For a review of the basics, “Travel...

For a review of the basics, “Travel Photography Pocketmate, by Jason Rubinsteen, could help the neophyte get some good shots. The $9.95 tab (plus $1.05 handling and 65 cents tax for California residents) is a bit high, however. For a copy, write to Travel Photography, Box 4486, Inglewood, Calif. 90309-4486.

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With a copy of “Good Eats to Bay Area Restaurants,” by Herb McLaughlin, under your arm, no excuse would be accepted for not finding a place to enjoy tucking a napkin under your chin in San Francisco. Anyone who likes unusual bars, delis and special cuisine priced for almost any taste will want this guide. The list of opportunities is complete and the observations frank (Peanut Butter Publishing: $8.95).

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A casual museum visitor or a serious collector of art would enjoy taking along “The Aesthete’s Guide to London Museums, Private Collections, Galleries and Auction Houses” by Victoria Powers Cotchett. This pocket-size book, with cross-referenced maps, presents many choices with enough illustrations to pique the interest (Phidias: $6.95).

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Using satellite photos surprinted with major roads offers an unusual presentation in “The Baja Book III.” Tom Miller and Carol Hoffman have put together excellent and detailed information about the Mexican peninsula that includes some good things to look for--and to look out for. The text is keyed to area grids on the maps. The guide is easy to use. (Baja Trail Publications: $11.95.)

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The house of the man who rode around shouting “The British are coming!” and other past-and-present entries are in the “I Love Boston Guide,” by Marilyn J. Appleberg. It includes how to get around and where to eat, shop, stay or sightsee and much more. Vignettes of history and architecture are sprinkled throughout (MacMillan: $8.95).

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“Colorado--Off the Beaten Path,” by Curtis Casewit, although a bit crowded with homey cliches, projects a genuine feel of the state and does offer a fresh slant. (Globe Pequot: $7.95.)

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Perfect as companions, the Automobile Assn./England offers “London--Where to Go, What to Do ($12.95) and “Pocket Guide to London” ($7.95). Together they offer a great selection of above-average maps and detailed information about the city from museums to restaurants, and much more (Salem House).

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If you want to see more than just the Big Apple, Frommer’s “Dollarwise Guide to New York State,” by John Forman, is for you. Hotels, restaurants and lots of fun things to do and see at any budget are well-covered. It also lists wineries where you can sample the grape. (Prentice Hall: $12.95.)

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Three books that offer a choice of fascinating areas in Great Britain are “North York Moors,” with its heather moor lands, deep dales and spectacular coastline; “Peak District” with its ancient customs and undergrounds world, and “North Umbria,” which provides a rich history of that region and its border country. Walks, drives and tours should be more delightful and much easier with the information, superb maps and color photos. These Ordinance Survey leisure guides are invaluable and entertaining references. (Automobile Assn./Salem House: $19.95 each.)

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Book lovers or sellers will want a copy of “The Bookshops of London,” by Martha Redding Pease. It has more than 500 entries offering new, secondhand and rare titles. All the where, how and special services offered are well delineated. Well worth the space on a library shelf. It presents an opportunity to view specifics before leaving on a vacation. (Salen House: $9.95.)