an enormous English breakfast. Address: The Barn, Street Farm, Whiteparish, Wiltshire, England.”

Reader Recommendations should be brief (typewritten or printed). Cannot be used without prices and addresses. Please, no brochures.